Linde PLC (LIN)

$LIN What BE and LIN have that $PLUG does not (yet)
1 Revenue scale

PLUG: $710M annual revenue (2025).
BE: $2.02B annual revenue (2025). Nearly 3× PLUG.
LIN: $34B annual revenue (2025). 50× PLUG.
To justify a $275–$400 PLUG would need 3–50× revenue growth.

$BLDP Is Quietly Positioning Itself for the Same AI + Data Center Hydrogen Wave
$BLDP (Ballard Power) is starting to get pulled into the same narrative that’s lifting hydrogen names tied to AI infrastructure. While $PLUG is pushing PEM fuel cells and $BE is already deep in AI data-center deployments, Ballard is carving out its own lane — and the market is beginning to notice.

The key?
Ballard’s tech is already proven in heavy-duty, high-reliability environments, which is exactly what AI data centers need as they scale power demand to insane levels.

⚡ Why $BLDP Fits the AI Power Story
Ballard’s PEM fuel cells are built for continuous, mission-critical power

The company has long focused on durability + efficiency, two things hyperscalers obsess over

Hydrogen is being explored as a diesel-replacement backup system for next-gen data centers

AI clusters need clean, fast-start, high-reliability power — a Ballard specialty

Global hydrogen adoption is accelerating, and Ballard is already embedded in multiple regions

Ballard isn’t shouting about AI yet… but the setup is there.

🚀 How $BLDP Could Ride the Same Trend as $PLUG and $BE
Here’s the narrative forming across financial media and algo-driven feeds:

$BE = already powering AI racks

$PLUG = entering AI backup power in 2025

$BLDP = the under-the-radar hydrogen player with proven PEM tech

Ballard has been building fuel-cell systems for decades. That long-term engineering credibility matters when hyperscalers look for stable, zero-carbon backup power.

And as AI data centers multiply, every hydrogen-capable supplier gets pulled into the conversation.

📈 Why This Matters for Market Attention


data-center power

hydrogen

zero-carbon backup

hyperscaler energy demand

PLUG: The Purest Bullish Play on the Hydrogen Supercycle as Oil Enters Crisis Mode
Thesis
PLUG stands at the center of the most explosive energy transition of this decade: the global shift from oil-dependent systems to decentralized, domestically produced green hydrogen. With oil markets destabilized by Middle East tensions and supply-chain chokepoints, hydrogen is emerging not as an alternative — but as the inevitable successor. PLUG is positioned as the first-mover, the infrastructure builder, and the vertically integrated leader ready to capture that shift.

This is not a cyclical story.
This is a structural displacement of oil demand, and PLUG is one of the only pure-play ways to capture it.

1. Oil’s Crisis Is Hydrogen’s Catalyst
When geopolitical conflict hits oil-producing regions — especially involving Iran — the world is reminded of a brutal truth:

Oil is fragile. Hydrogen is not.

Oil depends on:

chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz

OPEC+ political coordination

tanker routes vulnerable to conflict

price manipulation

sanctions

Hydrogen depends on:

water

electricity

domestic electrolyzer capacity

That’s it.

Every time oil spikes, every time supply is threatened, every time conflict erupts, the incentive to break free from fossil-fuel dependence intensifies. Hydrogen becomes the energy-security solution, not just the climate solution.

PLUG is building the infrastructure that makes that independence real.

2. PLUG Is Building the First Scaled Green Hydrogen Network in the U.S.
PLUG isn’t a concept stock. It’s an infrastructure company with real assets and real production.

Key bullish points:

Record liquid hydrogen production at its Georgia plant

Hundreds of megawatts of electrolyzers shipped globally

A multibillion-dollar sales funnel across Europe, North America, and South America

Vertical integration from electrolyzers ? production ? storage ? distribution ? fuel cells

This is the hydrogen equivalent of owning:

the oil wells

the refineries

the pipelines

the gas stations

the engines

No other U.S. company has this level of end-to-end control.

When hydrogen demand accelerates, PLUG doesn’t just participate — it captures the entire value chain.

3. Fuel-Cell Vehicles and Hydrogen Logistics Directly Attack Oil Demand
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs) and hydrogen-powered industrial fleets are the first real threat to diesel in decades.

PLUG is already powering:

warehouse fleets

logistics hubs

distribution centers

heavy-duty mobility pilots

aerospace hydrogen supply (NASA contract)

Every forklift, truck, or fleet that switches to hydrogen is a permanent reduction in oil demand.

During oil-market instability, corporations don’t want exposure to diesel volatility. They want:

predictable fuel costs

domestic energy sources

long-term contracts

zero-emission compliance

Hydrogen delivers all of that.
PLUG delivers the hydrogen.

4. The Market Is Mispricing PLUG’s Leverage to the Hydrogen Megatrend
PLUG is treated like a speculative tech stock.
In reality, it is a strategic energy-infrastructure asset.

Hydrogen adoption is not linear — it’s exponential.
It accelerates when:

oil prices spike

supply chains break

geopolitical conflict escalates

governments push energy independence

corporations seek long-term stability

All of those conditions are happening right now.

