Linde stock slips on cautious outlook after in-line third quarter

Investing.com -- Linde shares slipped more than 1% in premarket trading Friday after the industrial gas giant posted a modest earnings beat for the third quarter but issued soft guidance for the current quarter and the full year.

The company reported adjusted earnings of $4.21 per share, slightly above the consensus estimate of $4.18. Revenue rose 3% year-on-year to $8.6 billion, in line with expectations.

Adjusted operating profit increased 3% to $2.6 billion, while the operating margin improved by 10 basis points to 29.7%.

“Despite stagnant industrial activity, Linde employees once again demonstrated resilient results by growing operating cash flow 8% and EPS to an all-time high of $4.21, all while maintaining industry leading margins and return on capital," said Chief Executive Officer Sanjiv Lamba in the release.

For the fourth quarter, Linde projected adjusted diluted earnings per share between $4.10 and $4.20, compared with analysts’ forecast of $4.23.

The company maintained its full-year 2025 adjusted EPS outlook at $16.35 to $16.45, versus the $16.45 consensus estimate.

Capital expenditures are expected to range from $5 billion to $5.5 billion to support growth and maintenance projects, including the $7.1 billion contractual sale of gas project backlog.

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