PX-Q2 2014 10Q
Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014
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  ý    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  ý    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
 
ý
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  ý
At June 30, 2014, 292,031,736 shares of common stock ($0.01 par value) of the Registrant were outstanding.
 


Table of Contents

INDEX
 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents


PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Millions of dollars, except per share data)
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
SALES
$
3,113

 
$
3,014

Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
1,767

 
1,710

Selling, general and administrative
335

 
344

Depreciation and amortization
293

 
275

Research and development
24

 
24

Other income (expense) - net
3

 
4

OPERATING PROFIT
697

 
665

Interest expense - net
43

 
41

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY INVESTMENTS
654

 
624

Income taxes
183

 
174

INCOME BEFORE EQUITY INVESTMENTS
471

 
450

Income from equity investments
10

 
11

NET INCOME (INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS)
481

 
461

Less: noncontrolling interests
(14
)
 
(16
)
NET INCOME - PRAXAIR, INC.
$
467

 
$
445

PER SHARE DATA - PRAXAIR, INC. SHAREHOLDERS
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
1.59

 
$
1.50

Diluted earnings per share
$
1.58

 
$
1.49

Cash dividends per share
$
0.65

 
$
0.60

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING (000’s):
 
 
 
Basic shares outstanding
292,945

 
295,668

Diluted shares outstanding
295,976

 
298,654

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


3

Table of Contents

PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Millions of dollars, except per share data)
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
SALES
$
6,139

 
$
5,902

Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
3,493

 
3,348

Selling, general and administrative
661

 
681

Depreciation and amortization
578

 
541

Research and development
47

 
48

Venezuela currency devaluation

 
23

Other income (expense) - net
12

 
4

OPERATING PROFIT
1,372

 
1,265

Interest expense - net
89

 
81

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY INVESTMENTS
1,283

 
1,184

Income taxes
359

 
338

INCOME BEFORE EQUITY INVESTMENTS
924

 
846

Income from equity investments
19

 
21

NET INCOME (INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS)
943

 
867

Less: noncontrolling interests
(28
)
 
(31
)
NET INCOME - PRAXAIR, INC.
$
915

 
$
836

PER SHARE DATA - PRAXAIR, INC. SHAREHOLDERS
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
3.12

 
$
2.82

Diluted earnings per share
$
3.08

 
$
2.79

Cash dividends per share
$
1.30

 
$
1.20

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING (000’s):
 
 
 
Basic shares outstanding
293,570

 
296,136

Diluted shares outstanding
296,679

 
299,290

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


4

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PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Millions of dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
NET INCOME (INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS)
$
481

 
$
461

 
 
 
 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
 
 
Translation adjustments:
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
164

 
(413
)
Income taxes
(6
)
 
20

Translation adjustments
158

 
(393
)
Funded status - retirement obligations (Note 11):
 
 
 
Retirement program remeasurements
(18
)
 
(14
)
Reclassifications to net income
14

 
23

Income taxes
1

 
(1
)
Funded status - retirement obligations
(3
)
 
8

Derivative instruments (Note 6):
 
 
 
Reclassifications to net income

 
(1
)
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
155

 
(386
)
 
 
 
 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS)
636

 
75

Less: noncontrolling interests
(13
)
 
(10
)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - PRAXAIR, INC.
$
623

 
$
65

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


5

Table of Contents

PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Millions of dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
NET INCOME (INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS)
$
943

 
$
867

 
 
 
 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
 
 
Translation adjustments:
 
 
 
 Foreign currency translation adjustments
144

 
(431
)
 Reclassifications to net income
(3
)
 

 Income taxes
(15
)
 
19

Translation adjustments
126

 
(412
)
Funded status - retirement obligations (Note 11):
 
 
 
Retirement program remeasurements
(16
)
 
(10
)
Reclassifications to net income
27

 
45

Income taxes
(4
)
 
(9
)
Funded status - retirement obligations
7

 
26

Derivative instruments (Note 6):
 
 
 
Current period unrealized gain
3

 

Income taxes
(1
)
 

Derivative instruments
2

 

TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
135

 
(386
)
 
 
 
 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS)
1,078

 
481

Less: noncontrolling interests
(25
)
 
(17
)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - PRAXAIR, INC.
$
1,053

 
$
464

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


6

Table of Contents

PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Millions of dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
173

 
$
138

Accounts receivable - net
2,075

 
1,892

Inventories
542

 
506

Prepaid and other current assets
369

 
380

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
3,159

 
2,916

Property, plant and equipment (less accumulated depreciation of $12,191 in 2014 and $11,753 in 2013)
12,552

 
12,278

Goodwill
3,270

 
3,194

Other intangible assets - net
619

 
596

Other long-term assets
1,325

 
1,271

TOTAL ASSETS
$
20,925

 
$
20,255

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
914

 
$
921

Short-term debt
595

 
782

Current portion of long-term debt
5

 
3

Other current liabilities
1,032

 
958

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
2,546

 
2,664

Long-term debt
8,565

 
8,026

Other long-term liabilities
2,314

 
2,255

TOTAL LIABILITIES
13,425

 
12,945

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Note 14)
194

 
307

Praxair, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
Common stock $0.01 par value, authorized - 800,000,000 shares, issued - 383,230,625 shares for both periods
4

 
4

Additional paid-in capital
3,961

 
3,970

Retained earnings
11,060

 
10,528

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(1,845
)
 
(1,981
)
Treasury stock, at cost (2014 - 91,198,889 shares and 2013 - 89,096,761 shares)
(6,269
)
 
(5,912
)
Total Praxair, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
6,911

 
6,609

Noncontrolling interests
395

 
394

TOTAL EQUITY
7,306

 
7,003

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
20,925

 
$
20,255

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


7

Table of Contents

PRAXAIR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Millions of dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
OPERATIONS
 
 
 
Net income - Praxair, Inc.
$
915

 
$
836

Noncontrolling interests
28

 
31

Net income (including noncontrolling interests)
943

 
867

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Venezuela currency devaluation

 
23

Depreciation and amortization
578

 
541

Deferred income taxes
17

 
99

Share-based compensation
28

 
34

Working capital:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(169
)
 
(164
)
Inventory
(33
)
 
(27
)
Prepaid and other current assets
36

 
(164
)
Payables and accruals
(32
)
 
(6
)
Pension contributions
(13
)
 
(43
)
Long-term assets, liabilities and other
28

 
(111
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
1,383

 
1,049

INVESTING
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(777
)
 
(988
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(170
)
 
(1,269
)
Divestitures and asset sales
71

 
38

Net cash used for investing activities
(876
)
 
(2,219
)
FINANCING
 
 
 
Short-term debt borrowings (repayments) - net
(186
)
 
602

Long-term debt borrowings
858

 
2,088

Long-term debt repayments
(308
)
 
(935
)
Issuances of common stock
69

 
76

Purchases of common stock
(446
)
 
(345
)
Cash dividends - Praxair, Inc. shareholders
(381
)
 
(355
)
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation
24

 
24

Noncontrolling interest transactions and other
(111
)
 
(17
)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities
(481
)
 
1,138

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
9

 
(23
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
35

 
(55
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning-of-period
138

 
157

Cash and cash equivalents, end-of-period
$
173

 
$
102

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)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Table of Contents

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 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to the company’s significant accounting policies during 2014.
Accounting Standards Implemented in 2014
The following standards were effective for Praxair in 2014 and their adoption did not have a significant impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements:
Accounting for Cumulative Translation Adjustment – In March 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued updated guidance on the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity, or as a result of acquisitions achieved in stages. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits – In July 2013, the FASB issued updated guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. The new guidance requires an entity to present certain unrecognized tax benefits, or a portion thereof, as a reduction to the related deferred tax asset, primarily for loss and tax credit carryforwards. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Standards to be Implemented
Reporting Discontinued Operations – In April 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance on the reporting and disclosures of discontinued operations. The new guidance requires that the disposal of a component of an entity be reported as discontinued operations only if the action represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results, and would require expanded disclosures. This guidance will be effective for Praxair beginning in the first quarter 2015, with early adoption optional.
Revenue Recognition – In May 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance on the reporting and disclosure of revenue recognition. The new guidance requires the evaluation of contracts with customers to determine the recognition of revenue when or as the entity satisfies a performance obligation, and would require expanded disclosures. This guidance will be effective for Praxair beginning in the first quarter 2017 and includes several transition options. Praxair is in the early stages of reviewing the new guidance and will provide updates on the expected impact to Praxair in future filings, as determined.
Accounting for Share-based Compensation - In June 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance on the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. Praxair does not expect this requirement to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. This guidance will be effective for Praxair beginning in the first quarter 2016, with early adoption optional.

Reclassifications – Certain prior years’ amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
2. 2013 Venezuela Currency Devaluation
On February 8, 2013, Venezuela announced a devaluation of the Venezuelan Bolivar from 4.30 to 6.30 (a 32% devaluation), effective on February 13, 2013. In the first quarter 2013 Praxair recorded a $23 million pre-tax charge ($23 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 6.30 exchange rate.

10

Table of Contents

3. Acquisitions
2014 Acquisitions

During the six months ended June 30, 2014 Praxair had acquisitions totaling $170 million. These consisted primarily of an industrial gases business in Italy and packaged gases businesses in North and South America. These transactions resulted in goodwill and other intangible assets of $62 million and $46 million, respectively (see Note 9).

2013 Acquisitions

NuCO2 
On March 1, 2013 Praxair acquired 100% of NuCO2 Inc. ("NuCO2") for $1,095 million. NuCO2 is the leading national provider of beverage carbonation solutions in the United States to the restaurant and hospitality industries with 162,000 customer locations and 900 employees, and with 2012 sales of approximately $230 million. The NuCO2 micro-bulk beverage carbonation solution is the service model of choice for quick service restaurants and convenience stores offering fountain beverages and represents an extension of Praxair's core industrial gas business.
The acquisition of NuCO2 was accounted for as a business combination. Following the acquisition date, 100% of NuCO2's results were consolidated in the North America business segment. For the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, Praxair's consolidated income statement includes sales of $63 million and $20 million, respectively, related to NuCO2. Pro forma results for 2013 have not been included as the impact of the acquisition is not material to the consolidated statements of income.
The following table summarizes the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition of NuCO2 as of the acquisition date. Purchase accounting has been finalized and adjustments made subsequent to the acquisition date were not significant.
(Millions of dollars)
 
March 1, 2013
Trade receivables, net
 
$
17

Property, plant and equipment
 
199

Intangible assets
 
374

Deferred income taxes
 
(85
)
Other assets and (liabilities)
 
(28
)
Goodwill
 
618

Purchase price
 
$
1,095

 
The identifiable intangible assets primarily consist of customer relationships that will be amortized over their estimated useful life of 25 years. The deferred income taxes relate primarily to property, plant and equipment, intangibles and operating loss carryforwards. The goodwill resulting from the acquisition is attributable to (i) expected growth from market penetration into the quick service restaurants, convenience stores and themed restaurant chains in the United States and select international markets as we leverage Praxair's customer and distribution networks worldwide, and (ii) cost synergies related to the procurement of raw materials, distribution-related expenses and administrative costs as we integrate and rationalize administration tasks and leverage Praxair's purchasing scale. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.

Other Acquisitions
On May 29, 2013 Praxair acquired Dominion Technology Gases (“Dominion”), a leading global supplier of diving, welding, industrial, laboratory and calibration gases and associated equipment to the offshore oil and gas industry based in Aberdeen, Scotland. Dominion provides products and services to the expanding global offshore oil and gas market.

