Performance indicators for the 2009 financial year demonstrate that The Linde Group has been comparatively successful at cushioning the impact of the global financial and economic crisis.
Group sales were €11.211bn, 11.5% down on the previous year figure of €12.663bn. Group operating profit, however, declined at a slower rate.
Linde achieved Group operating profit of €2.385bn, only 6.7% below the previous year figure. The Group operating margin rose as a result to 21.3% (2008: 20.2%).
Earnings before tax (EBT) were €838m, €168m below the previous year figure of €1.006bn. After adjusting for restructuring costs of €83m and the profit on disposal of businesses of €59m achieved in 2008, the decline was only €26m or 2.7%.
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