📊 LIN Key Takeaways
Is Linde PLC (LIN) a Good Investment?
Linde demonstrates exceptional operating profitability (27.8% margins) and solid free cash flow generation ($898M), but concerning liquidity metrics (current ratio 0.83x, quick ratio 0.69x) and anomalously high revenue growth (+13,427% YoY, likely acquisition-driven) warrant caution. Capital-intensive operations produce weak returns on equity (4.8%) and assets (2.2%) despite strong margins.
Linde demonstrates durable profitability (26% operating margin, 20% net margin) and strong cash generation, producing $5.1B of FCF with a 15% margin. Moderate leverage and 15.5x interest coverage support continued capex and disciplined capital returns, with EPS growth outpacing net income. While liquidity is below 1x and net income dipped slightly YoY, the business appears resilient and cash-rich.
Linde PLC Key Strengths (LIN)
- Exceptional operating margin of 27.8% and net margin of 21.1% indicate efficient operations
- Healthy free cash flow generation of $898M with 10.2% FCF margin supports dividend and debt service
- Moderate leverage at 0.56x debt-to-equity provides balance sheet flexibility
- High margins and returns (26% operating, 18% ROE)
- Strong free cash flow generation (15% FCF margin)
- Healthy balance sheet with moderate leverage and 15.5x coverage
LIN Stock Risks: Linde PLC Investment Risks
- Critical liquidity concern: current ratio of 0.83x and quick ratio of 0.69x both below 1.0 indicate potential short-term cash constraints
- Severely depressed returns on equity (4.8%) and assets (2.2%) despite strong margins signal capital-intensive model with limited value creation
- Anomalous revenue growth of +13,427% YoY suggests acquisition impact or data quality issues, obscuring organic growth assessment
- Sub-1.0 liquidity ratios (current 0.88x, quick 0.74x)
- Capital-intensive growth requiring sustained high capex execution
- Cyclical end-market and energy cost exposure affecting volumes and contracts
Key Metrics to Watch
- Improvement in working capital and current ratio toward 1.0+ range
- Organic revenue growth rate excluding acquisition effects
- Return on equity trend and capital efficiency improvements
- Free cash flow margin
- Interest coverage
Linde PLC (LIN) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.
LIN Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
LIN vs Materials Sector: How Linde PLC Compares
How Linde PLC compares to Materials sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Linde PLC Stock Overvalued? LIN Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Linde PLC has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Materials sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Linde PLC Balance Sheet: LIN Debt, Cash & Liquidity
LIN Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Linde PLC's revenue has grown significantly by 10% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $12.59 reflects profitable operations.
LIN Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
LIN Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $8.1B | $1.7B | $3.51 |
| Q3 2025 | $8.4B | $1.6B | $3.22 |
| Q2 2025 | $8.3B | $1.7B | $3.44 |
| Q1 2025 | $8.1B | $1.6B | $3.35 |
| Q3 2024 | $8.2B | $1.6B | $3.19 |
| Q2 2024 | $8.2B | $1.6B | $3.19 |
| Q1 2024 | $8.1B | $1.5B | $3.06 |
| Q3 2023 | $8.2B | $1.3B | $2.54 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Linde PLC Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
LIN SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Linde PLC (CIK: 0001707925)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about LIN
What is the AI rating for LIN?
Linde PLC (LIN) has a Combined AI Grade of A from Claude (B) and ChatGPT (A) with 75% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are LIN's key strengths?
Claude: Exceptional operating margin of 27.8% and net margin of 21.1% indicate efficient operations. Healthy free cash flow generation of $898M with 10.2% FCF margin supports dividend and debt service. ChatGPT: High margins and returns (26% operating, 18% ROE). Strong free cash flow generation (15% FCF margin).
What are the risks of investing in LIN?
Claude: Critical liquidity concern: current ratio of 0.83x and quick ratio of 0.69x both below 1.0 indicate potential short-term cash constraints. Severely depressed returns on equity (4.8%) and assets (2.2%) despite strong margins signal capital-intensive model with limited value creation. ChatGPT: Sub-1.0 liquidity ratios (current 0.88x, quick 0.74x). Capital-intensive growth requiring sustained high capex execution.
What is LIN's revenue and growth?
Linde PLC reported revenue of $8.8B.
Does LIN pay dividends?
Linde PLC pays dividends, with $741.0M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find LIN SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Linde PLC (CIK: 0001707925) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is LIN's EPS?
Linde PLC has a diluted EPS of $3.98.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined grade reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
What is LIN's fundamental grade?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in May 2026, Linde PLC has a A grade with 75% confidence. The AI analysis suggests favorable fundamentals based on SEC filings. This is not investment advice.
Is LIN stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for LIN: ROE of 4.8% (sector avg: 14%), net margin of 21.1% (sector avg: 10%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
What is LIN's AI grade for 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Linde PLC a combined A grade for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability above sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is LIN's free cash flow?
Linde PLC's operating cash flow is $2.2B, with capital expenditures of $1.3B. FCF margin is 10.2%.
How does LIN compare to other Materials stocks?
Vs Materials sector averages: Net margin 21.1% (avg: 10%), ROE 4.8% (avg: 14%), current ratio 0.83 (avg: 1.6).