Linde plc reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2026, filing an -K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 2026. The company announced net income of $1,692 million and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.66 for the quarter. Excluding the impact of Linde AG purchase accounting and other charges, adjusted net income was $2,122 million, and adjusted diluted EPS was $4.59.
Sales for the third quarter totaled $9,404 million, representing a 9% increase compared to the prior year. This figure included a 1% favorable impact from foreign currency translation. Underlying sales, which strip out currency effects, increased by 5% due to 3% price attainment and 2% volume growth. Volume increases were primarily observed in the electronics, chemicals & energy, and manufacturing end markets.
Operating profit for the quarter was $2,150 million, while adjusted operating profit reached $2,763 million, an 8% increase versus the prior year. This resulted in an adjusted operating profit margin of 29.4%. The company generated $3,169 million in operating cash flow, an 8% increase year-over-year. After capital expenditures of $1,392 million, free cash flow was $1,777 million. During the quarter, Linde returned $1,685 million to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases.
Regarding the business outlook, Linde expects adjusted diluted EPS for the fourth quarter of 2026 to range from $4.40 to $4.50, representing a 5% to 7% increase versus the prior-year quarter. For the full year 2026, the company projects adjusted diluted EPS to be between $17.82 and $17.92, an increase of 8% to 9% assuming a favorable currency impact of 2%. Full-year capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $5.5 billion to $6.0 billion.
Segment performance varied by region. Sales in the Americas increased 11% to $3,601 million, while APAC sales rose 12% to $1,950 million. EMEA sales increased 7% to $2,327 million. Linde Engineering sales were $582 million, up 12% year-over-year.
