Core Insights - Linde reported revenue of $8.5 billion for the quarter ended June 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.8% and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.35 billion by 1.7% [1] - The company's EPS for the quarter was $4.09, an increase from $3.85 in the same quarter last year, also exceeding the consensus EPS estimate of $4.03 by 1.49% [1] Revenue Breakdown - Sales in the Americas reached $3.81 billion, slightly above the estimated $3.8 billion, marking a year-over-year increase of 4.3% [4] - EMEA sales were reported at $2.16 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $2.12 billion, with a year-over-year change of 3.4% [4] - Sales from Other regions totaled $315 million, slightly below the estimated $317.93 million, representing a year-over-year decline of 1.6% [4] - Engineering sales amounted to $551 million, compared to the average estimate of $567.47 million, showing a year-over-year increase of 1.3% [4] - APAC sales were reported at $1.66 billion, slightly above the estimated $1.62 billion, with a year-over-year change of -0.1% [4] Stock Performance - Linde's shares have returned -3.2% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's increase of 2.3% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share (EPS) reached $4.9, marking an all-time quarterly high, with an operating margin of 30.1%, also a record [6][19] - Operating cash flows increased by 15%, and return on capital employed (ROCE) stood at 25.1%, leading the industry [6][19] - Sales for Q2 were $8.5 billion, a 3% increase year-over-year and a 5% sequential increase [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The sale of gas project backlog grew from $3.6 billion to $7.1 billion over four years, with the number of projects increasing from 33 to 70 [9] - Operating profit for the quarter was $2.6 billion, a 6% increase year-over-year, with a 30.1% operating margin, up 80 basis points [19] - Volumes decreased by 1% year-over-year, primarily due to weaker base volumes in EMEA, despite contributions from the project backlog [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In The Americas, volumes are expected to be flat or slightly up, driven by resilient end markets, while Western Europe is anticipated to see a decline in demand [26][30] - Asia presents a mixed outlook, with India showing strong growth while China remains flat due to weaker metals and chemicals [32][34] - The overall trend indicates low to mid-single-digit growth in resilient end markets, offset by declines in the industrial sector, particularly in EMEA [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes disciplined project backlog management, focusing on high-quality contracts with fixed fees [8] - Investments in clean energy projects are highlighted, with a total of approximately $5 billion in low carbon contracts [10] - The company plans to continue its strategy of base volume growth through annual CapEx exceeding $1 billion [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains cautious about the economic environment, particularly in Europe, where no immediate catalysts for improvement are seen [30][31] - The company expects to maintain positive pricing despite macroeconomic challenges, with a historical track record of achieving positive pricing through cycles [36] - Future growth is anticipated from the space sector, with significant investments planned to support this market [70][71] Other Important Information - The company issued bonds totaling CHF 5 billion with an average yield of less than 1%, indicating strong access to low-cost capital [21] - The guidance for Q3 EPS is projected to be between $4.1 and $4.2, reflecting a cautious outlook amid economic uncertainty [22][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on global business conditions - Management provided a geographical overview, indicating flat volumes in The Americas, a decline in Europe, and mixed signals from Asia, with India showing growth potential [26][30][32] Question: Risks of future price increases - Management expressed confidence in maintaining positive pricing, citing historical performance and alignment with global inflation trends, except for challenges in China [36][38] Question: Margin performance in The Americas - Management noted that margin performance can vary by quarter, with expectations for continued improvement in margins across segments [41][44] Question: Customer appetite for new projects - Management remains optimistic about maintaining a backlog above $7 billion, supported by ongoing project starts and a healthy pipeline [48] Question: EBIT growth in Europe - Management attributed EBIT growth to favorable currency effects and pricing opportunities, despite negative volume trends [53][54] Question: Long-term outlook for Europe - Management acknowledged short-term challenges in Europe but highlighted potential long-term improvements driven by infrastructure investments and recovery efforts [61][65] Question: Growth potential in the space sector - Management emphasized significant growth opportunities in the space sector, with substantial investments planned to support this market [70][71] Question: Energy transition investments - Management expects continued demand for