# Linde’s Sales Rise 9% as Reported Profit Falls and Adjusted Earnings Grow

The industrial-gas supplier reported stronger underlying demand, with accounting adjustments separating its two earnings measures.

By Will Langan | 24X7 News
Published: 2026-10-29T11:07:41.693Z
Updated: 2026-10-29T11:07:41.693Z
Section: Business
Format: News
Canonical: https://24x7news.us/articles/linde-third-quarter-results-october-29-2026

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

## Sources
- Linde — Third-Quarter 2026 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