LINDE PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(Millions of dollars, except per share data)
(UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Quarter Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | 2024 |
| Sales | $ | 8,615 | | | $ | 8,356 | | | $ | 25,222 | | | $ | 24,723 | |
| Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization | 4,379 | | | 4,356 | | | 12,842 | | | 12,823 | |
| Selling, general and administrative | 897 | | | 823 | | | 2,553 | | | 2,523 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 961 | | | 960 | | | 2,813 | | | 2,867 | |
| Research and development | 36 | | | 37 | | | 112 | | | 111 | |
| Cost reduction program and other charges | (11) | | | 145 | | | 44 | | | 145 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Other income (expense) - net | 14 | | | 51 | | | 47 | | | 111 | |
| Operating Profit | 2,367 | | | 2,086 | | | 6,905 | | | 6,365 | |
| Interest expense - net | 64 | | | 68 | | | 191 | | | 203 | |
| Net pension and OPEB cost (benefit), excluding service cost | (57) | | | (45) | | | (172) | | | (144) | |
| Income Before Income Taxes and Equity Investments | 2,360 | | | 2,063 | | | 6,886 | | | 6,306 | |
| Income taxes | 424 | | | 498 | | | 1,508 | | | 1,469 | |
| Income Before Equity Investments | 1,936 | | | 1,565 | | | 5,378 | | | 4,837 | |
| Income from equity investments | 36 | | | 38 | | | 107 | | | 131 | |
| Net Income (Including Noncontrolling Interests) | 1,972 | | | 1,603 | | | 5,485 | | | 4,968 | |
| Less: noncontrolling interests | (43) | | | (53) | | | (117) | | | (128) | |
| Net Income – Linde plc | $ | 1,929 | | | $ | 1,550 | | | $ | 5,368 | | | $ | 4,840 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Per Share Data – Linde plc Shareholders | | | | | | | |
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 4.11 | | | $ | 3.24 | | | $ | 11.40 | | | $ | 10.09 | |
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 4.09 | | | $ | 3.22 | | | $ | 11.34 | | | $ | 10.02 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (000’s): | | | | | | | |
| Basic shares outstanding | 468,802 | | | 477,662 | | | 470,708 | | | 479,825 | |
| Diluted shares outstanding | 471,509 | | | 480,898 | | | 473,500 | | | 483,186 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
LINDE PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Millions of dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Quarter Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | 2024 |
| NET INCOME (INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS) | $ | 1,972 | | | $ | 1,603 | | | $ | 5,485 | | | $ | 4,968 | |
| | | | | | |
| OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | | | | | | | |
| Translation adjustments: | | | | | | | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | (131) | | | 775 | | | 515 | | | (249) | |
| Reclassifications to net income | (37) | | | — | | | (59) | | | — | |
| Income taxes | 1 | | | (2) | | | 10 | | | 4 | |
| Translation adjustments | (167) | | | 773 | | | 466 | | | (245) | |
| Funded status - retirement obligations (Note 7): | | | | | | | |
| Retirement program remeasurements | (7) | | | (17) | | | 29 | | | (10) | |
| Reclassifications to net income | (6) | | | 4 | | | (22) | | | (2) | |
| Income taxes | 4 | | | — | | | (6) | | | 7 | |
| Funded status - retirement obligations | (9) | | | (13) | | | 1 | | | (5) | |
| Derivative instruments (Note 4): | | | | | | | |
| Current unrealized gain (loss) | 55 | | | (1) | | | 69 | | | (12) | |
| Reclassifications to net income | (42) | | | 6 | | | (18) | | | 13 | |
| Income taxes | (2) | | | (1) | | | (11) | | | (1) | |
| Derivative instruments | 11 | | | 4 | | | 40 | | | — | |
| TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | (165) | | | 764 | | | 507 | | | (250) | |
| | | | | | | |
| COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS) | 1,807 | | | 2,367 | | | 5,992 | | | 4,718 | |
| Less: noncontrolling interests | (37) | | | (82) | | | (139) | | | (132) | |
| COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - LINDE PLC | $ | 1,770 | | | $ | 2,285 | | | $ | 5,853 | | | $ | 4,586 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
LINDE PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Millions of dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| September 30, 2025 | | December 31, 2024 |
| Assets | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 4,509 | | | $ | 4,850 | |
| Accounts receivable - net | 5,331 | | | 4,622 | |
| Contract assets | 228 | | | 263 | |
| Inventories | 2,128 | | | 1,946 | |
| Prepaid and other current assets | 1,135 | | | 1,264 | |
| Total Current Assets | 13,331 | | | 12,945 | |
| Property, plant and equipment - net | 27,535 | | | 24,775 | |
| | | |
| Goodwill | 27,828 | | | 25,937 | |
| Other intangible assets - net | 11,931 | | | 11,330 | |
| Other long-term assets | 5,368 | | | 5,160 | |
| Total Assets | $ | 85,993 | | | $ | 80,147 | |
| Liabilities and equity | | | |
| Accounts payable | $ | 2,646 | | | $ | 2,507 | |
| Short-term debt | 4,962 | | | 4,223 | |
| Current portion of long-term debt | 2,371 | | | 2,057 | |
| Contract liabilities | 1,279 | | | 1,194 | |
| | | |
| Other current liabilities | 4,934 | | | 4,563 | |
| Total Current Liabilities | 16,192 | | | 14,544 | |
| Long-term debt | 18,592 | | | 15,343 | |
| Other long-term liabilities | 11,123 | | | 10,772 | |
| | | |
| Total Liabilities | 45,907 | | | 40,659 | |
| Redeemable noncontrolling interests | 13 | | | 13 | |
| Linde plc Shareholders’ Equity (Note 10): | | | |
Ordinary shares, €0.001 par value, authorized 1,750,000,000 shares, 2025 and 2024 issued: 490,766,972 ordinary shares | 1 | | | 1 | |
| Additional paid-in capital | 39,405 | | | 39,603 | |
| Retained earnings | 15,796 | | | 12,634 | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (6,409) | | | (6,894) | |
Less: Treasury shares, at cost (2025 – 23,818,042 shares and 2024 – 17,530,240 shares) | (10,177) | | | (7,252) | |
| Total Linde plc Shareholders’ Equity | 38,616 | | | 38,092 | |
| Noncontrolling interests | 1,457 | | | 1,383 | |
| Total Equity | 40,073 | | | 39,475 | |
| Total Liabilities and Equity | $ | 85,993 | | | $ | 80,147 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
LINDE PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Millions of dollars)
(UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2025 | | 2024 |
| Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | | | |
| Operations | | | |
| Net income - Linde plc | $ | 5,368 | | | $ | 4,840 | |
| | | |
| Add: Noncontrolling interests | 117 | | | 128 | |
| Net Income (including noncontrolling interests) | 5,485 | | | 4,968 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | |
| Cost reduction program and other charges | (71) | | | 52 | |
| | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 2,813 | | | 2,867 | |
| Deferred income taxes | (458) | | | (308) | |
| Share-based compensation | 133 | | | 120 | |
| Working capital: | | | |
| Accounts receivable | (379) | | | (198) | |
| Inventory | (37) | | | 32 | |
| Prepaid and other current assets | (4) | | | (62) | |
| Payables and accruals | (65) | | | (378) | |
| Contract assets and liabilities, net | 24 | | | (310) | |
| Pension contributions | (20) | | | (29) | |
| Long-term assets, liabilities and other | (101) | | | (140) | |
| Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities | 7,320 | | | 6,614 | |
| Investing | | | |
| Capital expenditures | (3,803) | | | (3,247) | |
| Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (393) | | | (175) | |
| Divestitures, net of cash divested and asset sales | 31 | | | 154 | |
| Other investing, net | (95) | | | — | |
| Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities | (4,260) | | | (3,268) | |
| Financing | | | |
| Short-term debt borrowings (repayments) - net | 507 | | | (1,235) | |
| Long-term debt borrowings | 3,064 | | | 4,836 | |
| Long-term debt repayments | (1,654) | | | (973) | |
| Issuances of ordinary shares | 20 | | | 28 | |
| Purchases of ordinary shares | (3,211) | | | (3,148) | |
| Cash dividends - Linde plc shareholders | (2,113) | | | (1,996) | |
| | | |
| Noncontrolling interest transactions and other | (149) | | | (261) | |
| Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities | (3,536) | | | (2,749) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 135 | | | (74) | |
| Change in cash and cash equivalents | (341) | | | 523 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning-of-period | 4,850 | | | 4,664 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents, end-of-period | $ | 4,509 | | | $ | 5,187 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
INDEX TO NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Linde plc and Subsidiaries (Unaudited)
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Linde plc ("Linde" or "the company") is an incorporated public limited company formed under the laws of Ireland. Linde’s registered office is located at Ten Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 T380 Ireland. Linde’s principal executive offices are located at Forge, 43 Church Street West, Woking, Surrey GU21 6HT, United Kingdom and 10 Riverview Drive, Danbury, Connecticut, 06810, United States.
Presentation of Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - In the opinion of Linde management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented and such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements of Linde plc and subsidiaries in Linde's 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to the company’s significant accounting policies during 2025.
Reclassifications – Certain prior periods' amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Accounting Standards to be Implemented
Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures - In December 2023, the FASB issued guidance requiring enhanced disclosure related to income taxes. The standard requires additional or modified disclosures related to the income tax rate reconciliation, disaggregation of income taxes paid, and several other disclosures. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard will only impact disclosures within the company's consolidated financial statements and the company is evaluating the impact this guidance will have on those disclosures. Linde will adopt this guidance retrospectively for fiscal year 2025.
Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses - In November 2024, the FASB issued guidance requiring disaggregated disclosure of income statement expenses. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods with fiscal years after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard will only impact disclosures within the company's consolidated financial statements and the company is evaluating the impact this guidance will have on those disclosures.
Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software - In September 2025, the FASB issued guidance that amends the existing standard for internal-use software by removing the software development project stage model and introducing a recognition and capitalization framework to reflect current software development practices. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, and interim periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements.
2. Supplemental Information
Receivables
Linde applies loss rates that are lifetime expected credit losses at initial recognition of the receivables. These expected loss rates are based on an analysis of the actual historical default rates for each business, taking regional circumstances into account. If necessary, these historical default rates are adjusted to reflect the impact of current changes in the macroeconomic environment using forward-looking information. The loss rates are also evaluated based on the expectations of the responsible management team regarding the collectability of the receivables. Gross trade receivables aged less than one year were $5,240 million and $4,573 million at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, and gross receivables aged greater than one year were $383 million and $322 million at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Gross other receivables were $161 million and $148 million at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Receivables aged greater than one year are generally fully reserved unless specific circumstances warrant exceptions, such as those backed by federal governments.
Accounts receivable net of reserves were $5,331 million at September 30, 2025 and $4,622 million at December 31, 2024. Allowances for expected credit losses were $453 million at September 30, 2025 and $421 million at December 31, 2024. Provisions for expected credit losses were $158 million and $130 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The allowance activity in the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 related to write-offs of uncollectible amounts, net of recoveries and currency movements is not material.
Inventories
The following is a summary of Linde's consolidated inventories:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Millions of dollars) | September 30, 2025 | | December 31, 2024 |
| Inventories | | | |
| Raw materials and supplies | $ | 533 | | | $ | 529 | |
| Work in process | 410 | | | 371 | |
| Finished goods | 1,185 | | | 1,046 | |
| Total inventories | $ | 2,128 | | | $ | 1,946 | |
3. Debt
The following is a summary of Linde's outstanding debt at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Millions of dollars) | September 30, 2025 | | December 31, 2024 |
| SHORT-TERM | | | |
| Commercial paper | $ | 4,730 | | | $ | 3,964 | |
| Other bank borrowings (primarily non U.S.) | 232 | | | 259 | |
| Total short-term debt | 4,962 | | | 4,223 | |
| LONG-TERM (a) | | | |
| (U.S. dollar denominated unless otherwise noted) | | | |
4.700% Notes due 2025 (d) | — | | | 599 | |
2.65% Notes due 2025 (d) | — | | | 400 | |
3.625% Euro denominated notes due 2025 (f) | — | | | 517 | |
1.625% Euro denominated notes due 2025 | 587 | | | 517 | |
0.00% Euro denominated notes due 2026 | 822 | | | 726 | |
3.20% Notes due 2026 | 725 | | | 725 | |
3.434% Notes due 2026 | 199 | | | 199 | |
1.652% Euro denominated notes due 2027 | 95 | | | 84 | |
0.25% Euro denominated notes due 2027 | 880 | | | 776 | |
1.00% Euro denominated notes due 2027 | 589 | | | 519 | |
1.00% Euro denominated notes due 2028 (b) | 850 | | | 742 | |
3.00% Euro denominated notes due 2028 | 819 | | | 722 | |
3.375% Euro denominated notes due 2029 | 877 | | | 773 | |
2.625% Euro denominated notes due 2029 (c) | 993 | | | — | |
0.6150% Swiss franc denominated notes due 2029 (e) | 281 | | | — | |
1.10% Notes due 2030 | 697 | | | 697 | |
1.90% Euro denominated notes due 2030 | 120 | | | 106 | |
3.375% Euro denominated notes due 2030 | 876 | | | 772 | |
1.375% Euro denominated notes due 2031 | 883 | | | 779 | |
3.20% Euro denominated notes due 2031 | 996 | | | 878 | |
0.550% Euro denominated notes due 2032 | 876 | | | 772 | |
0.375% Euro denominated notes due 2033 | 582 | | | 512 | |
3.00% Euro denominated notes due 2033 (c) | 876 | | | — | |
1.0629% Swiss franc denominated notes due 2033 (e) | 343 | | | — | |
3.625% Euro denominated notes due 2034 | 760 | | | 670 | |
3.50% Euro denominated notes due 2034 | 873 | | | 769 | |
1.625% Euro denominated notes due 2035 | 933 | | | 822 | |
3.40% Euro denominated notes due 2036 | 815 | | | 718 | |
3.250% Euro denominated notes due 2037 (c) | 756 | | | — | |
3.55% Notes due 2042 | 666 | | | 666 | |
3.75% Euro denominated notes due 2044 | 809 | | | 712 | |
2.00% Notes due 2050 | 297 | | | 297 | |
1.00% Euro denominated notes due 2051 | 804 | | | 707 | |
| Non U.S. borrowings | 274 | | | 214 | |
| Other | 10 | | | 10 | |
| 20,963 | | | 17,400 | |
| Less: current portion of long-term debt | (2,371) | | | (2,057) | |
| Total long-term debt | 18,592 | | | 15,343 | |
| Total debt | $ | 25,925 | | | $ | 21,623 | |
(a)Amounts are net of unamortized discounts, premiums and/or debt issuance costs as applicable.
(b)September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 included a cumulative $28 million and $32 million adjustment to carrying value, respectively, related to hedge accounting of interest rate swaps. Refer to Note 4.
(c)In February 2025, Linde issued €850 million of 2.625% notes due in 2029, €750 million of 3.00% notes due in 2033, and €650 million of 3.25% notes due in 2037.
(d)In February 2025, Linde redeemed $600 million of 4.700% notes that were due in 2025 and repaid $400 million of 2.65% notes that became due.
(e)In June 2025, Linde issued CHF225 million of 0.6150% notes due in 2029 and CHF275 million of 1.0629% notes due in 2033.
(f)In June 2025, Linde repaid €500 million of 3.625% notes that became due.
The company maintains a $5 billion and a $1.5 billion unsecured revolving credit agreement with a syndicate of banking institutions that expire on December 7, 2027 and December 3, 2025, respectively. There are no financial maintenance covenants contained within the credit agreements. No borrowings were outstanding under the credit agreements as of September 30, 2025.
The weighted-average interest rates of short-term borrowings outstanding were 3.3% and 3.8% as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.
4. Financial Instruments
In its normal operations, Linde is exposed to market risks relating to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, energy and commodity costs. The objective of financial risk management at Linde is to minimize the negative impact of such fluctuations on the company’s earnings and cash flows. To manage these risks, among other strategies, Linde routinely enters into various derivative financial instruments (“derivatives”) including interest-rate swap and treasury rate lock agreements, forward contracts, and commodity-swap agreements. These instruments are not entered into for trading purposes and Linde only uses commonly traded and non-leveraged instruments.
There are three types of derivatives that the company enters into: (i) those relating to fair-value exposures, (ii) those relating to cash-flow exposures, and (iii) those relating to foreign currency net investment exposures. Fair-value exposures relate to recognized assets or liabilities, and firm commitments; cash-flow exposures relate to the variability of future cash flows associated with recognized assets or liabilities, or forecasted transactions; and net investment exposures relate to the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes on the carrying value of net assets denominated in foreign currencies.
When a derivative is executed and hedge accounting is appropriate, it is designated as either a fair-value hedge, cash-flow hedge, or a net investment hedge. Currently, Linde designates all interest-rate and treasury-rate locks as hedges for accounting purposes when used. Currency contracts are generally not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. However, currency contracts related to certain forecasted transactions and net investments in foreign-denominated subsidiaries are designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Whether designated as hedges for accounting purposes or not, all derivatives are linked to an appropriate underlying exposure. On an ongoing basis, the company assesses the hedge effectiveness of all derivatives designated as hedges for accounting purposes to determine if they continue to be highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the underlying hedged items. If it is determined that the hedge is not highly effective through the use of a qualitative assessment, then hedge accounting will be discontinued prospectively.
Counterparties to Linde's derivatives are major banking institutions with credit ratings of investment grade or better. The company has Credit Support Annexes ("CSAs") in place for certain entities with their principal counterparties to minimize potential default risk and to mitigate counterparty risk. Under the CSAs, the fair values of derivatives for the purpose of interest rate and currency management are collateralized with cash on a regular basis. As of September 30, 2025, the impact of such collateral posting arrangements on the fair value of derivatives was insignificant. Management believes the risk of incurring losses on derivative contracts related to credit risk is remote and any losses would be immaterial.