low carbon products, with a focus on economically viable projects moving forward [93][95]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share (EPS) reached $4.9, and operating margin was 30.1%, both representing all-time quarterly highs [2][3][18] - Operating cash flows grew by 15%, and return on capital employed (ROCE) was 25.1%, leading the industry [3][18] - Sales for the second quarter were $8.5 billion, a 3% increase year-over-year and a 5% sequential increase [15][18] - Operating profit increased by 6% year-over-year to $2.6 billion [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The sale of gas project backlog doubled from $3.6 billion to $7.1 billion over four years, with the number of projects increasing from 33 to 70 [6][9] - The backlog turnover was over 150% in 4.5 years, with $5.7 billion of new projects started [6][9] - Base volume growth investments totaled over $1 billion annually, supporting packaged and merchant supply modes [10][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In The Americas, volumes are expected to be flat, with growth in resilient end markets offset by a softer industrial sector [27][30] - Europe is expected to see a decline in demand, particularly in Western Europe, with negative volume trends anticipated in the second half of the year [31][32] - Asia presents a mixed outlook, with India showing growth while China remains flat due to weaker metals and chemicals [33][34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes disciplined project backlog management, focusing on high-quality contracts with fixed fees [5][6] - Investments in clean energy projects are a priority, with a total of approximately $5 billion in low carbon contracts signed [8][9] - The company aims to leverage its strong position in the space market, with significant investments planned to support growth in this sector [29][75] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains cautious about the economic environment, particularly in Europe, where no immediate catalysts for improvement are seen [32][66] - The company expects to maintain positive pricing despite macroeconomic challenges, with a historical track record of achieving positive pricing through cycles [39][40] - Future growth is anticipated from self-help initiatives and industrial recovery, with a goal of returning to double-digit EPS growth [24][25] Other Important Information - The company issued bonds totaling CHF 5 billion with an average yield of less than 1%, ensuring access to low-cost capital [21] - The guidance for the third quarter EPS is projected to be between $4.1 and $4.2, reflecting a cautious outlook amid economic uncertainty [22][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on global business conditions - Management provided a geographical overview, indicating flat volumes in The Americas, a decline in Europe, and mixed signals from Asia, particularly highlighting growth in India and challenges in China [27][30][34] Question: Future pricing risks - Management expressed confidence in maintaining positive pricing, citing historical performance and current pricing trends across most regions, with some exceptions in China [39][40] Question: Margin performance in The Americas - Management noted that margin performance can vary by quarter due to business mix, but overall margins are expected to improve [44][47] Question: Appetite for new projects - Management remains optimistic about maintaining a backlog above $7 billion, supported by ongoing project opportunities [51] Question: EBIT growth in Europe - Management attributed EBIT growth to favorable currency effects and pricing opportunities, despite negative volume trends [56][58] Question: Helium pricing impact - Management indicated that helium volumes remain flat, with pricing down due to market oversupply, but this exposure is smaller compared to competitors [60][61] Question: Long-term outlook for Europe - Management expressed cautious optimism about potential recovery in Europe driven by infrastructure investments and rebuilding efforts in Ukraine [69][70] Question: Space market growth potential - Management highlighted significant growth in the space sector, with plans for substantial investments to support this market [75][78] Question: Energy transition projects - Management expects continued demand for low carbon products, emphasizing that economic viability will drive future projects [99][100]

August 1, 2025 Linde plc Investor Teleconference Presentation Second Quarter 2025 Forward-Looking Statement 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 exp ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the third quarter was $3.09, exceeding guidance and higher than the previous year, excluding the impact of LNG business sales [4][8] - Sales volume decreased by 4% year-over-year, primarily due to the sale of the LNG business and lower helium demand [8][10] - Total company price increased by 1%, with a 2% improvement for the merchant business [8][10] - Adjusted operating income remained unchanged, with operating margin flat but improved by approximately 300 basis points sequentially due to favorable volume and productivity improvements [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core industrial gas