Group 1 - The article discusses the recent upgrade of Linde plc to overweight, indicating a positive outlook based on key drivers that support this view [1] - The analysis is aimed at buy-side hedge professionals who are conducting fundamental, income-oriented, long-term analysis across various sectors globally [1] Group 2 - The author has a beneficial long position in Linde shares, indicating a personal investment interest in the company [2] - The article expresses the author's own opinions and is not influenced by compensation from any company mentioned [2]

European Companies - BASF Group reported Q3 2025 sales of €15.23 billion (approximately $17.7 billion), down 3.2% year-on-year from €15.739 billion. Operating profit (EBIT) increased by 11.4% to €278 million, while net profit fell by 40% to €172 million [1] - LyondellBasell's Q3 2025 sales and other revenues were $7.727 billion, down from $8.604 billion year-on-year. The company reported a net loss of $890 million compared to a net profit of $573 million in the same period last year [2] - INEOS Group Holdings reported Q3 2025 revenue of €3.418 billion (approximately $3.97 billion), down from €4.273 billion year-on-year. Operating profit decreased to €113 million from €339 million, with a net loss of €56.5 million compared to a profit of €283 million last year [3] - Evonik Group's Q3 2025 sales were €3.391 billion (approximately $3.94 billion), down from €3.832 billion year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA fell to €448 million from €577 million, with a net loss of €106 million compared to a net profit of €223 million [4] - Covestro reported Q3 2025 sales of €3.171 billion (approximately $3.68 billion), down 12% from €3.603 billion. EBITDA decreased by 15.7% to €242 million, with a net loss of €47 million compared to a net profit of €33 million last year [5] - DSM-Firmenich's Q3 2025 sales were €3.07 billion (approximately $3.57 billion), down 5% from €3.244 billion. Adjusted EBITDA remained stable at €540 million [6] - Sika reported Q3 2025 sales of CHF 3.078 billion (approximately $3.4 billion), down 3.8% from CHF 3.915 billion. EBITDA decreased to CHF 1.645 billion from CHF 1.702 billion, with net profit falling to CHF 871 million from CHF 923 million [8] - Henkel's Q3 2025 sales fell by 6.3% to €5.147 billion, with the adhesives technology division reporting sales of approximately $3.145 billion, down 3.3% year-on-year [9] - Arkema's Q3 2025 sales were €2.187 billion (approximately $2.54 billion), down 8.6% from €2.394 billion. EBITDA fell by 23.8% to €310 million, with adjusted net profit down 53.6% to €78 million [10] - Syensqo reported Q3 2025 sales of €1.517 billion (approximately $1.76 billion), down 7.1% from €1.633 billion. EBITDA decreased by 12.8% to €326 million, with net profit down 31.8% to €110 million [11] - LANXESS reported Q3 2025 sales of €1.338 billion (approximately $1.55 billion), down 16.3% from €1.598 billion. EBITDA fell by 35.6% to €105 million, with a net loss of €77 million compared to a profit of €1 million last year [12] - Solvay's Q3 2025 sales were €1.044 billion (approximately $1.21 billion), down 9.7% from €1.156 billion. EBITDA decreased by 10.3% to €232 million, with net profit down 15% to €88 million [13] - Clariant reported Q3 2025 sales of CHF 906 million (approximately $1.03 billion), down 9% from CHF 991 million. EBITDA increased by 14% to CHF 159 million [14] Asian Companies - Rongsheng Petrochemical reported Q3 2025 revenue of ¥79.185 billion (approximately $11.2 billion), down 5.67% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders was ¥286 million, up 1427.94% [15] - SABIC's Q3 2025 revenue was SAR 34.333 billion (approximately $9.147 billion), down from SAR 36.88 billion year-on-year. Operating profit decreased to SAR 1.663 billion from SAR 2.477 