LINDE PLC

Previous wording

The company's primary products in its industrial gases business are atmospheric gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare gases) and process gases (carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, electronic gases, specialty gases, acetylene). The company also designs, engineers, and builds equipment that produces industrial gases and offers its customers a wide range of gas production and processing services such as olefin plants, natural gas plants, air separation plants, hydrogen and synthesis gas plants and other types of plants.

Current wording

The company's primary products in its industrial gases business are atmospheric gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare gases) and process gases (hydrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, electronic gases, specialty gases, acetylene). The company also designs, engineers, and builds equipment that produces industrial gases and offers its customers a wide range of gas production and processing services such as olefin plants, natural gas plants, air separation plants, hydrogen and synthesis gas plants and other types of plants.

Previous wording

Linde’s industrial gas operations are managed on a geographical basis and in 2023 90% of sales were generated by Linde's three geographic segments (Americas, EMEA and APAC) and the remaining 10% are related largely to the Engineering segment, and to a lesser extent Other (see Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for operating segment details).

Current wording

Linde’s industrial gas operations are managed on a geographical basis and in 2024 89% of sales were generated by Linde's three geographic segments (Americas, EMEA and APAC) and the remaining 11% were related largely to the Engineering segment, and to a lesser extent Other (see Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for operating segment details).

Previous wording

•Sales of $32,854 million were 2% below 2022 sales of $33,364 million. Cost pass-through, representing the contractual billing of energy cost variances primarily to onsite customers, decreased sales by 3% with minimal impact on operating profit. Engineering decreased sales by 2%. Volumes decreased sales by 1%. Currency translation decreased sales by 1%, largely in APAC. Divestitures, net of acquisitions, decreased sales by 1% primarily due to the divestment of the GIST business, partially offset by the nexAir, LLC acquisition. The aforementioned drivers were partially offset by 6% higher price attainment across all geographic segments.

Current wording

•Sales of $33,005 million were flat versus 2023 sales. Sales increased 2% from higher price attainment primarily in the Americas and EMEA segments. Sales from volume were flat as growth from new project start-ups was offset by base volume declines. Cost pass-through, representing the contractual billing of energy cost variances primarily to onsite customers, decreased sales by 1% with minimal impact on operating profit. Currency translation decreased sales by 1%, largely in the Americas and APAC.

Previous wording

•Reported operating profit of $8,024 million was 49% above 2022. Adjusted operating profit of $9,070 million was 15% above 2022. The increase in the reported operating profit was primarily driven by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and other charges recorded in 2022 and included higher pricing, savings from productivity initiatives, and lower depreciation and amortization driven by merger related intangible assets. These increases more than offset the adverse impacts of cost inflation and lower volumes in the year. The adjusted operating profit increase was primarily due to higher pricing and productivity initiatives, which more than offset the effects of cost inflation and lower volumes during the year.*

Current wording

•Reported operating profit of $8,635 million was 8% above 2023 reported operating profit of $8,024 million. Adjusted operating profit of $9,720 million was 7% above 2023 adjusted operating profit of $9,070 million. The increase in the reported and adjusted operating profit was primarily driven by higher pricing and savings from productivity initiatives in 2024. These increases more than offset the adverse impacts of cost inflation and currency translation.*

Previous wording

•Net income - Linde plc of $6,199 million and diluted earnings per share of $12.59 increased from $4,147 million and $8.23, respectively in 2022. Adjusted net income - Linde plc of $6,989 million and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $14.20 were 13% and 16%, respectively above 2022 adjusted amounts.*

Current wording

•Net income - Linde plc of $6,565 million and diluted earnings per share of $13.62 increased from $6,199 million and $12.59, respectively in 2023. Adjusted net income - Linde plc of $7,475 million and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $15.51 were 7% above 2023 adjusted amounts.*

Previous wording

•Cash flow from operations of $9,305 million was $441 million above 2022. The increase was driven by higher net income partially offset by higher net working capital requirements, including lower inflows from contract liabilities from engineering customer advanced payments. Capital expenditures were $3,787 million; dividends paid were $2,482 million; net purchases of ordinary shares of $3,925 million; and debt borrowings, net were $1,060 million.