The following table is a summary of the notional amount and fair value of derivatives outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 for consolidated subsidiaries:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Fair Value |
| | Notional Amounts | | Assets (a) | | Liabilities (a) |
| (Millions of dollars) | September 30, 2025 | | December 31, 2024 | | September 30, 2025 | | December 31, 2024 | | September 30, 2025 | | December 31, 2024 |
| Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Currency contracts: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance sheet items | $ | 10,733 | | | $ | 9,935 | | | $ | 55 | | | $ | 256 | | | $ | 87 | | | $ | 64 | |
| Forecasted transactions | 145 | | | 168 | | | 3 | | | 2 | | | 1 | | | 6 | |
| Total | $ | 10,878 | | | $ | 10,103 | | | $ | 58 | | | $ | 258 | | | $ | 88 | | | $ | 70 | |
| Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Currency contracts: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Forecasted transactions | $ | 547 | | | $ | 780 | | | $ | 32 | | | $ | 7 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 11 | |
| Forward exchange transactions | 4,469 | | | 1,059 | | | 4 | | | 30 | | | 41 | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Commodity contracts | N/A | | N/A | | 12 | | | 11 | | | 8 | | | 20 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total Hedges | $ | 5,016 | | | $ | 1,839 | | | $ | 48 | | | $ | 48 | | | $ | 50 | | | $ | 31 | |
| Total Derivatives | $ | 15,894 | | | $ | 11,942 | | | $ | 106 | | | $ | 306 | | | $ | 138 | | | $ | 101 | |
(a)Amounts as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, included current assets of $98 million and $302 million which are recorded in prepaid and other current assets; long-term assets of $8 million and $4 million which are recorded in other long-term assets; current liabilities of $137 million and $92 million which are recorded in other current liabilities; and long-term liabilities of $1 million and $9 million which are recorded in other long-term liabilities.
In addition, during 2024, Linde issued credit default swaps (“CDS”) to third-party financial institutions. The CDS relate to secured borrowings provided by the financial institutions to a government customer in Mexico, that were utilized to pay certain of Linde’s outstanding receivables. The notional amount of the CDS, which was $104 million and $123 million for the two programs as of September 30, 2025, will reduce on a monthly basis over their respective 24-month and 22-month terms. As of September 30, 2025, the fair value of the associated derivative asset and liability positions were not material.
Balance Sheet Items
Foreign currency contracts related to balance sheet items consist of forward contracts entered into to manage the exposure to fluctuations in foreign-currency exchange rates on recorded balance sheet assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the related operating unit. Certain forward currency contracts are entered into to protect underlying monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies from foreign exchange risk and are not designated as hedging instruments. For balance sheet items that are not designated as hedging instruments, the fair value adjustments on these contracts are offset by the fair value adjustments recorded on the underlying monetary assets and liabilities.
Forecasted Transactions
Foreign currency contracts related to forecasted transactions consist of forward contracts entered into to manage the exposure to fluctuations in foreign-currency exchange rates on (1) forecasted purchases of capital-related equipment and services, (2) forecasted sales, or (3) other forecasted cash flows denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the related operating units. For forecasted transactions that are designated as cash flow hedges, fair value adjustments are recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) with deferred amounts reclassified to earnings over the same time period as the income statement impact of the associated purchase. For forecasted transactions that do not qualify for cash flow hedging relationships, fair value adjustments are recorded directly to earnings. Linde is hedging forecasted transactions for a maximum period of three years.
Commodity Contracts
Commodity contracts are entered into to manage the exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices, which arise in the normal course of business from its procurement transactions. To reduce the extent of this risk, Linde enters into a limited number of electricity, natural gas, and propane gas derivatives. For forecasted transactions that are designated as cash flow hedges, fair value adjustments are recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) with deferred amounts reclassified to
earnings over the same time period as the income statement impact of the associated purchase. Linde is hedging commodity contracts for a maximum period of three years.
Net Investment Hedges
Foreign Currency-Denominated Debt Designations
As of September 30, 2025, Linde has €17.9 billion ($21.0 billion) Euro-denominated notes and intercompany loans, ¥5.2 billion ($0.7 billion) CNY-denominated intercompany loans, C$1.5 billion ($1.1 billion) CAD-denominated intercompany loans and CHF500 million ($628 million) CHF-denominated notes that are designated as hedges of the net investment positions in certain foreign operations. Since hedge inception, the deferred loss recorded within the cumulative translation adjustment component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated balance sheet is $1,502 million (deferred gain of $122 million and deferred loss of $2,701 million in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively), which is largely offset by an offsetting loss or gain on the underlying foreign net investment being hedged.
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contract Designations
The Company enters into forward exchange contracts to partially hedge its net investment in certain foreign-denominated subsidiaries. The Company assesses the forward exchange contracts used as net investment hedges under the spot method. This results in the difference between the spot rate and the forward rate of the forward exchange contract being excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and recorded as incurred as a reduction in interest expense - net in the consolidated statement of income. Since hedge inception, the deferred loss recorded within the cumulative translation adjustment component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated balance sheet is $37 million (deferred gain of $27 million and deferred loss of $37 million in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively), which is largely offset by an offsetting loss or gain on the underlying foreign net investment being hedged. The amount of net interest income recorded in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025 for all forward exchange contracts was $18 million and $40 million, respectively.
Effects of Previous Hedge Designations
As of September 30, 2025, exchange rate movements relating to previously designated hedges that remain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is a loss of $111 million. These movements will remain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), until appropriate, such as upon sale or liquidation of the related foreign operations at which time amounts will be reclassified to the consolidated statement of income.
Interest Rate Swaps
Linde has historically used interest rate swaps to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities as a result of interest rate changes. When used, these interest rate swaps would effectively convert fixed-rate interest exposures to variable rates; fair value adjustments were recognized in earnings along with an equally offsetting charge/benefit to earnings for the changes in the fair value of the underlying financial asset or financial liability (See Note 3).
Derivatives' Impact on Consolidated Statement of Income
The following table summarizes the impact of the company’s derivatives on the consolidated statement of income:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Amount of Pre-Tax Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings * |
| | Quarter Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| (Millions of dollars) | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | 2024 |
| Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | | | | | | | |
| Currency contracts: | | | | | | | |
| Balance sheet items | | | | | | | |
| Debt-related | $ | 17 | | | $ | (73) | | | $ | (108) | | | $ | (90) | |
| Other balance sheet items | 6 | | | 4 | | | 10 | | | (1) | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Total | $ | 23 | | | $ | (69) | | | $ | (98) | | | $ | (91) | |
* The gains (losses) on balance sheet items are offset by gains (losses) recorded on the underlying hedged assets and liabilities. Accordingly, the gains (losses) for the derivatives and the underlying hedged assets and liabilities related to debt items are recorded in the consolidated statement of income as interest expense-net. Other balance sheet items and anticipated net income gains (losses) are generally recorded in the consolidated statement of income as other income (expenses)-net.
The amounts of gain or loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified to the consolidated statement of income was not material for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024. Net impacts expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months are also not material.
5. Fair Value Disclosures
The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels as follows:
Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 – quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable
Level 3 – inputs that are unobservable (for example cash flow modeling inputs based on assumptions)
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table summarizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair Value Measurements Using |
| | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 |
| (Millions of dollars) | September 30, 2025 | | December 31, 2024 | | September 30, 2025 | | December 31, 2024 | | September 30, 2025 | | December 31, 2024 |
| Assets | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Derivative assets | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 106 | | | $ | 306 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| Investments and securities* | 20 | | | 16 | | | — | | | — | | | 13 | | | 12 | |
| Total | $ | 20 | | | $ | 16 | | | $ | 106 | | | $ | 306 | | | 13 | | | $ | 12 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Derivative liabilities | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 138 | | | $ | 101 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
* Investments and securities are recorded in prepaid and other current assets and other long-term assets in the company's condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Level 1 investments and securities are marketable securities traded on an exchange. Level 2 investments are based on market prices obtained from independent brokers or determined using quantitative models that use as their basis readily observable market parameters that are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, including third-party pricing services, brokers and market transactions. Level 3 investments and securities consist of a venture fund. For the valuation, Linde uses the net asset value received as part of the fund's quarterly reporting, which for the most part is not based on quoted prices in active markets. In order to reflect current market conditions, Linde proportionally adjusts by observable market data (stock exchange prices) or current transaction prices.
Changes in Level 3 investments and securities were immaterial.
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term debt, accounts receivable-net, and accounts payable approximate carrying value because of the short-term maturities of these instruments.
The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues. Long-term debt is categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. At September 30, 2025, the estimated fair value of Linde’s long-term debt portfolio was $19,707 million versus a carrying value of $20,963 million. At December 31, 2024, the estimated fair value of Linde’s long-term debt portfolio was $16,234 million versus a carrying value of $17,400 million. Differences between the carrying value and the fair value are attributable to fluctuations in interest rates subsequent to when the debt was issued and relative to stated coupon rates.
6. Earnings Per Share - Linde plc Shareholders
Basic and diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing Net income – Linde plc for the period by the weighted average number of either basic or diluted shares outstanding, as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Quarter Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | 2024 |
| Numerator (Millions of dollars) | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Net Income – Linde plc | $ | 1,929 | | | $ | 1,550 | | | $ | 5,368 | | | $ | 4,840 | |
| Denominator (Thousands of shares) | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average shares outstanding | 468,021 | | | 476,813 | | | 469,884 | | | 479,077 | |
| Shares earned and issuable under compensation plans | 781 | | | 849 | | | 824 | | | 748 | |
| Weighted average shares used in basic earnings per share | 468,802 | | | 477,662 | | | 470,708 | | | 479,825 | |
| Effect of dilutive securities | | | | | | | |
| Stock options and awards | 2,707 | | | 3,236 | | | 2,792 | | | 3,361 | |
| Weighted average shares used in diluted earnings per share | 471,509 | | | 480,898 | | | 473,500 | | | 483,186 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Basic Earnings Per Share | $ | 4.11 | | | $ | 3.24 | | | $ | 11.40 | | | $ | 10.09 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Diluted Earnings Per Share | $ | 4.09 | | | $ | 3.22 | | | $ | 11.34 | | | $ | 10.02 | |
The weighted-average of antidilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share was 485 thousand and 575 thousand for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, and 327 thousand and 267 thousand for the respective 2024 periods.