business showed resilience, with strong performance in non-helium products across all regions [4][9] - Helium EPS contributions were down about 4% versus the prior year, with an anticipated headwind of around 55 to 60 cents for the full year [24][25] - The company is executing a global cost reduction plan expected to generate annual savings of $185 to $195 million [5][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas experienced a 6% decline in volume, primarily due to project exits and lower helium demand, although strong on-site volumes were noted [36][38] - The company anticipates that the helium market may stabilize in the coming years, despite current down cycles [66][70] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for high single-digit adjusted EPS growth starting in fiscal year 2026, with a target of operating margins of 30% and return on capital employed (ROCE) in the mid to high teens by 2030 [7][8] - Investments are being made in AI and digital transformation tools to enhance productivity [6][30] - The company is focused on disciplined capital allocation and project execution, particularly in hydrogen and electronics sectors [6][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains cautious about the economic outlook, recognizing significant global uncertainties [11] - The company is optimistic about the competitiveness of its projects, particularly in the blue ammonia market [16][51] - Inflation and tariffs are ongoing concerns, impacting pricing strategies [82] Other Important Information - The company has committed to reducing headcount by about 10% as part of its productivity actions, with approximately 60% of this process completed [30] - Capital expenditures for the fiscal year are expected to be around $5 billion [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the plan to use third parties at Darrow for ammonia and carbon capturing - Management is optimistic about finalizing partnerships by the end of the current year, with competitive CapEx numbers for their projects [14][16] Question: Average prices year over year and dissociation characteristics - Management did not disclose specific numbers but indicated that helium continues to be a headwind, and the goal for dissociation remains a 10% loss [20][21][24] Question: Cost opportunities and digital initiatives - The cost opportunities discussed are in addition to previously outlined savings, with a focus on digital and energy management initiatives [28][30][32] Question: Volume performance in the Americas - The decline in volume was primarily due to project exits and lower helium demand, with strong performance in other areas [35][38] Question: Update on low-risk projects and bidding activity - Management continues to see project activity, particularly in electronics in Asia, and will provide updates on smaller projects in future calls [44][46] Question: Long-term return on capital employed goals - Current ROC is around 11.1%, with expectations to improve as capital expenditures are reduced and cash generation increases [78][80] Question: Helium market cycle outlook - Management believes the helium market may stabilize, but significant changes in supply and demand dynamics are expected [66][70] Question: Update on underperforming projects - Projects in Edmonton, Rotterdam, and Arizona are on schedule, with no significant changes anticipated [86][88]

Financial Performance - Q3 2025 adjusted EPS was $3.09, a decrease of 3% compared to Q3 2024[14, 19] - Q3 2025 adjusted operating income was $741 million, flat compared to Q3 2024[14] - Q3 2025 adjusted operating income margin was 24.5%, flat compared to Q3 2024[14] - The company forecasts FY2025 capital expenditures to be approximately $5.0 billion[25] Sales Analysis - Overall sales increased by 1% compared to Q3 2024 and 4% compared to Q2 2025[16] - Volume decreased by 4% compared to Q3 2024 but increased by 4% compared to Q2 2025[16] - Sales in Americas increased 2% vs Q3FY24 but decreased 2% vs Q2FY25[33] - Sales in Asia increased 3% vs Q3FY24 and 5% vs Q2FY25[38] - Sales in Europe increased 11% vs Q3FY24 and 6% vs Q2FY25[43] Future Outlook - The company projects FY2025 adjusted EPS to be in the range of $11.90 to $12.10, a decrease of 4% to 3% compared to FY24[10, 25] - Q4 FY2025 adjusted EPS is projected to be between $3.27 and $3.47, representing an 8% to 3% decrease compared to Q4 FY24[25]

Saudi chemical maker Sabic said it's evaluating a share sale of its industrial gases unit as the company focuses on its core business and undergoes a restructuring https://t.co/gGwg9orFaK ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share (EPS) increased by 5% year-over-year to $3.95, or 8% when excluding currency translation effects [17][22] - Operating profit rose by 4% to $2,400 million, resulting in an operating margin of 30.1%, which is 120 basis points higher than the previous year [17][22] - Sales remained flat at $8,100 million compared to the prior year, with a sequential decline of 2% [15][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas, packaged gases experienced weakness due to manufacturing uncertainty, while bulk volumes grew low to mid-single digits [12][22] - EMEA showed robust margin performance despite lower industrial