(Alliance News) - Air Liquide SA on Tuesday reported improved first half earnings, and the industrial gas supplier affirmed its annual outlook.

The Paris-based firm said net profit in the first six months of the year rose 7.2% to EUR1.80 billion from EUR1.68 billion a year earlier, in line with consensus.

Revenue improved 2.7% year-on-year to EUR13.72 billion from EUR13.38 billion, largely in line with the consensus of EUR13.73 billion.

"Air Liquide stays the course and continues to achieve a very solid financial performance. We recorded an increase in sales, once again demonstrating the strength of our business model, a source of growth and resilience," Chief Executive Officer Francois Jackow said.

"In addition, our investment backlog achieved a new record high. In a market environment that remains uncertain, the group relies more than ever on diversified growth engines, particularly in the electronics and energy transition sectors."

The investment backlog now stands at EUR4.6 billion, Air Liquide said, up from EUR4.5 billion at the end of the first quarter.

"The investments in the backlog are diversified, spread across approximately 80 projects in all geographies," it added.

Looking ahead, it still expects operating margin growth for the full-year, from the 19.9% achieved in 2024.

The operating margin in the first half rose to 19.9% from 19.4%.

By Eric Cunha, Alliance News news editor

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