PLUG is the most leveraged name to that macro environment.

5. Hydrogen vs. Oil: The Decade-Long Battle Has Already Started
Oil’s dominance is being challenged for the first time by a scalable, storable, transportable, zero-carbon fuel that can be produced anywhere.

Hydrogen is:

the only clean fuel suitable for heavy industry

the only scalable replacement for diesel in logistics

the only long-duration storage solution for renewables

the only fuel that can be produced domestically at massive scale

PLUG is building the infrastructure that makes this transition possible.

When the world pivots away from oil — whether because of conflict, price spikes, or policy — PLUG becomes the gateway to the new energy economy.

Conclusion: PLUG Is a High-Conviction Bullish Play on the End of Oil Dependence
The combination of:

oil-market instability

geopolitical conflict

the rise of green hydrogen

PLUG’s first-mover infrastructure advantage

accelerating global electrolyzer demand

creates one of the strongest asymmetric bull cases in the clean-energy sector.

Hydrogen is not a niche.
It is the next energy system.

PLUG is not a follower.
It is the builder of that system. $LIN $PLUG

✅ How Many Oil Refineries Have Been Compromised in 2026 So Far?
Based on available search results, only ONE major refinery incident is confirmed for 2026 so far:

1. Viva Energy Refinery – Geelong, Australia (April 15–16, 2026)
This is the only refinery incident documented in the search results. No other 2026 refinery fires or shutdowns appeared in the data.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the Geelong incident.

🔥 1. Viva Energy Refinery Fire — Geelong, Australia
Date: April 15–16, 2026
Location: Corio, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Operator: Viva Energy
National Importance: One of only two operating refineries in Australia.

What Happened
A major fire erupted in the MOGAS gasoline production unit around 11 PM.

The fire burned for 13–15 hours before being extinguished.

Witnesses reported explosions and flames up to 60 meters high.

A gas leak from a faulty mechanical part is suspected as the cause.

Impact on Operations
Gasoline and aviation gasoline production was disrupted.

The refinery continued producing diesel and jet fuel, but at reduced levels.

National Fuel Security Risk
The refinery supplies 10–12% of Australia’s fuel and over 50% of Victoria’s fuel.

The shutdown exposed how fragile Australia’s fuel supply chain is with only two refineries left.

Emergency Response
Fire Rescue Victoria deployed ~50 firefighters.

Specialized hydrocarbon fire suppression systems were required.

National fuel security protocols were activated.

Economic & Strategic Implications
Analysts warned of potential fuel price hikes.

The incident highlighted Australia’s lack of refining redundancy.

⚠️ Summary: Confirmed 2026 Refinery Incidents
Refinery Country Date Cause Impact
Viva Energy – Geelong Australia Apr 15–16, 2026 Gas leak ? fire/explosions Gasoline production offline; national fuel security concerns


No other refinery fires or shutdowns in 2026 appeared in the search results.
If you want, I can run additional searches for other regions.

⚡ Why Refinery Disruptions Increase the Need for Alternative Energy
Even a single refinery outage can have massive ripple effects, especially in countries with limited refining capacity.

Here’s why incidents like Geelong push attention toward alternative energy systems:

1. Refinery outages expose energy fragility
The Geelong fire showed how one incident can threaten:

Fuel supply

Transportation networks

Aviation fuel availability

National energy security

When a country relies heavily on imported fuel or has few refineries, any disruption becomes a national crisis.

2. Hydrogen and fuel cells reduce dependence on refineries
Companies like Linde ($LIN), Plug Power ($PLUG), and Ballard Power ($BLDP) operate in sectors that do not require oil refining:

Hydrogen can be produced from:
Electrolysis (renewable electricity)

Natural gas with carbon capture

Industrial byproducts

This means hydrogen can be produced domestically, locally, and without refineries.

3. Fuel cells provide decentralized, resilient power
Ballard and Plug Power fuel cells can power:

Buses

Trucks

Trains

Marine vessels

Data centers

Backup power systems

These systems operate independently of oil supply chains, making them attractive when refinery disruptions occur.

4. Linde ($LIN) benefits from hydrogen demand growth
Linde is one of the world’s largest producers and distributors of industrial hydrogen.

When governments seek:

Energy diversification

Grid resilience

Domestic fuel production

…Linde becomes a key supplier.

5. Governments respond to refinery vulnerabilities with clean-energy investment
The Geelong fire triggered national-level concern about fuel security.
This often leads to:

Hydrogen infrastructure funding

Zero-emission fleet mandates

Incentives for fuel cell vehicles

Investment in electrolyzers and storage

Hydrogen becomes not just a climate solution — but a national security solution.

🔋 Bottom Line
Based on available data:

✅ Only one major refinery has been compromised in 2026 so far:
The Viva Energy Geelong refinery fire in Australia.

