Praxair, Inc. has reported first quarter net income and diluted earnings per share of $398m and $1.29, respectively 17% and 18% above the prior year quarter.
Sales in the first quarter were $2,702 million, 11% above the previous year quarter, and 3% sequentially from the prior quarter. Praxair attributed the incline to ‘broad-based volume growth’. The appreciation was widespread across all regions, with strong growth from manufacturing, metals, chemicals and electronics markets.
Operating profit also rose to $591 million, up 17% from the prior year quarter. Similarly, Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $844 million grew by 14% from the prior-year period.
First quarter operating profit cash flow was also noteworthy at $359m, while capital spending was $334m. Commenting on the report, Steve Angel, Chairman and CEO for the firm, summarised, “Praxair kicked off the year with solid volume growth. The emerging markets, primarily South America and Asia, grew by double-digits, while our business in North America benefitted from steady economic recovery in the U.S. We continue to successfully execute pricing and productivity initiatives as reflected in the first-quarter operating margin of 22%.”
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