7. Retirement Programs
The components of net pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions (“OPEB”) costs for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 are shown below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Quarter Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| | | | | |
| (Millions of dollars) | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | 2024 |
| Amount recognized in Operating Profit | | | | | | | |
| Service cost | $ | 21 | | | $ | 21 | | | $ | 62 | | | $ | 63 | |
| Amount recognized in Net pension and OPEB cost (benefit), excluding service cost | | | | | | | |
| Interest cost | 91 | | | 91 | | | 266 | | | 273 | |
| Expected return on plan assets | (142) | | | (140) | | | (416) | | | (415) | |
| Net amortization and deferral (gain) loss | (8) | | | (2) | | | (24) | | | (8) | |
| | | | | | | |
| Settlement charge (a) | 2 | | | 6 | | | 2 | | | 6 | |
| | | | | | | |
| (57) | | | (45) | | | (172) | | | (144) | |
| Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) | $ | (36) | | | $ | (24) | | | $ | (110) | | | $ | (81) | |
(a) In the third quarters of 2025 and 2024, Linde recorded pension settlement charges of $2 million and $6 million ($2 million and $5 million, after tax), respectively, related to lump sum benefit payments made from a U.S. non-qualified plan.
Components of net periodic benefit expense for other post-retirement plans for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 were not material.
Linde estimates that 2025 required contributions to its pension plans will be in the range of approximately $25 million to $35 million, of which $20 million have been made through September 30, 2025.
8. Commitments and Contingencies
Contingent Liabilities
Linde is subject to various lawsuits and government investigations that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. These actions are based upon alleged environmental, tax, antitrust and personal injury claims, among others. Linde has strong defenses in these cases and intends to defend itself vigorously. It is possible that the company may incur losses in connection with some of these actions in excess of accrued liabilities. Management does not anticipate that in the aggregate such losses would have a material adverse effect on the company’s consolidated financial position or liquidity; however, it is possible that the final outcomes could have a significant impact on the company’s reported results of operations in any given period.
Significant matters are:
•During 2009, the Brazilian government published Law 11941/2009 instituting a new voluntary amnesty program (“Refis Program”) which allowed Brazilian companies to settle certain federal tax disputes at reduced amounts. During 2009, the company decided that it was economically beneficial to settle many of its outstanding federal tax disputes and such disputes were enrolled in the Refis Program, subject to final calculation and review by the Brazilian federal government. The company recorded estimated liabilities based on the terms of the Refis Program. Since 2009, Linde has been unable to reach final agreement on the calculations and initiated litigation against the government in an attempt to resolve certain items. Open issues relate to the following matters: (i) application of cash deposits and net operating loss carryforwards to satisfy obligations and (ii) the amount of tax reductions available under the Refis Program. It is difficult to estimate the timing of resolution of legal matters in Brazil.
•On and after April 23, 2019 former shareholders of Linde AG filed appraisal proceedings at the District Court (Landgericht) Munich I (Germany), seeking an increase of the cash consideration paid in connection with the previously completed cash merger squeeze-out of all of Linde AG’s minority shareholders for €189.46 per share. Any such increase would apply to all 14,763,113 Linde AG shares that were outstanding on April 8, 2019, when the cash merger squeeze-out was completed. The period for plaintiffs to file claims expired on July 9, 2019. In November 2023, the court issued a decision rejecting the plaintiffs’ claims in their entirety and determining that the cash merger squeeze-out consideration was appropriate. The plaintiffs have appealed this decision.
The company believes the consideration paid was fair and that the claims are not supported by sufficient evidence, and no reserve has been established. We cannot estimate the timing of resolution.
•On May 27, 2022, performance of all Linde Engineering agreements in Russia were lawfully suspended in compliance with applicable sanctions. In December 2022, at RusChemAlliance’s (RCA) request a Russian St. Petersburg court (“St. Petersburg Court”) issued an injunction preventing sale of Linde Russia subsidiaries and assets. During 2023 and 2024, in accordance with the dispute resolution provisions of the related engineering agreements Linde secured judgements reenforcing jurisdiction of the agreements with RCA outside of Russia and ordering the St. Petersburg proceedings stayed and injunctions lifted. However, RCA has continued to pursue its claims in Russia and during the fourth quarter of 2024 two Linde Russian joint ventures were sold locally pursuant to a St. Petersburg court order and the proceeds provided to RCA. Linde does not expect a material adverse impact on earnings given the $1.9 billion liabilities recorded as of September 30, 2025 and the immaterial investment value of its remaining deconsolidated Russia subsidiaries. Please see further detail on the Russia legal cases below.
RCA LNG and GPP
In December 2022, the St. Petersburg Court issued an injunction preventing (i) the sale of any shares in Linde’s subsidiaries and joint ventures in Russia, and (ii) the disposal of any of the assets in those entities exceeding 5% of the relevant company’s overall asset value. RusChemAlliance is owned 50% by PJSC Gazprom. The injunction was requested by RCA to secure payment of a possible award under an arbitration proceeding RCA intended to file against Linde Engineering for alleged breach of contract under the agreement to build a gas processing plant in Russia entered into in July 2021. In March 2023, RCA filed a claim in St. Petersburg against Linde GmbH for recovery of advance payments under the agreement ("GPP Claim"), and subsequently (i) added Linde and other Linde subsidiaries as defendants, and (ii) is seeking payment of alleged damages from Linde and guarantor banks. In March 2024, RCA filed a similar claim for repayment and damages against Linde for alleged breach of contract under the agreement to build a liquefied natural gas plant in Russia entered into in September 2021 (“LNG Claim”, and together with the GPP Claim, the “Russian Claims”).
Dispute resolution provisions
In accordance with the dispute resolution provisions of the agreements, in 2023, Linde filed a notice of arbitration with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre ("HKIAC") against RCA to claim that (i) RCA has no entitlement to
payment, (ii) RCA’s Russian Claims are in breach of the arbitration agreement which requires HKIAC arbitration, and (iii) RCA must compensate Linde for the losses and damages caused by the injunction. During 2024, Linde secured awards on exclusive jurisdiction with HKIAC.
In January 2024, the Hong Kong court issued a final judgment in Linde’s favor (i) granting a permanent anti-suit injunction against RCA to seek a stay of the GPP claim and not start an LNG claim, (ii) granting a permanent, global anti-enforcement injunction against RCA for the GPP claim, and (iii) ordering that the injunction issued by the St. Petersburg Court be lifted (“HK Court Judgement”).
Despite the judgments of the Hong Kong court and similar orders issued by the HKIAC arbitration tribunals, RCA is continuing to pursue its claims in Russia and neither the St. Petersburg injunction affecting Linde’s shares and assets has been lifted, nor the proceeding in St. Petersburg been stayed. The HKIAC arbitration proceedings are ongoing.
Local seizures
In February 2024, the St. Petersburg Court decided the GPP Claim in favor of RCA (the “GPP Decision”) and in October 2024, decided the LNG Claim in favor of RCA (the “LNG Decision”). Linde unsuccessfully appealed the GPP Decision in March and September 2024. During the fourth quarter of 2024, RCA executed enforcement actions related to the GPP Decision within Russia for Linde’s shares in two Linde Russian joint ventures and locally RCA received payment from the purchase of these shares by Linde’s joint venture partners. RCA previously initiated the enforcement process for the GPP Decision within Russia for the remainder of Linde’s local assets, and these proceedings are currently pending a court appointed local valuation of Linde’s assets.
Linde intends to claim all damages related to or rising from RCA's enforcement of the GPP and LNG Decisions in the HKIAC arbitration proceedings. Linde subsidiaries affected by the GPP Decision have also filed claims for damages against RCA and/or its controlling shareholder in the Southern District of New York, the Netherlands and Germany.
As of September 30, 2025, Linde has a contingent liability of $1.2 billion, which represents advance payments previously recorded in contract liabilities related to terminated engineering projects with RCA. As a result of the contract terminations, Linde no longer has future performance obligations for these projects.
It is difficult to estimate the timing of resolution of these matters. The company intends to vigorously defend its interests in the Russian Claims, Hong Kong arbitration proceedings and other jurisdictions.
Amur GPP
In July 2015, Gazprom Pererabotka Blagoveshchensk LLC ("Gazprom"), a 100% subsidiary of PJSC Gazprom, entered into an engineering, procurement and construction contract with OJSC NIPIgazpererabotka ("Nipigas") for the construction of a gas processing plant and other components located in the Amur Region, Russia (“Amur GPP”). Subsequently, in December 2015, Nipigas and Linde Engineering, executed a subcontract for engineering, procurement, and site services ("EPSS Contract") for licensed production units for the Amur GPP project. Additionally, Linde also entered into (i) a license agreement with Gazprom in 2017 for the operation of the plants, and (ii) a direct owner agreement with Gazprom and Nipigas ("DOA") which included limitation of liability provisions. Performance of the Amur GPP agreements were lawfully suspended in compliance with applicable sanctions on May 27, 2022.
