
Has acted like a bond proxy over the years with pricing upside. They're expanding their capacity and are exposed to all end markets, like CO2 in fountain drinks and oxygen for hospitals. A core holding that has performed very well for him over years. This rarely dips, but buy when it happens. All the industrial gas companies are European.
Linde consistently beats earnings. In early February, Linde reported their Q4 2022 EPS at $3.16 beating the expected $2.91. Increased prices and greater volumes meant higher revenues, specifically in the Americas which enjoyed a 12% YOY rise in operating profits. Linde also has a $9 billion backlog from clients who span everything from healthcare to making semiconductors and food supplies. One future use will be supplying Taiwan Semiconductor‘s new plant in Arizona; Linde will build a $600-million gas facility. Read: Buying pullbacks: DOL, UNH, Linde for our full analysis.
Largest industrial gas company.
Recession proof company.
Ability to grow earnings in double digits in past recession.
Diversified revenues (US and Canada).
Large array of clients from food supply to industrial use.
Well positioned to help industrial companies reduce carbon footprint (natural has and carbon capture).
Good investment for long term investors.
Has stagnant sales, but earnings growth has been terrific thanks to price increases and essential products that intend to de-carbonize while making better semis and providing oxygen, helium and especially green hydrogen. Just reported a mixed quarter of a top-line miss but bottom-line beat. Strip out variable costs, then underlying sales growth is 6% YOY.