Oct 26, 2017   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Praxair Reports Third-Quarter 2017 Results

Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) reported third-quarter net income and diluted earnings per share of $419 million and $1.45, respectively. These results include transaction and other costs of $14 million after-tax, or 5 cents of diluted earnings per share, primarily related to the proposed merger with Linde AG. Excluding this charge, adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share were $433 million and $1.50, respectively.

Praxair’s sales in the third quarter were $2,922 million, 8% above the prior-year quarter. After adjusting for positive currency translation and cost pass-through, sales grew 6%, driven by higher volumes across all geographic segments including new project start-ups, growth in all end-markets, and price attainment.

Reported operating profit in the third quarter was $626 million, 26% above the prior-year quarter. Excluding the impact of transaction and other costs, adjusted operating profit was $642 million, 8% above prior-year quarter. Reported operating profit as a percentage of sales was 21.4% and adjusted operating profit as a percentage of sales was 22.0%. EBITDA margin was 32.0% and adjusted EBITDA margin was 32.6%.

The company generated strong third-quarter cash flow from operations of $794 million, 27% of sales. After capital expenditures of $320 million, free cash flow was $474 million, up 15% over the prior-year quarter. The company paid $225 million in dividends and net debt decreased by $202 million.

Commenting on the financial results and business outlook, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Steve Angel said, “Praxair employees delivered another strong quarter with operating profit growing 8% and record free cash flow of $ 0.5 billion.

“The third quarter extended prior trends with growing demand in North America, Europe and Asia, but continued weakness in South America. Furthermore, our backlog grew to $1.5 billion with the addition of four new long-term on-site supply agreements in the U.S. and Asia. Most of this backlog supports the significant energy and petrochemical expansions in the U.S. Gulf Coast although we continue to see more opportunities in Asia, especially in the electronics end-market. We remain confident in our ability to win additional projects as these markets continue to develop.

“Additionally, during the third quarter, Praxair shareholders approved our business combination with Linde AG with 99% of votes cast in favor of the merger. Currently, the business combination remains subject to the satisfaction of all other transaction closing conditions, including successfully completing Linde plc’s exchange offer for Linde AG shares, and the receipt of all regulatory approvals.”

For fourth-quarter 2017, Praxair expects diluted earnings per share in the range of $1.45 to $1.50, excluding transaction costs related to the proposed merger.

For full-year 2017, Praxair expects adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $5.78 to $5.83, with the midpoint up $0.12 versus prior guidance. This range excludes transaction costs related to the proposed merger and a pension settlement charge. Full-year capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $1.4 billion.

Following is additional detail on third-quarter 2017 results by segment.

In North America, third-quarter sales were $1,518 million, 4% above the prior-year quarter excluding cost-pass through and currency translation. Sales growth was driven mainly by stronger volumes to the electronics, aerospace, metals and food & beverage end-markets and higher price. Operating profit was $386 million, 6% above the prior-year quarter.

In Europe, third-quarter sales were $407 million, 11% above the prior-year quarter. Excluding currency and cost pass-through, sales grew 5% from the prior-year due to higher volumes, primarily led by the metals, food & beverage and manufacturing end-markets and higher price. Operating profit was $78 million, 8% above the prior-year quarter.

In South America, third-quarter sales were $389 million, 3% above the prior-year quarter. Excluding positive currency translation, sales increased 2% versus the prior-year driven by higher volumes to chemicals and metals end-markets and project start-ups. Operating profit was $63 million.

Sales in Asia were $451 million in the quarter, up 15% from the prior-year driven by higher volumes in China, Korea and India, project start-ups and 2% price attainment, driven mostly by China. Operating profit was $88 million, 29% above the prior-year quarter.

Praxair Surface Technologies had third-quarter sales of $157 million, up 4% excluding positive currency impact. Sales growth was driven primarily by aerospace coatings. Operating profit was $27 million.

Praxair, Inc. is a leading industrial gas company in North and South America and one of the largest worldwide. With market capitalization of approximately $40 billion and 2016 sales of $11 billion, the company employs over 26,000 people globally and has been named to the Dow Jones® World Sustainability Index for 15 consecutive years. Praxair produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and specialty gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Our products, services and technologies are making our planet more productive by bringing efficiency and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, food and beverage, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, primary metals and many others. For more information about the company, please visit our website at www.praxair.com.

Adjusted amounts, EBITDA, free cash flow and after-tax return on capital are non-GAAP measures. See the attachments for a summary of non-GAAP reconciliations and calculations of non-GAAP measures.

Attachments: Summary Non-GAAP Reconciliations, Statements of Income, Balance Sheets, Statements of Cash Flows, Segment Information, Quarterly Financial Summary and Appendix: Non-GAAP Measures.