On October 8, 2021 and January 5, 2022, fires occurred at the Amur GPP facility. Following the initial fire in 2021, Linde undertook a comprehensive review of the incident, including a detailed local inspection conducted by Linde employees. The Linde report concluded that the fire was attributable to the quality of construction and assembly work, responsibilities falling under the scope of Nipigas.
On October 29, 2024, Gazprom submitted a claim to the Arbitration State Court in the Amur Region, Russia (“Amur Court”) against Linde Engineering and project-unrelated Linde entities claiming damages and lost profits arising from the fire incidents.
During 2025, Linde Engineering formally initiated arbitration proceedings against Gazprom before the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce (SCC) in Stockholm, Sweden, as provided for in the DOA.
As of September 30, 2025, Linde has a contingent liability of $0.7 billion for this and other Amur GPP contract matters. It is difficult to estimate the timing of resolution of this matter. The company intends to vigorously defend its interests in this case.
9. Segment Information
For a description of Linde plc's operating segments and information on how the Chief Operating Decision Maker assesses performance and allocates resources, refer to Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements on Linde plc's 2024 Annual
Report on Form 10-K. The company’s measure of profit/loss for segment reporting is segment operating profit. Segment operating profit is defined as operating profit excluding purchase accounting impacts of the Linde AG merger, cost reduction and other charges, and items not indicative of ongoing business trends.
The table below presents sales and operating profit information about reportable segments and Other for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Quarter Ended September 30, |
| (Millions of dollars) | | Americas | | EMEA | | APAC | | Engineering | | Other | | Total |
| 2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Sales (a) | | $ | 3,846 | | | $ | 2,178 | | | $ | 1,741 | | | $ | 519 | | | $ | 331 | | | $ | 8,615 | |
| Variable Costs (b) | | 1,454 | | | 734 | | | 867 | | | 175 | | | 117 | | | 3,347 | |
| Fixed Costs and other (c) | | 813 | | | 487 | | | 213 | | | 235 | | | 203 | | | 1,951 | |
| Depreciation and amortization (d) | | 380 | | | 176 | | | 171 | | | 8 | | | 24 | | | 759 | |
| Operating Profit (e) | | $ | 1,199 | | | $ | 781 | | | $ | 490 | | | $ | 101 | | | $ | (13) | | | $ | 2,558 | |
| 2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Sales (a) | | $ | 3,618 | | | $ | 2,111 | | | $ | 1,716 | | | $ | 611 | | | $ | 300 | | | $ | 8,356 | |
| Variable Costs (b) | | 1,363 | | | 783 | | | 860 | | | 256 | | | 89 | | | 3,351 | |
| Fixed Costs and other (c) | | 741 | | | 462 | | | 194 | | | 239 | | | 172 | | | 1,808 | |
| Depreciation and amortization (d) | | 361 | | | 163 | | | 165 | | | 8 | | | 23 | | | 720 | |
| Operating Profit (e) | | $ | 1,153 | | | $ | 703 | | | $ | 497 | | | $ | 108 | | | $ | 16 | | | $ | 2,477 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| (Millions of dollars) | | Americas | | EMEA | | APAC | | Engineering | | Other | | Total |
| 2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Sales (a) | | $ | 11,324 | | | $ | 6,371 | | | $ | 4,935 | | | $ | 1,635 | | | $ | 957 | | | $ | 25,222 | |
| Variable Costs (b) | | 4,273 | | | 2,188 | | | 2,418 | | | 596 | | | 343 | | | 9,818 | |
| Fixed Costs and other (c) | | 2,385 | | | 1,396 | | | 585 | | | 710 | | | 554 | | | 5,630 | |
| Depreciation and amortization (d) | | 1,121 | | | 504 | | | 501 | | | 24 | | | 72 | | | 2,222 | |
| Operating Profit (e) | | $ | 3,545 | | | $ | 2,283 | | | $ | 1,431 | | | $ | 305 | | | $ | (12) | | | $ | 7,552 | |
| 2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Sales (a) | | $ | 10,833 | | | $ | 6,293 | | | $ | 4,964 | | | $ | 1,694 | | | $ | 939 | | | $ | 24,723 | |
| Variable Costs (b) | | 4,024 | | | 2,358 | | | 2,476 | | | 644 | | | 310 | | | 9,812 | |
| Fixed Costs and other (c) | | 2,318 | | | 1,362 | | | 583 | | | 722 | | | 536 | | | 5,521 | |
| Depreciation and amortization (d) | | 1,091 | | | 479 | | | 487 | | | 24 | | | 69 | | | 2,150 | |
| Operating Profit (e) | | $ | 3,400 | | | $ | 2,094 | | | $ | 1,418 | | | $ | 304 | | | $ | 24 | | | $ | 7,240 | |
(a)Sales reflect external sales only. Intersegment sales from Engineering to the industrial gases segments were $728 million and $504 million for the third quarter 2025 and 2024, respectively, and $1,948 million and $1,380 million for the nine months ended 2025 and 2024, respectively. Intersegment sales from Helium were $104 million and $119 million for the third quarter 2025 and 2024, respectively, and $323 million and $353 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
(b)Variable costs represents the variable portion of cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization.
(c)Fixed costs and other represent the fixed portion of cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization), selling, general and administrative, research and development and other income (expenses) - net.
(d)Refer to the reconciliation of depreciation and amortization to consolidated results below.
(e)Refer to the reconciliation of operating profit to consolidated results below.
Reconciliations to Consolidated Results
Depreciation and Amortization
The table below reconciles total depreciation and amortization disclosed in the table above to consolidated depreciation and amortization as reflected on our consolidated statement of income:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Quarter Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| (Millions of dollars) | | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | 2024 |
| Total segment depreciation and amortization | | $ | 759 | | | $ | 720 | | | $ | 2,222 | | | $ | 2,150 | |
| Purchase accounting impacts - Linde AG (a) | | 202 | | | 240 | | | 591 | | | 717 | |
| Total depreciation and amortization | | $ | 961 | | | $ | 960 | | | $ | 2,813 | | | $ | 2,867 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income Before Income Taxes and Equity Investments
The table below reconciles total operating profit disclosed in the table above to consolidated income before income taxes and equity investments as reflected on our consolidated statement of income:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Quarter Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | 2024 |
| Total segment operating profit | | $ | 2,558 | | | $ | 2,477 | | | $ | 7,552 | | | $ | 7,240 | |
| Cost reduction program and other charges | | (11) | | | 145 | | | 44 | | | 145 | |
| Purchase accounting impacts - Linde AG (a) | | 202 | | | 246 | | | 603 | | | 730 | |
| Total operating profit | | 2,367 | | | 2,086 | | | 6,905 | | | 6,365 | |
| Interest expense - net | | 64 | | | 68 | | | 191 | | | 203 | |
| Net pension and OPEB cost (benefit), excluding service cost | | (57) | | | (45) | | | (172) | | | (144) | |
| Total consolidated income before income taxes and equity investments | | $ | 2,360 | | | $ | 2,063 | | | $ | 6,886 | | | $ | 6,306 | |
(a)To adjust for purchase accounting impacts related to the merger.
10. Equity
A summary of the changes in total equity for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 is provided below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Quarter Ended September 30, |
| (Millions of dollars) | 2025 | | 2024 |
| Activity | Linde plc Shareholders’ Equity | | Noncontrolling Interests | | Total Equity | | Linde plc Shareholders’ Equity | | Noncontrolling Interests | | Total Equity |
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | 38,515 | | | $ | 1,458 | | | $ | 39,973 | | | $ | 38,179 | | | $ | 1,359 | | | $ | 39,538 | |
| Net income (a) | 1,929 | | | 43 | | | 1,972 | | | 1,550 | | | 53 | | | 1,603 | |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | (159) | | | (6) | | | (165) | | | 735 | | | 29 | | | 764 | |
| Noncontrolling interests: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Additions (reductions) | — | | | 16 | | | 16 | | | — | | | (1) | | | (1) | |
| Dividends and other capital changes | — | | | (54) | | | (54) | | | — | | | (23) | | | (23) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends to Linde plc ordinary share holders ($1.50 per share in 2025 and $1.39 per share in 2024) | (701) | | | — | | | (701) | | | (662) | | | — | | | (662) | |
| Issuances of ordinary shares: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| For employee savings and incentive plans | (22) | | | — | | | (22) | | | (1) | | | — | | | (1) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Purchases of ordinary shares | (992) | | | — | | | (992) | | | (670) | | | — | | | (670) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Share-based compensation | 45 | | | — | | | 45 | | | 42 | | | — | | | 42 | |
| Balance, end of period | $ | 38,616 | | | $ | 1,457 | | | $ | 40,073 | | | $ | 39,173 | | | $ | 1,417 | | | $ | 40,590 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| (Millions of dollars) | 2025 | | 2024 |
| Activity | Linde plc Shareholders’ Equity | | Noncontrolling Interests | | Total Equity | | Linde plc Shareholders’ Equity | | Noncontrolling Interests | | Total Equity |
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | 38,092 | | | $ | 1,383 | | | $ | 39,475 | | | $ | 39,720 | | | $ | 1,362 | | | $ | 41,082 | |
| Net income (a) | 5,368 | | | 117 | | | 5,485 | | | 4,840 | | | 128 | | | 4,968 | |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | 485 | | | 22 | | | 507 | | | (254) | | | 4 | | | (250) | |
| Noncontrolling interests: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Additions (reductions) | (4) | | | 34 | | | 30 | | | — | | | 10 | | | 10 | |
| Dividends and other capital changes | — | | | (99) | | | (99) | | | — | | | (87) | | | (87) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends to Linde plc ordinary share holders ($4.50 per share in 2025 and $4.17 per share in 2024) | (2,113) | | | — | | | (2,113) | | | (1,996) | | | — | | | (1,996) | |
| Issuances of ordinary shares: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| For employee savings and incentive plans | (140) | | | — | | | (140) | | | (142) | | | — | | | (142) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Purchases of ordinary shares | (3,205) | | | — | | | (3,205) | | | (3,115) | | | — | | | (3,115) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Share-based compensation | 133 | | | — | | | 133 | | | 120 | | | — | | | 120 | |
| Balance, end of period | $ | 38,616 | | | $ | 1,457 | | | $ | 40,073 | | | $ | 39,173 | | | $ | 1,417 | | | $ | 40,590 | |
(a)Net income for noncontrolling interests excludes net income related to redeemable noncontrolling interests which is not significant for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 and which is not part of total equity.
