Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

 

 

PRAXAIR, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

DELAWARE

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

 

1-11037   06-1249050
(Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)
39 OLD RIDGEBURY ROAD, DANBURY, CT   06810-5113
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(203) 837-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

At June 30, 2010, 306,065,273 shares of common stock ($0.01 par value) of the Registrant were outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

INDEX

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  
Item 1.    Financial Statements   
  

Consolidated Statements of Income - Praxair, Inc. and Subsidiaries Quarter Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)

   3
  

Consolidated Statements of Income - Praxair, Inc. and Subsidiaries Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)

   4
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - Praxair, Inc. and Subsidiaries June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (Unaudited)

   5
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Praxair, Inc. and Subsidiaries Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)

   6
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Praxair, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Unaudited)

   7
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    23
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    35
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures    35

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

  
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings    36
Item 1A.    Risk Factors    36
Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    40
Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities    40
Item 4.    Reserved    40
Item 5.    Other Information    41
Item 6.    Exhibits    41
Signature    42

 

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PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Millions of dollars, except per share data)

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Quarter Ended June 30,  
     2010     2009  

SALES

   $ 2,527      $ 2,138   

Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization

     1,437       1,190  

Selling, general and administrative

     302       265  

Depreciation and amortization

     230       207  

Research and development

     19       18  

Other income (expense) - net

     8       (11
                

OPERATING PROFIT

     547       447  

Interest expense - net

     29       33  
                

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY INVESTMENTS

     518       414  

Income taxes

     145       109  
                

INCOME BEFORE EQUITY INVESTMENTS

     373       305  

Income from equity investments

     8       6  
                

NET INCOME (INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS)

     381       311  

Less: noncontrolling interests

     (10     (12
                

NET INCOME - PRAXAIR, INC.

   $ 371      $ 299   
                

PER SHARE DATA - PRAXAIR, INC. SHAREHOLDERS

    

Basic earnings per share

   $ 1.21      $ 0.97   
                

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 1.19      $ 0.96   
                

Cash dividends per share

   $ 0.45      $ 0.40   
                

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING (000’s):

    

Basic shares outstanding

     306,826       307,957  

Diluted shares outstanding

     311,109       312,429  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Millions of dollars, except per share data)

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2010     2009  

SALES

   $ 4,955      $ 4,261   

Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization

     2,818       2,385  

Selling, general and administrative

     596       530  

Depreciation and amortization

     458       406  

Research and development

     37       36  

Venezuela currency devaluation

     27       —     

Other income (expense) - net

     7       (15
                

OPERATING PROFIT

     1,026       889  

Interest expense - net

     61       68  
                

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY INVESTMENTS

     965       821  

Income taxes

     276       223  
                

INCOME BEFORE EQUITY INVESTMENTS

     689       598  

Income from equity investments

     15       11  
                

NET INCOME (INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS)

     704       609  

Less: noncontrolling interests

     (19     (20
                

NET INCOME - PRAXAIR, INC.

   $ 685      $ 589   
                

PER SHARE DATA - PRAXAIR, INC. SHAREHOLDERS

    

Basic earnings per share

   $ 2.23      $ 1.91   
                

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 2.20      $ 1.89   
                

Cash dividends per share

   $ 0.90      $ 0.80   
                

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING (000’s):

    

Basic shares outstanding

     306,810       307,887  

Diluted shares outstanding

     311,251       312,021  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Millions of dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

 

     June 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 48      $ 45   

Accounts receivable - net

     1,617       1,579  

Inventories

     374       377  

Prepaid and other current assets

     236       222  
                

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

     2,275       2,223  

Property, plant and equipment (less accumulated depreciation of $9,535 at June 30, 2010 and $9,448 at December 31, 2009)

     8,932       8,990  

Goodwill

     2,009       2,070  

Other intangible assets - net

     140       142  

Other long-term assets

     936       892  
                

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 14,292      $ 14,317   
                

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    

Accounts payable

   $ 729      $ 730   

Short-term debt

     186       227  

Current portion of long-term debt

     57       71  

Other current liabilities

     787       785  
                

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

     1,759       1,813  

Long-term debt

     4,783       4,757  

Other long-term obligations

     1,983       2,099  
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     8,525       8,669  
                

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

    

Praxair, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity:

    

Common stock $0.01 par value, authorized - 800,000,000 shares, issued 2010 - 380,522,137 shares and 2009 - 379,415,678 shares

     4       4  

Additional paid-in capital

     3,551       3,473  

Retained earnings

     7,241       6,831  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (1,383     (1,155

Treasury stock, at cost (2010 - 74,456,864 shares and 2009 - 72,938,074 shares)

     (3,961     (3,838
                

Total Praxair, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity

     5,452       5,315  

Noncontrolling interests

     315       333  
                

TOTAL EQUITY

     5,767       5,648  
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   $ 14,292      $ 14,317   
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Millions of dollars)

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2010     2009  

OPERATIONS

    

Net income - Praxair, Inc.

   $ 685      $ 589   

Noncontrolling interests

     19       20  
                

Net income (including noncontrolling interests)

     704       609  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Venezuela currency devaluation and other charges, net of payments

     24       (28

Depreciation and amortization

     458       406  

Deferred income taxes

     100       29  

Share-based compensation

     23       19  

Accounts receivable

     (48     47  

Inventory

     3       19  

Prepaid and other current assets

     (18     14  

Payables and accruals

     (28     (246

Pension contributions

     (114     (9

Other

     (85     52  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     1,019       912  
                

INVESTING

    

Capital expenditures

     (613     (663

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (20     (11

Divestitures and asset sales

     21       13  
                

Net cash used for investing activities

     (612     (661
                

FINANCING

    

Short-term debt borrowings - net

     (53     (272

Long-term debt borrowings

     1,193       833  

Long-term debt repayments

     (1,167     (504

Issuances of common stock

     55       37  

Purchases of common stock

     (140     (85

Cash dividends - Praxair, Inc. shareholders

     (275     (246

Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises

     13       6  

Noncontrolling interest transactions and other

     (11     (22
                

Net cash used for financing activities

     (385     (253
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (19     3  
                

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     3       1  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning-of-period

     45       32  
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end-of-period

   $ 48      $ 33   
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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INDEX TO NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Praxair, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Unaudited)

 

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

   8

Note 2. Venezuela Currency Devaluation and Other Charges

   8

Note 3. Inventories

   9

Note 4. Debt

   10

Note 5. Financial Instruments

   11

Note 6. Fair Value Disclosures

   14

Note 7. Earnings Per Share – Praxair, Inc. Shareholders

   15

Note 8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

   15

Note 9. Share-Based Compensation

   16

Note 10. Retirement Programs

   18

Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies

   18

Note 12. Segments

   20

Note 13. Equity

   21

 

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PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Presentation of Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - In the opinion of Praxair, Inc. (Praxair) management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented and such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements of Praxair, Inc. and subsidiaries in Praxair’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to the company’s significant accounting policies during 2010.

Accounting Standards Implemented in 2010

Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements – The standard added new requirements for disclosures about transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2 and clarified existing fair value disclosures about the level of disaggregation and about inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The portion of this standard related to these items was effective for Praxair in 2010 and its adoption did not have a significant impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements. In addition, the standard added requirements for separate disclosures about the activity relating to Level 3 fair value measurements effective for Praxair on January 1, 2011. Praxair does not expect this requirement to have a significant impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

The following standards were effective for Praxair in 2010 and their adoption did not have a significant impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements of Praxair’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a summary of these standards:

 

   

Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, and

 

   

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.

Accounting Standards to Be Implemented

Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses – This standard requires additional disclosures about financing receivables including rollforward schedules and other qualitative information. These disclosures will be required for Praxair beginning with the year-end 2010 financial statements. Praxair does not expect this requirement to have a significant impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

2. Venezuela Currency Devaluation and Other Charges

2010 First Quarter Venezuela Currency Devaluation

On January 8, 2010, Venezuela announced a devaluation of the Venezuelan bolivar and created a two tier exchange rate system. Under the new system, a 2.60 exchange rate between the bolivar and the U.S. dollar (which implies 17.3% devaluation) will apply for essential goods while an exchange rate of 4.3 (implying 50% devaluation) will apply for all remaining sectors, including Praxair’s operations. In the first quarter 2010, Praxair recorded a $27 million charge ($26 million after-tax or $ 0.08 per diluted share) due primarily to the remeasurement of the local Venezuelan balance sheet to reflect the new official 4.3 exchange rate. The company does not expect the impact of the devaluation on future results of operations to be significant.

2008 Cost Reduction Program

In the fourth quarter 2008, Praxair recorded charges relating to severance and other exit costs associated with a global cost reduction program which was initiated in response to the global economic downturn (see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements of Praxair’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K). The program required cash payments of $3 million and $28 million in the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. At June 30, 2010, remaining cash payments are not significant.

