The chart below shows how LIN performed 10 days before and after its earnings report, based on data from the past quarters. Typically, LIN sees a -0.75% change in stock price 10 days leading up to the earnings, and a +2.64% change 10 days following the report. On the earnings day itself, the stock moves by +0.20%. This data can give you a slight idea of what to expect for the next quarter's release.
Positive
Operating Profit Surge: 1. Record Operating Profit: Linde achieved an operating profit of $2.5 billion in Q3 2024, marking a 7% increase from the previous year, with an operating margin of 29.6%, up 130 basis points.
Sales Performance Improvement: 2. Strong Sales Growth: The company reported sales of $8.4 billion, which is a 2% increase year-over-year and a 1% increase sequentially, driven by higher project activity and demand for LNG infrastructure.
Record Project Backlog: 3. Significant Project Backlog: Linde's project backlog reached a record $10 billion, bolstered by the signing of the largest gas project in company history with Dow Chemical, valued at over $2 billion.
Operating Cash Flow Increase: 4. Increased Operating Cash Flow: Operating cash flow for the quarter was $2.7 billion, an 8% increase from last year and 42% higher than the previous quarter, indicating strong cash generation capabilities.
EPS Growth Guidance: 5. Positive EPS Growth Guidance: For Q4 2024, Linde initiated EPS guidance in the range of $3.86 to $3.96, representing an 8% to 10% growth compared to the prior year.
Negative
Industrial Market Decline: 1. Declining Industrial Activity: Industrial-related end markets have declined 1% to 2% sequentially from the second quarter, reflecting ongoing economic weakness.
Cost-Cutting Measures: 2. Workforce Reduction: A $150 million net restructuring charge was incurred due to a 2% workforce reduction, indicating cost-cutting measures in response to weaker volumes.
Stagnant Demand Challenges: 3. Weak Volume Growth: Despite a 2% increase in organic sales, volumes remained flat as growth from project backlog was offset by weaker base volumes, highlighting stagnation in demand.
EPS Guidance Reduction: 4. Reduced EPS Guidance: The top end of the EPS guidance for the fourth quarter was reduced by $0.10 from the prior quarter, reflecting updated economic assumptions from neutral to contraction.
Cautious Economic Forecast: 5. Negative Economic Outlook: The company anticipates continued economic contraction in Q4, with no sufficient indicators of near-term improvement, indicating a cautious outlook for the future.
Linde plc (LIN) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Transcript
LIN.N
0.05%