activity, with margins improving due to management actions and pricing [34][62] - APAC saw stable trends in battery and electronics, but lower prices for rare gases and helium impacted overall performance [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas segment had the highest price increase at 3%, reflecting inflationary pressures [12][22] - Industrial activity remains sluggish across most geographies, particularly in the U.S. and Western Europe, with expectations of continued softness in demand [71][72] - India is highlighted as a growth region, with ongoing investments and volume growth anticipated [73] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a defensive operating model that has proven resilient during economic uncertainty, focusing on stable end markets such as healthcare and electronics [6][8] - Management is committed to maintaining a strong backlog of $10 billion, with over $7 billion in gas project sales under long-term contracts [13][22] - The company is actively pursuing clean energy projects, with expectations of $8 billion to $10 billion in opportunities over the next few years [39][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates continued volatility in end market trends due to global trade policy changes, but expresses confidence in navigating uncertainty [14][24] - The outlook for 2025 includes cautious guidance, with EPS expected to grow by 3% to 5%, factoring in recessionary conditions [22][23] - Management remains optimistic about long-term growth driven by secular trends in electronics and emerging markets like India [111] Other Important Information - The company raised its annual dividend by 8%, marking 32 consecutive years of dividend growth [21] - Capital expenditures (CapEx) for the quarter were $1,300 million, with a significant portion allocated to project backlog [18][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Dow's Alberta project delay on Linde - Management confirmed that contractual protections are in place for delays, and they will work with Dow to explore alternatives while safeguarding Linde's interests [29][30] Question: EMEA margin performance and future expectations - Management indicated that EMEA margins are a result of consistent management actions and expect margins to grow as volumes improve [34] Question: Clean energy market opportunities - Management remains confident in the $50 billion clean energy opportunity, with a focus on low carbon hydrogen projects and a projected $8 billion to $10 billion in the near term [39][40] Question: Guidance on FX impact and manufacturing demand - Management noted that the FX headwind was primarily felt in the Americas, with manufacturing demand showing weakness in sectors like automotive and agriculture [47][54] Question: SG&A expense reduction - Management attributed the 9% reduction in SG&A to restructuring efforts and lower incentive compensation due to performance [80][87] Question: Drivers of operating margin improvement - Management highlighted that productivity and pricing actions contributed to the 120 basis point margin improvement, with ongoing initiatives to enhance efficiency [92][96]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share (EPS) increased by 8% excluding foreign exchange effects, with a reported EPS of $3.95, which is a 5% increase year-over-year [6][21] - Operating margins expanded by 120 basis points to 30.1%, driven by management actions and pricing strategies [6][21] - Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) remained strong at 25.7% [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for the first quarter were $8.1 billion, flat compared to the prior year and down 2% sequentially [19] - Underlying sales increased by 1% year-over-year, with higher pricing offset by lower volumes [19][20] - The Americas segment saw a 3% price increase, reflecting inflationary pressures, while packaged gases experienced some weakness [15][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the APAC region, China showed strength in battery and electronics, but rare gases and helium prices were lower than the previous year [12] - EMEA did not see meaningful improvement in industrial activity, despite government spending [13] - The Americas experienced mixed results, with Canada and U.S. packaged gases facing manufacturing uncertainty, while bulk volumes continued to grow [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains a defensive operating model, focusing on resilient end markets such as healthcare, electronics, and food and beverage [9][11] - Linde is positioned to capitalize on decarbonization discussions and potential infrastructure spending [14] - The company anticipates continued project wins and backlog growth, with a strong focus on capital allocation and management actions to drive EPS growth [16][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the economic environment, expecting volatility in end market trends [17] - The company remains confident in navigating uncertainty and leveraging its operating model for high-quality growth [17][27] - Future guidance reflects a cautious outlook, with EPS expected to grow 3% to 5% in the second quarter, assuming recessionary conditions [25][26] Other Important Information - The