Press release
Linde plc: Linde Reports Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter 2019 Results (Earnings Release Tables attached)
Linde Reports Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter 2019 ResultsFull-Year 2019 HighlightsSales of $28.2 billion, up 4% ex-FXOperating profit of $2.9 billion, adjusted
About this update from Linde Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"Linde Reports Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter 2019 ResultsFull-Year 2019 HighlightsSales of $28.2 billion, up 4% ex-FXOperating profit of $2.9 billion, adjusted pro forma operating profit of $5.3 billionEPS of $4.00, adjusted pro forma EPS of $7.34Returned $7.7 billion to shareholders via dividends, share repurchases and minority shareholder squeeze-outFourth-Quarter 2019 HighlightsSales of $7.1 billion, up 3% ex-FXOperating profit of $0.7 billion, adjusted pro forma operating profit of $1.3 billionStrong operating cash flow of $2.2 billionEPS of $0.94, adjusted pro forma EPS of $1.892020 GuidanceFirst-quarter adjusted EPS guidance of $1.86 to $1.94*, +11% to +16%, ex-FXFull-year adjusted EPS guidance of $8.00 - $8.25*, +10% to +13%, ex-FXSustainabilitySet new 2028 sustainability targets including 35% reduction in Greenhouse Gas emissions intensity** by 2028GUILDFORD, UK / ACCESSWIRE / February 13, 2020 / Linde plc (NYSE:LIN; FWB:LIN) today reported fourth-quarter income from continuing operations of $507 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.94. Excluding Linde AG purchase accounting impacts and other charges, adjusted pro forma income from continuing operations was $1,024 million, up 22% versus prior year and down 3% sequentially. Adjusted pro forma earnings per share were $1.89, 25% above prior year or 27% excluding negative currency effect.Linde's sales for the fourth quarter were $7,080 million. Pro forma sales were $7,077 million, up 3% versus prior year excluding negative currency. Volume increased 1% while price improved 2% and was attained across all geographic segments.Fourth-quarter operating profit was $655 million. Adjusted pro forma operating profit of $1,347 million was 17% above prior year or 19% when excluding unfavorable currency.Fourth-quarter operating cash flow of $2,174 million increased $302 million versus the third quarter, primarily driven by improved working capital. During the quarter, the company invested $1,015 million in capital expenditures and returned $1,181 million to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases, net of issuance.For full-year 2019, reported sales were $28,228 million and adjusted pro forma sales were $28,163 million, flat versus 2018. Underlying sales grew 4% with volume and price each increasing 2%. Volume growth was split between base business and project start-ups...