5 Best UK Stocks to Buy Now

2. Linde plc (NYSE:LIN)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 45

Linde plc (NYSE:LIN) is a global multinational chemical company that specializes in industrial and medical gasses, air separation, physical plant engineering, and logistics services. 

Linde plc (NYSE:LIN) announced on February 28 a share repurchase program of up to $10 billion in common stock. The maximum share capital repurchase amount will be 15% of outstanding shares and the program expires on July 31, 2024. The company also declared a quarterly dividend per share of $1.17, a 10% increase from its earlier dividend of $1.06. The dividend was paid on March 25, to shareholders of record on March 11. 

The full-year revenue in 2021 stood at $30.7 billion, up from the 2020 revenue of $27.2 billion. Linde plc (NYSE:LIN)’s net income in 2021 also increased as compared to the prior year, from $2.4 billion to $3.8 billion. 

On April 5, UBS analyst Andrew Stott maintained a Buy rating on Linde plc (NYSE:LIN) and raised the firm’s price target on the stock to €345 from €335. 

According to Insider Monkey’s fourth quarter database, 45 hedge funds placed long bets on Linde plc (NYSE:LIN), with collective stakes equaling $4.6 billion. Impax Asset Management is the leading shareholder of the company, with approximately $3 million shares worth over $1 billion.