billion, with net profit falling to SAR 1.135 billion from SAR 1.763 billion [16] - Hengli Petrochemical reported Q3 2025 revenue of ¥53.496 billion (approximately $7.67 billion), down 17.98% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders was ¥1.972 billion, up 81.47% [17] - Wanhua Chemical reported Q3 2025 revenue of ¥53.324 billion (approximately $7.54 billion), up 5.52% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders was ¥3.035 billion, up 3.96% [18] - Mitsubishi Chemical Group reported H1 2025 revenue of ¥1,799.124 billion (approximately $11.5 billion), down 10.5% year-on-year. Operating profit decreased by 19.6% to ¥86.489 billion, with net profit attributable to shareholders up 169% to ¥110.132 billion [19] - Taiwan Chemical announced Q3 2025 revenue of NT$69.576 billion (approximately $2.22 billion), down from NT$86.899 billion. The company reported a net profit of NT$1.78 billion, compared to a net loss of NT$1.918 billion last year [20] - Nanya Plastics reported Q3 2025 revenue of NT$64.2 billion (approximately $2.04 billion), down from NT$66.4 billion. Operating profit increased to NT$1.04 billion from NT$990 million, with net profit rising to NT$4 billion from NT$490 million [21] - Formosa Plastics reported Q3 2025 revenue of NT$41.718 billion (approximately $1.33 billion), down from NT$50.492 billion. The company reported a net loss of NT$2.685 billion, compared to a loss of NT$3.092 billion last year [22] - Asahi Kasei Corporation reported H1 2025 revenue of ¥1,486.368 billion (approximately $9.54 billion), down slightly from ¥1,490.334 billion. Operating profit increased to ¥108.915 billion from ¥107.454 billion, while net profit decreased to ¥60.248 billion from ¥66.266 billion [23] - Dongfang Shenghong reported Q3 2025 revenue of ¥31.245 billion (approximately $4.5 billion), down 11.91% year-on-year. The company reported a net loss of ¥260 million [24] - Shin-Etsu Chemical reported H1 2025 revenue of ¥1,284.522 billion (approximately $8.24 billion), up 1.4% year-on-year. Operating profit decreased by 17.7% to ¥333.935 billion, with net profit down 12.3% to ¥257.844 billion [25] - Toray reported H1 2025 revenue of ¥1,234.31 billion (approximately $7.92 billion), down 4.6% year-on-year. Operating profit decreased by 19.1% to ¥642.99 billion, with net profit down 33.5% to ¥369.35 billion [26] - Hengyi Petrochemical reported Q3 2025 revenue of ¥27.925 billion (approximately $3.95 billion), down 7.07% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders was ¥4.4079 million, up 102.21% [27] - LG Chem reported Q3 2025 sales of ₩111.962 trillion (approximately $76.24 billion), down 11.3% from ₩126.2 trillion. Operating profit increased by 38.9% to ₩6.797 trillion, while net profit fell to ₩4.470 trillion from ₩10.13 trillion [28] American Companies - Dow reported Q3 2025 net sales of $9.973 billion, down from $10.879 billion year-on-year. Net profit attributable to common shareholders was $62 million, down from $214 million [36] - Ecolab reported Q3 2025 net sales of $4.165 billion, up from $3.999 billion year-on-year. Operating profit decreased by 27% to $760 million, with net profit down 21% to $585 million [37] - DuPont reported Q3 2025 net sales of $3.072 billion, up from $2.862 billion year-on-year. The company reported a net loss of $123 million, compared to a profit of $455 million last year [39] - Westlake Corporation reported Q3 2025 net sales of $2.838 billion, down from $3.117 billion. The company reported an operating loss of $766 million, compared to a profit of $180 million last year [40] - IFF reported Q3 2025 net sales of $2.694 billion, down from $2.925 billion year-on-year. Operating profit decreased by 9% to $226 million, with net profit down to $40 million from $58 million [41] - Celanese reported Q3 2025 net sales of $2.419 