On June 3, 2013 Praxair acquired Volgograd Oxygen Factory (“VOF”), the largest independent industrial gas business in southern Russia, expanding Praxair's production and distribution capabilities in the Volgograd region. Additionally, Praxair acquired several smaller independent package gas distributors in the United States.

These acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations; accordingly the results of operations of these acquisitions were consolidated from the respective acquisition dates, primarily in the Europe business segment and the impact was not significant. The aggregate purchase price for these acquisitions was $174 million and resulted in the recognition of $99 million of goodwill and $35 million relating to customer relationships, which will be amortized over their estimated useful life.


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Table of Contents

4. Supplemental Information
Inventories
The following is a summary of Praxair’s consolidated inventories:
(Millions of dollars)
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Inventories
 
 
 
Raw materials and supplies
$
165

 
$
167

Work in process
64

 
58

Finished goods
313

 
281

Total inventories
$
542

 
$
506


Long-term receivables
Long-term receivables are not material and are largely reserved. Such long-term receivables are included within other long-term assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and totaled $50 million and $36 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These amounts are net of reserves of $59 million and $51 million, respectively. The amounts in both periods relate primarily to government receivables in Brazil and other long-term notes receivable from customers. Collectability is reviewed regularly and uncollectible amounts are written-off as appropriate. The account balance changes during 2014 were primarily the result of additional receivables, net of reserves.


12

Table of Contents

5. Debt
The following is a summary of Praxair’s outstanding debt at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
(Millions of dollars)
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
SHORT-TERM
 
 
 
Commercial paper and U.S. bank borrowings
$
515

 
$
712

Other bank borrowings (primarily international)
80

 
70

Total short-term debt
595

 
782

LONG-TERM
 
 
 
U.S. borrowings (U.S. dollar denominated unless otherwise noted)
 
 
 
4.375% Notes due 2014 (e)

 
300

4.625% Notes due 2015 (d)
500

 
500

3.25% Notes due 2015 (a, b)
413

 
418

0.75% Notes due 2016
400

 
400

5.375% Notes due 2016
400

 
400

5.20% Notes due 2017
325

 
325

1.05% Notes due 2017
400

 
400

1.20% Notes due 2018
500

 
500

1.25% Notes due 2018 (a, b)
482

 
478

4.50% Notes due 2019 (a)
598

 
598

1.90% Notes due 2019
500

 
500

1.50% Euro-denominated notes due 2020 (a, c)
818

 

4.05% Notes due 2021 (a)
498

 
498

3.00% Notes due 2021 (a)
497

 
497

2.45% Notes due 2022 (a)
598

 
598

2.20% Notes due 2022 (a)
499

 
499

2.70% Notes due 2023 (a)
498

 
498

3.55% Notes due 2042 (a)
466

 
466

Other
5

 
5

International bank borrowings (d)
164

 
140

Obligations under capital leases
9

 
9

 
8,570

 
8,029

Less: current portion of long-term debt
(5
)
 
(3
)
Total long-term debt
8,565

 
8,026

Total debt
$
9,165

 
$
8,811

 
(a)
Amounts are net of unamortized discounts.
(b)
June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include a $20 million and $22 million fair value increase, respectively, related to hedge accounting. See Note 6 for additional information.
(c)
For the six months ended June 30, 2014, Praxair issued €600 million 1.50% Euro-denominated notes due 2020. This debt issuance has been designated as a hedge of the net investment position in European operations where the Euro is the functional currency (see Note 6). The proceeds of this debt issuance were used for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions, repayment of debt and share repurchases under the company's share repurchase program.
(d)
Classified as long-term because of the company’s intent to refinance this debt on a long-term basis and the availability of such financing under the terms of an existing $2 billion long-term credit facility.
(e)
In March 2014, Praxair repaid $300 million of 4.375% notes that became due.

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6. 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 three types of derivatives that the company enters into: (i) those relating to fair-value exposures, (ii) those relating to cash-flow exposures, and (iii) those relating to foreign currency net investment exposures. Fair-value exposures relate to recognized assets or liabilities, and firm commitments; cash-flow exposures relate to the variability of future cash flows associated with recognized assets or liabilities, or forecasted transactions; and net investment exposures relate to the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes on the carrying value of net assets denominated in foreign currencies.
When a derivative is executed and hedge accounting is appropriate, it is designated as either a fair-value hedge, cash-flow hedge, or a net investment hedge. Currently, Praxair designates all interest-rate and treasury-rate locks 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for consolidated subsidiaries:
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Notional Amounts
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
(Millions of dollars)
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance sheet items (a)
$
2,234

 
$
2,197

 
$
14

 
$
4

 
$
5

 
$
14

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forecasted purchases (a)
$

 
$
5

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Interest rate contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps (b)
875

 
875

 
20

 
22

 

 

Total
$
875

 
$
880

 
$
20

 
$
22

 
$

 
$

Total Derivatives
$
3,109

 
$
3,077

 
$
34

 
$
26

 
$
5

 
$
14

 
(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.
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 offset by the fair value adjustments recorded on the hedged assets and liabilities.

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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.
Net Investment Hedge

Praxair has designated the €600 million ($818 million as of June 30, 2014) 1.50% Euro-denominated notes due 2020, as a hedge of the net investment position in its European operations. This Euro-denominated debt instrument reduces the company's exposure to changes in the currency exchange rate on investments in foreign subsidiaries with Euro functional currencies. Since the time the Euro-denominated notes were issued in March 2014, exchange rate movements have reduced long-term debt by $5 million ($3 million after tax) and $10 million ($7 million after tax) for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, with the offsetting gain shown within the cumulative translation component of AOCI in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Interest Rate Contracts
Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps
At June 30, 2014, Praxair had $875 million notional amount of interest-rate swap agreements outstanding related to the $400 million 3.25% fixed-rate notes that mature in 2015 and to the $475 million 1.25% notes that mature 2018, which effectively convert fixed-rate interest to variable-rate interest. These 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 instrument. At June 30, 2014, $20 million was recognized as an increase in the fair value of these notes ($22 million at December 31, 2013).
Terminated Interest Rate Swap
During 2010, Praxair entered into a $500 million notional amount of interest-rate swap agreement that effectively converted fixed-rate interest to variable-rate interest on the $500 million 2.125% notes that matured in 2013. This swap agreement was terminated in 2011, and Praxair received a $18 million cash payment. This $18 million gain was recognized in earnings as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the underlying debt. During the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2013, $2 million and $4 million was recognized as a reduction to interest expense, respectively.
Terminated Treasury Rate Locks
The following table summarizes the unrecognized gains (losses) related to terminated treasury rate lock contracts:
 
Year
Terminated
 
Original
Gain /
(Loss)
 
Unrecognized Gain / (Loss) (a)
(Millions of dollars)
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Treasury Rate Locks
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underlying debt instrument:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$500 million 2.20% fixed-rate notes that mature in 2022 (b)
2012
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(2
)
$500 million 3.00% fixed-rate notes that mature in 2021 (b)
2011
 
(11
)
 
(9
)
 
(9
)
$600 million 4.50% fixed-rate notes that mature in 2019 (b)
2009
 
16

 
10

 
10

$500 million 4.625% fixed-rate notes that mature in 2015 (b)
2008
 
(7
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Total - pre-tax
 
 
 
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(2
)
Less: income taxes
 
 
 
 
1

 
1

After- tax amounts
 
 
 
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(1
)
 
(a)
The unrecognized gains / (losses) for the treasury rate locks are shown in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) and are being recognized on a straight line basis to interest expense – net over the term of the underlying debt agreements. The cash received or paid was reflected within the noncontrolling interest transactions and other in the financing section of the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Refer to the table below summarizing the impact on the company’s consolidated statements of income and AOCI for current period gain (loss) recognition.
(b)
The notional amount of the treasury rate lock contracts are equal to the underlying debt instrument with the exception of the treasury rate lock contract entered into to hedge the $600 million 4.50% fixed-rate notes that mature in 2019. The notional amount of this contract was $500 million.


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Table of Contents

The following tables summarize the impacts of the company’s derivatives on the consolidated statements of income and AOCI:
 
Amount of Pre-Tax Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Earnings *
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(Millions of dollars)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance sheet items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt-related
$
24

 
$
(40
)
 
$
29

 
$
(6
)
Other balance sheet items
1

 
(3
)
 
4

 
(10
)
Total
$
25

 
$
(43
)
 
$
33

 
$
(16
)
* The gains (losses) on balance sheet items are 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 statements of income as interest expense-net. Other balance sheet items and anticipated net income gains (losses) are recorded in the consolidated statements of income as other income (expenses)-net.
 
Quarter Ended
 
Amount of Gain  (Loss)
Recognized in AOCI
 
Amount of Gain  (Loss)
Reclassified from AOCI to the Consolidated Statement of
Income
(Millions of dollars)
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments *
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Treasury rate lock contracts

 

 

 
(1
)
 
Six Months Ended
 
Amount of Gain  (Loss)
Recognized in AOCI
 
Amount of Gain  (Loss)
Reclassified from AOCI to the Consolidated Statement of
Income
(Millions of dollars)
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments *
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment hedge:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency forward
$
(6
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

Less: income taxes
2

 

 

 

Total - Net of Taxes
$
(4
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

* The gains (losses) on net investment hedges are recorded as a component of AOCI within foreign currency translation adjustments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The gains (losses) on treasury rate locks are recorded as a component of AOCI within derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. There was no ineffectiveness for these instruments during 2014 or 2013. The gains (losses) on net investment hedges are reclassified to earnings only when the related currency translation adjustments are required to be reclassified, usually upon sale or liquidation of the investment. The gains (losses) for interest rate contracts are reclassified to earnings as interest expense –net on a straight-line basis over the remaining maturity of the underlying debt. Net losses of less than $1 million are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months.

7. 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)


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Table of Contents


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:
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
(Millions of dollars)
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
June 30,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives

 

 
$
34

 
$
26

 

 

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives

 

 
$
5

 
$
14

 

 

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 receivable-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 similar issues, which is deemed a level 2 measurement. At June 30, 2014, the estimated fair value of Praxair’s long-term debt portfolio was $8,687 million versus a carrying value of $8,570 million. At December 31, 2013, the estimated fair value of Praxair’s long-term debt portfolio was $7,976 million versus a carrying value of $8,029 million. Differences from carrying amounts are attributable to interest-rate changes subsequent to when the debt was issued.

8. 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,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Numerator (Millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income - Praxair, Inc.
$
467

 
$
445

 
$
915

 
$
836

Denominator (Thousands of shares)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
292,434

 
295,143

 
293,063

 
295,609

Shares earned and issuable under compensation plans
511

 
525

 
507

 
527

Weighted average shares used in basic earnings per share
292,945

 
295,668

 
293,570

 
296,136

Effect of dilutive securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options and awards
3,031

 
2,986

 
3,109

 
3,154

Weighted average shares used in diluted earnings per share
295,976

 
298,654

 
296,679

 
299,290

Basic Earnings Per Share
$
1.59

 
$
1.50

 
$
3.12

 
$
2.82

Diluted Earnings Per Share
$
1.58

 
$
1.49

 
$
3.08

 
$
2.79

There were no antidilutive stock options for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014. Stock options of 780 were antidilutive and therefore excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2013.