 

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3. Inventories

The following is a summary of Praxair’s consolidated inventories:

 

(Millions of dollars)    June 30,
2010
   December 31,
2009

Raw materials and supplies

   $ 138    $ 137

Work in process

     47      46

Finished goods

     189      194
             

Total inventories

   $ 374    $ 377
             

 

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4. Debt

The following is a summary of Praxair’s outstanding debt at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:

 

(Millions of dollars)    June 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

SHORT-TERM

    

Commercial paper and U.S. bank borrowings

   $ 97      $ 46   

European borrowings

     18       9  

Canadian borrowings

     3       1  

South American borrowings

     19       4  

Asian borrowings

     31       156  

Other international borrowings

     18       11  
                

Total short-term debt

     186       227  
                

LONG-TERM

    

U.S. borrowings

    

Floating Rate Notes due 2010 (c)

     —          500  

6.375% Notes due 2012 (a, b)

     507       509  

1.75% Notes due 2012 (a, b)

     409       399  

3.95% Notes due 2013

     350       350  

2.125% Notes due 2013 (a, b, d)

     515       —     

4.375% Notes due 2014 (a)

     299       299  

5.25% Notes due 2014

     400       400  

4.625% Notes due 2015

     500       500  

3.25% Notes due 2015 (a, b)

     426       401  

5.375% Notes due 2016

     400       400  

5.20% Notes due 2017

     325       325  

4.50% Notes due 2019 (a)

     597       597  

Other

     6       7  

European borrowings

     8       4  

South American borrowings

     47       66  

Asian borrowings

     42       65  

Obligations under capital lease

     9       6  
                
     4,840       4,828  

Less: current portion of long-term debt

     (57     (71
                

Total long-term debt

     4,783       4,757  
                

Total debt

   $ 5,026      $ 5,055   
                

 

(a) Amounts are net of unamortized discounts.
(b) June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 include a $61 million and $12 million fair value increase, respectively, related to hedge accounting. See Note 5 for additional information.
(c) At December 31, 2009, $500 million of floating rate notes due 2010 have been classified as long-term because of the company’s intent to refinance this debt on long-term basis and the availability of such financing under the terms of existing agreements.
(d) On January 14, 2010, Praxair issued $500 million of 2.125% notes due 2013. The proceeds were used to repay long-term debt, to fund share repurchases under the share repurchase program and for general corporate purposes.

 

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5. Financial Instruments

In its normal operations, Praxair is exposed to market risks relating to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, energy costs and to a lesser extent precious metal prices. The objective of financial risk management at Praxair is to minimize the negative impact of such fluctuations on the company’s earnings and cash flows. To manage these risks, among other strategies, Praxair routinely enters into various derivative financial instruments (“derivatives”) including interest-rate swap and treasury rate lock agreements, currency-swap agreements, forward contracts, currency options, and commodity-swap agreements. These instruments are not entered into for trading purposes and Praxair only uses commonly traded and non-leveraged instruments.

There are two types of derivatives that the company enters into: (i) those relating to fair-value exposures, and (ii) those relating to cash-flow exposures. Fair-value exposures relate to recognized assets or liabilities, and firm commitments; while cash-flow exposures relate to the variability of future cash flows associated with recognized assets or liabilities, or forecasted transactions.

When a derivative is executed and hedge accounting is appropriate, it is designated as either a fair-value hedge or a cash-flow hedge. Currently, Praxair designates all interest-rate, treasury rate lock and commodity-swap agreements as hedges for accounting purposes; however, currency contracts are generally not designated as hedges for accounting purposes unless they are related to forecasted transactions. Whether designated as hedges for accounting purposes or not, all derivatives are linked to an appropriate underlying exposure. On an ongoing basis, the company assesses the hedge effectiveness of all derivatives designated as hedges for accounting purposes to determine if they continue to be highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the underlying hedged items. If it is determined that the hedge is not highly effective, then hedge accounting will be discontinued prospectively.

Counterparties to Praxair’s derivatives are major banking institutions with credit ratings of investment grade or better and no collateral is required, and there are no significant risk concentrations. Management believes the risk of incurring losses on derivative contracts related to credit risk is remote and any losses would be immaterial.

The following table is a summary of the notional amount and fair value of derivatives outstanding at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 for consolidated subsidiaries:

 

               Fair Value
(Millions of dollars)    Notional Amounts    Assets    Liabilities
     June 30,
2010
   December 31,
2009
   June 30,
2010
   December 31,
2009
   June 30,
2010
   December 31,
2009

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:

                 

Currency contracts:

                 

Balance sheet items (a)

   $ 1,290    $ 1,161    $ 2    $ 9    $ 1    $ 2

Anticipated net income (b)

     128      128      12      8      —        —  
                                         

Total

   $ 1,418    $ 1,289    $ 14    $ 17    $ 1    $ 2
                                         

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:

                 

Currency contracts:

                 

Forecasted purchases (a)

   $ —      $ 2    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —  

Interest rate contracts:

                 

Interest rate swaps (b)

     1,300      400      53      2      —        —  
                                         

Total

   $ 1,300    $ 402    $ 53    $ 2    $ —      $ —  
                                         

Total Derivatives

   $ 2,718    $ 1,691    $ 67    $ 19    $ 1    $ 2
                                         

 

(a) Assets are recorded in prepaid and other current assets, and liabilities are recorded in other current liabilities.
(b) Assets are recorded in other long term assets.

 

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Currency Contracts

Balance Sheet Items

Foreign currency contracts related to balance sheet items consist of forward contracts entered into to manage the exposure to fluctuations in foreign-currency exchange rates on recorded balance sheet assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the related operating unit. The fair value adjustments on these contracts are largely offset by the fair value adjustments recorded on the hedged assets and liabilities.

Anticipated Net Income

The anticipated net income hedge contracts at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 consist of foreign currency options related to anticipated net income in Brazil, Europe and Canada. Over the term of the contracts, the fair value adjustments from net-income hedging contracts are largely offset by the impacts on reported net income resulting from the currency translation process. The accounting rules pertaining to derivatives and hedging do not allow hedges of anticipated net income to be designated as hedging instruments.

Forecasted Purchases

Foreign currency contracts related to forecasted purchases consist of forward contracts entered into to manage the exposure to fluctuations in foreign-currency exchange rates on forecasted purchases of capital-related equipment and services denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the related operating units. These forward contracts were designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges. The net impact recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) was less than $1 million during the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.

Interest Rate Contracts

Interest Rate Swaps

At June 30, 2010, Praxair had the following interest-rate swap agreements outstanding that effectively convert fixed-rate interest to variable-rate interest:

 

   

January 14, 2010 agreement related to the $500 million 2.125% fixed-rate notes that mature in 2013,

 

   

January 4, 2010 agreement related to the $400 million 1.75% fixed-rate notes that mature in 2012, and

 

   

September 2009 agreement related to the $400 million 3.25% fixed-rate notes that mature in 2015.

These interest rate swap agreements were designated as fair value hedges with the resulting fair value adjustments recognized in earnings along with an equally offsetting charge/benefit to earnings for the changes in the fair value of the underlying debt instruments. At June 30, 2010, $53 million was recognized as an increase in the fair value of these notes ($16 million, $10 million and $27 million, respectively).

During 2002, Praxair entered into and terminated $500 million notional amount of interest-rate swap agreements that effectively converted fixed-rate interest to variable-rate interest on the $500 million 6.375% notes that mature in April 2012. The termination resulted in a cash gain of $47 million, which Praxair recognized in earnings and was equally offset with a charge to earnings for the changes in the fair value of the underlying debt instrument. This debt increase of $47 million is being recognized in earnings as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the underlying debt, or about ten years. During the quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, $1 million and $2 million was recognized as a reduction to interest expense, respectively, and $8 million remains unrecognized at June 30, 2010 ($10 million at December 31, 2009) and is shown as an increase to long-term debt.

 

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Treasury Rate Locks

In December 2008, Praxair entered into treasury rate lock contracts totaling $500 million notional amount to hedge the cash flow exposure attributable to the changes in the treasury rate portion of the interest rate on a forecasted debt issuance. The treasury rate locks were designated as and accounted for as cash flow hedges. In January 2009, the company settled the treasury rate locks and received a cash payment of $16 million ($10 million net of taxes) which was recorded as a gain in AOCI. On August 13, 2009, Praxair issued $600 million of 4.50% notes due August 2019, which represents the forecasted debt issuance that was originally hedged in December 2008. The gain recorded in AOCI is currently being reclassified to earnings as a decrease to interest expense over the remaining term of these notes.

In February 2008, Praxair entered into a treasury rate lock to hedge the cash flow exposure attributable to the $500 million of 4.625% notes issued on March 7, 2008. The treasury rate lock was accounted for as a cash flow hedge with the resulting fair value adjustments recorded in AOCI. The treasury rate lock was settled at a loss of $7 million ($4 million net of taxes) which was recorded in AOCI and is currently being reclassified to earnings as an increase to interest expense over the remaining term of the underlying debt.

The following table summarizes the impacts of the Company’s derivatives on the consolidated statement of income and AOCI for the quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

     Amount of Pre-Tax Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Earnings (a)
 
(Millions of dollars)    Quarter Ended
June 30,
    Six months ended
June 30,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

        

Currency contracts:

        

Balance sheet items

        

Debt-related

   $ (20   $ 21      $ (26   $ 1   

Other balance sheet items

     2       2       2       3  

Anticipated net income

     4       (16     4       (13
                                

Total

   $ (14   $ 7      $ (20   $ (9
                                

 

     Amount of Pre-Tax Gain (Loss)
Recognized in AOCI (b)
(Millions of dollars)    Quarter Ended
June 30,
   Six months ended
June 30,
     2010    2009    2010    2009

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

           

Interest rate contracts:

           

Treasury rate locks

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 10
                           

Total

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 10
                           

 

(a) The gains (losses) on balance sheet items are largely offset by gains (losses) recorded on the underlying hedged assets and liabilities. The gains (losses) for the derivatives and the underlying hedged assets and liabilities related to debt items are recorded in the consolidated statement of income as interest expense-net. Other balance sheet items and anticipated net income gains (losses) are recorded in the consolidated statement of income as other income (expense)-net.
(b) The gains (losses) for interest rate contracts are reclassified to earnings as interest expense-net. The amount of gains (losses) reclassified to earnings for the quarters and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 was less than $1 million. Net gains (losses) of $1 million are expected to be reclassified to earnings over the next twelve months. There was no ineffectiveness.

 

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6. Fair Value Disclosures

The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the input to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels as follows:

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2 – quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable

Level 3 – inputs that are unobservable (for example cash flow modeling inputs based on assumptions)

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2010:

 

     Fair Value Measurements
Using
    
(Millions of dollars)    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total

Assets

           

Derivative assets

   $ —      $ 67    $ —      $ 67

Investments

     2      —        —        2
                           

Total

   $ 2    $ 67    $ —      $ 69
                           

Liabilities

           

Derivative liabilities

   $ —      $ 1    $ —      $ 1
                           

The fair values of the derivative assets and liabilities are based on market prices obtained from independent brokers or determined using quantitative models that use as their basis readily observable market parameters that are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, including third-party pricing services, brokers and market transactions. Investments are marketable securities traded on an exchange.