billion, down from $2.648 billion. The company reported an operating loss of $1.275 billion, compared to a profit of $245 million last year [42] - Eastman Chemical Company reported Q3 2025 sales of $2.202 billion, down from $2.464 billion. Net profit attributable to the company was $47 million, down from $180 million [43] - Huntsman Corporation reported Q3 2025 revenue of $1.46 billion, down from $1.54 billion. The company reported a net loss of $25 million, compared to a loss of $33 million last year [44] Industrial Gases - Linde plc reported Q3 2025 sales of $8.615 billion, up from $8.356 billion year-on-year. Operating profit increased to $2.367 billion from $2.086 billion, with net profit rising to $1.929 billion from $1.55 billion [45] - Air Liquide reported Q3 2025 revenue of €6.599 billion (approximately $7.66 billion), down from €6.762 billion year-on-year [46] - Air Products & Chemicals reported Q4 2025 sales of $3.167 billion, down from $3.188 billion. The company reported an operating profit of $16.8 million, down from $242.4 million last year, with a net profit of $4.9 million compared to $195 million [47] Crop Science - Syngenta Group reported Q3 2025 revenue of $6.4 billion, down 6% year-on-year. EBITDA increased by 28% to $900 million [48] - Bayer Group reported Q3 2025 sales of €9.66 billion, down from €9.968 billion. EBIT loss was €543 million, compared to a loss of €382.2 million last year, with a net loss of €963 million compared to a loss of €4.183 billion last year [49] - Corteva, Inc. reported Q3 2025 net sales of $2.618 billion, up from $2.326 billion year-on-year. The company reported a net loss of $320 million, compared to a loss of $524 million last year [50] Fertilizers - Nutrien reported Q3 2025 sales of $6.007 billion, up from $5.348 billion year-on-year. Net profit increased to $469 million from $25 million [51] - Yara International ASA reported Q3 2025 revenue of $4.108 billion, up from $3.654 billion. Operating profit increased to $470 million from $309 million, with net profit rising to $320 million from $286 million [52] - The Mosaic Company reported Q3 2025 net sales of $3.452 billion, up from $2.811 billion. Operating profit increased to $340 million from $115 million, with net profit rising to $411 million from $122 million [53] - CF Industries reported Q3 2025 net sales of $1.659 billion, up from $1.37 billion. Net profit attributable to common shareholders was $353 million, compared to $276 million last year [54] Coatings - PPG Industries reported Q3 2025 net sales of $4.082 billion, up from $4.032 billion year-on-year, with net profit remaining stable at $444 million [55] - AkzoNobel reported Q3 2025 revenue of €2.547 billion (approximately $2.96 billion), down from €2.668 billion. The company reported an operating loss of €29 million, compared to a profit of €259 million last year, with a net loss of €194 million compared to a profit of €163 million last year [56] - Nippon Paint Holdings reported YTD revenue of ¥1,318.378 billion (approximately $8.467 billion), up 7.8% year-on-year. Operating profit increased by 36.4% to ¥190.579 billion, with net profit rising by 38.6% to ¥134.336 billion [57] - Sherwin-Williams reported Q3 2025 net sales of $6.358 billion, up from $6.163 billion. Net profit increased to $833 million from $806 million, with the paint retail group reporting sales of $3.837 billion, up 5.1% [58] - Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. reported Q3 2025 net sales of $1.288 billion, down from $1.32 billion. Operating profit increased to $204 million from $193 million, with net profit rising to $110 million from $101 million [59] - Three Trees reported YTD revenue of ¥9.392 billion (approximately $1.33 billion), up 2.69% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders was ¥744 million, up 81.22% [60]