⚡ But the implications are global:
Refinery disruptions highlight the fragility of fossil-fuel infrastructure and accelerate interest in hydrogen, fuel cells, and decentralized clean energy — directly benefiting companies like:

$LIN (hydrogen production & distribution)

$PLUG (electrolyzers, hydrogen systems)

$BLDP (fuel cells for heavy-duty mobility & stationary power)

$LIN $15 trillion global hydrogen investment needed to 2050 https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/15-trillion-global-hydrogen-investment-needed-2050-research-2021-04-26/

Trump admin considers killing big energy projects in Dem states
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/26/energy-department-hydrogen-projects-blue-states-00249589 $LIN

https://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=176134243 $LIN

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/linde-lin-q3-earnings-how-key-metrics-compare-wall-street-estimates
Linde (LIN) Q3 Earnings: How Key Metrics Compare to Wall Street Estimates
October 31, 2024 — 09:30 am EDT

Written by Zacks Equity Research for Zacks ->

Linde (LIN) reported $8.36 billion in revenue for the quarter ended September 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 2.5%. EPS of $3.94 for the same period compares to $3.63 a year ago.

The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.38 billion, representing a surprise of -0.27%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +1.29%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $3.89.


While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street expectations to determine their next course of action, some key metrics always provide a better insight into a company's underlying performance.

As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately.

Here is how Linde performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:

Sales- EMEA: $2.11 billion compared to the $2.15 billion average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of +0.3% year over year.
Sales- APAC: $1.72 billion compared to the $1.72 billion average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of +4.7% year over year.
Sales- Other: $300 million versus the three-analyst average estimate of $321.48 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of -4.8%.
Sales- Americas: $3.62 billion versus $3.64 billion estimated by three analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a -0.3% change.
Sales- Engineering: $611 million versus the three-analyst average estimate of $554.27 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +30.8%.
View all Key Company Metrics for Linde here>>>

Shares of Linde have returned -0.5% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term.

Nice News :

https://seekingalpha.com/news/4144071-linde-signs-long-term-clean-hydrogen-supply-deal-for-dows-path2zero-project?source=copy_to_clipboard

Linde Reports Second-Quarter 2024 Results

https://assets.linde.com/-/media/global/corporate/corporate/documents/press-releases/2024/linde-2q24-earnings-release-tables.pdf

Linde Reports Second-Quarter 2024 Results
Second-Quarter Highlights
? Sales $8.3 billion, up 1%, underlying sales up 3%
? Operating profit $2.2 billion, adjusted operating profit $2.4 billion, up 6%
? Operating profit margin 26.4%; adjusted operating profit margin 29.3%, up 140 basis points
? EPS $3.44, up 8%; adjusted EPS $3.85, up 8% YoY
? Full-year 2024 adjusted EPS guidance of $15.40 - $15.60 representing 9% to 11% growth
year-over-year excluding FX
Woking, UK, August 2, 2024 – Linde plc (Nasdaq: LIN) today reported second-quarter 2024 net income of $1,663 million and
diluted earnings per share of $3.44, up 6% and 8% respectively. Excluding Linde AG purchase accounting impacts and other
charges, adjusted net income was $1,859 million, up 6% versus prior year. Adjusted earnings per share was $3.85, 8% above
prior year.
Linde’s sales for the second quarter were $8,267 million, up 1% versus prior year. Compared to prior year, underlying sales
increased 3% from price attainment as volume growth was flat.
Second-quarter operating profit was $2,184 million. Adjusted operating profit of $2,422 million was up 6% versus prior year
led by higher price and continued productivity initiatives across all segments. Adjusted operating profit margin of 29.3% was
140 basis points above prior year.
Second-quarter operating cash flow of $1,929 million decreased 10% versus prior year driven primarily by engineering
project prepayment timing. After capital expenditures of $1,133 million, free cash flow was $796 million. During the quarter,
the company returned $2,100 million to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases, net of issuances.
Commenting on the financial results and business outlook, Chief Executive Officer Sanjiv Lamba said, “Despite the challenging
macro, the Linde team again delivered high-quality results, growing EPS 8%, increasing ROC to 25.7% and expanding
operating margins 140 basis points, reaching 29.3%. This exemplifies our ability to continuously grow the integrated
industrial gas model while developing and winning high-quality growth opportunities.”
Lamba continued, “Looking ahead, the economic environment remains uncertain. However, we are well positioned to win
more than our fair share of high-quality projects and continue to create shareholder value.”
For the third quarter of 2024, Linde expects adjusted diluted earnings per share in the range of $3.82 to $3.92, up 5% to 8%
versus prior-year quarter or 6% to 9% when excluding 1% of estimated currency headwind.
For the full year 2024, the company expects adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $15.40 to $15.60, up
8% to 10% versus prior year or 9% to 11% when excluding 1% of estimated currency headwind. Full-year capital
expenditures are expected to be in the range of $4.0 billion to $4.5 billion to support growth and maintenance requirements
including the $4.7 billion contractual sale of gas project backlog.
Page 2/10
Second-Quarter 2024 Results by Segment
Americas sales of $3,655 million increased 3% versus prior-year quarter. Compared with second quarter 2023, underlying
sales increased 4% driven by higher pricing as volumes were flat. Operating profit of $1,159 million was 31.7% of sales, 150
basis points above prior year.
APAC (Asia Pacific) sales of $1,657 million were down 2% versus prior year driven by negative currency translation.
Compared with second quarter 2023, underlying sales were stable as price and volume were flat versus prior year quarter.
Operating profit of $474 million was 28.6% of sales, 60 basis points above prior year.
EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) sales of $2,091 million were down 3% versus prior year. Compared with second quarter
2023, underlying sales grew 2% driven by 3% higher pricing partially offset by 1% lower volumes, primarily in the metals and
mining end market. Operating profit of $704 million was 33.7% of sales, 450 basis points above prior year.
Linde Engineering sales were $544 million, increased 10% versus prior year, and operating profit was $96 million or 17.6% of
sales. Order intake for the quarter was $336 million and third-party sale of equipment backlog was $3.2 billion.
Earnings Call
A teleconference on Linde’s second-quarter 2024 results is being held today at 9:00 am EDT.
Live conference call US Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 1 888 770 7292
UK Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 0800 358 0970
Access code: 6877110
Live webcast (listen-only) https://www.linde.com/investors/financial-reports
Materials to be used in the teleconference are also available on the website.
About Linde
Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company with 2023 sales of $33 billion. We live our mission of
making our world more productive every day by providing high-quality solutions, technologies and services which are making
our customers more successful and helping to sustain, decarbonize and protect our planet.
The company serves a variety of end markets such as chemicals & energy, food & beverage, electronics, healthcare,
manufacturing, metals and mining. Linde's industrial gases and technologies are used in countless applications including
production of clean hydrogen and carbon capture systems critical to the energy transition, life-saving medical oxygen and
high-purity & specialty gases for electronics. Linde also delivers state-of-the-art gas processing solutions to support customer
expansion, efficiency improvements and emissions reductions.
For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.linde.com
Adjusted amounts, free cash flow and return on capital are non-GAAP measures. See the attachments for a summary of non-
GAAP reconciliations and calculations for adjusted amounts.
Attachments: Summary Non-GAAP Reconciliations, Statements of Income, Balance Sheets, Statements of Cash Flows,
Segment Information and Appendix: Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations.

