Benoît Potier: We are undeniably living in a world undergoing profound reconfiguration, marked by the regionalization of trade flows, shifts in the energy landscape, and accelerating technological change. With this as our backdrop, we must evolve the way we operate and become even more agile. Thanks to our ability to adapt, we can capture new growth opportunities and leverage the fundamentals reshaping industry today. Foremost among these are digitizing processes, automating operations, and electrifying end-uses.
At the same time, I firmly believe it is also important to stay the course. While our Group continues to evolve, it does so on the foundations of its historical strength. These are useful and continuously renewed innovation, guided by deep knowledge of our customers’ processes; a strong local presence, close to key industrial basins; and a diversified model that enables us to target the most promising markets.
With solid fundamentals, a clear strategic vision, and a strong capacity for adaptation, the Group mobilizes its full potential to navigate a transforming environment that presents challenges, but just as many opportunities.
François Jackow: 2025 has been a success on every level. Most importantly, I would highlight our progress regarding safety. Not only is this a source of pride, but it is above all an absolute necessity if we are to sustain these results over time.
More broadly, the Group delivered record performance.
Financially, we brought our indicators to new heights, in terms of sales growth (+2%)(1), cash flow (+8%)(2), and operating margin exceeding 20% (+100 bps). In addition, our investment backlog, which now stands at 4.9 billion euros(3), further strengthens our future outlook.
In Electronics, for example, we are a leader thanks to several major contracts in Asia, Europe and the USA. In the decarbonization field, we are delivering large-scale projects, including the construction of a second 200 MW hydrogen electrolyzer in Europe. With the acquisition of DIG Airgas, we are now the reference player in South Korea, a rapidly growing market. As for our transformation dynamic, its effects are already visible, as we have significantly strengthened our operational efficiencies while better serving our customers and patients.
On the environmental front, we reduced our CO₂ emissions by 13% compared with 2020, and we are maintaining our carbon trajectory toward 2035.
In short, our Group is strong. And it is becoming even stronger. This record performance is thanks, first and foremost, to our teams—who have shown determination and commitment. They have my sincere thanks.