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Table of Contents

9. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were as follows:
(Millions of dollars)
North
America
 
South
America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
Surface
Technologies
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2013
$
2,117

 
$
166

 
$
743

 
$
24

 
$
144

 
$
3,194

Acquisitions (Note 3)
41

 
4

 
17

 

 

 
62

Purchase adjustments & other

 

 
(5
)
 

 
5

 

Foreign currency translation

 
14

 
(1
)
 

 
1

 
14

Balance, June 30, 2014
$
2,158

 
$
184

 
$
754

 
$
24

 
$
150

 
$
3,270

Praxair has performed its goodwill impairment tests annually during the second quarter of each year, and historically has determined that the fair value of each of its reporting units was substantially in excess of its carrying value. For the 2014 test completed this quarter, Praxair applied the FASB's updated accounting guidance (refer to Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements of Praxair's 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K) which allows the Company to first assess qualitative factors to determine the extent of additional quantitative analysis, if any, that may be required to test goodwill for impairment. Based on the qualitative assessments performed, Praxair concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit substantially exceeded its carrying value and therefore, further quantitative analysis was not required. As a result, no impairment was recorded.
Changes in the carrying amounts of other intangibles for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were as follows:
(Millions of dollars)
Customer &
License/Use
Agreements
 
Non-compete
Agreements
 
Patents &
Other
 
Total
Cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2013
$
661

 
$
31

 
$
43

 
$
735

Additions (Note 3)
39

 
7

 

 
46

Foreign currency translation
(1
)
 

 

 
(1
)
Other *

 
(3
)
 
4

 
1

Balance, June 30, 2014
$
699

 
$
35

 
$
47

 
$
781

Less: Accumulated amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2013
$
(118
)
 
$
(16
)
 
$
(5
)
 
$
(139
)
Amortization expense
(18
)
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
 
(23
)
Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

Other *
1

 
3

 
(4
)
 

Balance, June 30, 2014
$
(135
)
 
$
(16
)
 
$
(11
)
 
$
(162
)
Net balance at June 30, 2014
$
564

 
$
19

 
$
36

 
$
619

* Other primarily relates to the write-off of fully amortized assets and purchase accounting adjustments.
There are no expected residual values related to these intangible assets. The remaining weighted-average amortization period for intangible assets is approximately 19 years.
Total estimated annual amortization expense is as follows:
(Millions of dollars)
 
Remaining 2014
$
27

2015
47

2016
46

2017
37

2018
33

Thereafter
429

 
$
619


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Table of Contents

10. Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation of $13 million ($9 million after-tax) and $17 million ($12 million after-tax) was recognized during the quarters ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Share-based compensation of $28 million ($19 million after-tax) and $34 million ($23 million after-tax) was recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The expense was recorded primarily 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 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Stock Options
The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $14.62 ($16.31 in 2013) based on the Black-Scholes Options-Pricing model. The decrease in grant date fair value year-over-year is primarily attributable to the decrease in volatility which was partially offset by increases in Praxair's stock price and risk-free interest rate.

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to value the grants in 2014 and 2013 :
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Dividend yield
2.0
%
 
2.2
%
Volatility
15.2
%
 
21.7
%
Risk-free interest rate
1.57
%
 
0.76
%
Expected term years
5

 
5

The following table summarizes option activity under the plans as of June 30, 2014 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, 2014
11,161

 
$
81.42

 
 
 
 
Granted
1,293

 
128.80

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(953
)
 
63.65

 
 
 
 
Cancelled or Expired
(38
)
 
94.29

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at June 30, 2014
11,463

 
88.20

 
5.7
 
$
512

Exercisable at June 30, 2014
8,827

 
$
78.92

 
4.7
 
$
476

The aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the company’s closing stock price of $132.84 as of June 30, 2014 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, 2014 was $15 million and $64 million, respectively ($39 million and $68 million during the same time periods in 2013, respectively).
Cash received from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014 was $16 million and $61 million ($38 million and $67 million for the same time period in 2013). The cash tax benefit realized from share-based compensation totaled $5 million and $39 million for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014, of which $24 million in excess tax benefits was classified as financing cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2014 ($9 million and $35 million cash tax benefit for the same periods in 2013 of which $24 million represented excess tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2013).
As of June 30, 2014, $29 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.1 years.
Performance-Based and Restricted Stock Awards
During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the company granted performance-based stock units to employees which vest principally based 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 200 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

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Table of Contents

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, 2014, the company also granted restricted stock units to employees. The majority of the restricted stock units vest at the end of 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, 2014 was $121.16 and $122.73, respectively, ($103.46 and $105.51 for the same period in 2013). 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.
The following table summarizes non-vested performance-based and restricted stock award activity as of June 30, 2014 and changes during the six months then ended (shares based on target amounts, averages are calculated on a weighted basis):
 
Performance-Based
 
Restricted Stock
 
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, 2014
867

 
$
99.55

 
337

 
$
100.41

Granted (a)
328

 
121.16

 
90

 
122.73

Vested
(338
)
 
92.06

 
(104
)
 
95.61

Cancelled
(9
)
 
107.52

 
(11
)
 
101.23

Non-vested at June 30, 2014
848

 
$
109.14

 
312

 
$
108.38


(a)
Performance-based stock unit grants during 2014 include 49 thousand shares relating to the actual payout of the 2011 PSU grants in 2014.
As of June 30, 2014, based on current estimates of future performance, $59 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to performance-based awards is expected to be recognized through the first quarter of 2017 and $19 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to the restricted stock awards is expected to be recognized primarily through the first quarter of 2017.
11. Retirement Programs
The components of net pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions (“OPEB”) costs for the quarters ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 are shown below:
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Pensions
 
OPEB
 
Pensions
 
OPEB
(Millions of dollars)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Service cost
$
13

 
$
15

 
$
1

 
$
1

 
$
26

 
$
28

 
$
2

 
$
2

Interest cost
31

 
29

 
3

 
3

 
62

 
58

 
6

 
6

Expected return on plan assets
(40
)
 
(38
)
 

 

 
(80
)
 
(76
)
 

 

Net amortization and deferral
16

 
24

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
31

 
47

 
(4
)
 
(2
)
Net periodic benefit cost
$
20

 
$
30

 
$
2

 
$
3

 
$
39

 
$
57

 
$
4

 
$
6

Praxair estimates that 2014 contributions to its pension plans will be in the area of $20 million, of which $13 million have been made through June 30, 2014.
12. Commitments and Contingencies
Contingent Liabilities
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 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K).

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Table of Contents

Significant matters are:
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 such disputes were enrolled in the Refis Program, subject to final calculation and review by the Brazilian federal government. The Company recorded estimated liabilities based on the terms of the Refis Program. Since 2009, Praxair has generally been unable to reach final agreement on the calculations and recently initiated litigation against the government in an attempt to resolve certain items. Open issues relate to the following matters: (i) application of cash deposits and net operating loss carryforwards to satisfy obligations, (ii) the amount of tax reductions available under the Refis Program, and (iii) income tax deductibility of payments. Although it is difficult to estimate the timing of resolution of legal matters in Brazil, it is possible that individual disputed matters may be resolved during the next year.
At June 30, 2014 the most significant non-income and income tax claims in Brazil, after enrollment in the Refis Program, relate to state VAT tax matters associated with procedural issues 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 $200 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.
On September 1, 2010, CADE (Brazilian Administrative Council for Economic Defense) announced alleged anticompetitive activity on the part of five industrial gas companies in Brazil and imposed fines on all five companies. Originally, CADE imposed a civil fine of R$2.2 billion Brazilian reais (US$999 million) against White Martins, the Brazil-based subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. In response to a motion for clarification, the fine was reduced to R$1.7 billion Brazilian reais (US$772 million) due to a calculation error made by CADE. The amount of the fine is subject to indexation using SELIC. On September 2, 2010, Praxair issued a press release and filed a report on Form 8-K rejecting all claims and stating that the fine represents a gross and arbitrary disregard of Brazilian law.
On October 19, 2010, White Martins filed an annulment petition (“appeal”) with the Federal Court in Brasilia seeking to have the fine against White Martins entirely overturned. In order to suspend payment of the fine pending the completion of the appeal process, Brazilian law required that the company tender a form of guarantee in the amount of the fine as security. Currently, 50% of the guarantee is satisfied by letters of credit with a financial institution and 50% of the guarantee is satisfied by equity of a Brazilian subsidiary.
Praxair strongly believes that the allegations are without merit and that the fine will be entirely overturned during the appeal process. The company further believes that it has strong defenses and will vigorously defend against the allegations and related fine up to such levels of the Federal Courts in Brazil as may be necessary. Because appeals in Brazil historically take many years to resolve, it is very difficult to estimate when the appeal will be finally decided. Based on management judgments, after considering judgments and opinions of outside counsel, no reserve has been recorded for this proceeding as management does not believe that a loss is probable.

13. Segments
Sales and operating profit by segment for the quarters and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 are shown below. For a description of Praxair’s operating segments, refer to Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements of Praxair’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
  
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(Millions of dollars)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
SALES(a) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
$
1,628

 
$
1,552

 
$
3,208

 
$
3,009

Europe
408

 
382

 
805

 
752

South America
509

 
536

 
997

 
1,067

Asia
394

 
379

 
786

 
746

Surface Technologies
174

 
165

 
343

 
328

Total sales
$
3,113

 
$
3,014

 
$
6,139

 
$
5,902


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Table of Contents

  
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(Millions of dollars)
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
OPERATING PROFIT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
$
398

 
$
381

 
$
776

 
$
739

Europe
78

 
69

 
157

 
131

South America
113

 
123

 
226

 
237

Asia
76

 
61

 
151

 
124

Surface Technologies
32

 
31

 
62

 
57

Segment operating profit
697

 
665

 
1,372

 
1,288

Venezuela currency devaluation (Note 2)

 

 

 
(23
)
Total operating profit
$
697

 
$
665

 
$
1,372

 
$
1,265

 
(a)
Intersegment sales, primarily from North America to other segments, were not significant for the quarters and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

14. Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Equity
A summary of the changes in total equity for the quarters ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is provided below:

Quarter Ended June 30,
(Millions of dollars)
2014
 
2013
Activity
Praxair, Inc.
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Equity
 
Praxair, Inc.
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Equity
Balance, beginning of period
$
6,600

 
$
398

 
$
6,998

 
$
6,169

 
$
357

 
$
6,526

Net income (a)
467

 
10

 
477

 
445

 
9

 
454

Other comprehensive income (loss)
153

 
2

 
155

 
(386
)
 

 
(386
)
Noncontrolling interests:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions (reductions) (b)

 
3

 
3

 

 

 

Dividends and other capital changes

 
(18
)
 
(18
)
 

 
(9
)
 
(9
)
Redemption value adjustments

 

 

 
(8
)
 

 
(8
)
Dividends to Praxair, Inc. common stock holders ($0.65 per share in 2014 and $0.60 per share in 2013)
(190
)
 

 
(190
)
 
(177
)
 

 
(177
)
Issuances of common stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan
2

 

 
2

 
1

 

 
1

For employee savings and incentive plans
19

 

 
19

 
43

 

 
43

Purchases of common stock
(157
)
 

 
(157
)
 
(187
)
 

 
(187
)
Tax benefit from share-based compensation
4

 

 
4

 
11

 

 
11

Share-based compensation
13

 

 
13

 
17

 

 
17

Balance, end of period
$
6,911

 
$
395

 
$
7,306

 
$
5,928

 
$
357

 
$
6,285


22

Table of Contents

 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(Millions of dollars)
2014
 
2013
Activity
Praxair, Inc.
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Equity
 
Praxair, Inc.
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Equity
Balance, beginning of period
$
6,609

