Linde, the world's largest industrial gases group, has defied sluggish demand and once again exceeded profit expectations in the second quarter.
Adjusted operating profit rose by six percent to 2.56 billion dollars between April and June, as the American-German company announced on Friday.
At 4.09 dollars, adjusted earnings per share exceeded analysts' forecasts, which averaged 4.03 dollars.
Linde attributed the increase to price increases and productivity gains, particularly in its business with customers in the chemical and energy sectors.
Sales rose by three percent to 8.50 billion dollars, analysts had only expected 8.35 billion. Adjusted for portfolio effects, turnover increased by one percent, whereby sales volumes shrank by one percent but prices rose by two percent.
"Linde has once again shown great resilience in the face of a subdued industrial economy," said CEO Sanjiv Lamba.
"For the second half of the year, we are maintaining a measured view of macroeconomic trends." Linde specified its profit forecast for the current year:
16.30 to 16.50 dollars per share is now expected, previously the lower limit was 16.20 dollars.