A teleconference about Praxair’s third-quarter results is being held this morning, October 26, 2017 at 11:00 am Eastern Time. The number is (631) 485-4849 – Conference ID: 96035710. The call is also available as a webcast live and on-demand at www.praxair.com/investors. Materials to be used in the teleconference are also available on the website.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed business combination between Praxair, Inc. (“Praxair”) and Linde AG (“Linde”), Linde plc has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (which Registration Statement was declared effective on August 14, 2017) with the SEC that includes (1) a proxy statement of Praxair that also constitutes a prospectus for Linde plc and (2) an offering prospectus of Linde plc to be used in connection with Linde plc’s offer to acquire Linde shares held by U.S. holders. Praxair has mailed the proxy statement/prospectus to its stockholders in connection with the vote to approve the merger of Praxair and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Linde plc, and Linde plc has distributed the offering prospectus to Linde shareholders in the United States in connection with Linde plc’s offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Linde. Linde plc has also filed an offer document with the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt fuer Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht) (“BaFin”) which was approved for publication by BaFin on August 14, 2017, published by Linde plc on August 15, 2017, and amended by Linde plc on October 23, 2017 (the “offer document”). Praxair’s stockholders approved the merger at Praxair’s special meeting held on September 27, 2017. The consummation of the proposed business combination remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF LINDE ARE URGED TO READ THE OFFER DOCUMENT REGARDING THE PROPOSED BUSINESS COMBINATION TRANSACTION AND OFFER BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. You may obtain a free copy of documents filed by Praxair, Linde and Linde plc with the SEC on the SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov. The offer document is available for free at Linde plc’s Web site at www.lindepraxairmerger.com. Furthermore, the offer document is available at BaFin’s Web site for free at www.bafin.de. You may also obtain a copy of the offer document from Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, Taunusanlage 12, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany for distribution free of charge (also available from Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft via e-mail to dct.tender-offers@db.com or by telefax to +49 69 910 38794).

This document is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Linde plc, Praxair or Linde. The final terms and further provisions regarding the public offer are disclosed in the offer document and in documents filed with the SEC. No money, securities or other consideration is being solicited, and, if sent in response to the information contained herein, will not be accepted. The information contained herein should not be considered as a recommendation that any person should subscribe for or purchase any securities.

No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable European and German regulations. The distribution of this document may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein come should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Subject to the exceptions described in the offer document and to any exceptions potentially granted by the respective regulatory authorities, no offering of securities will be made directly or indirectly in any jurisdiction where to do so would be a violation of the respective national laws.

Forward-looking Statements

This document contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date the statements are made but involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the expected timing and likelihood of the completion of the contemplated business combination with Linde AG, including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental and regulatory approvals that could reduce anticipated benefits or cause the parties to abandon the transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement; the ability to successfully complete the proposed business combination and the exchange offer, including satisfying closing conditions; the success of the business following the proposed business combination; the ability to successfully integrate the Praxair and Linde businesses; the possibility that the requisite number of Linde shares may not be tendered in the public offer; the risk that the combined company may be unable to achieve expected synergies or that it may take longer or be more costly than expected to achieve those synergies; the performance of stock markets generally; developments in worldwide and national economies and other international events and circumstances; changes in foreign currencies and in interest rates; the cost and availability of electric power, natural gas and other raw materials; the ability to achieve price increases to offset cost increases; catastrophic events including natural disasters, epidemics and acts of war and terrorism; the ability to attract, hire, and retain qualified personnel; the impact of changes in financial accounting standards; the impact of changes in pension plan liabilities; the impact of tax, environmental, healthcare and other legislation and government regulation in jurisdictions in which the company operates; the cost and outcomes of investigations, litigation and regulatory proceedings; the impact of potential unusual or non-recurring items; continued timely development and market acceptance of new products and applications; the impact of competitive products and pricing; future financial and operating performance of major customers and industries served; the impact of information technology system failures, network disruptions and breaches in data security; and the effectiveness and speed of integrating new acquisitions into the business. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual future results or circumstances to differ materially from the GAAP or adjusted projections or estimates contained in the forward-looking statements. The company assumes no obligation to update or provide revisions to any forward-looking statement in response to changing circumstances. The above listed risks and uncertainties are further described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) in the company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and in the proxy statement/prospectus and the offering prospectus included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (which Registration Statement was declared effective on August 14, 2017) filed by Linde plc with the SEC which should be reviewed carefully. Please consider the company’s forward-looking statements in light of those risks.

PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUMMARY NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
   
The following adjusted amounts are Non-GAAP measures and are intended to supplement investors' understanding of the company's financial statements by providing measures which investors, financial analysts and management use to help evaluate the company's operating performance. Items which the company does not believe to be indicative of on-going business trends are excluded from these calculations so that investors can better evaluate and analyze historical and future business trends on a consistent basis. Definitions of these Non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similar definitions used by other companies and are not a substitute for similar GAAP measures. See the Non-GAAP reconciliations starting on page 11 for additional details relating to the Non-GAAP adjustments.
             
