Linde plc (NYSE:LIN) Q3 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

Year-to-date, we have more than 11,000 to 12,000 projects in play already this year. And we ensure that those projects get done, the results get validated, and that’s what drives the COGS reduction that Matt referenced in a question earlier on as well. A consistent and relentless action to make sure productivity delivers to the bottom line. So put those 2 together, 4% to 6% of EPS growth will come out of that. There is another lever that we are not relying on at the moment in the current economic climate, which is volume. I do want to remind you that in our guidance for earnings, we’ve said that even at the top end, we are not expecting any help sequentially. Look, even at 0% volume today, we are even marginally negative at the midpoint of our guidance.

We are being able to demonstrate that we have the resilience in the business to be able to deliver these EPS growth numbers that we’re talking about. Imagine what happens when volume grows and you have a bit of a tailwind, and we demonstrated that. 2021, go back and look at 30% EPS growth. So when we get that tailwind from volume and the economic activity, it’s a really good lever that helps us push that earnings growth beyond a number that you’ve traditionally seen. But even without that today, we are committing ourselves to that 10-plus percent EPS growth. There is a final lever that really is an outcome of the cash generation across the business. Again, you heard $2.5 billion solid cash this quarter. You heard Matt talk about in the low to mid-80s in terms of conversion to EBITDA.

Again, all of that plays into making sure our capital allocation policy is followed. And as part of that, we’ve said we will invest in every high-quality project we can, but surplus cash gets swept into share buybacks. We’ve announced a $15 billion program, and that share buyback impact provides around 2% of an uplift to the EPS growth as well. Putting it altogether, you’ve got that 10-plus percent. I feel pretty good about that. And really, I’d say, in whatever economic environment we are in.

Operator: And I would now like to turn the call back to Juan Pelaez for any additional or closing remarks.

Juan Pelaez: Thanks, everyone, for participating in today’s call. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to me directly. Have a safe day. Take care.

Operator: And ladies and gentlemen, that will conclude today’s conference call. We thank you for your participation and you may now disconnect.