 
$
394

 
$
7,003

 
$
6,064

 
$
357

 
$
6,421

Net income (a)
915

 
20

 
935

 
836

 
19

 
855

Other comprehensive loss
136

 
(1
)
 
135

 
(383
)
 
(3
)
 
(386
)
Noncontrolling interests:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions (reductions) (b)
(24
)
 
3

 
(21
)
 

 

 

Dividends and other capital changes

 
(21
)
 
(21
)
 

 
(16
)
 
(16
)
Redemption value adjustments
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
 
(13
)
 

 
(13
)
Dividends to Praxair, Inc. common stock holders ($1.30 per share in 2014 and $1.20 per share in 2013)
(381
)
 

 
(381
)
 
(355
)
 

 
(355
)
Issuances of common stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan
3

 

 
3

 
3

 

 
3

For employee savings and incentive plans
52

 

 
52

 
60

 

 
60

Purchases of common stock
(450
)
 

 
(450
)
 
(343
)
 

 
(343
)
Tax benefit from share-based compensation
24

 

 
24

 
25

 

 
25

Share-based compensation
28

 

 
28

 
34

 

 
34

Balance, end of period
$
6,911

 
$
395

 
$
7,306

 
$
5,928

 
$
357

 
$
6,285


(a)
Net income for noncontrolling interests excludes Net income related to redeemable noncontrolling interests of $4 million and $8 million for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014 ($7 million and $12 million for the same time periods in 2013, respectively), which is not part of total equity (see redeemable noncontrolling interests section below).
(b)
Praxair increased its ownership in certain consolidated subsidiaries. The difference between the purchase price and the related noncontrolling interests was recorded as a decrease in Praxair's additional paid-in-capital.
The components of AOCI are as follows:
 
June 30,
 
December 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2014
 
2013
Cumulative translation adjustment - net of taxes
 
 
 
North America
$
(310
)
 
$
(315
)
South America
(1,060
)
 
(1,179
)
Europe
(77
)
 
(63
)
Asia
34

 
21

Surface Technologies
32

 
28

 
(1,381
)
 
(1,508
)
Derivatives - net of taxes
(2
)
 
(4
)
Pension / OPEB funded status obligation - net of taxes
(462
)
 
(469
)
 
$
(1,845
)
 
$
(1,981
)

23

Table of Contents

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features, such as put/sell options, that are not solely within the Company’s control (“redeemable noncontrolling interests”) are reported separately in the consolidated balance sheets at the greater of carrying value or redemption value. For redeemable noncontrolling interests that are not yet exercisable, Praxair calculates the redemption value by accreting the carrying value to the redemption value over the period until exercisable. If the redemption value is greater than the carrying value, any increase is adjusted directly to equity and does not impact net income.
Redeemable noncontrolling interests include Yara Praxair, a joint venture in Scandinavia, and two packaged gas distributors in the United States where the noncontrolling interests have put options. In Scandinavia, the noncontrolling shareholder has the right to sell its shares to Praxair starting in 2015 for a period of 4 years at a formula price. Praxair also obtained the right to purchase the shares held by the noncontrolling shareholder starting in 2017 for a period of 2 years, also at a formula price.
The following is a summary of the changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013: 
(Millions of dollars)
2014
 
2013
Balance, January 1,
$
307

 
$
252

Net income
8

 
12

Distributions to noncontrolling interest
(8
)
 
(7
)
Redemption value adjustments/accretion
1

 
13

Foreign currency translation and other
(2
)
 
(11
)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest *
(112
)
 

Balance, June 30,
$
194

 
$
259


* In January 2014, Praxair acquired the redeemable noncontrolling interests related to Praxair Distribution Mid-Atlantic, LLC. The cash payment is shown in the financing section of the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows under the caption "Noncontrolling interest transactions and other".

24

Table of Contents

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

Consolidated Results

Praxair's sales in the second quarter were 3% above the prior year. Excluding negative currency translation effects which reduced overall sales by 2%, sales grew 5% due to volume growth, higher overall pricing and acquisitions. Volume growth of 3% was primarily driven by new project start-ups in North America and Asia. Acquisitions in North America and Europe contributed 1% growth. Operating profit was 5% above the prior year, and grew 7% ex-currency effects. Operating profit growth was driven by higher pricing, primarily in North America and South America. Net income and earnings per share grew 5% and 6%, respectively, versus 2013 results. Diluted earnings per share ("EPS") grew faster than net income due to a lower number of shares outstanding. Cash flow from operations was strong at $847 million, which was 27% of sales in the quarter.

Sales grew 4% in the six months ended June 30, 2014. Excluding negative currency translation effects which reduced overall sales by 3%, sales grew 7% due to volume growth, higher overall pricing and acquisitions. Underlying sales increased 5% driven by higher pricing and volume growth in North America and Asia. Acquisitions contributed 1% to sales growth. Reported operating profit of $1,372 million grew 8% from the prior-year, and 7% when compared to the adjusted 2013 results. Operating profit grew primarily from higher pricing and productivity gains, which contributed to a 3% reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses. Net income and earnings per share grew 9% and 10%, respectively, versus 2013 results. EPS grew faster than net income due to a lower number of shares outstanding. When compared to the 2013 adjusted results, net income and EPS grew 7%.
Outlook
Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2014 are expected to be in the range of $1.58 to $1.65.
Diluted earnings per share for the full year of 2014 are expected to be in the range of $6.30 to $6.45.
For the full year of 2014, Praxair expects sales in the area of $12.4 to $12.7 billion. Full-year capital expenditures are expected to be about $1.8 billion.

The company’s core business is to build, own, and operate industrial gas plants in order to supply atmospheric and process gases to customers. As such, Praxair believes that its backlog is one indicator of future sales growth. At June 30, 2014, Praxair’s backlog of 28 large projects under construction was $1.9 billion. This represents the total estimated capital cost of large plants under construction. About a third of this project backlog is in North America and approximately a third is in Asia, which includes projects in China, India and Korea. The rest is in Europe and South America. The projects will serve customers in the energy, chemical, manufacturing, electronics and metals markets.
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.


25

Table of Contents

The following table provides summary data for the quarters and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
  
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)
2014
 
2013
 
Variance
 
2014
 
2013
 
Variance
Reported Amounts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
$
3,113

 
$
3,014

 
3
 %
 
$
6,139

 
$
5,902

 
4
 %
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
$
1,767

 
$
1,710

 
3
 %
 
$
3,493

 
$
3,348

 
4
 %
Gross margin (a)
$
1,346

 
$
1,304

 
3
 %
 
$
2,646

 
$
2,554

 
4
 %
As a percent of sales
43.2
%
 
43.3
%
 
 
 
43.1
%
 
43.3
%
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
$
335

 
$
344

 
(3
)%
 
$
661

 
$
681

 
(3
)%
As a percent of sales
10.8
%
 
11.4
%
 
 
 
10.8
%
 
11.5
%
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
$
293

 
$
275

 
7
 %
 
$
578

 
$
541

 
7
 %
Venezuela currency devaluation (b)
$

 
$

 


 
$

 
$
23

 


Other income (expense) - net
$
3

 
$
4

 
 
 
$
12

 
$
4

 
 
Operating profit
$
697

 
$
665

 
5
 %
 
$
1,372

 
$
1,265

 
8
 %
As a percent of sales
22.4
%
 
22.1
%
 
 
 
22.3
%
 
21.4
%
 
 
Interest expense - net
$
43

 
$
41

 
5
 %
 
$
89

 
$
81

 
10
 %
Effective tax rate
28.0
%
 
27.9
%
 
 
 
28.0
%
 
28.5
%
 
 
Income from equity investments
$
10

 
$
11

 
(9
)%
 
$
19

 
$
21

 
(10
)%
Noncontrolling interests
$
(14
)
 
$
(16
)
 
(13
)%
 
$
(28
)
 
$
(31
)
 
(10
)%
Net income - Praxair, Inc.
$
467

 
$
445

 
5
 %
 
$
915

 
$
836

 
9
 %
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.58

 
$
1.49

 
6
 %
 
$
3.08

 
$
2.79

 
10
 %
Diluted shares outstanding
295,976

 
298,654

 
(1
)%
 
296,679

 
299,290

 
(1
)%
2013 Adjusted Amounts (c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit
$
697

 
$
665

 
5
 %
 
$
1,372

 
$
1,288

 
7
 %
As a percent of sales
22.4
%
 
22.1
%
 
 
 
22.3
%
 
21.8
%
 
 
Effective tax rate
28.0
%
 
27.9
%
 
 
 
28.0
%
 
28.0
%
 
 
Net income - Praxair, Inc.
$
467

 
$
445

 
5
 %
 
$
915

 
$
859

 
7
 %
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.58

 
$
1.49

 
6
 %
 
$
3.08

 
$
2.87

 
7
 %
 
(a)
Gross margin excludes depreciation and amortization expense.
(b)
See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.
(c)
Adjusted amounts are non-GAAP measures which exclude the impact of the Venezuela currency devaluation in the first quarter 2013 (see Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). A reconciliation of reported amounts to adjusted amounts can be found in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this MD&A.

26

Table of Contents

Results of Operations
The changes in consolidated sales and operating profit compared to the prior year is attributable to the following:
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013
 
% Change
 
% Change
 
Sales
 
Operating Profit
 
Sales
 
Operating Profit
Factors Contributing to Changes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
3
 %
 
 %
 
3
 %
 
1
 %
Price
1
 %
 
7
 %
 
2
 %
 
8
 %
Cost pass-through
 %
 
 %
 
1
 %
 
 %
Currency
(2
)%
 
(2
)%
 
(3
)%
 
(3
)%
Acquisitions/divestitures
1
 %
 
1
 %
 
1
 %
 
2
 %
Other
 %
 
(1
)%
 
 %
 
 %
Reported
3
 %
 
5
 %
 
4
 %
 
8
 %
Venezuela currency devaluation
 %
 
 %
 
 %
 
(1
)%
Adjusted
3
 %
 
5
 %
 
4
 %
 
7
 %
The following tables provide sales by end-market and distribution method:
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
% of Sales
 
% Change
 
% of Sales
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Organic Sales*
 
2014
 
2013
 
Organic Sales*
Sales by End Markets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Manufacturing
24
%
 
24
%
 
2
 %
 
24
%
 
25
%
 
1
 %
Metals
17
%
 
17
%
 
5
 %
 
17
%
 
18
%
 
5
 %
Energy
14
%
 
12
%
 
17
 %
 
14
%
 
11
%
 
17
 %
Chemicals
10
%
 
11
%
 
(3
)%
 
10
%
 
11
%
 
2
 %
Electronics
7
%
 
8
%
 
(1
)%
 
7
%
 
8
%
 
(1
)%
Healthcare
8
%
 
8
%
 
2
 %
 
8
%
 
8
%
 
3
 %
Food & Beverage
8
%
 
8
%
 
8
 %
 
8
%
 
7
%
 
7
 %
Aerospace
3
%
 
3
%
 
(2
)%
 
3
%
 
3
%
 
1
 %
Other
9
%
 
9
%
 
3
 %
 
9
%
 
9
%
 
7
 %
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 *    Excludes impact of currency, natural gas/precious metals cost pass-through and acquisitions/divestitures.
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
% of Sales
 
% of Sales
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Sales by Distribution Method**
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On- Site
29
%
 
26
%
 
29
%
 
26
%
Merchant
34
%
 
35
%
 
34
%
 
34
%
Packaged Gas
29
%
 
30
%
 
29
%
 
30
%
Other
8
%
 
9
%
 
8
%
 
10
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
** Prior years' amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year's presentation.

