As French growth runs out of steam in 2024, an industrial juggernaut is doing well: Air Liquide. The champion of industrial gases has just doubled its profitability objectives, driven by flourishing activity. Its share price on the stock market soared to more than 8%. A sign that certain groups are still escaping the prevailing gloom.
Air Liquide: a record 2023 financial year, objectives raised
The results presented by Air Liquide for 2023 are dizzying. Net profit jumped 6.8% to 2.57 billion euros, with turnover up 8% to 29 billion. The icing on the cake is that the operating margin is also growing twice as fast as expected.
Building on these performances, Air Liquide did not hesitate to double its objective of increasing profitability by 2025. A demonstration of force when many industrialists are cautious. Air Liquide shares on the stock market soared by +8% on the Paris Stock Exchange, crossing 180 euros.
Increase driven by electronics and decarbonization
How can we explain such insolent health? Air Liquide benefits fully from two major trends: decarbonization and the rise of electronics. Its expertise in the production of low-carbon hydrogen and ultra-pure gases for semiconductors drives its sales.
The group also provides solutions for capturing CO2 or producing biogas. So many assets at the heart of current challenges, which ensure Air Liquide sustainable growth. The air giant seems immune to economic hazards.
A stock market success story in the shadow of economic clouds
Thus, thanks to this advantageous positioning, Air Liquide succeeds in doing well, even though the economic context is deteriorating. The group’s activity does not seem to be suffering from growing concerns about global growth.
Its range of solutions for producing green hydrogen and capturing CO2 provide it with long-term outlets, at the heart of the challenges of ecological transition. As for electronics, its growth appears inextinguishable with the digitalization of society.
Enough to explain Air Liquide’s immunity to economic hazards. The French colossus seems sheltered from the clouds gathering over the economy and the stock market.
With these thunderous results, Air Liquide proves the resilience of its industrial model and the relevance of its strategic choices. When most groups lack oxygen, the gas specialist exudes health. Driven by heavy trends, the French colossus still has a bright future ahead of it. A performance on the stock market which contrasts with the ambient gloom.
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