LINDE PLC
FORM 10-Q
(Quarterly Report)
Filed 05/02/24 for the Period Ending 03/31/24

https://www.otcmarkets.com/filing/conv_pdf?id=17502616&guid=PdQ-kFbqYL7fJth

Revenue: Reported at $8.1 billion, a decrease of 1% year-over-year, falling short of estimates of $8.395 billion.

Net Income: Achieved $1,627 million, down from the previous year's $1,783.52 million.

Earnings Per Share (EPS): Recorded at $3.35, up 9% year-over-year but below the estimated $3.67.

Adjusted EPS: Reached $3.75, showing a 10% increase year-over-year and surpassing the estimated $3.67.

Operating Profit: Grew to $2.1 billion, with an adjusted operating profit of $2.3 billion, up 6% from the previous year.

Operating Margin: Improved to 28.9% on an adjusted basis, a 200 basis point increase from the prior year.

Free Cash Flow: Posted at $906 million after capital expenditures, demonstrating robust financial health.

Linde plc to Join the Nasdaq-100 Index® Beginning March 18, 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire Inc.

Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) today announced that Linde plc (Nasdaq: LIN), will become a component of the Nasdaq-100 Index® (Nasdaq: NDX®), the Nasdaq-100 Equal Weighted™ Index (Nasdaq: NDXE™), the Nasdaq-100 Ex-Tech Sector™ Index (Nasdaq: NDXX™), and the Nasdaq-100 ESG™ Index (Nasdaq: NDXESG™) prior to market open on Monday, March 18, 2024. Linde plc will replace Splunk Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLK) in the Nasdaq-100 Index® and the Nasdaq-100 Equal Weighted™ Index. Splunk will also be removed from the Nasdaq-100 ESG™ Index (Nasdaq: NDXESG™) and the Nasdaq-100 Tech Sector™ Index (Nasdaq: NDXT™) on the same date.
For more information about the company, go to https://www.linde.com/.

About Nasdaq

Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

The information contained above is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice, either on behalf of a particular financial product or an overall investment strategy. Neither Nasdaq, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any recommendation to buy or sell any financial product or any representation about the financial condition of any company or fund. Statements regarding Nasdaq’s proprietary indexes are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should undertake their own due diligence and carefully evaluate companies before investing. ADVICE FROM A SECURITIES PROFESSIONAL IS STRONGLY ADVISED.

Media Contacts: Camille Stafford, Nasdaq and
Jennifer Lawson, Nasdaq
Issuer & Investor Contact: Index Client Services, Nasdaq
Indexservices@nasdaq.com
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Amazing new Highs !