Sales grew $99 million, or 3%, in the second quarter ended June 30, 2014 versus the respective 2013 period. Underlying sales grew 4% from higher pricing and volume growth driven by higher on-site volumes from new project start-ups primarily in North America and Asia. Sales growth was strongest to the energy end market as compared to the prior-year quarter, driven by plant start-ups to supply US refineries. For the six-month period sales grew $237 million, or 4%. Underlying sales grew 5%

27

Table of Contents

from higher pricing, and volume growth primarily in North America and Asia. Acquisitions, including NuCO2 and Dominion Technology Gases, contributed 1% to sales growth in both the quarter and six-month periods.

Gross margin increased $42 million, or 3%, versus the comparable 2013 quarter and increased $92 million, or 4%, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 versus the respective 2013 periods primarily due to higher sales.

Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SGA") decreased $9 million, or 3%, in the quarter and decreased $20 million, or 3%, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 versus the respective 2013 periods. The decrease in the second quarter was primarily due to currency effects which reduced SGA by $6 million, cost reductions which decreased SGA by $8 million, which was partially offset by an increase of $3 million due to acquisitions and an increase of $2 million due to new project start-ups. The decrease for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was primarily due to currency effects which reduced SGA by $17 million, cost reductions which decreased SGA by $15 million and an increase of $12 million due to acquisitions. SGA as a percent of sales was relatively flat as compared to the prior year in both the quarter and six-month periods.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $18 million, or 7%, for the second quarter and increased $37 million, or 7%, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 versus the respective 2013 periods. The increase in the second quarter was primarily due to new project start-ups which increased depreciation and amortization by $17 million, currency effects which reduced depreciation and amortization by $4 million and acquisitions which increased depreciation and amortization expense by $2 million. The remaining $3 million increase in the second quarter related to other items none of which were significant. The increase for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was primarily due to new project start-ups which increased depreciation and amortization by $35 million, currency effects which reduced depreciation and amortization by $13 million and acquisitions which increased depreciation and amortization expense by $11 million. The remaining $4 million increase for the six month period related to other items none of which were significant.

Other income (expense) – net was a $3 million benefit in the second quarter, compared to $4 million in the prior-year quarter. For the year-to-date period, other income was a $12 million benefit, compared to a $4 million benefit in the prior-year. Other income was higher for the year-to-date period primarily due to higher asset sales in South America.

Operating profit increased $32 million, or 5%, for the second quarter of 2014 versus the respective 2013 period. The increase in operating profit was driven by higher pricing and a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses; partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization. Operating profit increased $107 million, or 8%, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 versus the respective 2013 period from higher pricing, acquisitions and productivity gains. Adjusted operating profit increased $84 million, or 7%, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 versus the respective 2013 period. A discussion of operating profit by segment is included in the segment discussion that follows.

Interest expense-net increased $2 million, or 5%, for the quarter and $8 million, or 10%, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 versus the respective periods in 2013. The increase in debt levels, primarily to support acquisitions and capital expenditures, increased interest expense by $2 million and $9 million for the quarter and six month periods ended June 30, 2014, respectively. Lower average interest rates reduced expense by $10 million and $24 million for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014 respectively. Lower capitalized interest increased interest expense by $9 million and $20 million, for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively.

The reported effective tax rate for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014 was 28.0% and 27.9% and 28.5% for the 2013 periods, respectively. The adjusted effective tax rate for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2013 was approximately 28%.

Praxair’s significant sources of equity income are in China, Italy, and the Middle East. For the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014 income from equity investments decreased $1 million and $2 million versus the respective 2013 periods. The decrease was primarily from investments in Asia.

At June 30, 2014, non-controlling interests consisted primarily of non-controlling shareholders' investments in Asia (primarily China and India), Europe (primarily Italy and Scandinavia), and North America (primarily within the US packaged gas business). Non-controlling interests decreased $2 million for the quarter and $3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 versus the respective periods in 2013 due primarily to the acquisition of the noncontrolling interest in a US packaged gas business in the first quarter of 2014.

Reported net income-Praxair, Inc. increased $22 million, or 5%, and $79 million, or 9% for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014, versus the respective 2013 periods. Net income increased $56 million, or 7%, for the six-month period versus 2013 primarily to higher operating profit partially offset by increased interest expense.

28

Table of Contents


Reported EPS increased $0.09 and $0.29 in the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. EPS increased $0.09 and $0.21 in the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, versus adjusted EPS for the comparable six month period in 2013. These increases for both the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014 are attributable to higher net income and reductions in the number of diluted shares outstanding as a result of the company's net repurchases of common stock.

Other Comprehensive Income

Other comprehensive income for the second quarter of $155 million includes positive net currency translation adjustments of $158 million and was partially offset by a $3 million negative adjustment related to the funded status of retirement obligations. The translation adjustments reflect the impact of translating local currency foreign subsidiary financial statements to U.S. dollars (see “Currency” section of the MD&A for exchange rates). The positive translation adjustments resulted primarily from currency movements of $65 million in South America, principally related to Brazil, as well as $64 million in North America related to Canada and Mexico.

Other comprehensive loss for the six months ended June 30, 2014 of $135 million includes positive currency translation adjustments of $126 million, a positive adjustment of $7 million related to the funded status of retirement obligations, and a positive adjustment of $2 million related to derivative instruments. The translation adjustments reflect the impact of translating local currency foreign subsidiary financial statements to U.S. dollars (see “Currency” section of the MD&A for exchange rates). The positive translation adjustment resulted primarily from the currency movements of $119 million in South America, principally related to Brazil.

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)
2014
 
2013
 
Variance
 
2014
 
2013
 
Variance
SALES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
$
1,628

 
$
1,552

 
5
 %
 
$
3,208

 
$
3,009

 
7
 %
Europe
408

 
382

 
7
 %
 
805

 
752

 
7
 %
South America
509

 
536

 
(5
)%
 
997

 
1,067

 
(7
)%
Asia
394

 
379

 
4
 %
 
786

 
746

 
5
 %
Surface Technologies
174

 
165

 
5
 %
 
343

 
328

 
5
 %
 
$
3,113

 
$
3,014

 
3
 %
 
$
6,139

 
$
5,902

 
4
 %
OPERATING PROFIT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
$
398

 
$
381

 
4
 %
 
$
776

 
$
739

 
5
 %
Europe
78

 
69

 
13
 %
 
157

 
131

 
20
 %
South America
113

 
123

 
(8
)%
 
226

 
237

 
(5
)%
Asia
76

 
61

 
25
 %
 
151

 
124

 
22
 %
Surface Technologies
32

 
31

 
3
 %
 
62

 
57

 
9
 %
Segment operating profit
697

 
665

 
5
 %
 
1,372

 
1,288

 
7
 %
Venezuela currency devaluation (Note 2)

 

 
 
 

 
(23
)
 
 
Total operating profit
$
697

 
$
665

 
5
 %
 
$
1,372

 
$
1,265

 
8
 %


29

Table of Contents

North America
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Variance
 
2014
 
2013
 
Variance
Sales
$
1,628

 
$
1,552

 
5
%
 
$
3,208

 
$
3,009

 
7
%
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
896

 
843

 
 
 
1,766

 
1,615

 
 
Gross margin
732

 
709

 
 
 
1,442

 
1,394

 
 
Operating expenses
182

 
189

 
 
 
365

 
383

 
 
Depreciation and amortization
152

 
139

 
 
 
301

 
272

 
 
Operating profit
$
398

 
$
381

 
4
%
 
$
776

 
$
739

 
5
%
Margin %
24.4
%
 
24.5
%
 
 
 
24.2
%
 
24.6
%
 
 
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013
 
% Change
 
% Change
 
Sales
 
Operating Profit
 
Sales
 
Operating Profit
Factors Contributing to Changes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
4
 %
 
1
 %
 
4
 %
 
1
 %
Price
1
 %
 
5
 %
 
1
 %
 
5
 %
Cost pass-through
1
 %
 
 %
 
2
 %
 
 %
Currency
(2
)%
 
(2
)%
 
(2
)%
 
(2
)%
Acquisitions/divestitures
1
 %
 
 %
 
2
 %
 
2
 %
Other
 %
 
 %
 
 %
 
(1
)%
 
5
 %
 
4
 %
 
7
 %
 
5
 %
The following tables provide sales by end-market and distribution method:
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
% of Sales
 
% Change
 
% of Sales
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Organic Sales
 
2014
 
2013
 
Organic Sales
Sales by End Markets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Manufacturing
30
%
 
30
%
 
3
 %
 
30
%
 
31
%
 
2
 %
Metals
11
%
 
12
%
 
(2
)%
 
12
%
 
13
%
 
(1
)%
Energy
21
%
 
17
%
 
21
 %
 
20
%
 
17
%
 
20
 %
Chemicals
10
%
 
11
%
 
(2
)%
 
10
%
 
10
%
 
4
 %
Electronics
4
%
 
5
%
 
(3
)%
 
4
%
 
5
%
 
(4
)%
Healthcare
7
%
 
7
%
 
1
 %
 
7
%
 
7
%
 
1
 %
Food & Beverage
8
%
 
9
%
 
4
 %
 
8
%
 
7
%
 
3
 %
Aerospace
1
%
 
1
%
 
(4
)%
 
1
%
 
1
%
 
2
 %
Other
8
%
 
8
%
 
10
 %
 
8
%
 
9
%
 
10
 %
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
% of Sales
 
% of Sales
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Sales by Distribution Method
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On- Site
31
%
 
27
%
 
31
%
 
27
%
Merchant
35
%
 
37
%
 
35
%
 
36
%
Packaged Gas
32
%
 
35
%
 
32
%
 
35
%
Other
2
%
 
1
%
 
2
%
 
2
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%

30

Table of Contents

The North America segment includes Praxair's industrial gases operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
North America segment sales increased $76 million, or 5%, in the quarter as compared to the prior year and 7% ex-currency translation impacts. Underlying sales growth was 5%, driven primarily by higher sales to the energy end-market as on-site volumes increased from new project start-ups for hydrogen supply to refinery customers in the U.S. and higher pricing. Sales also grew to the manufacturing, food and beverage and healthcare end-markets. Higher cost pass-through, primarily higher natural gas prices passed through to hydrogen customers, increased sales by 1%. North American packaged gas sales grew from the prior year due to growth and acquisitions in the U.S. business. For the year-to-date period, sales grew $199 million, or 7%. Underlying sales growth of 5% came primarily from higher pricing and higher volumes driven by the new project start-ups. Cost-pass-through added 1% growth. Packaged gas sales were higher in the six months ended June 30, 2014 primarily due to growth in the U.S. business. However, due to the contribution of new projects on on-site sales and NuCO2 on merchant sales, packaged gas sales have decreased as a percentage of total sales for the segment.
North America segment operating profit increased $17 million, or 4%, in the quarter as compared to the prior year and 6% ex-currency translation impacts. The increase was primarily driven by higher pricing. Higher volumes in U.S. and Canada, partially offset by lower volumes in Mexico to energy customers also contributed to the increase in operating profit. Depreciation and amortization increased $13 million quarter over quarter primarily due primarily to acquisitions and new project start-ups. Operating profit increased $37 million, or 5%, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 versus the respective 2013 period and 7% ex-currency, primarily due to higher pricing and volumes in the U.S. Depreciation and amortization increased $29 million for the six-month period primarily due to acquisitions and project start-ups.
Europe
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Variance %
 