company reported a strong backlog of $10 billion, with over $7 billion related to gas projects under long-term contracts [16][22] - Capital expenditures for the quarter were $1.3 billion, with a significant portion allocated to project backlog [22][24] - The company raised its annual dividend by 8%, marking 32 consecutive years of dividend growth [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Dow's Alberta project delay on Linde - Management confirmed that contractual protections are in place for delays, and they will work with Dow to explore alternatives [31][32] Question: EMEA margin performance and future expectations - Management indicated that EMEA margins are a result of consistent management actions and expect margins to grow as volumes improve [35][37] Question: Clean energy market opportunities - Management remains confident in the $8 billion to $10 billion clean energy project pipeline over the next few years, focusing on low carbon hydrogen projects [40][43] Question: Guidance on FX impact and manufacturing demand - Management noted that the majority of FX impact was in the Americas, with manufacturing demand showing weakness in sectors like automotive and agriculture [51][57] Question: Electronics backlog and EMEA margins - Management stated that EMEA margins have improved due to effective execution of their business model, and they expect to start up $1 billion from the backlog this year [64][68] Question: Risks around backlog and project commitments - Management expressed confidence in the backlog and highlighted growth opportunities in resilient end markets, particularly in electronics and India [73][78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The second quarter adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $2.69, below previous guidance of $2.75 to $2.85, primarily due to changes in cost estimates and lower helium contributions [20][24] - Sales volume decreased by 3%, with 2% attributed to the LNG business divestment, while total company price increased by 1% [20][21] - Adjusted operating income decreased by 9%, mainly due to LNG divestiture and unfavorable helium impact, with operating margin down by 210 basis points [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core industrial gas business generated approximately $12 billion in sales with an operating margin of 24% [6] - The LNG business divestiture accounted for a $0.12 headwind on EPS, while helium volume was down, offset by favorable on-site volumes [22][23] - The company anticipates base business growth of 2% to 5% for the fiscal year despite a 5% headwind in helium [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has become the leading supplier of hydrogen and high purity gases for the electronics industry, with significant pipeline networks in the U.S. Gulf Coast [4][5] - The company expects to unlock significant potential with projects in Saudi Arabia and Louisiana, aiming for a 30% adjusted operating margin by 2030 [17][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to refocus on its core industrial gas business and invest approximately $1.5 billion per year in industrial gas projects [10][11] - The strategy includes canceling underperforming projects and prioritizing high-return opportunities with contracted take-or-pay agreements [12][14] - The company aims to maximize profitability through operational excellence and rightsizing the organization [15][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding green hydrogen projects in Saudi Arabia and Louisiana, focusing on derisking strategies [11][12] - The company anticipates high single-digit adjusted EPS growth and improved operating margins in the coming years, despite challenges from underperforming projects [17][18] - Management emphasized the importance of transparent communication with investors and a disciplined approach to capital allocation [18] Other Important Information - The company has identified approximately 2,400 positions for reduction, aiming for a run rate of around $100 million in savings from FY 2025 actions [50][51] - The total cost for the net zero hydrogen project in Edmonton is now expected to be $3.3 billion, with a projected on-stream date between late 2027 and early 2028 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the EBITDA contribution from underperforming projects? - Management expects to recover capital on an undiscounted basis, indicating a challenging situation with significant increases in capital costs [28][29] Question: What is the status of the Alberta project? - The Alberta project has faced delays and cost overruns due to construction challenges and contractor productivity issues [29][31] Question: What is the rationale for pursuing ammonia in Louisiana? - The company is considering focusing solely on hydrogen, aiming to reduce total CapEx while securing firm offtake agreements [40][41] Question: What is the expected contribution from helium? - Helium remains a volatile earnings contributor, with expectations of continued headwinds in pricing through 2026 and 2027 [78][80] Question: What are the cash flow expectations for 2026? - The company anticipates being cash flow positive, including dividends, with a focus on managing capital expenditures effectively [74][86]