Linde plc: Linde Reports Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter 2022 Results (Earnings Release Tables Attached) - Seite 2

For full-year 2022, sales were $33.4 billion, 8% above 2021. Compared to prior year, underlying sales increased 8% from 7% price attainment and 1% higher volumes. Sales growth was broad-based across all end markets except healthcare. Operating profit was $5.4 billion and adjusted operating profit was $7.9 billion, 10% above prior year. Adjusted operating profit margin was 23.7% of sales, 40 basis points higher versus 2021, or 160 basis points higher when excluding the effects of cost pass-through. Diluted earnings per share were $8.23 and adjusted diluted earnings per share were $12.29, up 15% versus prior year.

In 2022, Linde generated strong operating cash flow of $8.9 billion. The company invested $3.2 billion in capital expenditures and returned to shareholders in the form of dividends and share buybacks $7.5 billion, 11% above prior year.

Commenting on the financial results and business outlook, Chief Executive Officer Sanjiv Lamba said, "Despite the challenging environment, the Linde team again delivered outstanding performance including a record ROC of 22.9%, expanding operating margin to 25.3% and a ninth consecutive quarter of delivering 20% or more EPS growth ex. FX. This resilient performance is a result of our balanced end market portfolio, unrivaled network density and rigorous capital discipline."

Lamba continued, "Looking ahead, the geopolitical and macro environment continues to remain uncertain. However, we are well positioned to win more than our fair share of high-quality projects, primarily in clean-energy and again create shareholder value by leveraging all the opportunities that lie ahead."

For the full year 2023, the company expects adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $13.15 to $13.55, up 7% to 10% versus prior year or 9% to 12% when excluding estimated currency headwinds. Full-year capital expenditures are expected to range between $3.5 billion and $4.0 billion to support operating and growth requirements, including the contractual sale of gas backlog. For the first quarter 2023, adjusted earnings per share is expected to be in the range of $3.05 to $3.15, 4% to 8% above prior-year quarter. This range estimates 5% unfavorable currency.