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/linde-plc-linde-reports-full-111000980.html

Linde Reports Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter 2023 Results

Full-Year Highlights

Sales $32.9 billion, down 2%, underlying sales up 5%

Operating profit $8.0 billion; adjusted operating profit $9.1 billion, up 15%

Operating profit margin 24.4%; adjusted operating profit margin 27.6%, up 390 basis points versus prior year

EPS $12.59; adjusted EPS $14.20, up 16%

Returned $6.4 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases

Total project backlog of $8.5 billion

Fourth-Quarter Highlights

Sales $8.3 billion, up 5% YoY, underlying sales up 4%

Operating profit $2.0 billion, adjusted operating profit $2.3 billion, up 14%

Operating profit margin 24.4%; adjusted operating profit margin 27.4%, YoY up 210 basis points

EPS $3.16, up 18%; adjusted EPS $3.59, up 14%

2024 Guidance

First-quarter 2024 adjusted EPS guidance $3.58 - $3.68, represents 6%-9% growth ex. FX

Full-year 2024 adjusted EPS guidance $15.25 - $15.65, represents 8%-11% growth ex. FX

What a difference a day makes

Linde On Track for Largest Percent Decrease Since July 2022 -- Data Talk

Source: Dow Jones News
Linde plc (LIN) is currently at $408.44, down $18.28 or 4.28%


--On pace for largest percent decrease since July 5, 2022, when it fell 5.19%

--Snaps a three day winning streak

--Down 1.29% month-to-date

--Up 25.22% year-to-date; on pace for best year since 2021, when it rose 31.47%

--Down 4.28% from its all-time closing high of $426.72 on Dec. 12, 2023

--Up 19.42% from 52 weeks ago (Dec. 14, 2022), when it closed at $342.01

--Down 4.28% from its 52-week closing high of $426.72 on Dec. 12, 2023

--Up 33.7% from its 52-week closing low of $305.49 on Jan. 5, 2023

--Traded as low as $404.66

--Down 5.17% at today's intraday low; largest intraday percent decrease since March 15, 2023, when it fell as much as 5.35%

--Fourth worst performer in the S&P 500 today


All data as of 10:19:52 AM ET


Source: Dow Jones Market Data, FactSet


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 13, 2023 10:37 ET (15:37 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Linde On Pace for Record High Close -- Data Talk

Source: Dow Jones News
Linde plc (LIN) is currently at $422.69, up $14.45 or 3.54%


--Would be new all-time high (Based on available data back to June 17, 1992)

--On pace for largest percent increase since Feb. 24, 2023, when it rose 4.75%

--Currently up three consecutive days; up 6.03% over this period

--Best three day stretch since the three days ending Feb. 24, 2023, when it rose 7.12%

--Up 2.16% month-to-date

--Up 29.59% year-to-date; on pace for best year since 2021, when it rose 31.47%

--Up 23.43% from 52 weeks ago (Dec. 13, 2022), when it closed at $342.45

--Would be a new 52-week closing high

--Up 38.36% from its 52-week closing low of $305.49 on Jan. 5, 2023

--Traded as high as $434.21; new all-time intraday high (Based on available data back to June 17, 1992)

--Up 6.36% at today's intraday high; largest intraday percent increase since March 9, 2022, when it rose as much as 9.16%

--Third best performer in the S&P 500 today


All data as of 10:34:48 AM ET


Source: Dow Jones Market Data, FactSet


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 12, 2023 10:52 ET (15:52 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

NEW ALL TIME HIGHS !

https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/linde-plc%3a-linde-reports-third-quarter-2023-results-earnings-release-tables-attached

Linde plc: Linde Reports Third Quarter 2023 Results (Earnings Release Tables Attached)

PUBLISHED
OCT 26, 2023 6:00AM EDT
Third Quarter Highlights

Sales $8.2 billion, down 7% YoY, underlying sales up 3%
Operating profit $2.1 billion; adjusted operating profit $2.3 billion, up 15%
Operating profit margin 25.2%; adjusted operating profit margin 28.3%, up 550 basis points
EPS $3.19 up 26%; adjusted EPS $3.63, up 17% YoY
Increased full-year 2023 adjusted EPS guidance to $14.00 - $14.10, representing 14% to 15% growth year-over-year
WOKING, UK / ACCESSWIRE / October 26, 2023 / Linde plc (NYSE:LIN) today reported third-quarter 2023 net income of $1,565 million and diluted earnings per share of $3.19, up 23% and 26% respectively. Excluding Linde AG purchase accounting impacts and other charges, adjusted net income was $1,783 million, up 15% versus prior year. Adjusted earnings per share was $3.63, 17% above prior year.

Linde's sales for the third quarter were $8,155 million, 7% below prior year but underlying sales increased 3% from 5% price attainment partially offset by 2% lower volumes.

Third quarter operating profit was $2,052 million. Adjusted operating profit of $2,306 million was up 15% versus prior year led by higher price and continued productivity initiatives across all segments. Adjusted operating profit margin of 28.3% was 550 basis points above prior year and 400 basis points higher when excluding the effects of cost pass-through.

Third-quarter operating cash flow of $2,520 million decreased 4% versus prior year driven primarily by lower engineering payments. After capital expenditures of $948 million, free cash flow was $1,572 million. During the quarter, the company returned $1,774 million to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases, net of issuances.