(Millions of dollars, except per share amounts)
                       
Sales Operating Profit Net Income - Praxair, Inc. Diluted EPS

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

Quarter Ended September 30

Reported GAAP Amounts $ 2,922 $ 2,716 $ 626 $ 497 $ 419 $ 339 $ 1.45 $ 1.18
Transaction costs (a) — — 14 — 13 — 0.05 —
Pension settlement charges (b) — — 2 4 1 3 — 0.01
Cost reduction program and other charges (c)   —     —     —     96     —     63     —     0.22
Total adjustments   —     —     16     100     14     66     0.05     0.23
Adjusted amounts $ 2,922   $ 2,716   $ 642   $ 597   $ 433   $ 405   $ 1.50   $ 1.41
 

Year To Date September 30

Reported GAAP Amounts $ 8,484 $ 7,890 $ 1,812 $ 1,639 $ 1,214 $ 1,094 $ 4.21 $ 3.80
Transaction costs (a) — — 35 — 34 — 0.12 —
Pension settlement charges (b) — — 2 4 1 3 — 0.01
Cost reduction program and other charges (c) — — — 96 — 63 — 0.22
Bond redemption (d)   —     —     —     —     —     10     —     0.04

Total adjustments

  —     —     37     100     35     76     0.12     0.27
Adjusted amounts $ 8,484   $ 7,890   $ 1,849   $ 1,739   $ 1,249   $ 1,170   $ 4.33   $ 4.07
 
(a) Charges in the 2017 first, second and third quarters for transaction costs related to the potential Linde merger.
(b) Pension settlement charges were recorded in the third quarter of 2017 related to lump sum benefit payments made from an international pension plan and in the third quarter of 2016 related to lump sum benefit payments made from the U.S. supplemental pension plan.
(c) Charges in the 2016 third quarter related to the cost reduction program and other charges.
(d) Charge to interest expense in the 2016 first quarter related to a bond redemption.

       
PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Millions of dollars, except per share data)
(UNAUDITED)
 
Quarter Ended Year to Date
September 30, September 30,
2017 2016 2017 2016
 
SALES $ 2,922 $ 2,716 $ 8,484 $ 7,890
Cost of sales 1,652 1,533 4,795 4,382
Selling, general and administrative 304 291 891 873
Depreciation and amortization 298 284 877 837
Research and development 23 22 69 69
Transaction costs and other charges 16 100 37 100
Other income (expense) - net   (3 )   11     (3 )   10  
OPERATING PROFIT 626 497 1,812 1,639
Interest expense - net   41     43     120     152  
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY INVESTMENTS 585 454 1,692 1,487
Income taxes   162     120     468     399  
INCOME BEFORE EQUITY INVESTMENTS 423 334 1,224 1,088
Income from equity investments   12     10     35     31  
NET INCOME (INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS) 435 344 1,259 1,119
Less: noncontrolling interests   (16 )   (5 )   (45 )   (25 )
NET INCOME - PRAXAIR, INC. $ 419   $ 339   $ 1,214   $ 1,094  
 
PER SHARE DATA - PRAXAIR, INC. SHAREHOLDERS
 
Basic earnings per share $ 1.46 $ 1.19 $ 4.24 $ 3.83
 
Diluted earnings per share $ 1.45 $ 1.18 $ 4.21 $ 3.80
 
Cash dividends $ 0.7875 $ 0.75 $ 2.36 $ 2.25
 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic shares outstanding (000's) 286,467 285,858 286,022 285,663
Diluted shares outstanding (000's) 289,216 288,195 288,524 287,727
 
Note: See page 5 for a reconciliation to 2017 adjusted amounts which are Non-GAAP.
 

   

 

PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Millions of dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
 
September 30, December 31,
2017 2016
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 607 $ 524
Accounts receivable - net 1,809 1,641
Inventories 587 550
Prepaid and other current assets   240     165  
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 3,243 2,880
Property, plant and equipment - net 11,992 11,477
Goodwill 3,234 3,117
Other intangibles - net 563 583
Other long-term assets   1,343     1,275  
TOTAL ASSETS $ 20,375   $ 19,332  
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable $ 947 $ 906
Short-term debt 84 434
Current portion of long-term debt 910 164
Other current liabilities   981     974  
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 2,922 2,478
Long-term debt 8,243 8,917
Other long-term liabilities   2,468     2,485  
TOTAL LIABILITIES 13,633 13,880
 
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS 11 11
 
PRAXAIR, INC. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock 4 4
Additional paid-in capital 4,091 4,074
Retained earnings 13,417 12,879
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (4,025 ) (4,600 )
Less: Treasury stock, at cost   (7,231 )   (7,336 )
Total Praxair, Inc. Shareholders' Equity 6,256 5,021
Noncontrolling interests   475     420  
TOTAL EQUITY   6,731     5,441  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 20,375   $ 19,332  

