Linde reported October 29 that third-quarter sales increased 9% to $9.404 billion, while net income declined 12% to $1.692 billion.
Diluted earnings per share fell 11% to $3.66. Adjusted earnings per share rose 9% to $4.59 after excluding Linde AG purchase-accounting effects and cost-reduction-program and other charges.
Underlying sales grew 5%, comprising 3% higher pricing and 2% volume growth, primarily in electronics, chemicals and energy, and manufacturing. Currency translation added approximately 1% to reported sales growth.
Operating profit was $2.150 billion. Adjusted operating profit increased 8% to $2.763 billion, representing a 29.4% margin.
Operating cash flow rose 8% to $3.169 billion. After $1.392 billion in capital spending, free cash flow reached $1.777 billion. Linde returned $1.685 billion through dividends and net stock repurchases.
The company forecast annual adjusted earnings of $17.82–$17.92 per share and fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of $4.40–$4.50. It expects annual capital spending of $5.5 billion–$6 billion.
Those outlook figures are management estimates. Linde reported a total project backlog of approximately $11 billion.
Sources: Linde — October 29 Regulatory Results: https://www.eqs-news.com/de/news/corporate/linde-reports-third-quarter-2026-results-earnings-release-tables-attached/d6577f2e-f2d6-4e31-b128-5c16a484090e_en