(Archived) Praxair Increases Dividend in First Quarter 2005

DANBURY, Conn., January 25, 2005 — The board of directors of Praxair, Inc. (NYSE:PX) declared a 20% increase in Praxair’s quarterly dividend to 18 cents per share, payable on March 15, 2005 to shareholders of record on March 7, 2005.

“This is the 12th consecutive year that Praxair has increased its dividend,” said Dennis Reilley, chairman and chief executive officer. “This action reflects confidence in our continuing ability to generate steady earnings growth and cash flow.”

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2003 sales of $5.6 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric and process gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technologies bring productivity and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, food and beverage, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and others. More information on Praxair is available on the Internet at www.praxair.com.