       
PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Millions of dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
 
Quarter Ended Year to Date
September 30, September 30,
2017 2016 2017 2016
OPERATIONS
Net income - Praxair, Inc. $ 419 $ 339 $ 1,214 $ 1,094
Noncontrolling interests   16     5     45     25  
Net income (including noncontrolling interests) 435 344 1,259 1,119
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Transaction costs and other charges, net of payments 10 93 27 93
Depreciation and amortization 298 284 877 837
Accounts Receivable 12 17 (83 ) (44 )
Inventory (6 ) 19 (11 ) 11
Payables and accruals 35 69 11 6
Pension contributions (8 ) (2 ) (14 ) (8 )
Deferred income taxes and other   18     (36 )   139     33  
Net cash provided by operating activities   794     788     2,205     2,047  
 
INVESTING
Capital expenditures (320 ) (376 ) (972 ) (1,056 )
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (16 ) (20 ) (18 ) (345 )
Divestitures and asset sales   5     33     22     41  
Net cash used for investing activities   (331 )   (363 )   (968 )   (1,360 )
 
FINANCING
Debt increase (decrease) - net (197 ) (134 ) (502 ) 556
Issuances of common stock 20 49 90 109
Purchases of common stock — (50 ) (11 ) (133 )
Cash dividends - Praxair, Inc. shareholders (225 ) (214 ) (675 ) (642 )
Noncontrolling interest transactions and other   (1 )   (13 )   (85 )   (122 )
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities (403 ) (362 ) (1,183 ) (232 )
 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

  12     (3 )   29     25  
 
Change in cash and cash equivalents 72 60 83 480
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning-of-period   535     567     524     147  
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end-of-period $ 607   $ 627   $ 607   $ 627  
 

       
PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEGMENT INFORMATION
(Millions of dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
 
Quarter Ended Year to Date
September 30, September 30,
2017 2016 2017 2016
SALES
North America $ 1,518 $ 1,431 $ 4,481 $ 4,195
Europe 407 366 1,146 1,041
South America 389 378 1,131 1,047
Asia 451 391 1,268 1,160
Surface Technologies   157     150     458     447  

Consolidated sales

$ 2,922   $ 2,716   $ 8,484   $ 7,890  
 
OPERATING PROFIT
North America $ 386 $ 363 $ 1,121 $ 1,071
Europe 78 72 217 202
South America 63 68 190 193
Asia 88 68 243 198
Surface Technologies   27     26     78     75  
Segment operating profit $ 642 $ 597 $ 1,849 $ 1,739
Transaction costs and other charges   (16 )   (100 )   (37 )   (100 )
Total operating profit $ 626   $ 497   $ 1,812   $ 1,639  
 

             
PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(Millions of dollars, except per share data)
(UNAUDITED)
 
2017 (b) 2016 (c)
Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
FROM THE INCOME STATEMENT
Sales $ 2,922 $ 2,834 $ 2,728 $ 2,644 $ 2,716 $ 2,665 $ 2,509
Cost of sales 1,652 1,598 1,545 1,478 1,533 1,468 1,381
Selling, general and administrative 304 308 279 272 291 308 274
Depreciation and amortization 298 292 287 285 284 281 272
Research and development 23 23 23 23 22 24 23
Transaction costs and other charges 16 15 6 — 100 — —
Other income (expense) - net   (3 )     6       (6 )   13       11       4       (5 )
Operating profit 626 604 582 599 497 588 554
Interest expense - net 41 38 41 38 43 44 65
Income taxes 162 157 149 152 120 146 133
Income from equity investments   12       11       12     10       10       11       10  
Net income (including noncontrolling interests) 435 420 404 419 344 409 366
Less: noncontrolling interests   (16 )   (14 )   (15 )   (13 )     (5 )     (10 )     (10 )
Net income - Praxair, Inc. $ 419     $ 406     $ 389   $ 406     $ 339     $ 399     $ 356  
 
PER SHARE DATA - PRAXAIR, INC. SHAREHOLDERS
Diluted earnings per share $ 1.45 $ 1.41 $ 1.35 $ 1.41 $ 1.18 $ 1.39 $ 1.24
Cash dividends per share $ 0.7875 $ 0.7875 $ 0.7875 $ 0.75 $ 0.75 $ 0.75 $ 0.75
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (000's) 289,216 288,535 287,384 287,956 288,195 287,727 286,665
 
ADJUSTED AMOUNTS (a)
Operating profit $ 642 $ 619 $ 588 $ 599 $ 597 $ 588 $ 554
Operating margin 22.0 % 21.8 % 21.6 % 22.7 % 22.0 % 22.1 % 22.1 %
Net Income $ 433 $ 421 $ 395 $ 406 $ 405 $ 399 $ 366
Diluted earnings per share $ 1.50 $ 1.46 $ 1.37 $ 1.41 $ 1.41 $ 1.39 $ 1.28
 
