Linde plc (LIN), headquartered in Woking, the UK, specializes in atmospheric and process gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide, with a market cap of $209.4 billion and global operations across the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. It is expected to announce its Q2 earnings on July 25.

Ahead of the event, analysts expect Linde to report a profit of $3.80 per share, up 6.4% from $3.57 per share reported in the year-ago quarter. The company has consistently surpassed Wall Street’s EPS projections for the past four quarters. Its EPS for the last reported quarter increased by 9.6% annually to $3.75 and beat the consensus estimates by 1.9%.

Looking ahead to fiscal 2024, analysts expect Linde to report an EPS of $15.51, up 9.2% from $14.20 in fiscal 2023. Its fiscal 2025 EPS is expected to grow 10.6% annually to $17.16.

LIN stock has edged up 5.4% on a YTD basis, underperforming the S&P 500 Index’s ($SPX) 17.1% gains. However, LIN outperformed the S&P 500 Materials Sector SPDR’s (XLB) 2.7% returns during the same time frame.

Linde stock tumbled 5.2% on May 2 following its Q1 earnings results, which highlighted challenges in the Americas and a lower-than-expected Q2 EPS outlook. But LIN stock rebounded with a 2.5% gain in the subsequent three trading sessions.

Investors are attracted to Linde's adept management, poised to navigate industry slowdowns. As a dividend aristocrat, Linde has raised dividends for 31 consecutive years, offering stability and growth that further bolster investor confidence in LIN stock.

The consensus opinion on Linde Stock is moderately bullish, with a “Moderate Buy” rating overall. Out of the 21 analysts covering the stock, 14 recommend “Strong Buy,” one advises a “Moderate Buy,” and the remaining six suggest a “Hold” rating. Over the past two months, one new “Strong Buy” recommendation has been added.

The average target price for Linde is $479.22, indicating a potential upside of 10% from the current price levels.

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On the date of publication, Sristi Jayaswal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.