The components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Millions of dollars) | September 30, 2025 | | December 31, 2024 |
| Cumulative translation adjustment - net of taxes: | | | |
| Americas | $ | (3,920) | | | $ | (4,422) | |
| EMEA | (960) | | | (1,235) | |
| APAC | (1,246) | | | (1,736) | |
| Engineering | 269 | | | (432) | |
| Other | (666) | | | 858 | |
| (6,523) | | | (6,967) | |
| Derivatives - net of taxes | 34 | | | (6) | |
| | | |
Pension / OPEB (net of tax obligations of $101 million and $95 million at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively) | 80 | | | 79 | |
| $ | (6,409) | | | $ | (6,894) | |
11. Revenue Recognition
Revenue is accounted for in accordance with ASC 606. Revenue is recognized as control of goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for the goods or services.
Contracts with Customers
Linde serves a diverse group of industries including healthcare, chemicals and energy, manufacturing, metals and mining, food and beverage, and electronics.
Industrial Gases
Within each of the company’s geographic segments for industrial gases, there are three basic distribution methods: (i) on-site or tonnage; (ii) merchant or bulk liquid; and (iii) packaged or cylinder gases. The distribution method used by Linde to supply a customer is determined by many factors, including the customer’s volume requirements and location. The distribution method generally determines the contract terms with the customer and, accordingly, the revenue recognition accounting practices. Linde's primary products in its industrial gases business are atmospheric gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare gases) and process gases (hydrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, electronic gases, specialty gases, acetylene). These products are generally sold through one of the three distribution methods.
Following is a description of each of the three industrial gases distribution methods and the respective revenue recognition policies:
On-site. Customers that require the largest volumes of product and that have a relatively constant demand pattern are supplied by cryogenic and process gas on-site plants. Linde constructs plants on or adjacent to these customers’ sites and supplies the product directly to customers by pipeline. Where there are large concentrations of customers, a single pipeline may be connected to several plants and customers. On-site product supply contracts generally are total requirement contracts with terms typically ranging from 10-20 years and contain minimum purchase requirements and price escalation provisions. Many of the cryogenic on-site plants also produce liquid products for the merchant market. Therefore, plants are typically not dedicated to a single customer. Additionally, Linde is responsible for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of the plants and our customers typically have no involvement in these activities. Advanced air separation processes also allow on-site delivery to customers with smaller volume requirements.
The company’s performance obligations related to on-site customers are satisfied over time as customers receive and obtain control of the product. Linde has elected to apply the practical expedient for measuring progress towards the completion of a performance obligation and recognizes revenue as the company has the right to invoice each customer, which generally corresponds with product delivery. Accordingly, revenue is recognized when product is delivered to the customer and the company has the right to invoice the customer in accordance with the contract terms. Consideration in these contracts is generally based on pricing which fluctuates with various price indices. Variable components of consideration exist within on-site contracts but are considered constrained.
Merchant. Merchant deliveries generally are made from Linde's plants by tanker trucks to storage containers at the customer's site. Due to the relatively high distribution cost, merchant oxygen and nitrogen generally have a relatively small distribution radius from the plants at which they are produced. Merchant argon, hydrogen and helium can be shipped much longer distances. The customer agreements used in the merchant business are usually three-to seven-year supply agreements based on the requirements of the customer. These contracts generally do not contain minimum purchase requirements or volume commitments.
The company’s performance obligations related to merchant customers are generally satisfied at a point in time as the customers receive and obtain control of the product. Revenue is recognized when product is delivered to the customer and the company has the right to invoice the customer in accordance with the contract terms.
Packaged Gases. Customers requiring small volumes are supplied products in containers called cylinders, under medium to high pressure. Linde distributes merchant gases from its production plants to company-owned cylinder filling plants where cylinders are then filled for distribution to customers. Cylinders may be delivered to the customer’s site or picked up by the customer at a packaging facility or retail store. Linde invoices the customer for the industrial gases and the use of the cylinder container(s). The company also sells hardgoods and welding equipment purchased from independent manufacturers. Packaged gases are generally sold under one to three-year supply contracts and purchase orders and do not contain minimum purchase requirements or volume commitments.
The company’s performance obligations related to packaged gases are satisfied at a point in time. Accordingly, revenue is recognized when product is delivered to the customer or when the customer picks up product from a packaged gas facility or retail store and the company has the right to payment from the customer in accordance with the contract terms.
Engineering
The company designs and manufactures equipment for air separation and other industrial gas applications manufactured specifically for end customers. Sale of equipment contracts are generally comprised of a single performance obligation. Revenue from sale of equipment is generally recognized over time as Linde has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date and performance does not create an asset with alternative use. For contracts recognized over time, revenue is recognized primarily using a cost incurred input method. Costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion are used to measure progress toward satisfying performance obligations. Costs incurred include material, labor, and overhead costs and represent work contributing and proportionate to the transfer of control to the customer. Changes to cost estimates and contract modifications are typically accounted for as part of the existing contract and are recognized as cumulative adjustments for the inception-to-date effect of such change.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
Contract assets and liabilities result from differences in timing of revenue recognition and customer invoicing. Contract assets primarily relate to sale of equipment contracts for which revenue is recognized over time. The balance represents unbilled revenue which occurs when revenue recognized under the measure of progress exceeds amounts invoiced to customers. Customer invoices may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of certain contractual milestones or a combination of both criteria. Contract liabilities include advance payments or right to consideration prior to performance under the contract. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue as performance obligations are satisfied under contract terms. Linde has contract assets of $285 million at September 30, 2025 (current contract assets of $228 million and $57 million within other long-term assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet). Total contract assets were $263 million at December 31, 2024, all classified as current contract assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Total contract liabilities are $2,533 million at September 30, 2025 (current contract liabilities of $1,279 million and $1,254 million within other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet). Total contract liabilities were $2,292 million at December 31, 2024 (current contract liabilities of $1,194 million and $1,098 million within other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet). Revenue recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 that was included in the contract liability at December 31, 2024 was $641 million. Contract assets and liabilities primarily relate to the Engineering business and customer prepayments for certain on-site supply agreements.
Payment Terms and Other
Linde generally receives payment after performance obligations are satisfied, and customer prepayments are not typical for the industrial gases business. Payment terms vary based on the country where sales originate and local customary payment practices. Linde does not offer extended financing outside of customary payment terms. Amounts billed for sales and use taxes, value-added taxes, and certain excise and other specific transactional taxes imposed on revenue producing transactions are presented on a net basis and are not included in sales within the consolidated statement of income. Additionally, sales returns and allowances are not a normal practice in the industry and are not significant.
Disaggregated Revenue Information
As described above and in Note 19 to Linde plc's 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the company manages its industrial gases business on a geographic basis, while the Engineering and Other businesses are generally managed on a global basis. Furthermore, the company believes that reporting sales by distribution method by reportable geographic segment best illustrates the nature, timing, type of customer, and contract terms for its revenues, including terms and pricing.