FROM THE BALANCE SHEET
Net debt (a) $ 8,630 $ 8,832 $ 8,849 $ 8,991 $ 9,215 $ 9,389 $ 9,183
Capital (a) $ 15,372 $ 15,102 $ 14,824 $ 14,443 $ 14,864 $ 14,948 $ 14,607
 
FROM THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Cash flow from operations $ 794 $ 701 $ 710 $ 726 $ 788 $ 706 $ 553
Cash flow provided by (used for) investing activities (331 ) (313 ) (324 ) (410 ) (363 ) (613 ) (384 )
Cash flow provided by (used for) financing activities (403 ) (384 ) (396 ) (411 ) (362 ) 249 (119 )
Capital expenditures 320 325 327 409 376 357 323
Acquisitions 16 1 1 18 20 262 63
Cash dividends 225 225 225 214 214 214 214
 
OTHER INFORMATION
After-tax return on capital (ROC) (a) 12.0 % 11.5 % 11.5 % 11.5 % 11.6 % 12.1 % 11.5 %
Adjusted after-tax ROC (a) 12.3 % 12.1 % 12.0 % 12.0 % 12.1 % 12.2 % 12.4 %
EBITDA (a) $ 936 $ 907 $ 881 $ 894 $ 791 $ 880 $ 836
EBITDA margin (a) 32.0 % 32.0 % 32.3 % 33.8 % 29.1 % 33.0 % 33.3 %
Adjusted EBITDA (a) $ 952 $ 922 $ 887 $ 894 $ 891 $ 880 $ 836
Adjusted EBITDA margin (a) 32.6 % 32.5 % 32.5 % 33.8 % 32.8 % 33.0 % 33.3 %
Number of employees 26,531 26,487 26,420 26,498 26,680 26,896 26,558
 
SEGMENT DATA
SALES
North America $ 1,518 $ 1,505 $ 1,458 $ 1,397 $ 1,431 $ 1,411 $ 1,353
Europe 407 383 356 351 366 355 320
South America 389 373 369 352 378 358 311
Asia 451 422 395 395 391 393 376
Surface Technologies   157       151       150     149       150       148       149  
Total sales $ 2,922     $ 2,834     $ 2,728   $ 2,644     $ 2,716     $ 2,665     $ 2,509  
OPERATING PROFIT
North America $ 386 $ 378 $ 357 $ 359 $ 363 $ 359 $ 349
Europe 78 73 66 71 72 68 62
South America 63 63 64 64 68 70 55
Asia 88 80 75 78 68 67 63
Surface Technologies   27       25       26     27       26       24       25  
Segment operating profit 642 619 588 599 597 588 554
Transaction costs and other charges   (16 )     (15 )     (6 )   —       (100 )     —       —  
Total operating profit $ 626     $ 604     $ 582   $ 599     $ 497     $ 588     $ 554  
 
(a) Non-GAAP measure, see Appendix.
 
(b) 2017 includes (i) an after-tax charge of $6 million ($0.02 per diluted share) in the first quarter for transaction costs related to the potential Linde merger, (ii) an after- tax charge of $15 million ($0.05 per diluted share) in the second quarter for transaction costs related to the potential Linde merger, (iii) a pre-tax charge of $14 million ($13 million after-tax or $0.05 per diluted share) in the third quarter for transaction costs related to the potential Linde merger and (iv) a pension settlement charge of $2 million ($1 million after-tax) related to lump sum benefit payments made from an international pension plan.
 
(c) 2016 includes (i) a $16 million charge to interest expense ($10 million after-tax, or $0.04 per diluted share) in the first quarter related to the redemption of the $325 million 5.20% notes due 2017, (ii) a pre-tax pension settlement charge of $4 million ($3 million after-tax, or $0.01 per diluted share) in the third quarter related to lump sum benefit payments made from the U.S. supplemental pension plan, and (iii) pre-tax charges of $96 million ($63 million after-tax and non-controlling interests, or $0.22 per diluted share) in the third quarter, primarily related to cost reduction actions.
 

 
PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
APPENDIX
NON-GAAP MEASURES
(Millions of dollars, except per share data)
(UNAUDITED)
   
The following Non-GAAP measures are intended to supplement investors’ understanding of the company’s financial information by providing measures which investors, financial analysts and management use to help evaluate the company’s financial leverage, return on capital and operating performance. Items which the company does not believe to be indicative of on-going business trends are excluded from these calculations so that investors can better evaluate and analyze historical and future business trends on a consistent basis. Definitions of these Non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similar definitions used by other companies and are not a substitute for similar GAAP measures. Adjusted amounts exclude the impacts of the 2017 first, second and third quarter transaction costs, 2017 third quarter pension settlement, 2016 third quarter cost reduction program and pension settlement, 2016 first quarter bond redemption, 2015 third quarter cost reduction program and pension settlement, and 2015 second quarter cost reduction program and other charges.
 