Core Insights - The Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, is actively engaging with global industry leaders to enhance India's role in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and clean technology, aiming for self-reliance by 2047 [5]. Group 1: Meetings and Collaborations - A meeting was held between Piyush Goyal and Sanjiv Lamba, CEO of Linde plc, focusing on collaboration opportunities in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, decarbonization, and carbon capture technologies [1][5]. - Goyal also met with David Rosa, CEO of Intuitive Surgical, discussing the company's experience in robotic-assisted surgery and plans for expanding its Global Capacity Centre (GCC) operations in India [4][5]. Group 2: Strategic Goals - The discussions emphasized the importance of building a resilient industrial ecosystem to address future global challenges and support India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision [5]. - Collaborations with companies like Intuitive Surgical are seen as essential for enhancing India's healthcare landscape and contributing to the broader goal of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047 [4][5].

Core Insights - Linde plc (NASDAQ:LIN) has been recognized as a strong investment opportunity, being included among the 15 Blue Chip Dividend Stocks for passive income generation [1] - CICC has initiated coverage on Linde with an Outperform rating and a price target of $510, reflecting confidence in the company's future performance [2] Financial Performance - For Q3 2025, Linde reported revenues of $8.6 billion, marking a 3% increase year-over-year, with acquisitions contributing an additional 1% to revenue growth [3] - The company's earnings per share (EPS) reached an all-time high of $4.21, achieved while maintaining industry-leading margins and shareholder returns [3] - Operating cash flow grew by 8% year-over-year to $2.9 billion, with free cash flow after capital expenditures at $1.6 billion, sufficient to cover dividends and share repurchases totaling $1.68 billion [4] - Linde achieved its 32nd consecutive year of dividend growth in 2025, demonstrating a stable cash position [4] Market Position - Linde is identified as a global leader in the chemical industry and one of the largest suppliers of industrial gases, indicating a strong market presence [4]

Group 1 - Linde plc (NASDAQ:LIN) is recognized as a significant player in the industrial gas sector, providing industrial and specialty gases and constructing major processing plants for various industries including healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and food [2] - The stock has experienced a notable decline, described as being in "free fall," which has raised concerns about the company's performance this year compared to its historical success [1] - Jim Cramer highlighted Linde's extensive involvement across multiple industries, indicating its broad market presence and potential resilience despite current challenges [2] Group 2 - There is a belief that while Linde has investment potential, certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk, suggesting a shift in investor focus [2]

Core Viewpoint - Linde plc (NASDAQ:LIN) is identified as a strong slow growth stock, with UBS maintaining a Buy rating and a price target of $500, anticipating adjusted earnings per share (EPS) growth rates exceeding 10% in the coming year [1][2]. Group 1: Earnings Growth Projections - UBS forecasts adjusted EPS growth to rise from 6% in 2025 to approximately 9-10% year-over-year in 2026, with additional growth potential from new project launches [2]. - The anticipated growth is expected as Linde plc addresses current challenges, including reduced base volumes year-over-year and declining prices for helium and rare gases [2]. Group 2: Stock Performance and Market Position - Analyst Joshua Spector noted a "2.5x up/downside skew" for Linde's shares, indicating that an acceleration in EPS growth in 2026 could serve as a significant catalyst for the company's stock performance [3]. - Linde plc operates as a global engineering and industrial gases company, providing process gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen, along with related equipment and technologies [3].

Core Insights - Linde plc is a global leader in industrial gases and engineering solutions with a market cap of $190.4 billion, serving various industries including healthcare, chemicals, and energy [1] - The company is recognized for its operational efficiency and innovation-driven engineering, consistently generating strong financial results and robust free cash flow [2] Financial Performance - Linde's stock has decreased 16.2% from its 52-week high of $486.38, with a 14.7% decline over the past three months, underperforming the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLB) 4.2% decrease [3] - Year-to-date, Linde's stock is down 2.6%, lagging behind XLB's 4.4% gain, and has dropped 10.5% over the past 52 weeks compared to XLB's 7.6% drop [4] Market Sentiment - On November 11, Linde's stock closed more than 1% higher after UBS upgraded it from "Neutral" to "Buy," raising the price target to $500, indicating increased confidence in the company's growth trajectory [5] - UBS highlighted Linde as a strong defensive growth opportunity, noting that the stock was trading below its historical valuation with expectations for accelerated earnings growth [5] Competitive Landscape - Rival The Sherwin-Williams Company has underperformed compared to Linde, with shares down 14.3% over the past 52 weeks and marginally down year-to-date [6]

