WOKING, UK - Linde (NYSE:LIN) plc (NASDAQ:LIN) reported fourth-quarter 2024 earnings that beat analyst estimates, but shares slipped 1% in premarket US trade as the industrial gas giant provided softer-than-expected guidance for 2025.
The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $3.97, surpassing the analyst consensus of $3.95. However, revenue of $8.28 billion fell short of expectations of $8.41 billion. Compared to the same quarter last year, revenue was flat, while underlying sales increased 2% due to price attainment and stable volumes.
Linde’s adjusted operating profit for the quarter rose 9% YoY to $2.48 billion, with the adjusted operating profit margin expanding 250 basis points to 29.9%.
Looking ahead, Linde provided first-quarter 2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $3.85 to $3.95, below the analyst consensus of $3.98. For the full year 2025, the company expects adjusted EPS between $16.15 and $16.55, also falling short of the $16.84 consensus estimate.
CEO Sanjiv Lamba commented on the results and outlook, stating, "In 2024, the Linde team once again delivered industry leading results, including a 25.9% ROC, 29.5% operating margin and an EPS growth of 10% excluding currency. The results were delivered despite the challenging environment, reflecting the resiliency of our model and the exceptional execution by our employees."
Lamba added, "As anticipated, global macro conditions have continued to weaken, especially foreign currency translation. Regardless, I’m confident that with our disciplined capital allocation and focused management actions Linde will continue to deliver shareholder value."
For the full year 2024, Linde reported flat sales of $33.0 billion, with underlying sales up 2%. The company returned $7.1 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the year.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.