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Research Alert: CFRA Maintains Hold Opinion On Shares Of Linde Plc

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-- CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:

We increase our 12-month target by $48 to $537, using a P/E of 27.1x, equal to LIN's average forward P/E over the last three years. We raise our 2026 EPS estimate by $0.05 to $18.03 and 2027 by $0.26 to $19.81. LIN reported Q1 adj. EPS of $4.33, beating consensus by $0.06, with 30% operating margins and 24% ROC demonstrating the resilience of its business model. Management raised the low end of full-year guidance to $17.60-$17.90 (7%-9% growth), citing confidence despite geopolitical headwinds. The $7.1B project backlog should reach $8B+ by year-end, driven by Electronics projects supporting AI chip manufacturing. Americas volumes grew 2% Y/Y with double-digit hardgoods growth, though EMEA remains challenged by weak industrial activity. Commercial space is emerging as a significant growth driver, with aerospace sales up double-digits. Helium supply tightness presents upside opportunity beyond guidance. We think shares are fully valued at 25.6x our 2027 EPS estimate, limiting upside potential in the near term.

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