Stock Analysis on Net

Linde plc (NASDAQ:LIN)

$24.99

Cash Flow Statement

The cash flow statement provides information about a company cash receipts and cash payments during an accounting period, showing how these cash flows link the ending cash balance to the beginning balance shown on the company balance sheet.

The cash flow statement consists of three parts: cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities, cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities, and cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities.

Linde plc, consolidated cash flow statement

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Net income, Linde plc
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax and noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling interests from continuing operations
Income from continuing operations, including noncontrolling interests
Cost reduction program and other charges
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred income taxes
Share-based compensation
Non-cash charges and other
Accounts receivable
Contract assets and liabilities, net
Inventory
Prepaid and other current assets
Payables and accruals
Working capital
Pension contributions
Long-term assets, liabilities and other
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities
Capital expenditures
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Divestitures, net of cash divested and asset sales
Net cash used for investing activities
Short-term debt borrowings (repayments), net
Long-term debt borrowings
Long-term debt repayments
Issuances of ordinary shares
Purchases of ordinary shares
Cash dividends, Linde plc shareholders
Noncontrolling interest transactions and other
Net cash used for financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning-of-period
Cash and cash equivalents, end-of-period

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).


Net Income and Profitability Trends
Net income exhibited a consistent upward trajectory from 2020 to 2024, increasing from $2.5 billion to approximately $6.6 billion. Income from continuing operations followed a similar pattern, rising steadily and indicating improved core business profitability. Noncontrolling interests from continuing operations also increased modestly, reflecting potentially higher minority stakeholder earnings or business expansion.
Cost and Depreciation
The cost reduction program and other charges showed significant volatility, with a large increase in 2022, followed by recovery into positive territory in subsequent years, suggesting fluctuating restructuring or extraordinary costs. Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased gradually from over $4.6 billion in 2020 to $3.8 billion in 2024, indicating possible depreciation of older assets or changes in asset base.
Taxation and Compensation
Deferred income taxes fluctuated, mostly negative but less so toward 2023, possibly reflecting changes in tax liabilities or accounting adjustments. Share-based compensation remained relatively stable, slightly increasing toward 2024, indicating consistent employee incentive expenses.
Working Capital Elements
Accounts receivable and contract assets/liabilities showed considerable variability, with contract assets/liabilities peaking notably in 2021 before declining into negative territory, possibly signifying changes in contract terms or billing timing. Inventory values decreased initially and recovered slightly by 2024. Payables and accruals peaked in 2021 but declined sharply afterward. Overall, working capital surged positively in 2021 but turned negative thereafter, indicating tightening short-term liquidity positions in recent years.
Pension and Long-term Liabilities
Pension contributions steadily declined from 2020 to 2024, implying lower funding requirements or plan changes. Long-term assets, liabilities, and other adjustments fluctuated without a clear trend, reflecting asset-liability management or other balance sheet movements.
Cash Flows from Operations
Adjusted net income reconciliation items decreased from a peak in 2021, and net cash provided by operating activities generally remained strong and slightly increased overall, showcasing robust operational cash generation despite some fluctuations.
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures increased steadily from about $3.4 billion in 2020 to $4.5 billion in 2024, indicating ongoing investment in infrastructure or growth. Acquisitions peaked sharply in 2023, suggesting significant corporate expansion or strategic purchases that year. Divestitures were relatively small and stable. Net cash used for investing activities increased notably after 2021, corresponding with elevated capital spending and acquisitions.
Financing Activities
Short-term debt borrowings showed inconsistency, with net repayments in some years and borrowings in others. Long-term debt borrowings increased substantially in 2024, offsetting repayments but suggesting increased leverage. Issuances of ordinary shares were minor and stable, while purchases of ordinary shares were sizable and consistent, reflecting sustained share repurchase programs. Cash dividends steadily increased, indicating growing shareholder returns. Overall, net cash used for financing was large but fell from a peak in 2021, likely due to lower repurchases and managed debt transactions.
Cash Position and Exchange Effects
Cash and cash equivalents fluctuated, rising significantly in 2022, decreasing in 2023, and showing a modest increase in 2024. Exchange rate effects were minor except for a significant negative impact in 2024, decreasing cash reserves. The net change in cash was positive overall though inconsistent, reflecting operational strength tempered by investing and financing outflows and currency fluctuations.
Summary
The financial data reveal a company with robust and growing profitability accompanied by significant ongoing capital investments and strategic acquisitions. Operational cash flow remains strong, supporting elevated capex and acquisition activities. Financing is characterized by increased debt activity and aggressive share repurchases with rising dividends, demonstrating a focus on shareholder returns and leverage management. Fluctuations in working capital and currency impacts introduce volatility to liquidity but have been generally managed effectively.