Linde Reports Full-Year Results, Signs Gas Supply Contracts in China

摘要

Linde reported 2009 net income down 16%, to ?653 million, on sales down 12%, to ?11.2 billion. The gases division's operating profit slipped 2%, to ?2.4 billion, on sales down 6%, to ?8.9 billion. Sales and profits from the Western Europe operating segment fell because of the decline in demand caused by the weak economy, as well as by the "substantial weakening of the British pound," Linde says. Operating profits remained at year-ago levels in the Americas, because of cost cutting. Sales, how- ever, fell 10% because f the weak economy. Sales and profits remained near year-ago levels in Asia and Eastern Europe. Profits rose 13% in the South Pacific and Africa segment, on sales up 8% because of the consolidation of the Elgas acquisition, and cost cutting measures. Earlier this month, Linde reported fourth-quarter 2009 net income up 5%, to ?174 million, on sales down 11%, to ?2.9 billion.