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, short-term debt, accounts receivables-net, and accounts payable approximate carrying amounts because of the short maturities of these instruments. The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues. At June 30, 2010, the estimated fair value of Praxair’s long-term debt portfolio was $5,189 million versus a carrying value of $4,840 million. At December 31, 2009, the estimated fair value of Praxair’s long-term debt portfolio was $5,066 million versus a carrying value of $4,828 million. Differences from carrying amounts are attributable to interest-rate changes subsequent to when the debt was issued.

 

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7. Earnings Per Share – Praxair, Inc. Shareholders

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing Net Income – Praxair, Inc. for the period by the weighted average number of Praxair common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing Net Income – Praxair, Inc. for the period by the weighted average number of Praxair common shares outstanding and dilutive common stock equivalents, as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     2010    2009    2010    2009

Numerator (Millions of dollars)

           

Net Income - Praxair, Inc.

   $ 371    $ 299    $ 685    $ 589
                           

Denominator (Thousands of shares)

           

Weighted average shares outstanding

     306,179      307,269      306,162      307,205

Shares earned and issuable under compensation plans

     647      688      648      682
                           

Weighted average shares used in basic earnings per share

     306,826      307,957      306,810      307,887

Effect of dilutive securities

           

Stock options and awards

     4,283      4,472      4,441      4,134
                           

Weighted average shares used in diluted earnings per share

     311,109      312,429      311,251      312,021
                           

Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ 1.21    $ 0.97    $ 2.23    $ 1.91

Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ 1.19    $ 0.96    $ 2.20    $ 1.89

Stock options of 3,200,122 and 3,201,668 were antidilutive and therefore excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively. Stock options of 3,246,115 were antidilutive and excluded in the computation for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2009.

8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2010 were as follows:

 

(Millions of dollars)    North
America
    South
America
    Europe     Asia    Surface
Technologies
    Total  

Balance, December 31, 2009

   $ 1,297      $ 232      $ 368      $ 31    $ 142      $ 2,070   

Acquisitions

     1       —          3       —        —          4  

Purchase adjustments & other

     (3     —          —          —        3       —     

Foreign currency translation

     6       (10     (53     1      (9     (65
                                               

Balance, June 30, 2010

   $ 1,301      $ 222      $ 318      $ 32    $ 136      $ 2,009   
                                               

Impairment tests have been performed annually during the second quarter of each year since the initial adoption of the goodwill accounting standard in 2002, and no impairments were indicated.

Changes in the carrying amounts of other intangibles for the six months ended June 30, 2010 were as follows:

 

(Millions of dollars)    Customer &
License/Use
Agreements
    Non-compete
Agreements
    Patents &
Other
    Total  

Cost:

        

Balance, December 31, 2009

   $ 163      $ 34      $ 24      $ 221   

Additions

     9       1       —          10  

Foreign currency translation

     (5     —          —          (5

Other

     (3     (5     —          (8
                                

Balance, June 30, 2010

   $ 164      $ 30      $ 24      $ 218   
                                

Less: Accumulated amortization

        

Balance, December 31, 2009

   $ (52   $ (21   $ (6   $ (79

Amortization expense

     (7     (3     —          (10

Foreign currency translation

     3       —          —          3  

Other

     3       5       —          8  
                                

Balance, June 30, 2010

   $ (53   $ (19   $ (6   $ (78
                                

Net balance at June 30, 2010

   $ 111      $ 11      $ 18      $ 140   
                                

 

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There are no expected residual values related to these intangible assets. The remaining weighted-average amortization period for intangible asset is approximately 13 years.

Total estimated annual amortization expense is as follows:

 

(millions of dollars)     

Remaining 2010

   $ 11

2011

     19

2012

     17

2013

     15

2014

     14

Thereafter

     64
      
   $ 140
      

9. Share-Based Compensation

Share-based compensation of $13 million ($9 million after tax) and $10 million ($7 million after tax) was recognized during the quarters ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Share-based compensation of $23 million ($16 million after tax) and $19 million ($13 million after tax) was recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The expense was primarily recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. There was no share-based compensation cost that was capitalized. For further details regarding Praxair’s share-based compensation arrangements and prior year grants, refer to Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements of Praxair’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Stock Options

The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $12.55 ($8.05 in 2009) based on the Black-Scholes Options-Pricing model.

The following weighted-average assumptions were used for grants in 2010 and 2009:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2010     2009  

Dividend yield

   2.4   2.6

Volatility

   20.8   18.7

Risk-free interest rate

   2.5   1.9

Expected term years

   5     5  

 

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The following table summarizes option activity under the plans as of June 30, 2010 and changes during the six-month period then ended (averages are calculated on a weighted basis; life in years; intrinsic value expressed in millions):

 

     Number of
Options
(000’s)
    Average
Exercise
Price
   Average
Remaining
Life
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Outstanding at January 1, 2010

   18,683     $ 53.80      

Granted

   1,397       76.17      

Exercised

   (1,172     40.66      

Cancelled or Expired

   (36     59.20      
              

Outstanding at June 30, 2010

   18,872       56.26    6.0    $ 372
                        

Exercisable at June 30, 2010

   14,772     $ 51.53    5.2    $ 361
                        

The aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the company’s closing stock price of $75.99 as of June 30, 2010 and the exercise price multiplied by the number of options outstanding as of that date. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010 was $29 million and $50 million, respectively ($16 million and $30 million for the same time periods in 2009, respectively).

Cash received from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010 was $30 million and $48 million, respectively ($17 million and $28 million for the same time periods in 2009, respectively). The cash tax benefit realized from stock option exercises totaled $10 million and $15 million for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010, of which $13 million in excess tax benefits was classified as financing cash flows ($6 million for the same time periods in 2009).

As of June 30, 2010, $29 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.5 years.

Performance-Based and Restricted Stock Awards

During the six months ended June 30, 2010, the company granted performance-based stock units to employees which vest on the third anniversary of their grant date. The actual number of shares issued in settlement of a vested award can range from zero to 150 percent of the target number of shares granted based upon the company’s attainment of specified performance targets at the end of a three-year period. Compensation expense related to these awards is recognized over the three-year performance period based on the fair value of the closing market price of the company’s common stock on the date of the grant and the estimated performance that will be achieved. Compensation expense will be adjusted during the three-year performance period based upon the estimated performance levels that will be achieved.

During the six months ended June 30, 2010, the company granted restricted stock units to employees. The majority of the restricted stock units vest at the end of or ratably over a three-year service period. Compensation expense related to the restricted stock units is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

The weighted-average fair value of performance-based stock and restricted stock units granted during the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $70.99 and $71.81, respectively ($56.31 for both during the same periods in 2009). This is based on the closing market price of Praxair’s common stock on the grant date adjusted for dividends that will not be paid during the vesting period.

 

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The following table summarizes non-vested performance-based and restricted stock award activity as of June 30, 2010 and changes during the six-month period then ended (shares based on target amounts, averages are calculated on a weighted basis):

 

     Performance-Based    Restricted Stock

Performance-Based and Restricted Stock Activity

   Number of
Shares
(000’s)
    Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
   Number of
Shares
(000’s)
    Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

Non-vested at January 1, 2010

   449     $ 59.57    97     $ 49.97

Granted

   296       70.99    207       71.81

Vested

   (39     83.89    —          —  

Cancelled

   (8     76.52    (1     65.63
                         

Non-vested at June 30, 2010

   698     $ 62.86    303     $ 64.84
                         

As of June 30, 2010, based on current estimates of future performance, $34 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to performance-based awards is expected to be recognized through the first quarter of 2013 and $15 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to the restricted stock awards is expected to be recognized through the second quarter of 2017.

10. Retirement Programs

The components of net pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions (OPEB) costs for the quarters and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 are shown below:

 

     Quarter Ended June 30,    Six Months Ended June 30,
     Pensions     OPEB    Pensions     OPEB
(Millions of dollars)    2010     2009     2010    2009    2010     2009     2010    2009

Service cost

   $ 10      $ 9      $ 1    $ 1    $ 20      $ 18      $ 3    $ 2

Interest cost

     30       29       3      4      60       57       7      8

Expected return on plan assets

     (37     (32     —        —        (70     (63     —        —  

Net amortization and deferral

     9       4       —        —        17       8       —        —  
                                                           

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 12      $ 10      $ 4    $ 5    $ 27      $ 20      $ 10    $ 10
                                                           

Praxair estimates that 2010 contributions to its pension plans will be in the range of $125 million to $135 million, of which $114 million have been made through June 30, 2010.

The impact to Praxair’s retirement plans in the U.S. related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed into law on March 23, 2010 was insignificant.

11. Commitments and Contingencies

Praxair is subject to various lawsuits and government investigations that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. These actions are based upon alleged environmental, tax, antitrust and personal injury claims, among others. Praxair has strong defenses in these cases and intends to defend itself vigorously. It is possible that the company may incur losses in connection with some of these actions in excess of accrued liabilities. Management does not anticipate that in the aggregate such losses would have a material adverse effect on the company’s consolidated financial position or liquidity; however, it is possible that the final outcomes could have a significant impact on the company’s reported results of operations in any given period (see Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements of Praxair’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Among such matters are:

 

   

Claims brought by welders alleging that exposure to manganese contained in welding fumes caused neurological injury. Praxair has never manufactured welding consumables. Such products were manufactured prior to 1985 by a predecessor company of Praxair. As of June 30, 2010, Praxair was a co-defendant with many other companies in lawsuits alleging personal injury caused by manganese contained in welding fumes. There were a total of 611 individual claimants in these cases. The cases were pending in several state and federal courts. The federal cases have been transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio for coordinated pretrial proceedings. The plaintiffs seek unspecified

 

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compensatory and, in most instances, punitive damages. In the past, Praxair has either been dismissed from the cases with no payment or has settled a few cases for nominal amounts. These claims raise numerous, individual issues that make them generally unsuited for class action status. Separately, various class actions for medical monitoring have been proposed but none have been certified. No reserves have been recorded for these cases as management does not believe that a loss from them is probable or reasonably estimable.

