Linde reports forecast-beating first-quarter adjusted earnings

Published: 2026-05-01 06:00:17 ET LIN

Published on 05/01/2026 at 06:00 am EDT

May 1 (Reuters) - Linde, the world's largest industrial gases company, reported first-quarter results above market expectations on Friday as the company benefited from a favourable currency effect.

The U.S.-German company is seen as a bellwether for industrial production as it supplies gases such as oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen for a wide range of customers in industries including chemicals, manufacturing, steel-making, and food and beverages.

It reported a 10% rise in its adjusted earnings per share to $4.33 in the January-March period, ahead of analysts' mean estimate of $4.26 per share, according to LSEG data.

For the second quarter, Linde said it expects adjusted earnings per share to be within a range of $4.40 to $4.50. That compares with analysts' estimate of $4.44, according to LSEG data.

(Reporting by Tristan Veyet in Gdansk; Editing by Joe Bavier and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)