CIBC World Market Increases Stake in Linde PLC with 1,673 Shares

CIBC World Market Inc. has enhanced its investment in Linde PLC (NASDAQ:LIN) by acquiring an additional 1,673 shares during the third quarter of 2023. This increase represents a growth of 2.9%, bringing CIBC’s total holdings to 58,850 shares. According to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the value of CIBC’s stake in Linde now stands at approximately $27.95 million.

A number of other hedge funds have also made moves in Linde’s stock recently. For instance, Darwin Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Linde valued at around $25,000 in the second quarter. In the third quarter, Marquette Asset Management LLC invested about $27,000 in the company, while YANKCOM Partnership increased its stake by 195.2%, owning 62 shares worth approximately $29,000 after adding 41 shares. Guerra Advisors Inc. also entered the fray with a new stake valued at roughly $30,000, and Albion Financial Group UT raised its holdings by 87.8%, owning 77 shares worth about $37,000. Currently, institutional investors and hedge funds hold 82.80% of Linde’s stock.

Stock Performance and Financial Outlook

As of the latest trading session, Linde’s stock opened at $467.51. The company boasts a market capitalization of $218.30 billion, a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 32.04, and a beta of 0.84. Financial metrics indicate a current ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.74, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. Over the past year, Linde’s stock has fluctuated, with a low of $387.78 and a high of $486.38. The 50-day moving average stands at $434.27, while the two-hundred day moving average is $447.45.

Linde recently reported its quarterly earnings, announcing $4.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter ended February 5, 2026. This figure exceeded analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.18 by $0.02. The company achieved a net margin of 20.30% and a return on equity of 19.52%, with total revenue reaching $8.76 billion, surpassing expectations of $8.64 billion. This marks a 6.3% increase in revenue compared to the same quarter last year.

Looking ahead, Linde has set its guidance for the first quarter of 2026 at $4.200 to $4.300 EPS, with a full-year forecast of $17.400 to $17.900 EPS. Analysts project that Linde will report an EPS of $16.54 for the current fiscal year.

Analyst Ratings and Market Sentiment

Linde has attracted attention from various analysts recently. The Royal Bank of Canada lowered its target price on Linde from $540.00 to $490.00, maintaining an “outperform” rating. CICC Research initiated coverage with an “outperform” rating and a target price of $510.00. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “hold (c+)” rating, while Sanford C. Bernstein set a target price of $516.00, also rating the stock as “outperform.” Lastly, JPMorgan Chase & Co. issued a “neutral” rating with a price objective of $455.00.

Overall, one research analyst has rated Linde with a Strong Buy, seven have assigned Buy ratings, and three have given Hold ratings. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently holds an average rating of “Moderate Buy” with a consensus price target of $508.20.

About Linde

Linde PLC is a multinational industrial gases and engineering company, providing gases, related technologies, and services across various industries. Its current form resulted from the merger between Germany’s Linde AG and U.S.-based Praxair in 2018, positioning it as one of the largest global providers of industrial, specialty, and medical gases. Core products include atmospheric and process gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium, as well as specialty gases and equipment essential for their production.

The ongoing investment activity in Linde reflects a broader confidence in the company’s market position and growth potential, as institutional investors continue to bolster their stakes in this prominent player in the industrial sector.