 

   

An investigation by Spanish prosecutors relating to income tax credits generated by certain of the company’s Spanish subsidiaries prior to 2002 totaling approximately $147 million. These tax positions relate to interpretation of the Spanish civil tax code and are under criminal investigation, although some have previously been the subject of civil tax proceedings. Praxair has recorded a full liability, including interest, for these tax positions. During March 2010, the investigation was expanded to include additional transactions subsequent to 2002. No additional liabilities have been recorded as management does not believe that an additional loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time. Although it is difficult to predict the timing of events, the company believes the matter could be sent to trial in the near term, and at that time, material fines may be levied. The company believes it has strong defenses and will vigorously defend its position and appeal any unfavorable rulings up to such levels of the Spanish judiciary as may be necessary.

 

   

Claims by the Brazilian taxing authorities against several of the company’s Brazilian subsidiaries relating to non-income and income tax matters. During May 2009, the Brazilian government published Law 11941/2009 instituting a new voluntary amnesty program (“Refis Program”) which allowed Brazilian companies to settle certain federal tax disputes at reduced amounts. During the 2009 third quarter, Praxair decided that it was economically beneficial to settle many of its outstanding federal tax disputes and these disputes were enrolled in the Refis Program and settled (see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements of Praxair’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K). During January 2010, the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro (“Rio”) published Law 5647/2010 instituting a new state amnesty program (“Rio Amnesty Program”) which allows Brazilian companies to settle certain disputes with the state of Rio at reduced amounts. During the 2010 first quarter, Praxair decided that it was economically beneficial to settle several of its outstanding disputes with the state of Rio and these disputes were enrolled in the Program and settled. The final settlements related to both the Refis and Rio Amnesty Programs are subject to final calculation and review by the Brazilian federal and Rio state governments, respectively, and the company currently anticipates these reviews will conclude during the next year. Any differences from amounts recorded will be adjusted to income at that time.

After enrollment in the amnesty programs, at June 30, 2010 the most significant remaining claims relate to a state VAT tax matter associated with a procedural issue and a federal income tax matter where the taxing authorities are challenging the tax rate that should be applied to income generated by a subsidiary company. The total estimated exposure relating to such claims, including interest and penalties as appropriate, is approximately $148 million. Praxair has not recorded any liabilities related to such claims based on management judgments, after considering judgments and opinions of outside counsel. Because litigation in Brazil historically takes many years to resolve, it is very difficult to estimate the timing of resolution of these matters; however, it is possible that certain of these matters may be resolved within the near term. The company is vigorously defending against the proceedings.

 

   

In the course of its normal business operations, the company and its subsidiaries are the subject of various regulatory actions from time to time. The company’s Brazilian subsidiary and several other Brazilian industrial gas companies are the subject of a proceeding by a unit of the Brazilian Ministry of Justice for alleged anticompetitive activities during a period prior to 2004. The company believes it has strong defenses and, in the event of an administrative fine, which may be material, the company will vigorously appeal it up to such levels of the Federal Courts in Brazil as may be necessary. No reserve has been recorded for this proceeding as management does not believe that an ultimate loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time.

 

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12. Segments

Sales and operating profit by segment for the quarters and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 are shown below. For a description of Praxair’s operating segments, refer to Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements of Praxair’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

     Quarter Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
(Millions of dollars)    2010    2009    2010     2009

SALES(a)

          

North America

   $ 1,281    $ 1,120    $ 2,519      $ 2,284

Europe

     335      306      673       609

South America

     490      395      948       748

Asia

     280      199      538       379

Surface Technologies(b)

     141      118      277       241
                            
   $ 2,527    $ 2,138    $ 4,955      $ 4,261
                            

OPERATING PROFIT

          

North America

   $ 294    $ 264    $ 571      $ 520

Europe

     73      61      140       124

South America

     114      70      223       145

Asia

     44      33      78       59

Surface Technologies

     22      19      41       41
                            

Segment operating profit

     547      447      1,053       889

Venezuela currency devaluation (Note 2)

     —        —        (27     —  
                            

Total operating profit

   $ 547    $ 447    $ 1,026      $ 889
                            

 

(a) Intersegment sales, primarily from North America to other segments, were not significant for the quarters and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.
(b) On July 1, 2009, Praxair acquired Sermatech International Holdings Corp., which contributed sales of $21 million and $41 million, respectively, in the quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010.

 

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13. Equity

A summary of the changes in total equity for the quarters and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 is provided below:

 

(Millions of dollars)    Quarter Ended June 30,  
     2010     2009  

Activity

   Praxair, Inc.
Shareholders’
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total
Equity
    Praxair, Inc.
Shareholders’
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total
Equity
 

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 5,398      $ 332      $ 5,730      $ 4,073      $ 302      $ 4,375   
                                                

Net Income

     371       10       381       299       12       311  

Translation Adjustments

     (197     (12     (209     452       9       461  

Derivative Instruments, net of less than $1 million of taxes in 2010 and 2009

     —            —          1         1  

Funded Status - retirement obligations, net of $1 million taxes in 2010 and less than $1 million taxes in 2009

     12         12       (8       (8
                                                

Comprehensive income

     186       (2     184       744       21       765  

Dividends to noncontrolling interests

     —          (15     (15     —          (13     (13

(Purchases) sales of noncontrolling interests (a)

     (2       (2     (8     (2     (10

Dividends to Praxair, Inc. common stock holders ($0.45 per share in 2010 and $0.40 per share in 2009)

     (137       (137     (123       (123

Issuances of common stock:

            

For the dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan

     2         2       2         2  

For employee savings and incentive plans

     32         32       22         22  

Purchases of common stock

     (50       (50     (85       (85

Tax benefit from stock options

     10         10       3         3  

Share-based compensation

     13         13       10         10  
                                                

Balance, end of period

   $ 5,452      $ 315      $ 5,767      $ 4,638      $ 308      $ 4,946   
                                                

 

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     Six Months Ended June 30,  
(Millions of dollars)    2010     2009  

Activity

   Praxair, Inc.
Shareholders’
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total
Equity
    Praxair, Inc.
Shareholders’
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total
Equity
 

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 5,315      $ 333      $ 5,648      $ 4,009      $ 302      $ 4,311   
                                                

Net Income

     685       19       704       589       20       609  

Translation Adjustments

     (238     (18     (256     307       —          307  

Derivative Instruments, net of less than $1 million taxes in 2010 and $3 million taxes in 2009

     —            —          7         7  

Funded Status - retirement obligations, net of $18 million taxes in 2010 and $1 million taxes in 2009

     10         10       (2       (2
                                                

Comprehensive income

     457       1       458       901       20       921  

Dividends to noncontrolling interests

     —          (19     (19     —          (16     (16

Additions to noncontrolling interests

     —            —          —          5       5  

(Purchases) sales of noncontrolling interests (a)

     (2       (2     (8     (3     (11

Dividends to Praxair, Inc. common stock holders ($0.90 per share in 2010 and $0.80 per share in 2009)

     (275       (275     (246       (246

Issuances of common stock:

            

For the dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan

     4         4       4         4  

For employee savings and incentive plans

     57         57       40         40  

Purchases of common stock

     (142       (142     (88       (88

Tax benefit from stock options

     15         15       7         7  

Share-based compensation

     23         23       19         19  
                                                

Balance, end of period

   $ 5,452      $ 315      $ 5,767      $ 4,638      $ 308      $ 4,946   
                                                

 

(a) During the 2010 and 2009 second quarters, Praxair increased its ownership in an Italian and US packaged gas subsidiary, respectively. The difference between the purchase price and the related noncontrolling interests of $2 million and $8 million, respectively, was recorded as a decrease in Praxair’s additional paid-in capital.

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) are as follows:

 

(Millions of dollars)    June 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

Cumulative translation adjustments (CTA)

   $ (907   $ (651

Derivative instruments

     4       4  

Pension/ OPEB funded status obligation

     (492     (502
                
     (1,395     (1,149

Less: noncontrolling interests (CTA)

     (12     6  
                

AOCI - Praxair, Inc.

   $ (1,383   $ (1,155
                

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Adjusted Amounts and Comparisons

The discussion of consolidated results and outlook in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) includes adjusted amounts and comparisons with adjusted amounts which exclude the impact of the Venezuela currency devaluation in 2010. Adjusted amounts are non-GAAP measures that supplement an understanding of the company’s financial information by presenting information that investors, financial analysts and management use to help evaluate the company’s performance and ongoing business trends on a comparable basis. See the “Consolidated Results” section of this MD&A for a summary of these adjusted amounts. A reconciliation of reported amounts to adjusted amounts can be found in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this MD&A.

Consolidated Results

The following table provides summary data for the quarters and six-month periods ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:

 

     Quarter Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)    2010     2009     Variance     2010     2009     Variance  

Reported Amounts

            

Sales

   $ 2,527      $ 2,138      18   $ 4,955      $ 4,261      16

Gross margin (a)

   $ 1,090      $ 948      15   $ 2,137      $ 1,876      14

As a percent of sales

     43.1     44.3       43.1     44.0  

Selling, general and administrative

   $ 302      $ 265      14   $ 596      $ 530      12

As a percent of sales

     12.0     12.4       12.0     12.4  

Depreciation and amortization

   $ 230      $ 207      11   $ 458      $ 406      13

Venezuela currency devaluation (b)

   $ —        $ —          $ 27      $ —       

Other income (expense) - net

   $ 8      $ (11     $ 7      $ (15  

Operating profit

   $ 547      $ 447      22   $ 1,026      $ 889      15

As a percent of sales

     21.6     20.9       20.7     20.9  

Interest expense - net

   $ 29      $ 33      (12 )%    $ 61      $ 68      (10 )% 

Effective tax rate

     28.0     26.3       28.6     27.2  

Net income - Praxair, Inc.