Core Viewpoint - Linde plc is recognized as one of the top commodity stocks to invest in currently, with a bullish outlook supported by strong EPS growth projections and strategic business developments [1][2]. Financial Performance - Linde plc reported Q3 2025 adjusted EPS of $4.21, reflecting a 7% year-over-year increase [2]. - The company achieved 3% year-over-year revenue growth, totaling $8.6 billion for the quarter [2]. - Free cash flow generated was $1.7 billion, attributed to 2% price increases and efficient capital deployment [2]. - Operating cash flow increased by 8%, demonstrating resilience in base volumes despite softness in European markets [2]. Analyst Insights - UBS analyst Joshua Spector upgraded Linde plc from "Neutral" to "Buy," setting a price target of $500, down from $507, indicating an attractive risk/reward profile [2]. - Adjusted EPS growth is anticipated to accelerate from 6% to approximately 9%-10% in 2026, driven by new project startups and a robust $7 billion backlog [2]. - The stock is viewed as having an "attractive 2.5x up/downside skew," suggesting significant potential for price movement [2]. Market Dynamics - Recovery in helium and rare gas pricing, along with the easing of weaker European volumes, is expected to contribute to future growth [2]. - Linde plc has invested $4.2 billion in its business while returning $5.3 billion to shareholders, indicating a strong commitment to shareholder value [2].

Core Insights - Linde plc is recognized as one of the best European dividend stocks to buy now [1] - UBS has upgraded Linde to a Buy rating, citing expected earnings growth acceleration in 2026 as a potential catalyst for share price increase [2] - The stock is currently trading at a 10% discount to its historical average multiple, indicating lower investor confidence in growth trends [2] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Linde reported revenue of $8.6 billion, reflecting a 3% year-over-year increase [3] - Operating profit for the same quarter was $2.4 billion, with adjusted operating profit also at $2.6 billion, both up 3% [3] - Operating cash flow increased by 8% year-over-year to $2.9 billion [3] Strategic Developments - In June 2025, Linde entered a long-term agreement to supply industrial gases for a $4 billion low-carbon ammonia project in Louisiana [4] - The company plans to invest $400 million in a new on-site facility to complement its existing hydrogen and syngas infrastructure in the region [4] Company Overview - Linde plc is a global industrial gases and engineering firm that provides high-quality gases, specialized mixtures, and related technologies across various industries [5]

Core Insights - Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has liquidated nearly 12 stocks listed in the U.S. during Q3, including Pinterest and Linde, reducing its U.S. equity holdings to the lowest level in a year [1] - The fund's U.S. stock portfolio value has decreased to $19.4 billion, representing an approximate 18% quarter-over-quarter decline, marking the lowest level since 2025 [1][2] - PIF continues to hold shares in Uber and Electronic Arts but has slightly reduced its stake in Lucid Group [1][3] Exits and Position Changes - Significant exits include: - Cummins: -1,095,578 shares, value change of -$358.80 million, with a price change of +29% [2] - Linde: -436,350 shares, value change of -$204.73 million, with a price change of +1.2% [2] - Air Products: -268,165 shares, value change of -$75.64 million, with a price change of -3.3% [2] - Avery Dennison: -231,662 shares, value change of -$40.65 million, with a price change of -7.6% [2] Top Holdings - PIF's major holdings in the U.S. include: - Uber: 72,840,541 shares valued at $7.14 billion, accounting for 3.5% of the portfolio [3] - Electronic Arts: 24,807,932 shares valued at $5.00 billion, accounting for 9.9% of the portfolio [3] - Lucid Group: 177,088,867 shares valued at $4.21 billion, accounting for 22% of the portfolio [3] - Take-Two Interactive: 11,414,680 shares valued at $2.95 billion, accounting for 6.2% of the portfolio [3] Strategic Focus - The recent divestments align with PIF's strategy to focus on domestic investments to support Saudi Arabia's economic diversification plan [2][4] - PIF aims to invest $70 billion post-2025, primarily within Saudi Arabia, with $57 billion already allocated for 2024 [5] - Further details on PIF's investment strategy for 2026-2030 are expected to be released early next year [5]