Current wording

•Cash flow from operations of $9,423 million was $118 million above 2023. The increase was driven by higher net income, partially offset by higher net working capital requirements, including lower inflows for contract liabilities from engineering customer advance payments and higher cash taxes. Capital expenditures were $4,497 million; dividends paid were $2,655 million; net purchases of ordinary shares were $4,451 million; and debt borrowings, net were $3,167 million.

Previous wording

Linde sales decreased $510 million, or 2%, for the 2023 year versus 2022. Higher pricing across all geographic segments contributed 6% to sales. Cost pass-through, representing the contractual billing of energy cost variances primarily to onsite customers, decreased sales by 3%, with minimal impact on operating profit. Volumes decreased sales by 1% primarily driven by the electronics and metals and mining end markets. The impact of divestitures, net of acquisitions decreased sales by 1%. Currency translation decreased sales by 1%, largely in APAC, driven by the weakening of the Chinese yuan and Australian dollar against the U.S. dollar, partially offset by EMEA, driven by the strengthening of the Euro and British pound.

Current wording

Linde sales were flat for the 2024 year versus 2023. Sales grew 2% from higher price attainment. Volumes were flat, as new project start-ups were largely offset by base volume declines. Cost pass-through, representing the contractual billing of energy cost variances primarily to onsite customers decreased sales by 1%, with minimal impact on operating profit. Currency translation decreased sales by 1%, primarily due to the weakening of the Brazilian real, Chinese yuan, and Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar.

Previous wording

Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, decreased $1,958 million, or 10%, for the year primarily due to lower cost pass-through and volumes, the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures and productivity gains which more than offset cost inflation. Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, was 53.2% and 58.3% of sales, respectively, in 2023 compared to 2022. The decrease as a percentage of sales was primarily due to higher pricing and lower cost pass-through.

Current wording

Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, decreased $349 million, or 2%, for the year primarily due to lower cost pass-through and productivity gains, which more than offset cost inflation. Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, was 51.9% and 53.2% of sales, in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease as a percentage of sales was primarily due to higher pricing and lower cost pass-through.

Previous wording

Selling, general and administrative expense ("SG&A") increased $188 million, from $3,107 in 2022 to $3,295 million in 2023. SG&A was 10.0% of sales in 2023 versus 9.3% in 2022. Currency impacts decreased SG&A by approximately $3 million in 2023. Excluding currency impacts, underlying SG&A increased primarily due to higher costs including the acquisition of nexAir.

Current wording

Selling, general and administrative expense ("SG&A") increased $42 million, or 1%, from $3,295 million in 2023 to $3,337 million in 2024 driven by higher costs. SG&A was 10.1% of sales in 2024 versus 10.0% in 2023. Currency impacts decreased SG&A by approximately $28 million in 2024.

Previous wording

Reported depreciation and amortization expense decreased $388 million, or 9% versus 2022. The decrease is primarily due to lower depreciation and amortization of assets acquired in the merger.

Current wording

Reported depreciation and amortization expense decreased $36 million, or 1%, versus 2023. The decrease is due to lower depreciation and amortization of assets acquired in the merger partially offset by the net impact of new project start ups.

Previous wording

On an adjusted basis, depreciation and amortization expense increased $102 million, or 4%, versus 2022. Currency impacts decreased depreciation and amortization by $29 million in 2023. Excluding currency, underlying depreciation and amortization increased due to the net impact of acquisitions and new project start ups.

Current wording

On an adjusted basis, depreciation and amortization expense increased $32 million, or 1%, versus 2023. Currency impacts decreased depreciation and amortization by $17 million in 2024. Excluding currency, underlying depreciation and amortization increased due to the net impact of new project start ups.