   $ 371      $ 299      24   $ 685      $ 589      16

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 1.19      $ 0.96      24   $ 2.20      $ 1.89      16

Diluted shares outstanding

     311,109       312,429     —       311,251       312,021     —  

Adjusted Amounts - 2010 (c)

            

Operating profit

         $ 1,053      $ 889      18

As a percent of sales

           21.3     20.9  

Effective tax rate

           27.9     27.2  

Net income - Praxair, Inc.

         $ 711      $ 589      21

Diluted earnings per share

         $ 2.28      $ 1.89      21

 

(a) Gross margin excludes depreciation and amortization expense.
(b) See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
(c) Adjusted amounts are non-GAAP measures. 2010 adjusted amounts exclude the impact of the Venezuela currency devaluation. Variances are calculated using adjusted amounts, when appropriate. A reconciliation of reported amounts to adjusted amounts can be found in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this MD&A. Amounts reflected for 2009 represent the reported amounts.

 

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Venezuela Currency Devaluation

On January 8, 2010, Venezuela announced a devaluation of the Venezuelan bolivar and created a two tier exchange rate system. Under the new system, a 2.60 exchange rate between the bolivar and the U.S. dollar (which implies 17.3% devaluation) will apply for essential goods while an exchange rate of 4.3 (implying 50% devaluation) will apply for all remaining sectors, including Praxair’s operations. In the first quarter 2010, Praxair recorded a $27 million charge ($26 million after-tax or $0.08 per diluted share) due primarily to the remeasurement of the local Venezuelan balance sheet to reflect the new official 4.3 exchange rate.

Results of Operations

As previously described, references to “adjusted” amounts refer to reported amounts adjusted to exclude the impact of special items and are non-GAAP measures. A reconciliation of reported amounts to adjusted amounts can be found in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this MD&A.

 

    Quarter Ended June 30,
2010  vs. 2009
    Six Months Ended June  30,
2010 vs. 2009
 
    % Change     % Change  

Sales

   

Volume

  12   

Price/Mix/Other

  —     —  

Cost pass-through

   

Currency

   

Acquisitions/ divestitures

   
           

Total sales change

  18    16 
           

Sales increased $389 million, or 18%, for the second quarter and increased $694 million, or 16%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 versus the respective 2009 periods. The underlying increase in sales of 12% and 9% for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, reflects higher volumes in all geographies. Sales to the chemicals, metals and electronics end markets showed the strongest growth compared with the prior year. The favorable impact of currency, primarily in South America, Asia, Mexico and Canada increased sales by 4% and 5% for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively. Higher cost pass-through increased sales by $26 million, or 1%, for the quarter and $47 million, or 1%, for the year-to-date period, with a negligible impact on operating profit.

Gross margin in 2010 improved $142 million, or 15%, for the second quarter and increased $261 million, or 14%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 versus the respective 2009 periods primarily due to higher volumes. The decrease in the gross margin percentage for both the quarter and year-to-date periods to 43.1% was primarily due to the impact from higher cost pass-through and product mix.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased $37 million, or 14%, for the second quarter and increased $66 million, or 12%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 versus the respective 2009 periods, but decreased as a percentage of sales in both periods. The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to currency impacts and higher pension and benefit costs.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $23 million, or 11%, for the second quarter and increased $52 million, or 13%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 versus the respective 2009 periods. The increase was due to depreciation associated with project start-ups and currency effects.

Other income (expense) – net was a $8-million benefit and $7-million benefit for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, versus a $ 11-million expense and $15-million expense in the respective 2009 periods. The 2010 quarter and six-month periods included $5 million and $6 million of currency related net gains, respectively, primarily related to net income hedges. The 2009 quarter and six-month periods included $16 million and $15 million of currency related net losses, respectively, primarily related to net income hedges (see Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).

Reported operating profit increased $100 million, or 22%, for the second quarter versus 2009. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, adjusted operating profit increased $164 million, or 18%, versus the respective 2009 period. This increase was primarily driven by higher sales volumes.

 

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Interest expense – net decreased $4 million, or 12%, for the second quarter and decreased $7 million, or 10%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 versus the respective periods in 2009 due to lower effective interest rates and lower levels of international bank borrowings.

The reported effective tax rate for the second quarter 2010 was 28.0% versus 26.3% for the same period in 2009. The adjusted effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was 27.9% versus 27.2% for the same period in 2009. The 2009 periods include a $7 million tax benefit primarily related to tax incentives in Italy. Excluding this tax benefit, the underlying effective tax rate for the quarter and six month periods was 28.0% in 2009.

Reported net income – Praxair, Inc. increased $72 million, or 24%, for the second quarter versus 2009. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, adjusted net income – Praxair, Inc. increased $122 million, or 21%, versus the respective 2009 period. The increase was primarily due to higher operating profit and lower interest expense.

Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased $0.23 per diluted share, or 24%, for the second quarter 2010 versus 2009. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, adjusted EPS increased $0.39, or 21%, versus the respective 2009 period. The underlying increase in EPS was in line with the increase in net income – Praxair, Inc.

The number of employees at June 30, 2010 was 25,877, reflecting a decrease of 287 employees from December 31, 2009.

Segment Discussion

The following summary of sales and operating profit by segment provides a basis for the discussion that follows:

 

     Quarter ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
(Dollar amounts in millions)    2010    2009    Variance     2010     2009    Variance  

SALES

               

North America

   $ 1,281    $ 1,120    14   $ 2,519      $ 2,284    10

Europe

     335      306    9     673       609    11

South America

     490      395    24     948       748    27

Asia

     280      199    41     538       379    42

Surface Technologies

     141      118    19     277       241    15
                                 
   $ 2,527    $ 2,138    18   $ 4,955      $ 4,261    16
                                 

OPERATING PROFIT

               

North America

   $ 294    $ 264    11   $ 571      $ 520    10

Europe

     73      61    20     140       124    13

South America

     114      70    63     223       145    54

Asia

     44      33    33     78       59    32

Surface Technologies

     22      19    16     41       41    —  
                                 

Segment operating profit

     547      447    22     1,053       889    18

Venezuela currency devaluation (Note 2)

     —        —          (27     —     
                                 

Total operating profit

   $ 547    $ 447      $ 1,026      $ 889   
                                 

 

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North America

 

     Quarter Ended June 30,
2010 vs. 2009
    Six Months Ended June 30,
2010 vs. 2009
 
     % Change     % Change  

Sales

    

Volume

   12   

Price/Mix/Other

   (1 )%    (1 )% 

Cost pass-through

   —     —  

Currency

    
            

Total sales change

   14    10 
            

Sales increased $161 million, or 14%, for the second quarter and increased $235 million, or 10%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 versus the respective 2009 periods. Currency appreciation, primarily in Canada and Mexico, increased sales by 3% in both the quarter and year-to-date periods. Higher cost pass-through increased sales by $1 million, or less than 1%, for the quarter and $4 million, or less than 1%, for the year-to-date period with a minimal impact on operating profit. Excluding currency and cost pass-through, sales increased 11% and 7% in the quarter and year-to-date periods primarily due to higher volumes. Sales were higher to the chemicals, metals and energy end-markets.

Operating profit increased $30 million, or 11%, for the second quarter and increased $51 million, or 10%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 versus the respective 2009 periods. Excluding the impact of currency, operating profit grew as a result of higher volumes and lower fixed costs due to ongoing productivity initiatives and cost reductions.

Europe

 

     Quarter ended June 30,
2010 vs. 2009
    Six Months Ended June 30,
2010 vs. 2009
 
     % Change     % Change  

Sales

    

Volume

   10   

Price/Mix/Other

     —  

Cost pass-through

   —    

Currency

   (3 )%   

Acquisitions/Divestitures

     —  
            

Total sales change

     11 
            

Sales increased $29 million, or 9%, for the second quarter and increased $64 million, or 11%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 versus the respective 2009 periods. Currency decreased sales by 3% and increased sales by 1% in the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively. Higher cost pass-through increased sales by $1 million, or less than 1%, for the quarter and increased sales by $4 million, or 1%, for the year-to-date period, with a minimal impact on operating profit. The underlying improvement in sales of 11% and 9% for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, was due primarily to higher on-site and merchant volumes in Germany, Italy and Spain.

Operating profit increased $12 million, or 20%, for the second quarter and increased $16 million, or 13%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 versus the respective 2009 periods. Operating profit for the 2010 quarter and six-month periods included net income hedge gains of $4 million and $5 million, respectively. Operating profit for the 2009 quarter and six-month periods included net income hedge losses of $4 million and $2 million, respectively (see Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). The underlying increase in operating profit was due to higher volumes.

 

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South America

 

     Quarter ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2010 vs. 2009     2010 vs. 2009  
     % Change     % Change  

Sales

    

Volume

   14    11 

Price/Mix/Other

    

Cost pass-through

    

Currency

   12    16 

Equipment

   (4 )%    (4 )% 
            

Total sales change

   24    27 
            

Sales increased $95 million, or 24%, for the second quarter and increased $200 million, or 27%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 versus the respective 2009 periods. Currency increased sales by 12% and 16% in the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively. Higher cost pass-through increased sales by $4 million, or 1%, for both the 2010 second quarter and year-to-date period with a minimal impact on operating profit. Equipment sales were lower by 4% for both the quarter and year-to-date periods versus the prior year due to lower sales of natural gas cylinders. Excluding currency, cost pass-through and equipment, sales increased 15% and 14% for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively. The increase was primarily due to higher volumes to metals, manufacturing and healthcare customers and higher overall pricing.

