Linde (NASDAQ: LIN) climbed 1.6% in the market pre-open Tuesday after the chemicals company posted better-than-anticipated earnings and revenue for the fourth quarter.

The firm reported Q4 earnings per share (EPS) of $3.59, topping the consensus estimates of $3.49. Revenue came in at $8.3 billion, while analysts were looking for $8.07 billion.

Linde reported sales in the Americas of $3.58 billion, exactly matching the estimate of $3.58 billion. Sales in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region were $2.10 billion, aligning with the forecast of $2.1 billion.

Net cash generated from operating activities amounted to $2.73 billion, falling short of the anticipated $2.94 billion.

For the first quarter, the company expects adjusted EPS in the range of $3.58 to $3.68, compared to the $3.67 projected by analysts. For the full-fiscal year, Linde sees EPS landing between $15.25 and $15.65, while analysts guided for $15.39.

"Looking ahead, the geopolitical and macro environment remain uncertain. However, we are well positioned to win more than our fair share of high-quality projects and again create shareholder value by leveraging all of the opportunities that lie ahead.” said Linde’s CEO Sanjiv Lamba.

By Vahid Karaahmetovic