Linde’s Q1 sales totaled $8.1 billion, with strong performance in the Americas.

Q1 operating profit was $2.184 billion; adjusted operating profit rose 4% year-on-year to $2.438 billion, driven by price increases and ongoing productivity initiatives across all divisions. Adjusted operating margin stood at 30.1%, up 120 basis points year-on-year. Strong Q1 Performance in the Americas By region, the Americas delivered robust results in Q1, with sales up 3% year-on-year; sales in Asia-Pacific declined 1%, while those in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) fell 3%. Sales in the Americas reached $3.666 billion in Q1, up 3% year-on-year. Core sales grew 4% year-on-year, supported by a 3% price increase and a 1% volume gain—primarily in the electronics, chemicals, and energy end markets. Operating profit totaled $1.137 billion, representing 31.0% of sales—40 basis points higher than last year. Asia-Pacific sales amounted to $1.539 billion, down 3% year-on-year. Core sales declined 1% year-on-year: volumes fell 1%—mainly in the metals, mining, and manufacturing end markets—while prices remained stable. Operating profit was $451 million, or 29.3% of sales—120 basis points higher than last year. EMEA sales totaled $2.031 billion, down 3% year-on-year. Core sales declined 1% year-on-year: volumes dropped 3%—primarily in the metals & mining and chemicals & energy end markets—despite a 2% price increase. Operating profit was $722 million, or 35.5% of sales—260 basis points higher than last year. Linde CEO Commentary: Sailing Against the Wind, Delivering Industry-Leading Return on Capital

Value stocks are highly favored—among these three, which one has explosive upside potential?

Strangely, the coronavirus crisis may even have helped Procter & Gamble (PG)—its strong performance in household and consumer health, personal care, and hygiene niche markets meant that demand for PG products remained robust despite an overall decline in consumer activity. In its first-quarter earnings report (PG’s third fiscal quarter), the company reported revenue growth of 4.2% year-on-year. Beyond its solid footing in the current environment, P&G is also a true dividend champion in the market. It boasts a 16-year track record of consistent dividend growth and reliable payments. The current quarterly payout stands at $0.79, raised by $0.04 in Q1—equating to an annualized rate of $3.16 per share, yielding 2.7%. Although this figure is only slightly above the consumer staples sector’s average yield of 2.5%, P&G’s long-standing payout history and a payout ratio of 64% indicate that dividends remain comfortably sustainable at current earnings levels. Robert Ottenstein of Evercore ISI covers P&G stock; his report’s title reads: “Better, More Resilient, Smarter.” Regarding future prospects, Ottenstein wrote, “We view P&G as a dependable 6–8% EPS grower, confident in raising its dividend by 6% even amid unprecedented challenges…” Ottenstein maintains his “Buy” rating on P&G and raises his price target from $130 to $140—implying 21% upside over the next 12 months. Overall, among 10 analyst ratings, nine are “Buy,” resulting in a Strong Buy consensus rating for P&G. Wall Street is somewhat less aggressive than Ottenstein, but the average target price of $133 still implies 15% upside. Linde Company (LIN) Next is Linde, a major player in the industrial gases industry. This is not a consumer utility; rather, Linde dominates markets for pure gases (e.g., oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, argon) and specialty gases (e.g., carbon monoxide). These gases serve critical functions across industries—especially in healthcare and HVAC—sectors deemed essential even during public health crises. Like P&G above, Linde benefits from stable niches and product lines resilient to economic downturns. Linde’s market strength is reflected in its quarterly results. While many companies saw share price declines—or even losses—Linde reported Q1 earnings flat versus Q4. Earnings per share came in at $1.89—3.2% above expectations—and marked the fifth consecutive quarter of positive earnings surprises. Another similarity with P&G is that Linde’s sustained profitability stems directly from its strength in the healthcare sector. Approximately 20% of its revenue comes from healthcare-related sales (e.g., oxygen, vital for treating respiratory conditions), enabling Linde to offset losses elsewhere. With stable revenue, Linde shows no hesitation in announcing future dividends. The company announced a second-quarter dividend of $0.96 per share.

Erste Group Bank Lowers FY2027 EPS Estimates for Linde

Sep 23, 2026

Erste Group Bank reduced Linde's FY2027 EPS estimate to $19.60 per share from $19.62. The company retains an average 'Buy' rating after reporting strong quarterly earnings and announcing a dividend.

MarketBeat

2026-04-08

Asio Capital LLC Increases Stake in Linde PLC

2026-04-08

Yousif Capital Management LLC Sells 2,739 Shares of Linde PLC

2026-04-09

BIP Wealth LLC Acquires 3,403 Shares of Linde PLC

2026-04-09

Franklin Street Advisors Inc. NC Trims Stake in Linde PLC

2026-04-09

Jackson Square Capital Reduces Stake in Linde PLC to $2.90 Million