Operating profit increased $44 million, or 63%, for the second quarter and increased $78 million, or 54%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 versus the respective 2009 periods. Operating profit for the 2009 quarter and six-month periods included currency related net losses of $11 million and $12 million, respectively, which primarily consisted of net income hedge losses (see Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). Excluding the favorable impact of currency, underlying operating profit grew as a result of higher volumes and higher pricing. Operating profit for the 2010 year-to-date period included a benefit from a decision to settle certain disputes under a special amnesty program enacted by the State of Rio de Janeiro, which was largely offset by charges in connection with a non-core service business restructuring.

Asia

 

     Quarter ended June 30,
2010 vs. 2009
    Six Months Ended June 30,
2010 vs. 2009
 
     % Change     % Change  

Sales

    

Volume

   27    30 

Price/Mix/Other

   (1 )%    (2 )% 

Cost pass-through

   10   

Currency

    
            

Total sales change

   41    42 
            

Sales increased $81 million, or 41%, for the second quarter and increased $159 million, or 42%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 versus the respective 2009 periods. Favorable currency increased sales by 5% for both the quarter and year-to-date periods. Higher cost pass-through increased sales by $20 million, or 10%, for the 2010 second quarter, and increased sales by $36 million, or 9%, for the year-to-date period, with a minimal impact on operating profit. Excluding currency and cost pass-through, sales increased 26% and 28% for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, due primarily to sharply higher volumes across the region and new plant start-ups.

Operating profit increased $11 million, or 33%, for the second quarter and increased $19 million, or 32%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 versus the respective 2009 periods primarily as the result of higher sales volumes and currency appreciation.

 

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Table of Contents

Surface Technologies

 

     Quarter ended June 30,
2010 vs. 2009
    Six Months Ended June 30,
2010 vs. 2009
 
     % Change     % Change  

Sales

    

Volume/Price

     (4 )% 

Currency

   (1 )%   

Acquisitions

   18    17 
            

Total sales change

   19    15 
            

Sales increased $23 million, or 19%, for the second quarter and increased $36 million, or 15%, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 versus the respective 2009 periods. Sales for the 2010 second quarter and year-to-date period increased $21 million, or 18%, and $41 million, or 17%, respectively, from the acquisition of Sermatech. Excluding the impact of currency translation and the acquisition, sales increased 2% and decreased 4% for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively. Sales for the quarter increased due to higher aviation coatings volumes partially offset by weaker industrial gas turbines coatings. Sales for the year-to-date period decreased primarily due to lower volumes to the energy end-market primarily for industrial gas turbines coatings.

Operating profit increased $3 million, or 16%, for the second quarter, and was flat for the six months ended June 30, 2010 versus the respective 2009 periods. The increase for the second quarter was principally driven by lower costs due to productivity initiatives.

On July 1, 2009, Praxair acquired Sermatech International Holdings Corp. (Sermatech), a global supplier of protective coatings and advanced processes used on industrial and aviation gas turbines with operations in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Germany and South Korea.

Currency

The results of Praxair’s non-U.S. operations are translated to the company’s reporting currency, the U.S. dollar, from the functional currencies used in the countries in which the company operates. For most foreign operations, Praxair uses the local currency as its functional currency. There is inherent variability and unpredictability in the relationship of these functional currencies to the U.S. dollar and such currency movements may materially impact Praxair’s results of operations in any given period.

 

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To help understand the reported results, the following is a summary of the significant currencies underlying Praxair’s consolidated results and the exchange rates used to translate the financial statements (rates of exchange expressed in units of local currency per U.S. dollar):

 

      Percent of
YTD 2010
Consolidated
Sales (a)
    Exchange Rate for
Income Statement
   Exchange Rate for
Balance Sheet
       Year-To-Date Average    June 30,    December 31,

Currency

     2010    2009    2010    2009

Brazil real

   17   1.80    2.19    1.80    1.74

Euro

   15   0.74    0.75    0.81    0.69

Canada dollar

   8   1.04    1.21    1.04    1.05

Mexico peso

   6   12.74    14.01    12.67    13.03

China RMB

   3   6.83    6.83    6.79    6.83

India rupee

   2   46.04    49.35    46.13    46.68

Korea won

   2   1,160    1,355    1,205    1,170

Argentina peso

   1   3.87    3.64    3.93    3.80

Colombia peso

   1   1,948    2,321    1,913    2,044

Singapore dollar

   1   1.40    1.49    1.39    1.40

Taiwan dollar

   1   31.97    33.55    31.99    32.29

Thailand bhat

   1   32.77    35.15    32.42    33.36

Venezuela Bolivar (b)

   <1   4.30    2.15    4.30    2.15

 

(a) Certain Surface technologies segment sales are included in European, Brazilian and Indian sales.
(b) On January 8, 2010, the Venezuelan government announced a devaluation of the Venezuelan Bolivar to 4.30 (See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).

 

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Table of Contents

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Other Financial Data

The following selected cash flow information provides a basis for the discussion that follows:

 

(Millions of dollars)    Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
     2010     2009  

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR):

    

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net income - Praxair, Inc.

   $ 685      $ 589   

Noncontrolling interests

     19       20  
                

Net income (including noncontrolling interests)

     704       609  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Venezuela currency devaluation and other charges, net of payments

     24       (28

Depreciation and amortization

     458       406  

Accounts receivable

     (48     47  

Inventory

     3       19  

Payables and accruals

     (28     (246

Pension contributions

     (114     (9

Other - net

     20       114  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 1,019      $ 912   
                

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Capital expenditures

     (613     (663

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (20     (11

Divestitures and asset sales

     21       13  
                

Net cash used for investing activities

   $ (612   $ (661
                

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Debt increases (reductions) - net

     (27     57  

Issuances (purchases) of common stock - net

     (85     (48

Cash dividends - Praxair, Inc. shareholders

     (275     (246

Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises

     13       6  

Noncontrolling interest transactions and other

     (11     (22
                

Net cash used for financing activities

   $ (385   $ (253
                

Cash Flow from Operations

Cash provided by operations of $1,019 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 increased $107 million versus 2009. The increase was due to higher net income – Praxair, Inc., adjusted for the non-cash charge related to the Venezuela currency devaluation. In addition, cash provided by operations benefited from fewer cash payments for the 2008 cost reduction program and working capital changes partially offset by higher pension contributions.

Praxair estimates that 2010 contributions to its pension plans will be in the range of $125 million to $135 million, of which $114 million have been made through June 30, 2010.

In the third quarter 2009, Praxair recorded the net impact related to a Federal tax amnesty program in Brazil (see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements of Praxair’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K). The program required a cash outlay of $34 million in the 2009 fourth quarter and is expected to require up to an additional $60 million of cash payments in the next twelve months depending on the timing of the Brazilian government consolidation process.

 

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Table of Contents

Investing

Net cash used for investing of $612 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 decreased $49 million versus 2009. Capital expenditures of $613 million relate largely to new production plants under contract for customers in North and South America, China and India.

Financing

Cash used for financing activities was $385 million in 2010 versus $253 million in 2009. Cash dividends of $275 million increased $29 million from the year ago period to $0.90 per share ($0.80 per share for 2009). The remaining increase was primarily due to lower net debt issuances in 2010 and higher net stock repurchases.

At June 30, 2010, Praxair’s total debt outstanding was $5,026 million, a decrease of $29 million from December 31, 2009. On January 14, 2010, Praxair issued $500 million of 2.125% notes due 2013. The proceeds were used to repay long-term debt, including the $500 million of floating rate notes due in May 2010, to fund share repurchases under the share repurchase program and for general corporate purposes.

On July 28, 2010, the company announced that the company’s board of directors approved a new $1.5 billion share repurchase program authorizing the company to repurchase shares from time to time on the open market or through negotiated transactions, subject to market and business conditions.

Legal Proceedings

See Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a description of current legal proceedings.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

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 financing leverage, return on net assets employed and operating performance. Special 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.

The following are the non-GAAP measures presented in the MD&A:

 

     Quarter Ended
June 30,
 
(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)    2010     2009  

Debt-to-capital

     46.6  

After-tax return on capital

     14.7     13.8

Return on equity

     27.4     27.5
     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2010     2009  

Adjusted amounts:

    

Operating profit

   $ 1,053      $ 889   

As a percent of sales

     21.3     20.9

Effective tax rate

     27.9     27.2

Net income - Praxair, Inc.

   $ 711      $ 589   

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 2.28      $ 1.89   

 

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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.

 

     June 30,     December 31,  
     2010     2009  
(Dollar amounts in millions)             

Total debt

   $ 5,026      $ 5,055   
                

Equity

    

Praxair, Inc. shareholders’ equity

     5,452       5,315  

Noncontrolling interests

     315       333  
                

Total equity

     5,767       5,648  
                

Total capital

   $ 10,793      $ 10,703   
                

DEBT-TO-CAPITAL RATIO

     46.6     47.2

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).

 

     Quarter Ended
June 30,
 
     2010     2009  
(Dollar amounts in millions)             

Reported operating profit

   $ 547      $ 447   

Less: reported taxes

     (145     (109

Less: tax benefit on interest expense (a)

     (8     (9

Add: equity income

     8       6  
                

Net operating profit after-tax (NOPAT)

   $ 402      $ 335   
                

Beginning capital

   $ 11,134      $ 9,420   

Ending capital

   $ 10,793      $ 10,053   

Average capital

   $ 10,964      $ 9,737   

ROC%

     3.7     3.4

ROC% (annualized)

     14.7     13.8

 

(a) Tax benefit on interest expense is computed using the effective rate adjusted for non-recurring income tax benefits. The effective tax rate used was 28% for 2010 and 2009.

 

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Return on Praxair, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity (ROE)

Return on Praxair, Inc. shareholders’ equity is a measure used by investors, financial analysts and management to evaluate operating performance from a Praxair shareholder perspective. ROE measures the net income attributable to Praxair, Inc. that the company was able to generate with the money shareholders have invested.

 

     Quarter Ended
June 30,
 
     2010     2009  
(Dollar amounts in millions)             

Reported net income - Praxair, Inc.