Adjusted Amounts

                       

Year-to-date
September 30,

Third
Quarter

Second
Quarter

First
Quarter

Year

Year-to-date
September 30,

Third
Quarter

First
Quarter

Year

Year-to-date
September 30,

Third
Quarter

Second
Quarter

2017 2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 2015

Adjusted Operating Profit and Operating Profit Margin

       
Reported operating profit $ 1,812 $ 626 $ 604 $ 582 $ 2,238 $ 1,639 $ 497 $ 554 $ 2,321 $ 1,697 $ 594 $ 480
Add: Cost reduction program and other charges — — — — 96 96 96 — 165 165 19 146
Add: Pension settlement charge 2 2 — — 4 4 4 — 7 7 7 —
Add: Transaction costs   35     14     15     6     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —  
Total adjustments   37     16     15     6     100     100     100     —     172     172     26     146  
Adjusted operating profit $ 1,849   $ 642   $ 619   $ 588   $ 2,338   $ 1,739   $ 597   $ 554   $ 2,493   $ 1,869   $ 620   $ 626  
 
Reported percentage change 11 % 26 %
Adjusted percentage change 6 % 8 %
 
Reported sales $ 8,484 $ 2,922 $ 2,834 $ 2,728 $ 10,534 $ 7,890 $ 2,716 $ 2,509 $ 10,776 $ 8,181 $ 2,686 $ 2,738
Adjusted operating profit margin 21.8 % 22.0 % 21.8 % 21.6 % 22.2 % 22.0 % 22.0 % 22.1 % 23.1 % 22.8 % 23.1 % 22.9 %
 

Adjusted Interest Expense - net

Reported interest expense - net $ 120 $ 41 $ 38 $ 41 $ 190 $ 152 $ 43 $ 65 $ 161 $ 119 $ 35 $ 40
Less: Bond redemption   —     —     —     —     (16 )   (16 )   —     (16 )   —     —     —     —  
Adjusted interest expense - net $ 120   $ 41   $ 38   $ 41   $ 174   $ 136   $ 43   $ 49   $ 161   $ 119   $ 35   $ 40  
 
Adjusted Income Taxes
Reported income taxes $ 468 $ 162 $ 157 $ 149 $ 551 $ 399 $ 120 $ 133 $ 612 $ 449 $ 156 $ 131
Add: Cost reduction program and other charges — — — — 28 28 28 — 39 39 6 33
Add: Bond redemption — — — — 6 6 — 6 — — — —
Add: Pension settlement charge 1 1 — — 1 1 1 — 2 2 2 —
Add: Transaction costs   1     1     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —  
Total adjustments   2     2     —     —     35     35     29     6     41     41     8     33  
Adjusted income taxes $ 470   $ 164   $ 157   $ 149   $ 586   $ 434   $ 149   $ 139   $ 653   $ 490   $ 164   $ 164  
 

Adjusted Effective Tax Rate

Reported income before income taxes and equity investments $ 1,692 $ 585 $ 566 $ 541 $ 2,048 $ 1,487 $ 454 $ 489 $ 2,160 $ 1,578 $ 559 $ 440
Add: Cost reduction program and other charges — — — — 96 96 96 — 165 165 19 146
Add: Bond redemption — — — — 16 16 — 16 — — — —
Add: Pension settlement charge 2 2 — — 4 4 4 — 7 7 7 —
Add: Transaction costs   35     14     15     6     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —  
Total adjustments   37     16     15     6     116     116     100     16     172     172     26     146  
Adjusted income before income taxes and equity investments $ 1,729   $ 601   $ 581   $ 547   $ 2,164   $ 1,603   $ 554   $ 505   $ 2,332   $ 1,750   $ 585   $ 586  
 
Reported effective tax rate 27.7 % 27.7 % 27.7 % 27.5 % 26.9 % 26.8 % 26.4 % 27.2 % 28.3 % 28.5 % 27.9 % 29.8 %
Adjusted effective tax rate 27.2 % 27.3 % 27.0 % 27.2 % 27.1 % 27.1 % 26.9 % 27.5 % 28.0 % 28.0 % 28.0 % 28.0 %
 

Adjusted Noncontrolling Interests

 
Reported noncontrolling interests $ 45 $ 16 $ 14 $ 15 $ 38 $ 25 $ 5 $ 10 $ 44 $ 35 $ 12 $ 11
Add: Cost reduction program and other charges   —     —     —     —     5     5     5     —     1     1     —     1  
Total adjustments   —     —     —     —     5     5     5     —     1     1     —     1  
Adjusted noncontrolling interests $ 45   $ 16   $ 14   $ 15   $ 43   $ 30   $ 10   $ 10   $ 45   $ 36   $ 12   $ 12  
 

Adjusted Net Income - Praxair, Inc.

