Linde (LIN)
NASDAQ:LIN
Want to see LIN full AI Analyst Report?
Earnings Data
Report Date
Jul 31, 2026Before Open (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q2)Consensus EPS Forecast
4.47Last Year’s EPS
4.09Same Quarter Last Year
Strong Buy
Based on 18 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call presents solid financial and operational results — double-digit EPS growth, strong cash generation, margin stability with sequential improvement, backlog and targeted investments (notably in electronics and space-related opportunities), plus continued shareholder returns (dividend increase and buybacks). These positives are tempered by regional weakness in EMEA, project timing slippage on a major project, helium market uncertainty, and an overall guarded outlook due to geopolitical volatility. On balance, the strengths (growth, cash flow, capital allocation, backlog, and guidance raise at the low end) outweigh the challenges, though management remains cautious until geopolitical clarity improves.Company Guidance
Revenue Growth
Sales of $8.8 billion, up 8% year-over-year and flat sequentially; underlying sales +3% (price +2%, volume +1%); foreign currency was a 5% tailwind and net acquisitions added ~1%.
Earnings Per Share and Profitability
Reported EPS of $4.33, up 10% year-over-year (≈+5% ex-currency); operating profit $2.6 billion, up 8% YoY; operating margin 30% (flat YoY) and sequential margin improvement of ~50 basis points.
Strong Cash Generation and Capital Allocation
Operating cash flow $2.2 billion (up 4% YoY); CapEx $1.3 billion; free cash flow $900 million used to pay dividends and repurchase shares; repurchased $800 million of stock during the quarter.
Dividend Increase and Shareholder Returns
Raised the annual dividend by 7%, marking 33 consecutive years of dividend growth (average growth ~13%); disciplined allocation between reinvestment (≈$1.5 billion) and returns.
Backlog and Project Execution
Sale-of-gas backlog at $7.1 billion; started up 10 backlog projects (~$300 million invested) and signed 5 new sale-of-gas projects adding ~$100 million; signed nine bolt-on acquisitions in the quarter.
End-Market Strengths — Electronics and Food & Beverage
Electronics sales increased 10% YoY driven by advanced chip investments (>$1 billion currently being invested in ultra-high-purity plants); Food & Beverage up 5% YoY with broad-based strength.
Operational Returns and Outlook
Industry-leading return on capital ~23.8%–24%; updated 2026 guidance: Q2 EPS $4.40–$4.50 (+8%–10%) and full-year EPS $17.60–$17.90 (+7%–9%); raised bottom-end of prior guidance by $0.20.
Helium Positioning (Contracted Base)
Helium business ~85%–90% contracted; current priority is meeting contractual commitments and securing long-term agreements rather than spot sales, positioning the company to capture upside as market tightens.
LIN Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
LIN Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
May 01, 2026 | $501.14 | $507.92 | +1.35% |
Feb 11, 2026 | $458.97 | $465.94 | +1.52% |
Oct 31, 2025 | $426.90 | $415.37 | -2.70% |
Aug 01, 2025 | $455.58 | $454.74 | -0.18% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Linde (LIN) report earnings?
Linde (LIN) is schdueled to report earning on Jul 31, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
What is Linde (LIN) earnings time?
Linde (LIN) earnings time is at Jul 31, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is LIN EPS forecast?
LIN EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q2) is 4.47.