Praxair Inc. (PX: Quote) said its net income, excluding noncontrolling interests, for the fourth quarter declined to $414 million, from $420 million a year ago, with unchanged quarterly earnings per share of $1.38. On average, 18 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings per share of $1.38 for the quarter. Analysts’ estimates typically exclude one-time items.
For the recent quarter, sales were $2.8 billion, same as last year, as higher price and acquisitions were offset by negative currency effects. Analysts estimated revenues of $2.77 billion for the quarter.
Looking ahead, the company sees full-year 2013 earnings per share between $5.85 and $6.10. Twenty-one analysts project earnings per share of $6.16 for 2013.
Separately, Praxair’s board has declared a quarterly dividend of 60 cents per share, a 9% increase from 55 cents per share in the prior quarter. The dividend is payable on March 15, 2013 to shareholders of record on March 7, 2013.
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by RTT Staff Writer
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