2014
 
2013
 
Variance %
Sales
$
408

 
$
382

 
7
%
 
$
805

 
$
752

 
7
%
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
230

 
216

 
 
 
448

 
429

 
 
Gross margin
178

 
166

 
 
 
357

 
323

 
 
Operating expenses
58

 
56

 
 
 
115

 
110

 
 
Depreciation and amortization
42

 
41

 
 
 
85

 
82

 
 
Operating profit
$
78

 
$
69

 
13
%
 
$
157

 
$
131

 
20
%
Margin %
19.1
%
 
18.1
%
 
 
 
19.5
%
 
17.4
%
 
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013
 
% Change
 
% Change
 
% Change
 
% Change
 
Sales
 
Operating Profit
 
Sales
 
Operating Profit
Factors Contributing to Changes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
 %
 
4
 %
 
 %
 
4
%
Price
1
 %
 
5
 %
 
1
 %
 
6
%
Cost pass-through
(1
)%
 
 %
 
(1
)%
 
%
Currency
4
 %
 
5
 %
 
3
 %
 
4
%
Acquisitions/divestitures
3
 %
 
3
 %
 
4
 %
 
5
%
Other
 %
 
(4
)%
 
 %
 
1
%
 
7
 %
 
13
 %
 
7
 %
 
20
%


31

Table of Contents

The following tables provide sales by end-market and distribution method:
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
% of Sales
 
% Change
 
% of Sales
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Organic Sales
 
2014
 
2013
 
Organic Sales
Sales by End Markets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Manufacturing
21
%
 
21
%
 
6
 %
 
22
%
 
22
%
 
6
 %
Metals
16
%
 
16
%
 
5
 %
 
16
%
 
17
%
 
 %
Energy
8
%
 
5
%
 
7
 %
 
7
%
 
4
%
 
(5
)%
Chemicals
15
%
 
17
%
 
(11
)%
 
15
%
 
17
%
 
(7
)%
Electronics
6
%
 
7
%
 
(2
)%
 
7
%
 
7
%
 
 %
Healthcare
11
%
 
11
%
 
(5
)%
 
11
%
 
11
%
 
(3
)%
Food & Beverage
9
%
 
9
%
 
8
 %
 
9
%
 
9
%
 
7
 %
Aerospace
1
%
 
1
%
 
(29
)%
 
1
%
 
1
%
 
2
 %
Other
13
%
 
13
%
 
(3
)%
 
12
%
 
12
%
 
3
 %
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
% of Sales
 
% of Sales
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Sales by Distribution Method
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On- Site
18
%
 
19
%
 
19
%
 
20
%
Merchant
36
%
 
34
%
 
35
%
 
34
%
Packaged Gas
43
%
 
43
%
 
43
%
 
42
%
Other
3
%
 
4
%
 
3
%
 
4
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
Europe segment sales increased $26 million for the quarter and $53 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, reflecting growth of 7% over the prior-year comparative periods. Sales excluding currency and cost pass-through grew 4% for the quarter from acquisitions and higher pricing. Excluding the impact of cost pass-through and currency for the six-month period sales increased 5% from the prior year. The improvement was due to price increases and acquisitions.
Europe segment operating profit increased by $9 million, or 13%, quarter over quarter. Higher pricing and high on-site volumes offset by lower packaged gases volumes increased operating profit by 9%. Acquisitions and currency translation contributed 3% and 5% growth, respectively, partially offset by the 4% impact of cost inflation, primarily higher energy costs in Spain. For the six-month period operating profit increased 16%, excluding currency, from the prior year due to higher pricing, higher volumes and acquisitions.
South America
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Variance
 
2014
 
2013
 
Variance
Sales
$
509

 
$
536

 
(5
)%
 
997

 
1,067

 
(7
)%
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
279

 
296

 
 
 
555

 
596

 
 
Gross margin
230

 
240

 
 
 
442

 
471

 
 
Operating expenses
71

 
71

 
 
 
127

 
140

 
 
Depreciation and amortization
46

 
46

 
 
 
89

 
94

 
 
Operating profit
$
113

 
$
123

 
(8
)%
 
226

 
237

 
(5
)%
Margin %
22.2
%
 
22.9
%
 
 
 
22.7
%
 
22.2
%
 
 


32

Table of Contents

 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013
 
% Change
 
% Change
 
% Change
 
% Change
 
Sales
 
Operating Profit
 
Sales
 
Operating Profit
Factors Contributing to Changes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
(1
)%
 
(11
)%
 
 %
 
(4
)%
Price
3
 %
 
14
 %
 
4
 %
 
19
 %
Cost pass-through
1
 %
 
 %
 
1
 %
 
 %
Currency
(8
)%
 
(9
)%
 
(12
)%
 
(13
)%
Acquisitions/divestitures
 %
 
 %
 
 %
 
 %
Other
 %
 
(2
)%
 
 %
 
(7
)%
 
(5
)%
 
(8
)%
 
(7
)%
 
(5
)%
The following tables provide sales by end-market and distribution method:
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
% of Sales
 
% Change
Organic Sales
 
% of Sales
 
% Change
Organic Sales
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
Sales by End Markets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Manufacturing
21
%
 
21
%
 
(2
)%
 
21
%
 
22
%
 
(1
)%
Metals
29
%
 
29
%
 
3
 %
 
29
%
 
29
%
 
6
 %
Energy
2
%
 
3
%
 
6
 %
 
2
%
 
3
%
 
5
 %
Chemicals
9
%
 
8
%
 
2
 %
 
9
%
 
8
%
 
10
 %
Electronics
%
 
%
 
 %
 
%
 
%
 
 %
Healthcare
17
%
 
17
%
 
6
 %
 
17
%
 
16
%
 
7
 %
Food & Beverage
12
%
 
11
%
 
19
 %
 
13
%
 
11
%
 
17
 %
Aerospace
%
 
%
 
 %
 
%
 
%
 

Other
10
%
 
11
%
 
(10
)%
 
9
%
 
11
%
 
(8
)%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
% of Sales
 
% of Sales
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Sales by Distribution Method
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On- Site
26
%
 
25
%
 
26
%
 
25
%
Merchant
42
%
 
43
%
 
42
%
 
42
%
Packaged Gas
30
%
 
31
%
 
29
%
 
31
%
Other
2
%
 
1
%
 
3
%
 
2
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
South America segment sales in the second quarter decreased $27 million or 5% versus the prior-year quarter. Excluding unfavorable currency translation impacts of 8%, sales grew 3% primarily from higher pricing. Sales growth came from the chemicals and food and beverage end markets. For the six-month period sales decreased $70 million, or 7% from 2013. Sales growth excluding negative currency impacts was 5% due primarily to higher pricing.
Segment operating profit decreased $10 million, or 8%, in the second quarter. For the six month period operating profit decreased $11 million, or 5%. Excluding negative currency effects, operating profit increased 1% in the second quarter due to higher pricing partially offset by the impact of lower volumes. On-site and packaged gases volumes were below prior year, while merchant volumes were higher. Excluding negative currency effects operating profit increased 8% for the six-month period due to higher price, partially offset by higher costs. Operating profit for the six-month period also included a gain on an asset sale in Brazil. Depreciation and amortization was comparable to the prior year as the start up of new on-site production facilities was more than offset by currency impacts.
Refer to the "Currency" section of this Management's Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of the currency environment in Venezuela.

33

Table of Contents

Asia
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Variance
 
2014
 
2013
 
Variance
Sales
$
394

 
$
379

 
4
%
 
$
786

 
$
746

 
5
%
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
250

 
250

 
 
 
501

 
496

 
 
Gross margin
144

 
129

 
 
 
285

 
250

 
 
Operating expenses
26

 
30

 
 
 
53

 
54

 
 
Depreciation and amortization
42

 
38

 
 
 
81

 
72

 
 
Operating profit
$
76

 
$
61

 
25
%
 
$
151

 
$
124

 
22
%
Margin %
19.3
%
 
16.1
%
 
 
 
19.2
%
 
16.6
%
 
 
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013
 
% Change
 
% Change
 
% Change
 
% Change
 
Sales
 
Operating Profit
 
Sales
 
Operating Profit
Factors Contributing to Changes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
5
 %
 
11
 %
 
6
 %
 
11
 %
Price
1
 %
 
2
 %
 
1
 %
 
7
 %
Cost pass-through
(1
)%
 
 %
 
(1
)%
 
 %
Currency
(1
)%
 
(1
)%
 
(1
)%
 
(1
)%
Acquisitions/divestitures
 %
 
 %
 
 %
 
 %
Other
 %
 
13
 %
 
 %
 
5
 %
 
4
 %
 
25
 %
 
5
 %
 
22
 %
The following tables provide sales by end-market and distribution method:
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
% of Sales
 
% Change
Organic Sales
 
% of Sales
 
% Change
Organic Sales
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
Sales by End Markets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Manufacturing
10
%
 
13
%
 
(15
)%
 
10
%
 
12
%
 
(11
)%
Metals
29
%
 
26
%
 
21
 %
 
28
%
 
26
%
 
16
 %
Energy
2
%
 
%
 
**

 
2
%
 
%
 
**

Chemicals
12
%
 
13
%
 
(2
)%
 
12
%
 
13
%
 
(2
)%
Electronics
33
%
 
33
%
 
3
 %
 
33
%
 
34
%
 
3
 %
Healthcare
1
%
 
1
%
 
17
 %
 
1
%
 
1
%
 
19
 %
Food & Beverage
2
%
 
3
%
 
4
 %
 
2
%
 
3
%
 
(3
)%
Aerospace
%
 
%
 
(6
)%
 
%
 
%
 
1
 %
Other
11
%
 
11
%
 
2
 %
 
12
%
 
11
%
 
25
 %
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 ** - not meaningful as base year is zero
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
% of Sales
 
% of Sales
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Sales by Distribution Method
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On- Site
48
%
 
47
%
 
50
%
 
47
%
Merchant
29
%
 
29
%
 
29
%
 
29
%
Packaged Gas
13
%
 
12
%
 
12
%
 
11
%
Other
10
%
 
12
%
 
9
%
 
13
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%

34

Table of Contents

Asia segment sales increased $15 million, or 4%, in the second quarter as compared to the prior year. Excluding negative currency and cost pass through effects sales growth was 6%. Volume growth of 5% was primarily driven by new project start-ups in China, India and Korea. Higher pricing contributed to a 1% increase in sales and was primarily due to higher helium pricing. Cost pass-through related to the contractual pass through of precious metals and power costs decreased sales by 1%, with minimal impact on operating profit. By end-market, the strongest sales growth came from metals. Strong growth in on-site volumes due to new plant start-ups accounted for the increase in on-site sales as a percentage of total segment sales. For the year-to-date period, sales increased $40 million, or 5%, for the same reasons discussed above.
Asia segment operating profit increased $15 million, or 25% for the second quarter 2014 as compared to the prior year. Higher volumes resulted in a 11% increase. Operating expenses were $4 million lower than the prior-year quarter primarily due to an insurance recovery. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4 million as compared to the prior-year quarter primarily due to new plant start-ups. Operating profit increased $27 million, or 22%, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year. Higher volumes and pricing resulted in a 18% increase for the six months ended June 30, 2014.
Surface Technologies
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Variance
 
