First six months of 2008: The Linde Group defies the economic situation and reaffirms its positive forecast
Sales growth of 12.9 percent after adjusting for exchange rate effects to EUR 6.256 bn; growth of 6.3 percent on reported basis
15.4 percent increase in operating profit* after adjusting for exchange rate effects to EUR 1.258 bn; increase of 8.6 percent on reported basis
Adjusted earnings per share up 24.8 percent to EUR 2.72
Outlook for 2008 reaffirmed: Sales expected to increase and earnings expected to rise at a faster rate than sales
Medium-term target for the financial year 2010 confirmed: i.e. operating profit of more than EUR 3 bn and ROCE (return on capital employed) of at least 13 percent
* Operating profit: EBITDA before non-recurring items, including share of net income from associates and joint ventures.
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