Reported net income - Praxair, Inc. $ 1,214 $ 419 $ 406 $ 389 $ 1,500 $ 1,094 $ 339 $ 356 $ 1,547 $ 1,125 $ 401 $ 308
Add: Cost reduction program and other charges — — — — 63 63 63 — 125 125 13 112
Add: Bond redemption — — — — 10 10 — 10 — — — —
Add: Pension settlement charge 1 1 — — 3 3 3 — 5 5 5 —
Add: Transaction costs   34     13     15     6     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —  
Total adjustments   35     14     15     6     76     76     66     10     130     130     18     112  
Adjusted net income - Praxair, Inc. $ 1,249   $ 433   $ 421   $ 395   $ 1,576   $ 1,170   $ 405   $ 366   $ 1,677   $ 1,255   $ 419   $ 420  
 
Reported percentage change 11 % 24 %
Adjusted percentage change 7 % 7 %
 

Adjusted Diluted EPS

Reported diluted EPS $ 4.21 $ 1.45 $ 1.41 $ 1.35 $ 5.21 $ 3.80 $ 1.18 $ 1.24 $ 5.35 $ 3.88 $ 1.40 $ 1.06
Add: Cost reduction program and other charges — — — — 0.22 0.22 0.22 — 0.43 0.43 0.04 0.39
Add: Bond redemption — — — — 0.04 0.04 — 0.04 — — — —
Add: Pension settlement charge — — — — 0.01 0.01 0.01 — 0.02 0.02 0.02 —
Add: Transaction costs   0.12     0.05     0.05     0.02     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —  
Total adjustments   0.12     0.05     0.05     0.02     0.27     0.27     0.23     0.04     0.45     0.45     0.06     0.39  
Adjusted diluted EPS $ 4.33   $ 1.50   $ 1.46   $ 1.37   $ 5.48   $ 4.07   $ 1.41   $ 1.28   $ 5.80   $ 4.33   $ 1.46   $ 1.45  
 
Reported percentage change 11 % 23 %
Adjusted percentage change 6 % 6 %
 

Cash Income Taxes and Interest

Income taxes paid $ 585 $ 420
Interest paid, net of interest capitalized and excluding bond redemption $ 173 $ 174
 

Full Year 2017 Diluted EPS Guidance

Full Year 2017
Low End High End
 
2017 GAAP diluted EPS guidance $ 5.66 $ 5.71
Add: Q1, Q2 and Q3 Transaction costs (excludes future merger transaction costs)   0.12     0.12  
2017 adjusted diluted EPS guidance $ 5.78   $ 5.83  
2016 adjusted diluted EPS (see above for full year reconciliation) $ 5.48   $ 5.48  
 
Adjusted percentage change 5 % 6 %
 

                       

2017

  2016   2015  
Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
 

Free Cash Flow (FCF) - Free cash flow is a measure used by investors, financial analysts and management to evaluate the ability of a company to pursue opportunities that enhance shareholder value. FCF equals cash flow from operations less capital expenditures.

 
Operating cash flow $ 794 $ 701 $ 710 $ 726 $ 788 $ 706 $ 553 $ 791 $ 676 $ 710 $ 518
Less: capital expenditures   (320 )     (325 )     (327 )   (409 )     (376 )     (357 )     (323 )   (387 )     (405 )     (352 )     (397 )
Free Cash Flow $ 474 $ 376 $ 383 $ 317 $ 412 $ 349 $ 230 $ 404 $ 271 $ 358 $ 121
 

Net Debt, Capital and Debt-to-Capital Ratio - The debt-to-capital ratio is a measure used by investors, financial analysts and management to provide a measure of financial leverage and insights into how the company is financing its operations.

 
Debt $ 9,237 $ 9,367 $ 9,368 $ 9,515 $ 9,842 $ 9,956 $ 9,404 $ 9,231 $ 9,480 $ 9,313 $ 9,360
Less: cash and cash equivalents   (607 )     (535 )     (519 )   (524 )     (627 )     (567 )     (221 )   (147 )     (136 )     (136 )     (117 )
Net debt 8,630 8,832 8,849 8,991 9,215 9,389 9,183 9,084 9,344 9,177 9,243
Equity and redeemable noncontrolling interests:
Redeemable noncontrolling interests 11 10 10 11 11 12 119 113 169 175 170
Praxair, Inc. shareholders' equity 6,256 5,807 5,529 5,021 5,245 5,140 4,888 4,389 4,264 4,964 5,018
Noncontrolling interests   475       453       436     420       393       407       417     404       380       380       375  
Total equity and redeemable noncontrolling interests   6,742       6,270       5,975     5,452       5,649       5,559       5,424     4,906       4,813       5,519       5,563  
Capital $ 15,372 $ 15,102 $ 14,824 $ 14,443 $ 14,864 $ 14,948 $ 14,607 $ 13,990 $ 14,157 $ 14,696 $ 14,806
 
Debt-to-capital   56.1 %     58.5 %     59.7 %   62.3 %     62.0 %     62.8 %     62.9 %   64.9 %     66.0 %     62.4 %     62.4 %
 

After-tax Return on Capital and Adjusted After-tax Return on Capital (ROC)- After-tax return on capital is a measure used by investors, financial analysts and management to evaluate the return on net assets employed in the business. ROC measures the after-tax operating profit that the company was able to generate with the investments made by all parties in the business (debt, noncontrolling interests and Praxair, Inc. shareholders’ equity).