The following tables show sales by distribution method at the consolidated level and for each reportable segment and Other for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Millions of dollars) | Quarter Ended September 30, |
| Sales | Americas | EMEA | APAC | Engineering | Other | Total | % |
| 2025 | | | | | | | |
| Merchant | $ | 1,242 | | $ | 736 | | $ | 591 | | $ | — | | $ | 50 | | $ | 2,619 | | 30 | % |
| On-Site | 893 | | 424 | | 717 | | — | | — | | 2,034 | | 24 | % |
| Packaged Gas | 1,641 | | 1,011 | | 375 | | — | | 6 | | 3,033 | | 35 | % |
| Other | 70 | | 7 | | 58 | | 519 | | 275 | | 929 | | 11 | % |
| Total | $ | 3,846 | | $ | 2,178 | | $ | 1,741 | | $ | 519 | | $ | 331 | | $ | 8,615 | | 100 | % |
| 2024 | | | | | | | |
| Merchant | $ | 1,160 | | $ | 704 | | $ | 589 | | $ | — | | $ | 48 | | $ | 2,501 | | 30 | % |
| On-Site | 799 | | 441 | | 680 | | — | | — | | 1,920 | | 23 | % |
| Packaged Gas | 1,602 | | 954 | | 371 | | — | | 8 | | 2,935 | | 35 | % |
| Other | 57 | | 12 | | 76 | | 611 | | 244 | | 1,000 | | 12 | % |
| Total | $ | 3,618 | | $ | 2,111 | | $ | 1,716 | | $ | 611 | | $ | 300 | | $ | 8,356 | | 100 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Millions of dollars) | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| Sales | Americas | EMEA | APAC | Engineering | Other | Total | % |
| 2025 | | | | | | | |
| Merchant | $ | 3,652 | | $ | 2,133 | | $ | 1,658 | | $ | — | | $ | 148 | | $ | 7,591 | | 30 | % |
| On-Site | 2,659 | | 1,276 | | 2,082 | | — | | — | | 6,017 | | 24 | % |
| Packaged Gas | 4,830 | | 2,939 | | 1,041 | | — | | 20 | | 8,830 | | 35 | % |
| Other | 183 | | 23 | | 154 | | 1,635 | | 789 | | 2,784 | | 11 | % |
| Total | $ | 11,324 | | $ | 6,371 | | $ | 4,935 | | $ | 1,635 | | $ | 957 | | $ | 25,222 | | 100 | % |
| 2024 | | | | | | | |
| Merchant | $ | 3,455 | | $ | 2,081 | | $ | 1,686 | | $ | — | | $ | 155 | | $ | 7,377 | | 30 | % |
| On-Site | 2,388 | | 1,294 | | 2,016 | | — | | — | | 5,698 | | 23 | % |
| Packaged Gas | 4,825 | | 2,874 | | 1,041 | | — | | 22 | | 8,762 | | 35 | % |
| Other | 165 | | 44 | | 221 | | 1,694 | | 762 | | 2,886 | | 12 | % |
| Total | $ | 10,833 | | $ | 6,293 | | $ | 4,964 | | $ | 1,694 | | $ | 939 | | $ | 24,723 | | 100 | % |
Remaining Performance Obligations
As described above, Linde's contracts with on-site customers are under long-term supply arrangements which generally require the customer to purchase their requirements from Linde and also have minimum purchase requirements. Additionally, plant sales from the Linde Engineering business are primarily contracted on a fixed price basis. The company estimates the consideration related to future minimum purchase requirements and plant sales was approximately $62 billion. This amount excludes all on-site sales above minimum purchase requirements, which can be significant depending on customer needs. In the future, actual amounts will be different due to impacts from several factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control including, but not limited to, timing of newly signed, terminated and renewed contracts, inflationary price escalations, currency exchange rates, and pass-through costs related to natural gas and electricity. The actual duration of long-term supply contracts ranges up to twenty years. The company estimates that approximately half of the revenue related to minimum purchase requirements will be earned in the next six years and the remaining thereafter.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A")
Non-GAAP Measures
Throughout MD&A, the company provides adjusted operating results exclusive of certain items such as Cost reduction program and other charges, purchase accounting impacts of the Linde AG merger, and pension settlement charges. Adjusted amounts are non-GAAP measures which are intended to supplement investors’ understanding of the company’s financial information by providing measures which investors, financial analysts and management find useful in evaluating the company’s operating performance. Items which the company does not believe to be indicative of on-going business performance are excluded from these calculations so that investors can better evaluate and analyze historical and future business trends on a consistent basis. In addition, operating results, excluding these items, is important to management's development of annual and long-term employee incentive compensation plans. Definitions of these non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similar definitions used by other companies and are not a substitute for similar GAAP measures.
The non-GAAP measures and reconciliations are separately included in a later section in the MD&A titled "Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations."
Consolidated Results
The following table provides summary information for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024. The reported amounts are GAAP amounts from the Consolidated Statement of Income. The adjusted amounts are intended to supplement investors' understanding of the company's financial information and are not a substitute for GAAP measures:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Quarter Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| (Millions of dollars, except per share data) | 2025 | | 2024 | | Variance | | 2025 | | 2024 | | Variance |
| Sales | $ | 8,615 | | | $ | 8,356 | | | 3 | % | | $ | 25,222 | | | $ | 24,723 | | | 2 | % |
| Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization | $ | 4,379 | | | $ | 4,356 | | | 1 | % | | $ | 12,842 | | | $ | 12,823 | | | — | % |
| As a percent of sales | 50.8 | % | | 52.1 | % | | | | 50.9 | % | | 51.9 | % | | |
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | 897 | | | $ | 823 | | | 9 | % | | $ | 2,553 | | | $ | 2,523 | | | 1 | % |
| As a percent of sales | 10.4 | % | | 9.8 | % | | | | 10.1 | % | | 10.2 | % | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | 961 | | | $ | 960 | | | — | % | | $ | 2,813 | | | $ | 2,867 | | | (2) | % |
| Cost reduction program and other charges | $ | (11) | | | $ | 145 | | | (108) | % | | $ | 44 | | | $ | 145 | | | (70) | % |
| Other income (expense) - net | $ | 14 | | | $ | 51 | | | (73) | % | | $ | 47 | | | $ | 111 | | | (58) | % |
| Operating profit | $ | 2,367 | | | $ | 2,086 | | | 13 | % | | $ | 6,905 | | | $ | 6,365 | | | 8 | % |
| Operating margin | 27.5 | % | | 25.0 | % | | | | 27.4 | % | | 25.7 | % | | |
| Interest expense - net | $ | 64 | | | $ | 68 | | | (6) | % | | $ | 191 | | | $ | 203 | | | (6) | % |
| Net pension and OPEB cost (benefit), excluding service cost | $ | (57) | | | $ | (45) | | | 27 | % | | $ | (172) | | | $ | (144) | | | 19 | % |
| Effective tax rate | 18.0 | % | | 24.1 | % | | | | 21.9 | % | | 23.3 | % | | |
| Income from equity investments | $ | 36 | | | $ | 38 | | | (5) | % | | $ | 107 | | | $ | 131 | | | (18) | % |
| Noncontrolling interests | $ | (43) | | | $ | (53) | | | (19) | % | | $ | (117) | | | $ | (128) | | | (9) | % |
| Net Income – Linde plc | $ | 1,929 | | | $ | 1,550 | | | 24 | % | | $ | 5,368 | | | $ | 4,840 | | | 11 | % |
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 4.09 | | | $ | 3.22 | | | 27 | % | | $ | 11.34 | | | $ | 10.02 | | | 13 | % |
| Diluted shares outstanding | 471,509 | | | 480,898 | | | (2) | % | | 473,500 | | | 483,186 | | | (2) | % |
| Number of employees | 65,489 | | | 65,596 | | | — | % | | 65,489 | | | 65,596 | | | — | % |
| Adjusted Amounts (a) | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | 759 | | | $ | 720 | | | 5 | % | | $ | 2,222 | | | $ | 2,150 | | | 3 | % |
| Operating profit | $ | 2,558 | | | $ | 2,477 | | | 3 | % | | $ | 7,552 | | | $ | 7,240 | | | 4 | % |
| Operating margin | 29.7 | % | | 29.6 | % | | | | 29.9 | % | | 29.3 | % | | |
| Effective tax rate | 22.7 | % | | 23.6 | % | | | | 23.5 | % | | 23.3 | % | | |
| Net Income – Linde plc | $ | 1,987 | | | $ | 1,896 | | | 5 | % | | $ | 5,804 | | | $ | 5,576 | | | 4 | % |
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 4.21 | | | $ | 3.94 | | | 7 | % | | $ | 12.26 | | | $ | 11.54 | | | 6 | % |
| Other Financial Data (a) | | | | | | | | | | | |
| EBITDA | $ | 3,364 | | | $ | 3,084 | | | 9 | % | | $ | 9,825 | | | $ | 9,363 | | | 5 | % |
| As percent of sales | 39.0 | % | | 36.9 | % | | | | 39.0 | % | | 37.9 | % | | |
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 3,377 | | | $ | 3,253 | | | 4 | % | | $ | 9,941 | | | $ | 9,575 | | | 4 | % |
| As percent of sales | 39.2 | % | | 38.9 | % | | | | 39.4 | % | | 38.7 | % | | |
(a)Adjusted Amounts and Other Financial Data are non-GAAP performance measures. A reconciliation of reported amounts to adjusted amounts can be found in the "Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations" section of this MD&A.
Reported
In the third quarter of 2025, Linde's sales were $8,615 million, 3%, above the prior year. Sales grew 2% from higher price attainment. Acquisitions increased sales by 1% in the third quarter. Currency translation increased sales by 1% in the quarter driven primarily by the strengthening of the Euro and British pound against the U.S dollar. Cost pass-through, representing the contractual billing of energy cost variances primarily to onsite customers, was flat in the quarter. Engineering sales decreased by 1% in the quarter. Volumes were flat in the quarter versus the 2024 respective period, as base volume declines were largely offset by new project start-ups.
Reported operating profit for the third quarter of 2025 was $2,367 million, or 27.5% of sales, 13% above the prior year. The reported year-over-year increase was primarily driven by higher pricing and productivity initiatives and lower cost reduction program and other charges, which more than offset adverse impacts from cost inflation. The reported effective tax rate ("ETR") was 18.0% in the third quarter 2025 versus 24.1% in the third quarter 2024. Diluted earnings per share ("EPS") was $4.09, or 27% above EPS of $3.22 in the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to higher net income - Linde plc and lower diluted shares outstanding.
