End Q1 investment backlog 4.1 bln eur vs 3.5 bln (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Paris, 24 Apr - French industrial gas producer Air Liquide said its first quarter sales fell a reported 7.3% to 6.650 billion euros with a 5.5% negative energy impact and a 3.9% adverse currency effect.

On a like for like basis, sales rose 2.1% with a 1.7% positive impact from proactive price increases to counter hyperinflation in Argentina.

Gas & Services posted a 2.0% like for like sales rise, Engineering & Construction 6.5%, and Global Markets & Technologies 4.7%.

In the 1st quarter, industrial and financial investment decisions amounted to 888 million euros, an increase of 11.4% compared to a year ago. The investment backlog stood at 4.1 billion euros, compared to 3.5 billion euros in the first quarter of 2023.

"In 2024, Air Liquide is confident in its ability to further increase its operating margin and to deliver recurring net profit growth, at constant exchange rates,' the company said.

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(RADIOCOR) 24-04-24 08:00:18 (0081) 5 NNNN