 
Reported net income - Praxair, Inc. $ 419 $ 406 $ 389 $ 406 $ 339 $ 399 $ 356 $ 422 $ 401 $ 308 $ 416
Add: noncontrolling interests 16 14 15 13 5 10 10 9 12 11 12
Add: interest expense - net 41 38 41 38 43 44 65 42 35 40 44
Less: tax benefit on interest expense - net *   (11 )     (11 )     (12 )   (10 )     (12 )     (12 )     (20 )   (12 )     (10 )     (11 )     (12 )
Net operating profit after-tax (NOPAT) $ 465 $ 447 $ 433 $ 447 $ 375 $ 441 $ 411 $ 461 $ 438 $ 348 $ 460
 
Pre-tax Adjustments:
Add: Cost reduction program and other charges — — — — 96 — — — 19 146 —
Add: Pension settlement charge 2 — — — 4 — — — 7 — —
Add: Transaction costs 14 15 6 — — — — — — — —
Less: income taxes on pre-tax adjustments   —       —       —     —       (29 )     —       —     —       (8 )     (33 )     —  
Adjusted NOPAT $ 481 $ 462 $ 439 $ 447 $ 446 $ 441 $ 411 $ 461 $ 456 $ 461 $ 460
 
4-quarter trailing NOPAT $ 1,792 $ 1,702 $ 1,696 $ 1,674 $ 1,688 $ 1,751 $ 1,658 $ 1,707 $ 1,616 $ 1,700 $ 1,864
4-quarter trailing adjusted NOPAT $ 1,829 $ 1,794 $ 1,773 $ 1,745 $ 1,759 $ 1,769 $ 1,789 $ 1,838 $ 1,879 $ 1,945 $ 1,996
 
Ending capital (see above) $ 15,372 $ 15,102 $ 14,824 $ 14,443 $ 14,864 $ 14,948 $ 14,607 $ 13,990 $ 14,157 $ 14,696 $ 14,806
5-quarter average ending capital $ 14,921 $ 14,836 $ 14,737 $ 14,570 $ 14,513 $ 14,480 $ 14,451 $ 14,587 $ 14,999 $ 15,460 $ 15,777
 
After-tax ROC (4-quarter trailing NOPAT / 5-quarter average capital) 12.0 % 11.5 % 11.5 % 11.5 % 11.6 % 12.1 % 11.5 % 11.7 % 10.8 % 11.0 % 11.8 %
Adjusted after-tax ROC (4-quarter trailing adjusted NOPAT / 5-quarter average capital)   12.3 %     12.1 %     12.0 %   12.0 %     12.1 %     12.2 %     12.4 %   12.6 %     12.5 %     12.6 %     12.7 %
 

* Tax benefit on interest expense - net is generally presented using the reported effective rate.

 

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA Margin and Adjusted EBITDA Margin - These measures are used by investors, financial analysts and management to assess a company's profitability.

 
Reported net income - Praxair, Inc. $ 419 $ 406 $ 389 $ 406 $ 339 $ 399 $ 356 $ 422 $ 401 $ 308 $ 416
Add: noncontrolling interests 16 14 15 13 5 10 10 9 12 11 12
Add: interest expense - net 41 38 41 38 43 44 65 42 35 40 44
Add: income taxes 162 157 149 152 120 146 133 163 156 131 162
Add: depreciation and amortization   298       292       287     285       284       281       272     275       276       278       277  
EBITDA $ 936 $ 907 $ 881 $ 894 $ 791 $ 880 $ 836 $ 911 $ 880 $ 768 $ 911
 
Adjustments:
Add: Cost reduction program and other charges — — — — 96 — — — 19 146 —
Add: Pension settlement charge 2 — — — 4 — — — 7 — —
Add: Transaction costs   14       15       6     —       —       —       —     —       —       —       —  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 952 $ 922 $ 887 $ 894 $ 891 $ 880 $ 836 $ 911 $ 906 $ 914 $ 911
 
Reported sales 2,922 2,834 2,728 2,644 2,716 2,665 2,509 2,595 2,686 2,738 2,757
EBITDA margin 32.0 % 32.0 % 32.3 % 33.8 % 29.1 % 33.0 % 33.3 % 35.1 % 32.8 % 28.0 % 33.0 %
Adjusted EBITDA margin 32.6 % 32.5 % 32.5 % 33.8 % 32.8 % 33.0 % 33.3 % 35.1 % 33.7 % 33.4 % 33.0 %