Commenting on the financial results and business outlook, Chief Executive Officer Sanjiv Lamba said, "Linde employees delivered another quarter of strong results, with EPS growth of 17%, ROC of 25.6%, OCF of $2.5 billion and operating margin expansion of 550 basis points to 28.3%. This performance is driven by our relentless culture to optimize the base business while increasing network density and deploying capital to high-quality growth initiatives."

Lamba continued, "We have a proven track record of creating long-term, compounding shareholder value despite macro challenges."

For the fourth quarter of 2023, Linde expects adjusted diluted earnings per share in the range of $3.38 to $3.48, up 7% to 10% versus prior-year quarter. This guidance assumes a currency tailwind of 1% year-over-year and a 2% headwind sequentially.

For the full year 2023, the company expects adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $14.00 to $14.10, up 14% to 15% versus prior year and assumes no currency impact. Full-year capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $3.5 billion to $4.0 billion to support growth and maintenance requirements including the $4.5 billion contractual sale of gas project backlog.

Third-Quarter 2023 Results by Segment

Americas sales of $3,629 million were 2% lower versus prior year. Compared with third quarter 2022, underlying sales increased 3% driven by 5% higher pricing, partially offset by 2% lower volumes. Underlying sales growth was primarily in the healthcare, food & beverage and chemicals & energy end markets. Operating profit of $1,074 million was 29.6% of sales, 320 basis points above prior year and 90 basis points higher when excluding the effects of cost pass-through.

APAC (Asia Pacific) sales of $1,639 million were 1% lower versus prior year. Compared with third quarter 2022, underlying sales grew 3% driven by 3% price attainment and stable volumes. Underlying sales growth was primarily in the chemicals & energy end markets, including project start-ups, and to a lesser extent the healthcare and manufacturing end markets. Operating profit of $459 million was 28.0% of sales, 220 basis points above prior year. Year over year cost pass-through was immaterial.

EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) sales of $2,105 million were down 1% versus prior year. Compared with third quarter 2022, underlying sales grew 2%, driven by 6% higher pricing partially offset by 4% lower volumes. Operating profit of $634 million was 30.1% of sales, 820 basis points above prior year and 600 basis points higher when excluding the effects of cost pass-through.

Linde Engineering sales were $467 million, 44% below prior year, and operating profit was $116 million or 24.8% of sales. Order intake for the quarter was $633 million and third-party sale of equipment backlog was $3.6 billion.

Earnings Call

A teleconference on Linde's third quarter 2023 results is being held today at 9:00 am EDT.

Live conference call US Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 1 888 770 7292Germany Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 0800 000 0105UK Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 0800 358 0970Access code: 6877110
Live webcast (listen-only) https://investors.linde.com/events-presentations
Materials to be used in the teleconference are also available on the website.

About Linde

Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company with 2022 sales of $33 billion. We live our mission of making our world more productive every day by providing high-quality solutions, technologies and services which are making our customers more successful and helping to sustain, decarbonize and protect our planet.

The company serves a variety of end markets such as chemicals & energy, food & beverage, electronics, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and mining. Linde's industrial gases and technologies are used in countless applications including production of clean hydrogen and carbon capture systems critical to the energy transition, life-saving medical oxygen and high-purity & specialty gases for electronics. Linde also delivers state-of-the-art gas processing solutions to support customer expansion, efficiency improvements and emissions reductions.

For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.linde.com

NON-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted amounts, free cash flow and return on capital are non-GAAP measures. See the attachments (Earnings release tables: https://eqs-cockpit.com/c/fncls.ssp?u=bc3b9657c4fa6b929957103487cb487e) for a summary of non-GAAP reconciliations and calculations for adjusted amounts.

Attachments: Summary Non-GAAP Reconciliations, Statements of Income, Balance Sheets, Statements of Cash Flows, Segment Information and Appendix: Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations.

*Note: We are providing adjusted earnings per share ("EPS") guidance for 2023. This is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (a GAAP measure) but excludes the impact of certain items that we believe are not representative of our underlying business performance, such as cost reduction and other charges, any impairment or other charges related to scaling back operations in Russia as actions are defined and executed and as sanctions impact the Company's operations, the impact of potential divestitures or other potentially significant items. Given the uncertainty of timing and magnitude of such items, we cannot provide a reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP adjusted EPS guidance and the corresponding GAAP EPS measure without unreasonable effort.

Transfer of Stock Exchange Listing

Linde (NYSE: LIN) intends to transfer the listing of its ordinary shares from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq) on November 6,2023 after market close. Linde expects to commence trading as a Nasdaq-listed company upon market open on November 7, 2023 and will continue trading under the ticker symbol "LIN". The transfer to Nasdaq provides Linde with Nasdaq index inclusion opportunities in addition to certain cost savings.

Forward-looking Statements

This document contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are identified by terms and phrases such as: anticipate, believe, intend, estimate, expect, continue, should, could, may, plan, project, predict, will, potential, forecast, and similar expressions. They 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, including trade conflicts and tariffs; 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, pandemics such as COVID-19 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; the impact of potential unusual or non-recurring items; 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 future results or circumstances to differ materially from adjusted projections, estimates or other forward-looking statements.

