L Air Liquide - AIQUY STOCK NEWS

Air Liquide, CaetanoBus, and Toyota Motor Europe have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop integrated hydrogen solutions, focusing on infrastructure and vehicle fleets to promote hydrogen mobility. The partnership aims to decarbonize transport and enhance local hydrogen ecosystems across Europe, starting with buses and light vehicles, eventually including heavy-duty trucks. This initiative aligns with European governments' push for hydrogen solutions and aims to mature overall hydrogen infrastructure.

Air Liquide has finalized a share purchase agreement, repurchasing 1,200,000 shares, constituting 0.25% of its share capital, for a total of €190,783,440.00. This buyback, part of its Share Buyback Program authorized on May 4, 2021, aims to enhance shareholder value. The repurchased shares will be partially canceled and used for performance and employee share plans. With over €23 billion in revenue in 2021 and a strong presence in 75 countries, Air Liquide continues to focus on innovation and sustainable solutions for energy and healthcare.

Air Liquide and Lhoist have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to decarbonize Lhoist's lime production plant in Réty, Hauts-de-France, using Air Liquide's Cryocap™ carbon capture technology. This initiative aims to reduce CO₂ emissions by over 600,000 tons annually by 2028. The captured CO₂ will be sent to a Dunkirk export hub for sequestration in the North Sea. Public funding from European decarbonization schemes is sought, reinforcing Air Liquide's commitment to sustainable solutions in the industrial sector.

The Shareholders’ Meeting of Air Liquide (Paris:AI) on May 4, 2022, marked a return to in-person participation, with 2,492 attendees. The meeting approved all resolutions, including a dividend of 2.90 euros per share, payable from May 18, 2022, and a free share attribution. François Jackow was appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2022, succeeding Benoît Potier, who remains Chairman. The Board's diversity includes 50% women and 80% independent members. The new strategic plan, ADVANCE, aims for growth by 2025.

Air Liquide announced its share and voting rights data for April 2022. As of April 30, the company has 475,396,769 total shares and 475,396,769 total voting rights, including treasury shares. The number of voting rights excluding treasury shares stands at 472,973,959. In comparison, the previous declaration for March reported 475,366,153 total shares and 472,943,018 voting rights, excluding treasury shares. Air Liquide continues to lead in gases, technologies, and services while focusing on sustainable growth.

Air Liquide and Lotte Chemical have formed a joint venture to enhance the hydrogen supply chain for mobility in South Korea. This partnership aims to co-invest in large-scale hydrogen filling centers in Daesan and Ulsan. Air Liquide will hold a 60% stake, while Lotte Chemical will have 40%. With South Korea's commitment to a hydrogen economy, demand for hydrogen is projected to reach 100 tonnes per day by 2025 and over 1,000 tonnes per day by 2030. This strategic alliance aligns with Air Liquide's goals for sustainability and carbon neutrality by 2050.

Air Liquide has entered a long-term agreement with EZZ Steel for the supply of industrial gases to EZZ's new plant in Ain Sokhna, Egypt. This strategic investment of 80 million dollars will fund an Air Separation Unit (ASU) capable of producing 770 tons of oxygen per day, enhancing Air Liquide's operational capacity in the region. The project aligns with their sustainability goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, including a CO2 emissions reduction strategy. Air Liquide's commitment reflects its ambition to support industrial growth and sustainability in Egypt.

Air Liquide reported strong Q1 2022 results with Group revenue of €6,887 million, reflecting a +29.1% increase year-over-year and +7.9% on a comparable basis. Gas & Services revenue reached €6,590 million, up +7.1% comparably, driven by strong Electronics and Industrial Merchant performance. The Engineering & Construction segment grew by +40.3%. Despite inflation and geopolitical challenges, Air Liquide's cash flow remained robust at over 23% of sales. Investment decisions reached €913 million, with 40% of projects tied to energy transition, underpinning the ADVANCE strategic plan targeting sustainable growth through 2025.

Air Liquide has sold its Industrial Merchant business in the UAE and Bahrain to Air Products Group. This deal involves Air Liquide Emirates for Industrial Gases LLC and their stake in Middle East Carbon Dioxide W.L.L. The divestiture is part of Air Liquide's strategic focus to refine its asset portfolio, despite being immaterial to its overall portfolio in the Africa Middle East and India region. Following the acquisition, 97 employees have transitioned to Air Products. Air Liquide aims to strengthen its presence in the GCC region, focusing on large industries and healthcare.