Linde Plc - LIN STOCK NEWS

Linde plc (NYSE:LIN) announced a quarterly dividend of $1.17 per share, marking a 10% increase from the previous quarter, payable on March 25, 2022. Additionally, the company has launched a new $10 billion share repurchase program, replacing the previous $5 billion program that was recently completed. The new program will allow repurchase of up to 15% of outstanding shares with an expiration date set for July 31, 2024. Linde continues to emphasize strong cash flow and shareholder rewards through dividends and repurchases.

Linde plc reported strong financial results for 2021, achieving sales of $30.8 billion, a 13% increase year-over-year. Operating profit surged to $5.0 billion, up 50%, with an operating profit margin of 16.2%. Adjusted EPS rose to $10.69, marking a 30% increase. In Q4, sales reached $8.3 billion, a 14% YoY increase. The company plans for 2022 adjusted EPS guidance of $11.55 to $11.85, signaling 10-13% growth. Linde emphasizes a $13 billion backlog, aiming to maintain strong future performance.

Linde has signed a long-term agreement with BASF to supply hydrogen and steam, marking a significant expansion in their collaboration. Linde will construct and operate a new hydrogen production facility in Chalampé, France, effectively doubling its existing capacity at the site. This facility, set to become operational in the first half of 2024, will support BASF's new hexamethylenediamine manufacturing facility and cater to rising demand from local customers. Linde is a leader in hydrogen production, with a robust global distribution network.

Linde has expanded its agreement with Celanese Corporation to supply carbon dioxide and hydrogen to its Clear Lake, Texas facility. This expansion allows Celanese to use captured carbon dioxide and hydrogen for methanol production, significantly reducing carbon intensity. The supply is expected to begin in the first half of 2023. This partnership aligns with Celanese's goals of minimizing operational impact and enhancing environmental sustainability. Linde aims to assist customers in producing essential chemicals with a lower carbon footprint while simultaneously reducing its own emissions.

Linde (NYSE:LIN) has signed a significant agreement to supply high-purity industrial gases to a leading semiconductor manufacturer based in Singapore. The company plans to build and operate a state-of-the-art SPECTRA generator for ultra-high-purity nitrogen and oxygen, set to begin operations by late 2022. This project is part of over US$ 1 billion in new electronics contracts secured by Linde in the past year, reinforcing its position in the semiconductor market. Linde's commitment to reliability and efficiency is highlighted in meeting the stringent needs of the semiconductor industry.

The Health Transformation Alliance (HTA) announced its first annual Member awards for 2021, recognizing Linde as Member of the Year and Wayne Farms as Innovator of the Year. Linde was praised for deploying multiple clinical vendor solutions and maintaining stable pharmacy costs since 2014. It also played a significant role in HTA initiatives. Wayne Farms was acknowledged for its innovative healthcare strategies, including a specialty drug carve-out and fraud management initiatives, successfully rolling back healthcare costs to 2018 levels without passing costs to employees. Both companies contributed significantly to improving healthcare quality and affordability.

Linde (NYSE:LIN) reported a record year for small on-site contracts in 2021, signing 43 new projects, marking a 19% increase from 2020. The total value of new agreements reached $170 million, spanning 20 countries and various sectors, including energy and manufacturing. These contracts, requiring investments below $5 million, will generate a consistent revenue stream for Linde. The company also commenced 32 small on-site projects in the same year, contributing to overall growth and sustainability efforts.

Linde (NYSE:LIN) is set to announce its fourth quarter 2021 financial results on February 10, 2022, at 06:00 EST. The company will host a webcast conference call at 10:00 EST, accessible to the public. Linde reported $27 billion in sales for 2020, providing industrial gases for various sectors including healthcare and electronics. This upcoming earnings release may address financial performance trends and outlook, influencing investor sentiment.