Linde plc 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 Linde plc's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2023 which should be reviewed carefully. Please consider Linde plc's forward-looking statements in light of those risks.

File: Q3_2023_Earnings_Release_Tables

SOURCE: Linde plc

View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/796709/linde-plc-linde-reports-third-quarter-2023-results-earnings-release-tables-attached

Linde plc: Linde Reports Second-Quarter 2023 Results
Thursday, July 27, 2023 6:20 AM

Earnings
Second-Quarter Highlights

Sales $8.2 billion, down 3% YoY, underlying up 6%
Operating profit $2.0 billion, adjusted operating profit $2.3 billion, up 15%
Operating profit margin 24.5%; adjusted operating profit margin 27.9%, up 440 basis points
EPS $3.19; adjusted EPS $3.57, up 15% YoY
Increased full-year 2023 adjusted EPS guidance to $13.80 - $14.00, represents 12% to 14% growth year-over-year
WOKING, UK / ACCESSWIRE / July 27, 2023 / Linde plc (NYSE:LIN) today reported second-quarter 2023 net income of $1,575 million and diluted earnings per share of $3.19, up 323% and 331% respectively. Excluding Linde AG purchase accounting impacts and other charges, adjusted net income was $1,760 million, up 12% versus prior year. Adjusted earnings per share was $3.57, 15% above prior year.

Linde's sales for the second quarter were $8,204 million, 3% below prior year but 2% above when excluding cost pass-through and currency. Compared to prior year, underlying sales increased 6% from 7% price attainment slightly offset by 1% lower volumes.

Second-quarter operating profit was $2,011 million. Adjusted operating profit of $2,286 million was up 15% versus prior year led by higher price and continued productivity initiatives across all segments. Adjusted operating profit margin of 27.9% was 440 basis points above prior year and 350 basis points higher when excluding the effects of cost pass-through.

Second-quarter operating cash flow of $2,150 million increased 1% versus prior year. After capital expenditures of $859 million, free cash flow was $1,291 million. During the quarter, the company returned $1,523 million to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases, net of issuances.

Commenting on the financial results and business outlook, Chief Executive Officer Sanjiv Lamba said, "Linde delivered another quarter of strong results, growing EPS 15%, ROC to 24.9% and expanding operating margins 440 basis points, reaching 27.9%. This performance is driven by our employees' ability to continuously optimize the base business and increase network density, all while securing high-quality growth opportunities."

Lamba continued, "Regardless of the geopolitical or economic uncertainty, we will continue to generate long-term shareholder value."

For the third quarter of 2023, Linde expects adjusted diluted earnings per share in the range of $3.48 to $3.58, up 12% to 15% versus prior-year quarter. This guidance assumes a currency tailwind of 2% year-over-year and flat sequentially.

For the full year 2023, the company expects adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $13.80 to $14.00, up 12% to 14% versus prior year and assumes no currency impact. Full-year capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $3.5 billion to $4.0 billion to support growth and maintenance requirements including the $4.4 billion contractual sale of gas project backlog.

Second-Quarter 2023 Results by Segment

Americas sales of $3,541 million grew 1% versus prior year. Compared with second quarter 2022, underlying sales increased 5% driven by 6% higher pricing and 1% lower volumes. Sales growth was primarily in the healthcare and food & beverage end markets. Operating profit of $1,070 million was 30.2% of sales, 430 basis points above prior year and 240 basis points higher when excluding the effects of cost pass-through.

APAC (Asia Pacific) sales of $1,683 million grew 2% versus prior year. Compared with second quarter 2022, underlying sales grew 8% driven by 5% price attainment and 3% volume growth, primarily in the electronics, chemicals & energy end markets, including project start-ups. Operating profit of $472 million was 28.0% of sales, 220 basis points above prior year. Year over year cost pass-through was immaterial.

EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) sales of $2,160 million were up 1% versus prior year. Compared with second quarter 2022, underlying sales grew 7%, driven by 11% higher pricing partially offset by 4% lower volumes. Operating profit of $630 million was 29.2% of sales, 420 basis points above prior year and 350 basis points higher when excluding the effects of cost pass-through.

Linde Engineering sales were $495 million, 23% below prior year, and operating profit was $107 million or 21.6% of sales. Order intake for the quarter was $294 million and third-party sale of equipment backlog was $3.4 billion.

Earnings Call

A teleconference on Linde's second-quarter 2023 results is being held today at 9:00 am EST.

Live conference call US Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 1 888 770 7292
Germany Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 0800 000 0105
UK Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 0800 358 0970
Access code: 6877110
Live webcast (listen-only) https://investors.linde.com/events-presentations
Materials to be used in the teleconference are also available on the website.

About Linde

Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company with 2022 sales of $33 billion. We live our mission of making our world more productive every day by providing high-quality solutions, technologies and services which are making our customers more successful and helping to sustain, decarbonize and protect our planet.