   $ 371      $ 299   

Beginning Praxair, Inc. shareholders’ equity

   $ 5,398      $ 4,073   

Ending Praxair, Inc. shareholders’ equity

   $ 5,452      $ 4,638   

Average Praxair, Inc. shareholders’ equity

   $ 5,425      $ 4,356   

ROE%

     6.8     6.9

ROE% (annualized)

     27.4     27.5

Adjusted Amounts

Amounts are adjusted for the impact of the 2010 Venezuela currency devaluation. The company does not believe this item is indicative of on-going business trends and, accordingly, the impact is excluded from the reported amounts so that investors can better evaluate and analyze historical and future business trends on a consistent basis.

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)    2010     2009  

Adjusted Operating Profit and Margin

    

Reported operating profit

   $ 1,026      $ 889   

Add: Venezuela currency devaluation

     27       —     
                

Adjusted operating profit

   $ 1,053      $ 889   
                

Reported percent change

     15  

Adjusted percent change

     18  

Reported sales

   $ 4,955      $ 4,261   

Reported operating profit margin

     20.7     20.9

Adjusted operating profit margin

     21.3     20.9

 

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Adjusted Income Taxes and Effective Tax Rate

    

Reported income taxes

   $ 276      $ 223   

Add: Venezuela currency devaluation

     1       —     
                

Adjusted income taxes

   $ 277      $ 223   
                

Reported income before income taxes and equity investments

   $ 965      $ 821   

Add: Venezuela currency devaluation

     27       —     
                

Adjusted income before income taxes and equity investments

   $ 992      $ 821   

Adjusted effective tax rate

     27.9     27.2

Adjusted Net Income - Praxair, Inc.

    

Reported net income - Praxair, Inc.

   $ 685      $ 589   

Add: Venezuela currency devaluation

     26       —     
                

Adjusted net income - Praxair, Inc.

   $ 711      $ 589   
                

Reported percent change

     16  

Adjusted percent change

     21  

Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

    

Reported diluted earnings per share

   $ 2.20      $ 1.89   

Add: Venezuela currency devaluation

     0.08       —     
                

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

   $ 2.28      $ 1.89   
                

Reported percent change

     16  

Adjusted percent change

     21  
Adjusted Full-Year 2010 Diluted Earnings Per Share Guidance     
     Low
End
    High
End
 

Expected full-year 2010 diluted earnings per share guidance

   $ 4.52      $ 4.62   

Add: Venezuela currency devaluation

     0.08       0.08  
                

Adjusted full-year 2010 diluted earnings per share guidance

   $ 4.60      $ 4.70   
                

New Accounting Standards

Refer to Note 1 of the condensed consolidated financial statements for information regarding new accounting standards.

Fair Value Measurements

Praxair does not expect changes in the aggregate fair value of its financial assets and liabilities to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. See Note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Outlook

For the third quarter of 2010, diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $1.15 to $1.20.

For the full year of 2010, Praxair expects sales of about $10 billion. Reported diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the

 

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range of $4.52 to $4.62, including the impact of the Venezuela currency devaluation in the first quarter ($26 million net after-tax charge or $0.08 per diluted share). Excluding the impact of the Venezuela currency devaluation, adjusted diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $4.60 to $4.70. Full-year capital expenditures are expected to be about $1.4 billion supporting the current backlog of projects under contract with customers, which will come on stream in 2010 through 2012.

Praxair provides quarterly updates on operating results, material trends that may affect financial performance, and financial earnings guidance via quarterly earnings releases and investor teleconferences. These updates are available on the company’s website, www.praxair.com, but are not incorporated herein.

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 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; 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; 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 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 this report which should be reviewed carefully. Please consider the company’s forward-looking statements in light of those risks.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Refer to Item 7A. to Part II of Praxair’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K for discussion.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

(a) Based on an evaluation of the effectiveness of Praxair’s disclosure controls and procedures, which was made under the supervision and with the participation of management, including Praxair’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer have each concluded that, as of the end of the quarterly period covered by this report, such disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by Praxair in reports that it files under the Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and accumulated and communicated to management including Praxair’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

(b) There were no changes in Praxair’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarterly period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Praxair’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Praxair, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a description of current legal proceedings.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Due to the size and geographic reach of the company’s operations, a wide range of factors, many of which are outside of the company’s control, could materially affect the company’s future operations and financial performance. Management believes the following risks may significantly impact the company:

General Economic Conditions - Weakening economic conditions in markets in which the company does business may adversely impact the company’s financial results and/or cash flows.

Praxair serves approximately 25 diverse industries across more than 40 countries, which generally leads to financial stability through various business cycles. However, a broad decline in general economic or business conditions in the industries served by its customers could adversely affect the demand for Praxair’s products and impair the ability of our customers to satisfy their obligations to the company, resulting in uncollected receivables and/or unanticipated contract terminations or project delays. Additionally, such conditions could impact the utilization of the company’s manufacturing capacity which may require the company to recognize impairment losses on tangible assets such as property, plant and equipment as well as intangible assets such as intellectual property or goodwill. In addition, many of the company’s customers are in businesses that are cyclical in nature, such as the chemicals, metals and refining industries. Downturns in these industries may adversely impact the company during these cycles.

Cost and Availability of Raw Materials and Energy - Increases in the cost of energy and raw materials and/or disruption in the supply of these materials could result in lost sales or reduced profitability.

Energy is the single largest cost item in the production and distribution of industrial gases. Most of Praxair’s energy requirements are in the form of electricity, natural gas and diesel fuel for distribution. Praxair attempts to minimize the financial impact of variability in these costs through the management of customer contracts, which typically have escalation and pass-through clauses for the company’s larger contracts. Such attempts may not successfully mitigate cost variability which could negatively impact its financial condition or results of operations. The supply of energy has not been a significant issue in the geographic areas where it conducts business. However, regional energy conditions are unpredictable and may pose future risk.

For carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, helium, hydrogen, specialty gases and surface technologies, raw materials are largely purchased from outside sources. Praxair has contracts or commitments for, or readily available sources of, most of these raw materials; however, their long-term availability and prices are subject to market conditions. A disruption in supply of such raw materials could impact the company’s ability to meet contractual supply commitments.

International Events and Circumstances - The company’s international operations are subject to the risks of doing business abroad and international events and circumstances may adversely impact its business, financial condition or results of operations.

Praxair has substantial international operations which are subject to risks including devaluations in currency exchange rates, transportation delays and interruptions, political and economic instability and disruptions, restrictions on the transfer of funds, the imposition of duties and tariffs, import and export controls, changes in governmental policies, labor unrest, possible nationalization and/or expropriation of assets, domestic and international tax laws and compliance with governmental regulations. These events could have an adverse effect on the international operations in the future by reducing the demand for its products, decreasing the prices at

 

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which it can sell its products, reducing the U.S. dollar value of revenue from international operations or otherwise having an adverse effect on its business. In particular, due to recent government actions related to business and currency regulations, there is considerable risk associated with operations in Venezuela (see Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). At June 30, 2010, Praxair’s sales and net assets in Venezuela were less than 1% of Praxair’s consolidated amounts.

Global Financial Markets Conditions - Macroeconomic factors may impact the company’s ability to obtain financing or increase the cost of obtaining financing which may adversely impact the company’s financial results and/or cash flows.

Volatility and disruption in the U.S. and global credit and equity markets, from time to time, could make it more difficult for Praxair to obtain financing for its operations and/or could increase the cost of obtaining financing. In addition, the company’s borrowing costs can be affected by short and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies which are based, in significant part, on the company’s performance as measured by certain criteria such as interest coverage and leverage ratios. A decrease in these debt ratings could increase the cost of borrowing or make it more difficult to obtain financing. While the impact of continued volatility in the global credit markets cannot be predicted with certainty, the company believes that it has sufficient operating flexibility, cash reserves, and funding sources to maintain adequate amounts of liquidity to meet its business needs around the world.

Competitor Actions - The inability to effectively compete could adversely impact results of operations.

Praxair operates within a highly competitive environment worldwide. Competition is based on price, product quality, delivery, reliability, technology and service to customers. Competitors’ behavior related to these areas could potentially have significant impacts on the company’s financial results.

Governmental Regulations - The company is subject to a variety of United States and foreign government regulations. Changes in these regulations could have an adverse impact on the business, financial position and results of operations.

The company is subject to regulations in the following areas, among others:

 

   

Environmental protection;

 

   

Domestic and international tax laws and currency controls;

 

   

Safety;

 

   

Securities laws (e.g., SEC and generally accepted accounting principles in the United States);

 

   

Trade and import/ export restrictions;

 

   

Antitrust matters;

 

   

Global anti-bribery laws; and

 

   

Healthcare reimbursement regulations

Changes in these or other regulatory areas may impact the company’s profitability, may require the company to spend additional resources to comply with the regulations, or may restrict the company’s ability to compete effectively in the marketplace. Noncompliance with such laws and regulations could result in penalties or sanctions that could have an adverse impact on the company’s financial results. Environmental protection and healthcare reimbursement legislation are discussed further below.

Praxair is subject to various environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations, including those governing the discharge of pollutants into the air or water, the storage, handling and disposal of chemicals, hazardous substances and wastes, the remediation of contamination, the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, and other potential climate change initiatives. Violations of these laws could result in substantial penalties, third party claims for property damage or personal injury, or sanctions. The company may also be subject to liability for the investigation and remediation of environmental contamination at properties that it owns or operates and at other properties where Praxair or its predecessors have operated or arranged for the disposal of hazardous wastes. Although management does not believe that any such liabilities will have a material adverse impact on its financial

 

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position and results of operations, management cannot provide assurance that such costs will not increase in the future or will not become material. See the section captioned “Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Environmental Matters” in Item 7 of Praxair’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recent legislation in the United States, including the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, contain provisions that will significantly impact government reimbursement of healthcare-related products and services provided by Praxair to its customers. Many provisions are not effective for several years and regulations have either not been issued or their impact is unclear. Therefore, it is not possible to predict the impact on the company’s financial results. Praxair is continuously evaluating and monitoring the impact of this legislation, including any actions that may be appropriate.