2014
 
2013
 
Variance
Sales
$
174

 
$
165

 
5
%
 
$
343

 
$
328

 
5
%
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
112

 
105

 
 
 
223

 
212

 
 
Gross margin
62

 
60

 
 
 
120

 
116

 
 
Operating expenses
19

 
18

 
 
 
36

 
38

 
 
Depreciation and amortization
11

 
11

 
 
 
22

 
21

 
 
Operating profit
$
32

 
$
31

 
3
%
 
$
62

 
$
57

 
9
%
Margin %
18.4
%
 
18.8
%
 
 
 
18.1
%
 
17.4
%
 
 
 
 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 vs. 2013
 
% Change
 
% Change
 
% Change
 
% Change
 
Sales
 
Operating Profit
 
Sales
 
Operating Profit
Factors Contributing to Changes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume/Price
4
 %
 
3
%
 
3
%
 
2
%
Cost pass-through
 %
 
%
 
%
 
%
Currency
2
 %
 
%
 
2
%
 
1
%
Acquisitions/divestitures
(1
)%
 
%
 
%
 
%
Other
 %
 
%
 
%
 
6
%
 
5
 %
 
3
%
 
5
%
 
9
%

35

Table of Contents

The following table provides sales by end-market:
 
Quarter Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
% of Sales
 
% Change
 
% of Sales
 
% Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
Organic Sales
 
2014
 
2013
 
Organic Sales
Sales by End Markets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Manufacturing
14
%
 
13
%
 
8
 %
 
13
%
 
13
%
 
3
 %
Metals
8
%
 
8
%
 
8
 %
 
8
%
 
8
%
 
9
 %
Energy
27
%
 
29
%
 
(5
)%
 
27
%
 
29
%
 
(4
)%
Chemicals
2
%
 
2
%
 
(9
)%
 
2
%
 
2
%
 
(10
)%
Electronics
1
%
 
1
%
 
 %
 
1
%
 
%
 
 %
Healthcare
%
 
%
 
 %
 
%
 
%
 
 %
Food & Beverage
3
%
 
3
%
 
 %
 
3
%
 
3
%
 
(1
)%
Aerospace
33
%
 
34
%
 
1
 %
 
33
%
 
34
%
 
1
 %
Other
12
%
 
10
%
 
12
 %
 
13
%
 
11
%
 
13
 %
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
Surface Technologies segment sales increased $9 million, or 5%, in the quarter versus the prior-year period. Underlying sales increased 4% primarily from higher sales to manufacturing and aerospace markets, partially offset by lower sales to energy markets. Currency increased sales by 2% primarily due to a stronger Euro and British pound versus the U.S. dollar. For the six-month period, sales increased 5% due to higher sales to aerospace markets partially offset by energy markets.

Surface Technologies segment operating profit increased $1 million, or 3%, in the second quarter primarily due to higher pricing. Operating profit increased $5 million, or 9%, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 versus the respective 2013 periods, primarily from higher pricing and productivity gains which more than offset cost inflation.

36

Table of Contents

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. 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.
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):
 
 
Percentage of YTD 2014 Consolidated Sales (a)
 
Exchange Rate for
Income Statement
 
Exchange Rate for
Balance Sheet
 
Year-To-Date Average
 
June 30,
 
December 31,
Currency
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Brazilian real
13
%
 
2.29

 
2.03

 
2.20

 
2.34

Euro
13
%
 
0.73

 
0.76

 
0.73

 
0.73

Canadian dollar
8
%
 
1.10

 
1.02

 
1.07

 
1.06

Mexican peso
6
%
 
13.11

 
12.56

 
12.97

 
13.04

Chinese yuan
5
%
 
6.17

 
6.21

 
6.20

 
6.05

Indian rupee
3
%
 
60.79

 
55.01

 
60.19

 
61.80

Korean won
3
%
 
1,049

 
1,104

 
1,012

 
1,050

Singapore dollar
<1%

 
1.26

 
1.24

 
1.25

 
1.26

Argentine peso
<1%

 
7.82

 
5.13

 
8.13

 
6.52

Colombian peso
<1%

 
1,958

 
1,827

 
1,881

 
1,927

Russian ruble
<1%

 
35.01

 
31.02

 
33.98

 
32.87

Taiwanese dollar
<1%

 
30.21

 
29.66

 
29.89

 
29.81

Thailand bhat
<1%

 
32.55

 
29.84

 
32.44

 
32.71

Venezuelan bolivar fuerte (b)
<1%

 
6.30

 
5.68

 
6.30

 
6.30

 
(a)
Certain Surface Technologies segment sales are included in European, Indian and Brazilian sales.

(b)
Effective March 24, 2014, the Venezuelan government introduced a new exchange control market-based mechanism (referred to as “SICAD 2”) which may allow companies to obtain U.S. dollars for any purpose, including dividend remittances. Through June 30, 2014, SICAD 2 market-based transactions were limited and it is not clear whether the Company will be able to exchange Venezuelan bolivar fuerte ("VEF") to U.S. dollars to pay its foreign denominated obligations and/or to make dividend and royalty remittances. Therefore, Praxair has continued to use the official 6.3 exchange rate for remeasurement purposes and will continue to monitor current developments. At June 30, 2014 the SICAD 2 rate was 49.98 VEF per U.S. dollar. In Venezuela, Praxair’s 2014 year-to-date sales were approximately $52 million and at June 30, 2014 Praxair’s net asset position was approximately $120 million, including $47 million of VEF nominated cash. If the VEF devalued from the current official 6.3 rate or if the Company determined that it was more appropriate to use another exchange rate for translation purposes, it would result tin a charge to earnings in the period of devaluation. Based on its June 30, 2014 balance sheet, Praxair estimates that it would incur a pre-tax charge of approximately $12 million for every 10% devaluation of the VEF versus the U.S. dollar.




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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,
 
2014
 
2013
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR):
 
 
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net income - Praxair, Inc. plus depreciation and amortization
$
1,493

 
$
1,377

Noncontrolling interests
28

 
31

Net income plus depreciation and amortization (including noncontrolling interests)
1,521

 
1,408

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Venezuela currency devaluation (a) 

 
23

Deferred income taxes
17

 
99

Working capital
(198
)
 
(361
)
Pension contributions
(13
)
 
(43
)
Other - net
56

 
(77
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
1,383

 
$
1,049

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(777
)
 
(988
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(170
)
 
(1,269
)
Divestitures and asset sales
71

 
38

Net cash used for investing activities
$
(876
)
 
$
(2,219
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Debt increases (reductions) - net
364

 
1,755

Issuances (purchases) of common stock - net
(377
)
 
(269
)
Cash dividends - Praxair, Inc. shareholders
(381
)
 
(355
)
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation
24

 
24

Noncontrolling interest transactions and other
(111
)
 
(17
)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities
$
(481
)
 
$
1,138

 
(a)
See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Cash Flow from Operations
Cash provided by operations of $1,383 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased $334 million, or 32%, versus 2013. The increased was primarily due to higher net income plus depreciation and amortization expense and lower working capital requirements primarily due to lower tax payments.
Praxair estimates that total 2014 contributions to its pension plans will be in the area of $20 million, of which $13 million have been made through June 30, 2014. At a minimum, Praxair contributes to its pension plans to comply with local regulatory requirements (e.g., ERISA in the United States). Discretionary contributions in excess of the local minimum requirements are made based on many factors, including long-term projections of the plans' funded status, the economic environment, potential risk of overfunding, pension insurance costs and alternative uses of the cash. Changes to these factors can impact the amount and timing of discretionary contributions from year to year.
Investing
Net cash used for investing of $876 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 decreased $1,343 million versus 2013 due to lower acquisition expenditures, primarily the acquisition of NuCO2 in 2013.
Capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2014 were $777 million, $211 million lower than the prior year. Capital expenditures related primarily to the construction of large growth projects.

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Table of Contents

Acquisitions of $170 million included the acquisition of an industrial gases business in Italy and packaged gas businesses in North and South America. Acquisitions in the prior-year period of $1,269 were primarily the acquisition of NuCO2 in North America. (see Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).
For the six months ended June 30, 2014 divestitures and asset sales were $71 million, primarily the sale of Praxair's industrial gas business in France in the first quarter.
Financing
Cash used for financing activities was $481 million for the six-month period. Cash dividends of $381million were above prior year due to an increase in dividends per share to $1.30 from $1.20. In 2014, noncontrolling interest transactions and other includes the purchase of the redeemable noncontrolling interests of Praxair Distribution Mid-Atlantic, LLC (see Note 14 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).
In March 2014, Praxair issued €600 million ($818 million) of 1.50% Euro-denominated notes due 2020, and repaid $300 million of 4.375% notes that became due.

Other Financial Data

Praxair's debt to capital ratio was 54.5% at June 30, 2014 versus 54.3% at December 31, 2013.

After-tax return on capital ("ROC") decreased to 12.6% for the four-quarter trailing period ended June 30, 2014 versus 13.0% for the 2013 period. This decrease reflects higher debt levels due primarily to acquisitions in the first half of 2013.

Return on equity ("ROE") for the four-quarter trailing period ended June 30, 2014 remained strong at 28.3%.
 
See the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section below for definitions and reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to reported GAAP amounts.
Legal Proceedings
See Note 12 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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 financial 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:
 
 
June 30,
 
(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)
2014
 
2013
 
Debt-to-capital
54.5
%
 
54.3
%
1 
After-tax return on capital
12.6
%
 
13.0
%
 
Return on equity
28.3
%
 
28.4
%
 
Debt-to-adjusted EBITDA
2.3

 
2.1

 
 

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Table of Contents

 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2014
 
2013
2013 Adjusted amounts: 2
 
 
 
Operating profit
$
1,372

 
1,288

As a percent of sales
22.3
%
 
21.8
%
Effective tax rate
28.0
%
 
28.0
%
Net income - Praxair, Inc.
$
915

 
859

Diluted earnings per share
$
3.08

 
2.87


1
As of December 31, 2013.
2
The adjusted amounts for 2013 exclude the impact of the first quarter Venezuela currency devaluation of $23 million ($23 million net of tax). See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
(Dollar amounts in millions)
 
 
 
Debt
$
9,165

 
$
8,811

Less: cash and cash equivalents
(173
)
 
(138
)
Net debt
8,992

 
8,673

Equity and redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
194

 
307

Praxair, Inc. shareholders’ equity
6,911

 
6,609

Noncontrolling interests
395

 
394

Total equity and redeemable noncontrolling interests
7,500


7,310

Capital
$
16,492

 
$
15,983

DEBT-TO-CAPITAL RATIO
54.5
%
 
54.3
%

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Table of Contents

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).
 
2014
 
2013
 
Four
Quarter
Trailing
 
Six Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
Four
Quarter
Trailing
 
Six Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
(Dollar amounts in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted operating profit (see below)
$
2,741

 
$
1,372

 
$
1,369

 
$
2,527

 
$
1,288

 
$
1,239

Less: adjusted income taxes (see below)
(719
)
 
(359
)
 
(360
)
 
(664
)
 
(338
)
 
(326
)
Less: tax benefit on interest expense*
(47
)
 
(25
)
 
(22
)
 
(42
)
 
(22
)
 
(20
)
Add: equity income
36

 
19

 
17

 
38

 
21

 
17

Net operating profit after-tax (NOPAT)
$
2,011


$
1,007


$
1,004


$
1,859


$
949


$
910

Capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30th
$
16,492

 
 
 
 
 
$
15,548

 
 
 
 
March 31st
$
16,319

 
 
 
 
 
$
15,344

 
 
 
 
December 31st, 2013 & 2012
$
15,983

 
 
 
 
 
$
13,878

 
 
 
 
September 30th, 2013 & 2012
$
15,757

 
 
 
 
 
$
13,617

 
 
 
 
June 30th, 2013 & 2012
$
15,548

 
 
 
 
 
$
13,017

 
 
 
 
Five-quarter average
$
16,020

 
 
 
 
 
$
14,281

 
 
 
 
After-tax ROC
12.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
13.0
%
 
 
 
 

Tax benefit on interest expense is computed using the effective rate. The effective tax rate used was 28% for 2014 and 2013.

