Linde’s Profit Climbs as Prices Offset Flat Demand

Core Insights - Linde reported Q3 2025 adjusted EPS of $4.21, reflecting a 7% year-over-year increase, with sales reaching $8.62 billion, up 3% [1][5] - The company maintained industry-leading margins and narrowed its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $16.35–$16.45, indicating a 5%–6% growth [1][5] Financial Performance - Net income was $1.93 billion (GAAP), with diluted EPS of $4.09, a 27% increase [5] - Adjusted net income was $1.99 billion, with adjusted EPS at $4.21, marking a 7% rise [5] - Sales increased by 3% to $8.62 billion, driven by a 2% contribution from pricing and a 1% contribution from M&A [5] - Adjusted operating profit reached $2.56 billion, up 3%, yielding a 29.7% adjusted margin, which is a 10 basis points increase year-over-year [5] Cash Flow and Returns - Operating cash flow rose to $2.95 billion, while free cash flow was $1.67 billion after $1.28 billion of capital expenditures [5] - Linde returned $1.69 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks during the quarter [5] Guidance and Outlook - Q4 adjusted EPS is expected to be between $4.10 and $4.20, reflecting a 3%–6% year-over-year increase [5] - Full-year 2025 adjusted EPS guidance is set at $16.35–$16.45, with a flat foreign exchange impact [5] - Full-year capital expenditures are projected to remain between $5.0 billion and $5.5 billion, supporting growth and a $7.1 billion project backlog [5] Segment Performance - Americas: Sales of $3.85 billion, a 6% increase; underlying growth of 4% driven by a 3% price increase and 1% volume growth in electronics and manufacturing [5] - EMEA: Sales of $2.18 billion, up 3%; underlying performance down 1% due to a 2% price increase but a 3% decline in volumes [5] - APAC: Sales of $1.74 billion, a 1% increase; underlying performance down 1% due to stable volumes and lower helium pricing [5] - Linde Engineering: Sales decreased by 15% to $519 million, with an operating profit of $101 million and a margin of 19.5% [5]