The company serves a variety of end markets such as chemicals & energy, food & beverage, electronics, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and mining. Linde's industrial gases and technologies are used in countless applications including production of clean hydrogen and carbon capture systems critical to the energy transition, life-saving medical oxygen and high-purity & specialty gases for electronics. Linde also delivers state-of-the-art gas processing solutions to support customer expansion, efficiency improvements and emissions reductions.

For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.linde.com

Adjusted amounts, free cash flow and return on capital are non-GAAP measures. See the attachments (Earnings release tables: https://eqs-cockpit.com/c/fncls.ssp?u=0851669aec93833ebad0897a18d05119) for a summary of non-GAAP reconciliations and calculations for adjusted amounts.

Attachments: Summary Non-GAAP Reconciliations, Statements of Income, Balance Sheets, Statements of Cash Flows, Segment Information and Appendix: Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations.

*Note: We are providing adjusted earnings per share ("EPS") guidance for 2023. This is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (a GAAP measure) but excludes the impact of certain items that we believe are not representative of our underlying business performance, such as cost reduction and other charges, any impairment or other charges related to scaling back operations in Russia as actions are defined and executed and as sanctions are enacted that impact the Company's operations, the impact of potential divestitures or other potentially significant items. Given the uncertainty of timing and magnitude of such items, we cannot provide a reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP adjusted EPS guidance and the corresponding GAAP EPS measure without unreasonable effort.

Forward-looking Statements

This document contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are identified by terms and phrases such as: anticipate, believe, intend, estimate, expect, continue, should, could, may, plan, project, predict, will, potential, forecast, and similar expressions. They 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, including trade conflicts and tariffs; 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, pandemics such as COVID-19 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; the impact of potential unusual or non-recurring items; 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 future results or circumstances to differ materially from adjusted projections, estimates or other forward-looking statements.

Linde plc 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 Linde plc's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2023 which should be reviewed carefully. Please consider Linde plc's forward-looking statements in light of those risks.

Additional features:

File: Q2_2023_Earnings_Release_Tables

SOURCE: Linde plc

Topic: Earnings
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This board is attached to LIN
Linde plc,

LIN
2810 - Industrial Inorganic Chemicals Commodity Chemicals

not sure why it says LIN Media, Llc

https://www.otcmarkets.com/filing/conv_pdf?id=16370222&guid=Pk4-kaMEoF22dth

What a cheating company. Manipulating corruption scandal of $2 Billion, Bogus lawsuit, hush agreement, bullying whistle-blower, etc

Target price $320.

Linde PLC (LIN)

The first new position is in Linde, the world’s largest industrial gas production company, whether counting by revenues or market share. Linde produces a range of gasses for industrial use, and is the dominant supplier of argon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen, along with niche gasses like carbon dioxide for the soft drink industry. The company also produces gas storage and transfer equipment, welding equipment, and refrigerants. In short, Linde embodies Dalio’s ‘diversify’ dictum.

Linde’s industry leadership and essential products helped the company bounce back from the corona crisis. The company’s revenues slipped in 1H20, but grew in the second half, reaching pre-corona levels in Q3 and exceeding those levels in Q4.

Possibly the largest player in the hydrocarbon/ blue gas space. Blue Gas projected to be the future of all EVs fuel, space exploration, trucking, commercial application vehicles. Minutes to fill up, runs for weeks on single tanks, zero emissions, cheap to run.

Decades in the making and ground floor valuations.

Do you own any LIN?

Happy Thanks Giving to All!

$LIN

They were bought out by Media General for 1.6Billion Dollars

$LIN

Hi I created this board!! I missed the buy out!!
What exactly happened?

$LIN is up $5 since the buyout and my alert, look at her go!

$LIN

LIN Media LLC Stockholders Encouraged to Contact Securities Law Firm about Takeover

DALLAS, March 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Securities lawyers at Deans & Lyons announce an investigation of the board of LIN Media LLC (NYSE: LIN) in connection with a buyout for approximately $27.82 per share in a combination of stock and cash. Concerned LIN investors are encouraged to contact attorney Hamilton Lindley by clicking here.

"Since one analyst valued the value of the company at $32.00 per share, this potential investigation is concerned with ensuring that shareholders receive the highest price reasonably available for their stock," said securities lawyer Hamilton Lindley. "Our potential shareholder lawsuit will seek to ensure that all relevant information is disclosed to the LIN Media LLC shareholders."

Deans & Lyons has significant experience representing shareholders in securities lawsuits nationwide. LIN stockholders – or anyone with knowledge about this situation – should contact lawyer Hamilton Lindley at hlindley@deanslyons.com or 877-819-8033 with questions or concerns.

I do see great things happening here for LIN MEDIA LLC though...

Good luck to all

$LIN

there is however a lot of legal firms looking into fraudulent and/or fishy actions associated with the buyout...

I am curious as to what this means for stockholders

The buyout is HUGE for LIN

huge gains today, unbelievable!

Support has already been touched & tested,, therefore price is going back to $27.50

Wonderful Loading Price for this "high Potential" Company.
$$ LIN $$