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.
 
2014
 
2013
 
Four
Quarter
Trailing
 
Six Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
Four
Quarter
Trailing
 
Six Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
(Dollar amounts in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Net income - Praxair, Inc. (see below)
$
1,828

 
$
915

 
$
913

 
$
1,692

 
$
859

 
$
833

Praxair, Inc. shareholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30th
$
6,911

 
 
 
 
 
$
5,928

 
 
 
 
March 31st
$
6,600

 
 
 
 
 
$
6,169

 
 
 
 
December 31st, 2013 & 2012
$
6,609

 
 
 
 
 
$
6,064

 
 
 
 
September 30th, 2013 & 2012
$
6,210

 
 
 
 
 
$
6,015

 
 
 
 
June 30th, 2013 & 2012
$
5,928

 
 
 
 
 
$
5,615

 
 
 
 
Five-quarter average
$
6,452

 
 
 
 
 
$
5,958

 
 
 
 
ROE
28.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
28.4
%
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

Adjusted EBITDA and Debt-to-Adjusted EBITDA Ratio
These measures are used by investors, financial analysts and management to assess a company’s ability to meet its financial obligations.
 
2014
 
2013
 
Four
Quarter
Trailing
 
Six Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
Four
Quarter
Trailing
 
Six Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
(Dollar amounts in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted net income - Praxair, Inc. (see below)
$
1,828

 
$
915

 
$
913

 
$
1,692

 
$
859

 
$
833

Add: adjusted noncontrolling interest (see below)
62

 
28

 
34

 
57

 
31

 
26

Add: interest expense - net
168

 
89

 
79

 
152

 
81

 
71

Add: adjusted income taxes (see below)
719

 
359

 
360

 
664

 
338

 
326

Add: depreciation and amortization
1,146

 
578

 
568

 
1,043

 
541

 
502

Adjusted EBITDA
$
3,923

 
$
1,969

 
$
1,954

 
$
3,608

 
$
1,850

 
$
1,758

Net Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30th
$
8,992

 
 
 
 
 
$
9,004

 
 
 
 
March 31st
$
9,126

 
 
 
 
 
$
8,563

 
 
 
 
December 31st, 2013 & 2012
$
8,673

 
 
 
 
 
$
7,205

 
 
 
 
September 30th, 2013 & 2012
$
8,892

 
 
 
 
 
$
7,028

 
 
 
 
June 30th, 2013 & 2012
$
9,004

 
 
 
 
 
$
6,891

 
 
 
 
Five-quarter average
$
8,937

 
 
 
 
 
$
7,738

 
 
 
 
DEBT-TO-ADJUSTED EBITDA RATIO
2.3

 
 
 
 
 
2.1

 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

Adjusted Amounts
Adjusted amounts for the six months ended June 30, 2013 exclude the impact of the Venezuela currency devaluation. Adjusted amounts for the six months ended December 31, 2013 exclude the impact of the pension settlement charge, the bond redemption charge and income tax benefit. Adjusted amounts for the six month period ended December 31, 2012 exclude the impact of the pension settlement charge, cost reduction program and income tax benefit. The company does not believe these items are 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. For a description of these items, refer to Notes 2, 5 & 11 to the consolidated financial statements of Praxair’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Certain amounts for 2014 have been included for reference purposes and to facilitate the calculations contained herein.
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended December 31,
(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)
2014
 
2013
 
2013
 
2012
Adjusted Operating Profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reported operating profit
$
1,372

 
$
1,265

 
$
1,360

 
$
1,174

Add: Venezuela currency devaluation

 
23

 

 

Add: Pension settlement charge

 

 
9

 
9

Add: Cost reduction program

 

 

 
56

Total adjustments

 
23

 
9

 
65

Adjusted operating profit
$
1,372

 
$
1,288

 
$
1,369

 
$
1,239

Reported percent change
8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted percent change
7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Interest Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reported interest expense
$
89

 
$
81

 
$
97

 
$
71

Less: Bond redemption

 

 
(18
)
 

  Total adjustments

 

 
(18
)
 

Adjusted interest expense
$
89

 
$
81

 
$
79

 
$
71

Adjusted Income Taxes and Effective Tax Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reported income taxes
$
359

 
$
338

 
$
311

 
$
252

Add: Bond redemption

 

 
6

 

Add: Income tax benefit

 

 
40

 
55

Add: Pension settlement charge

 

 
3

 
3

Add: Venezuela currency devaluation

 

 

 

Add: Cost reduction program

 

 

 
16

Total adjustments

 

 
49

 
74

Adjusted income taxes
$
359

 
$
338

 
$
360

 
$
326


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Table of Contents

 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended December 31,
(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)
2014
 
2013
 
2013
 
2012
Adjusted Effective Tax Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reported income before income taxes and equity investments
$
1,283

 
$
1,184

 
$
1,263

 
$
1,103

Add: Bond redemption

 

 
18

 

Add: Pension settlement charge

 

 
9

 
9

Add: Venezuela currency devaluation

 
23

 

 

Add: Cost reduction program

 

 

 
56

Total adjustments

 
23

 
27

 
65

Adjusted income before income taxes and equity investments
$
1,283

 
$
1,207

 
$
1,290

 
$
1,168

Adjusted effective tax rate
28.0
%
 
28.0
%
 
27.9
%
 
27.9
%
Adjusted Noncontrolling Interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reported noncontrolling interests
$
28

 
$
31

 
$
50

 
$
24

Less: Income tax benefit

 

 
(16
)
 

Add: Cost reduction program

 

 

 
2

Total adjustments

 

 
(16
)
 
2

Adjusted Noncontrolling Interests
$
28

 
$
31

 
$
34

 
$
26

Adjusted Net Income - Praxair, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reported net income - Praxair, Inc.
$
915

 
$
836

 
$
919

 
$
844

Add: Bond redemption

 

 
12

 

Less: Income tax benefit

 

 
(24
)
 
(55
)
Add: Pension settlement charge

 

 
6

 
6

Add: Venezuela currency devaluation

 
23

 

 

Add: Cost reduction program

 

 

 
38

Total adjustments

 
23

 
(6
)
 
(11
)
Adjusted net income - Praxair, Inc.
$
915

 
$
859

 
$
913

 
$
833

Reported percent change
9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted percent change
7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
 
 
Reported diluted earnings per share
$
3.08

 
$
2.79

Add: Bond redemption

 

Less: Income tax benefit

 

Add: Pension settlement charge

 

Add: Venezuela currency devaluation

 
0.08

Add: Cost reduction program

 

Total adjustments

 
0.08

Adjusted diluted earnings per share
$
3.08

 
$
2.87

Reported percent change
10
%
 
 
Adjusted percent change
7
%
 
 

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Table of Contents

Percentage Change in Full - Year 2014 Diluted EPS Guidance
 
Low
End
 
High
End
2014 Diluted EPS guidance
$
6.30

 
$
6.45

2013 adjusted diluted EPS (see 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K)
$
5.93

 
$
5.93

Percentage change from 2013 adjusted amounts
6
%
 
9
%
New Accounting Standards
Refer to Note 1 of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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; the impact of information technology system failures, network disruptions and breaches in data security; and the effectiveness and speed of integrating new acquisitions into the business. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual future results or circumstances to differ materially from the 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.

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Table of Contents

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Refer to Item 7A. to Part II of Praxair’s 2013 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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Table of Contents

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Praxair, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See Note 12 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 50 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. In addition, many of the company’s customers are in businesses that are cyclical in nature, such as the chemicals, electronics, metals and refining industries. Downturns in these industries may adversely impact the company during these cycles. 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.
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. Large customer contracts typically have escalation and pass-through clauses to recover energy and feedstock costs. 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 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 government actions related to business and currency regulations, there is considerable risk associated with operations in Venezuela (see Management’s Discussion and Analysis - Currency). At June 30, 2014, Praxair’s sales and net assets in Venezuela were less than 1% of Praxair’s consolidated amounts. Also, the Company is monitoring developments regarding the collectability of government receivables from healthcare sales to public hospitals in Spain and Italy where economic conditions have been challenging and uncertain. Historically, collection of such government receivables has extended well beyond the contractual terms of sale; however,

47

Table of Contents

payment has historically been received. At June 30, 2014 government receivables in Spain and Italy totaled $84 million ($82 million at December 31, 2013).
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 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 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 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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

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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. As a result of these efforts, the company develops new and proprietary technologies and employs necessary measures to protect such technologies within the global geographies in which the company operates. These technologies help Praxair to create a competitive advantage and to provide a platform for the company to grow its business at greater percentages than the rate of industrial production growth in such geographies. If Praxair’s research and development activities do not keep pace with competitors or if it does not create new technologies that benefit customers, 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.
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 2013 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

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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 2013 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.
Information Technology Systems – The Company may be subject to information technology system ("IT") failures, network disruptions and breaches in data security.
Praxair relies on IT systems and networks for business and operational activities, and also stores and processes sensitive business and proprietary information in these systems and networks. These systems are susceptible to outages due to fire, floods, power loss, telecommunications failures, viruses, break-ins and similar events, or breaches of security. Management has taken steps to address these risks and concerns by implementing advanced security technologies, internal controls, network and data center resiliency and recovery processes. Despite these steps, however, operational failures and breaches of security from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats could lead to the loss or disclosure of confidential information, result in regulatory actions and have a material adverse impact on Praxair's operations, reputation and financial results.
Acquisitions and Joint Ventures - The inability to effectively integrate acquisitions or collaborate joint venture partners 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 and joint ventures. 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;
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 and joint ventures 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.

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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, 2014 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)
 
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet be Purchased
Under the Program (2)
(Millions)
April 2014
443

 
$
129.50

 
443

 
$
1,556

May 2014
427

 
$
130.62

 
427

 
$
1,500

June 2014
336

 
$
131.85

 
336

 
$
1,455

Second Quarter 2014
1,206

 
$
130.55

 
1,206

 
$
1,455

 
(1)
During the quarter ended June 30, 2014, the Company repurchased shares of its common stocks pursuant to the following two stock repurchase programs previously approved by the Board of Directors: (a) a $1.5 billion repurchase program announced on January 24, 2012 (2012 program), and (b) a $1.5 billion repurchase program announced on January 28, 2014 (2014 program). Repurchases could take place under both of these programs 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. The 2012 and 2014 programs do not have any stated expiration date.
(2)
During the second quarter, the Company completed the purchase of its common stock pursuant to the 2012 program and purchased $45 million of its common stock pursuant to the 2014 program, leaving an additional $1,455 million remaining authorized under the 2014 program.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
None.

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Item 6. Exhibits
(a)
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 23, 2014
 
By: /s/ Elizabeth T. Hirsch
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elizabeth T. Hirsch
 
 
 
Vice President and Controller
 
 
 
(On behalf of the Registrant
 
 
 
and as Chief Accounting Officer)
 

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