Catastrophic Events - Catastrophic events could disrupt the operations of the company and/or its customers and suppliers and may have a significant adverse impact on the results of operations.

The occurrence of catastrophic events or natural disasters such as hurricanes, health epidemics, acts of war or terrorism, could disrupt or delay the company’s ability to produce and distribute its products to customers and could potentially expose the company to third-party liability claims. In addition, such events could impact the company’s customers and suppliers resulting in temporary or long-term outages and/or the limitation of supply of energy and other raw materials used in normal business operations. These situations are outside the company’s control and may have a significant adverse impact on the company’s financial results.

Retaining Qualified Personnel - The inability to attract and retain qualified personnel may adversely impact the company’s business.

If Praxair fails to attract, hire and retain qualified personnel, the company may not be able to develop, market or sell its products or successfully manage its business. Praxair is dependent upon its highly skilled, experienced and efficient workforce to be successful. Much of Praxair’s competitive advantage is based on the expertise and experience of its key personnel regarding its marketing, technology, manufacturing and distribution infrastructure, systems and products. The inability to attract and hire qualified individuals or the loss of key employees in very skilled areas could have a negative effect on the company’s financial results.

Technological Advances - If the company fails to keep pace with technological advances in the industry or if new technology initiatives do not become commercially accepted, customers may not continue to buy the company’s products and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Praxair’s research and development is directed toward developing new and improved methods for the production and distribution of industrial gases and the development of new markets and applications for the use of these gases. This results in the frequent introduction of new industrial gas applications and the development of new advanced air separation process technologies. The company also conducts research and development for its surface technologies to improve the quality and durability of coatings and the use of specialty powders for new applications and industries. The results of these research and development activities help Praxair to create a competitive advantage and provide a platform for the company to grow its business at greater percentages than the rate of industrial production growth in the geographies where it operates. If Praxair’s research and development activities did not keep pace with competitors or if it did not create new applications that benefit customers, then the company’s future results of operations could be adversely affected.

Litigation and Governmental Investigations - The outcomes of litigation and governmental investigations may affect the company’s financial results.

Praxair is subject to various lawsuits and governmental investigations arising out of the normal course of business that may result in adverse outcomes. These actions are based upon alleged environmental, tax, antitrust and personal injury claims, among others. Adverse outcomes in some or all of the claims pending may result in significant monetary damages or injunctive relief that could adversely affect its ability to conduct business. While management currently believes that resolving all of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on the company’s financial position or liquidity, the litigation and other claims Praxair faces are subject to inherent uncertainties and management’s view of these matters may change in the future. There exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on the company’s results of operations for the period in which the effect of an unfavorable final outcome becomes probable and reasonably estimable.

 

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Tax Liabilities - Potential tax liabilities could adversely impact the company’s financial position and results of operations.

Praxair is subject to income and other taxes in both the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. The determination of the company’s worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities requires judgment and is based on diverse legislative and regulatory structures that exist in the various jurisdictions where the company operates. Although management believes its estimates are reasonable, the ultimate tax outcome may differ from the amounts recorded in its financial statements and may materially affect the company’s financial results for the period when such determination is made. See Notes 5 and 17 to the consolidated financial statements of Praxair’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Pension Liabilities - Risks related to our pension benefit plans may adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows.

Pension benefits represent significant financial obligations that will be ultimately settled in the future with employees who meet eligibility requirements. Because of the uncertainties involved in estimating the timing and amount of future payments and asset returns, significant estimates are required to calculate pension expense and liabilities related to the company’s plans. The company utilizes the services of independent actuaries, whose models are used to facilitate these calculations. Several key assumptions are used in the actuarial models to calculate pension expense and liability amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements. In particular, significant changes in actual investment returns on pension assets, discount rates, or legislative or regulatory changes could impact future results of operations and required pension contributions. For information regarding the potential impacts regarding significant assumptions used to estimate pension expense, including discount rates and the expected long-term rates of return on plan assets. See “Critical Accounting Policies - Pension Benefits” included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 of Praxair’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Operational Risks - Operational risks may adversely impact the company’s business or results of operations.

Praxair’s operating results are dependent on the continued operation of its production facilities and its ability to meet customer contract requirements and other needs. Insufficient or excess capacity threatens the company’s ability to generate competitive profit margins and may expose the company to liabilities related to contract commitments. Operating results are also dependent on the company’s ability to complete new construction projects on time, on budget and in accordance with performance requirements. Failure to do so may expose the business to loss of revenue, potential litigation and loss of business reputation.

Also inherent in the management of the company’s production facilities and delivery systems, including storage, vehicle transportation and pipelines, are operational risks that require continuous training, oversight and control. Material operating failures at production, storage facilities or pipelines, including fire, toxic release and explosions, or the occurrence of vehicle transportation accidents could result in loss of life, damage to the environment, loss of production and/or extensive property damage, all of which may negatively impact the company’s financial results.

Acquisitions - The inability to effectively integrate acquisitions could adversely impact the company’s financial position and results of operations.

Praxair has evaluated, and expects to continue to evaluate, a wide array of potential strategic acquisitions. Many of these acquisitions, if consummated, could be material to its financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the process of integrating an acquired company, business or group of assets may create unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. Although historically the company has been successful with its acquisition strategy and execution, the areas where the company may face risks include:

 

   

The need to implement or remediate controls, procedures and policies appropriate for a larger public company at companies that prior to the acquisition lacked these controls, procedures and policies;

 

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Diversion of management time and focus from operating existing business to acquisition integration challenges;

 

   

Cultural challenges associated with integrating employees from the acquired company into the existing organization;

 

   

The need to integrate each company’s accounting, management information, human resource and other administrative systems to permit effective management;

 

   

Difficulty with the assimilation of acquired operations and products;

 

   

Failure to achieve targeted synergies; and

 

   

Inability to retain key employees and business relationships of acquired companies.

Foreign acquisitions involve unique risks in addition to those mentioned above, including those related to integration of operations across different cultures and languages, currency risks and the particular economic, political and regulatory risks associated with specific countries. Also, the anticipated benefit of the company’s acquisitions may not materialize. Future acquisitions or dispositions could result in potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities or amortization expenses, or impairments of goodwill, any of which could adversely impact the company’s financial results.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Purchases of Equity Securities- Certain information regarding purchases made by or on behalf of the company or any affiliated purchaser (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of its common stock during the quarter ended June 30, 2010 is provided below:

 

Period

   Total
Number  of
Shares
Purchased
(Thousands)
   Average
Price
Paid
Per
Share
   Total
Numbers  of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Program  (1)
(Thousands)
   Maximum
Number  (or
approximate
dollar value)
of  Shares
that May
Yet be
Purchased
Under the
Program (2)
(Millions)

April 2010

   —        —      —      $ 51

May 2010

   535    $ 78.93    535    $ 9

June 2010

   100    $ 75.43    100    $ 2
                       

Second Quarter 2010

   635    $ 78.38    635    $ 2
                       

 

(1) On July 23, 2008, the company’s board of directors approved the repurchase of $1 billion of its common stock which could take place from time to time on the open market (which could include the use of 10b5-1 trading plans) or through negotiated transactions, subject to market and business conditions. On July 28, 2010, the company announced that the company’s board of directors approved the repurchase of an additional $1.5 billion of its common stock which may take place from time to time on the open market (which may include the use of 10b5-1 trading plans) or through negotiated transactions, subject to market and business conditions. The 2008 and 2010 programs do not have any stated expiration date.
(2) As of June 30, 2010, the Company purchased $998 million of its common stock, pursuant to the 2008 program, leaving an additional $2 million remaining authorized for purchase under the 2008 program. On July 28, 2010, the company announced that the company’s board of directors approved the repurchase of an additional $1.5 billion of its common stock.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

 

Item 4. Reserved

 

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Item 5. Other Information

On July 27, 2010 the Board of Directors of Praxair, Inc. appointed Mark J. Murphy Vice President and Controller of Praxair, Inc. effective August 1, 2010. Mr. Murphy will assume that position from Matthew J. White, who has been appointed Vice President and Treasurer of Praxair, Inc.

Mr. White, 37, has been Vice President and Controller of Praxair, Inc. since 2008. White joined Praxair in 2004 as Finance Director of Praxair’s largest business unit, North American Industrial Gases. From 2000 to 2004, he held various financial and accounting positions at Gentek, Inc., a diversified chemical, automotive and telecommunications holding company, including Group Controller of its Performance Products division. In 2004, Mr. White also served as Vice President of Finance at Fisher Scientific, a scientific and laboratory instruments distributor. He is a certified public accountant and a chartered financial analyst.

Mr. Murphy, 42, has been the President of Praxair Electronics since 2008. Murphy joined Praxair in 2000 as a Corporate Finance Manager and held financial positions in corporate treasury and Praxair Electronics before being named Managing Director of Electronics Components Services. In 2006, he became Director of Finance for Praxair Asia, based in Shanghai, responsible for finance, human resources and information technology. Before joining Praxair, he was a senior financial analyst for ExxonMobil.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

(a) Exhibits:

 

*10.01   2009 Praxair Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan, amended as of April 27, 2010 is filed herewith.
*10.02   Form of Executive Severance Compensation Agreement effective January 1, 2010 is filed herewith.
  12.01   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  31.01   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification
  31.02   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification
  32.01   Section 1350 Certification (such certifications are furnished for the information of the Commission and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act).
  32.02   Section 1350 Certification (such certifications are furnished for the information of the Commission and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act).
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
101. SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

 

* Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

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SIGNATURE

Praxair, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    PRAXAIR, INC.
  (Registrant)
Date: July 28, 2010   By:  

/S/    MATTHEW J. WHITE            

    Matthew J. White
    Vice President and Controller
    (On behalf of the Registrant and as Chief Accounting Officer)

 

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