Adjusted
In the third quarter of 2025, adjusted operating profit of $2,558 million, or 29.7% of sales, was 3% higher as compared to 2024, driven by higher pricing and productivity initiatives partially offset by cost inflation. The adjusted ETR was 22.7% in the third quarter 2025 versus 23.6% in the respective 2024 quarter. On an adjusted basis, EPS was $4.21, 7% above the 2024 adjusted EPS of $3.94, driven by higher adjusted net income - Linde plc and lower diluted shares outstanding.
Outlook
Linde provides quarterly updates on operating results, material trends that may affect financial performance, and financial guidance via quarterly earnings releases and investor teleconferences. These updates are available on the company’s website, www.linde.com, but are not incorporated herein.
Results of operations
The changes in consolidated sales compared to the prior year are attributable to the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Quarter Ended September 30, 2025 vs. 2024 | | Nine months ended September 30, 2025 vs. 2024 |
| | % Change | | % Change |
| Factors Contributing to Changes - Sales | | | |
| Volume | — | % | | (1) | % |
| Price/Mix | 2 | % | | 2 | % |
| Cost pass-through | — | % | | — | % |
| Currency | 1 | % | | — | % |
| Acquisitions/divestitures | 1 | % | | 1 | % |
| Engineering | (1) | % | | — | % |
| 3 | % | | 2 | % |
Sales
Sales increased by 3% for the third quarter of 2025 and 2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, versus the respective 2024 periods. Higher price attainment increased sales by 2% in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025. Acquisitions increased sales by 1% in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025. Currency translation increased sales by 1% in the quarter, primarily driven by the strengthening of the Euro and British pound against the U.S. dollar. In the nine months ended September 30, 2025, currency translation impact on sales was flat. Cost pass-through was flat in both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025. Volumes were flat in the quarter and decreased sales by 1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, as base volume declines were partially offset by new project start-ups. Engineering sales decreased by 1% in the quarter and was flat for the nine months ended September 30, 2025.
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, increased $23 million, or 1%, for the third quarter of 2025 primarily due to cost inflation, partially offset by productivity gains, and increased $19 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, was 50.8% and 50.9% of sales for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, versus 52.1% and 51.9% for the respective 2024 periods. The decrease as a percentage of sales in the quarter and year-to-date periods was primarily due to higher pricing and productivity gains.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expense ("SG&A") increased $74 million, or 9%, for the third quarter of 2025 and increased $30 million, or 1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. SG&A was 10.4% of third quarter sales and 10.1% of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 versus 9.8% and 10.2% of sales for the respective 2024 periods. Currency impact increased SG&A by approximately $12 million for the third quarter and was flat year to date 2025. Excluding foreign currency, SG&A increased during the third quarter of 2025 and nine months ended September 30, 2025, due to acquisitions and cost inflation, partially offset by savings from cost reduction programs and productivity initiatives.
Depreciation and amortization
Reported depreciation and amortization expense was flat for the third quarter of 2025 and decreased $54 million, or 2%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2025, primarily due to lower depreciation and amortization of assets acquired in the merger, partially offset by the net impact of new project start-ups.
On an adjusted basis, depreciation and amortization increased $39 million, or 5%, for the third quarter of 2025 and increased $72 million, or 3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. Currency impact increased depreciation and amortization by $9 million for the third quarter and was flat year to date 2025. Excluding currency, for the quarter and year-to-date periods, the underlying depreciation and amortization increase was driven largely by new project start-ups.
Cost reduction program and other charges
Cost reduction program and other charges were a benefit of $11 million for the third quarter of 2025, and charges of $44 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, primarily related to severance charges. On an adjusted basis, these costs have been excluded in both periods. 2024 included severance charges of $148 million and $165 million for the quarter and year to date periods, other cost reduction charges of $40 million and $23 million for the quarter and year to date periods, and other benefit of $43 million for the quarter and year to date periods related to a divestiture in APAC.
Other income (expense) - net
Reported other income (expense) - net was a benefit of $14 million for the third quarter of 2025 and $47 million for the year-to-date period. 2024 other income (expense) for the year-to-date period included a benefit of $43 million in insurance recoveries primarily within the Other segment, recognized during the first quarter, and a benefit of $36 million related to a settlement with a supplier in the Americas segment, recognized during the third quarter.
Operating profit
On a reported basis, operating profit increased $281 million, or 13%, for the third quarter of 2025 and increased $540 million, or 8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. The increase in both periods was primarily due to higher pricing and savings from productivity initiatives and lower cost reduction program and other charges, which more than offset the adverse impacts of cost inflation.
On an adjusted basis, which excludes the impacts of merger-related purchase accounting as well as cost reduction programs and other charges, operating profit increased $81 million, or 3%, in the third quarter of 2025 and increased $312 million, or 4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. Operating profit growth was driven by higher pricing and productivity initiatives, which more than offset the effects of cost inflation during the quarter and year-to-date periods of 2025. A discussion of operating profit by segment is included in the segment discussion that follows.
Interest expense - net
Reported interest expense - net decreased $4 million, or 6%, for the third quarter of 2025 and decreased $12 million, or 6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025.
Net pension and OPEB cost (benefit), excluding service cost
Reported net pension and OPEB cost (benefit), excluding service cost, was a benefit of $57 million and $172 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, versus $45 million and $144 million for the respective 2024 periods. The increase in the benefit primarily relates to lower interest cost due to lower benefit obligations and higher amortization of deferred gains year-over-year.
Effective tax rate
The reported effective tax rate ("ETR") for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025 was 18.0% and 21.9%, respectively, versus 24.1% and 23.3% for the respective 2024 periods. The decrease in the 2025 quarter was primarily due to a tax rate decrease in EMEA including merger-related purchase accounting impacts. The decrease in the year-to-date rate was primarily due to a tax rate decrease in EMEA, partially offset by tax benefits in 2024 from a repatriation that did not recur in 2025. The benefit related to the tax rate decrease in EMEA for the quarter and year-to-date periods was $156 million.
On an adjusted basis, the ETR for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025 was 22.7% and 23.5%, respectively, versus 23.6% and 23.3% for the respective 2024 periods. The decrease in the quarter rate was primarily due to tax rate change in Germany excluding merger-related purchase accounting impacts. The increase in the year-to-date rate was primarily due to tax benefits from a repatriation in 2024 that did not recur in 2025 partially offset by a tax rate decrease in Germany.
On July 4, 2025, H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act was enacted into law (OBBBA). The Bill makes permanent key elements of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including 100% bonus depreciation and domestic research cost expensing. These changes provide current and future cash tax benefits to the company. The company continues to evaluate the impact of other provisions of OBBBA but does not expect them to be material.
Income from equity investments
Reported income from equity investments for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025 was $36 million and $107 million, respectively, versus $38 million and $131 million for the respective 2024 periods.
On an adjusted basis, income from equity investments for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025 was $60 million and $167 million, respectively, versus $56 million and $185 million for the respective 2024 periods.
Noncontrolling interests
At September 30, 2025, noncontrolling interests consisted primarily of non-controlling shareholders' investments in APAC (primarily China). Reported noncontrolling interests income was $43 million and $117 million for the third quarter of 2025 and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively. Noncontrolling interest was $53 million and $128 million for the respective 2024 periods, which included the impact of a divestiture in the APAC segment.
Net Income – Linde plc
Reported net income - Linde plc increased $379 million, or 24%, for the third quarter of 2025 and increased $528 million, or 11%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 versus the respective 2024 period.
On an adjusted basis, which excludes the impacts of merger-related purchase accounting and cost reduction program and other charges, net income - Linde plc increased $91 million, or 5%, for the third quarter of 2025 and increased $228 million, or 4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 versus the respective 2024 period.
On both a reported and adjusted basis, the increase was largely driven by higher operating profit.
Diluted earnings per share
Reported diluted earnings per share increased $0.87, or 27%, for the third quarter of 2025 versus the respective 2024 period. Reported diluted earnings per share increased $1.32, or 13%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 versus the respective 2024 period.
On an adjusted basis, diluted EPS increased $0.27, or 7%, for the third quarter versus the respective 2024 period. On an adjusted basis, diluted EPS increased $0.72, or 6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, versus the respective 2024 period.
The increase on both a reported and adjusted basis was primarily due to higher net income - Linde plc and lower diluted shares outstanding.
Employees
The number of employees at September 30, 2025 was 65,489, a decrease of 107 employees from September 30, 2024, primarily due to the ongoing impact of cost reduction programs, partially offset by acquisitions.
Other Financial Data
EBITDA was $3,364 million for the third quarter of 2025 as compared to $3,084 million in the respective 2024 period. EBITDA was $9,825 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to $9,363 million in the respective 2024 period.
Adjusted EBITDA increased to $3,377 million for the third quarter of 2025 from $3,253 million in the respective 2024 period. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $9,941 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 from $9,575 million in the respective 2024 period. The increase on both a reported and adjusted basis was driven by higher net income - Linde plc versus prior year.
See the "Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations" section for definitions and reconciliations of these adjusted non-GAAP measures to reported GAAP amounts.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Other comprehensive loss for the third quarter was $165 million and income was $507 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. The loss in the quarter and income in the year-to-date periods resulted primarily from currency translation adjustments of $167 million and $466 million, respectively. The translation adjustments reflect the impact of translating local currency foreign subsidiary financial statements to U.S. dollars, and are largely driven by the movement of the U.S. dollar against major currencies, including the Euro and British pound. See the "Currency" section of the MD&A for exchange rates used for translation purposes and Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a summary of the currency translation adjustment component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by segment.