Previous wording

Other charges were $40 million and $1,029 million for 2023 and 2022, respectively. In 2023, the costs primarily related to severance in the Engineering segment and expenses incurred due to the intercompany reorganization. The charge for 2022 relates primarily to the deconsolidation and impairment of Russian subsidiaries resulting from the ongoing war in Ukraine and related sanctions recorded as of June 30, 2022.

Current wording

Cost reduction program and other charges were $145 million and $40 million for 2024 and 2023, respectively. 2024 includes severance charges of $165 million, other cost reduction charges of $23 million, and other benefit of $43 million related to a divestiture in APAC. In 2023, the costs primarily related to severance in the Engineering segment and expenses incurred due to the intercompany reorganization.

Previous wording

On an adjusted basis, which excludes the impacts of purchase accounting as well as other charges, operating profit increased $1,166 million, or 15%. Operating profit growth was driven by higher pricing, and productivity initiatives, partially offset by cost inflation and lower volumes. A discussion of operating profit by segment is included in the segment discussion that follows.

Current wording

On an adjusted basis, which excludes the impacts of merger-related purchase accounting as well as cost reduction program and other charges, operating profit increased $650 million, or 7%, for 2024 versus 2023. Operating profit growth was driven by higher pricing and productivity initiatives, which more than offset the effects of cost inflation and currency during 2024. A discussion of operating profit by segment is included in the segment discussion that follows.

Previous wording

Reported net pension and OPEB cost (benefit), excluding service cost were benefits of $164 million and $237 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in benefit primarily relates to higher interest cost reflective of the higher discount rate environment year-over-year (see Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements).

Current wording

Reported net pension and OPEB cost (benefit), excluding service cost were benefits of $190 million and $164 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase was driven primarily by a higher expected return on assets and lower interest cost due to decrease in benefit obligations, partially offset by lower amortization of deferred gains year-over-year. (see Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements).

Previous wording

The reported effective tax rate ("ETR") for 2023 was 22.7% versus 25.9% in 2022. The decrease in the rate is primarily related to a net decrease in the company's uncertain tax positions and the absence of the net unfavorable tax expense resulting from the Russia impairment and deconsolidation in 2022 (see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements).

Current wording

The reported effective tax rate ("ETR") for 2024 was 23.4% versus 22.7% in 2023. The increase in the rate is primarily related to a prior year benefit from a net decrease in the company’s uncertain tax positions. On an adjusted basis, the ETR for 2024 was 23.4% versus 23.6% in 2023.

Previous wording

Reported income from equity investments for 2023 was $167 million as compared to $172 million in 2022. On an adjusted basis, income from equity investments for 2023 was $239 million versus $247 million in 2022.

Current wording

Reported income from equity investments for 2024 was $170 million as compared to $167 million in 2023. On an adjusted basis, income from equity investments for 2024 was $242 million versus $239 million million in 2023.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2023, noncontrolling interests from continuing operations consisted primarily of noncontrolling shareholders’ investments in APAC (primarily in China).

Current wording

At December 31, 2024, noncontrolling interests consisted primarily of noncontrolling shareholders’ investments in APAC (primarily in China). Reported noncontrolling interests increased $30 million, from $142 million in 2023 to $172 million in 2024 and included the impact of a divestiture in the APAC segment.

Previous wording

Reported net income - Linde plc increased $2,052 million, or 49%. On an adjusted basis, which excludes the impacts of purchase accounting and other charges, net income - Linde plc increased $794 million, or 13%, in 2023 versus 2022. On both a reported and adjusted basis, the increase was driven by higher operating profit.

Current wording

Reported net income - Linde plc increased $366 million, or 6%. On an adjusted basis, which excludes the impacts of purchase accounting and cost reduction program and other charges, net income - Linde plc increased $486 million, or 7%, in 2024 versus 2023. On both a reported and adjusted basis, the increase was driven by higher operating profit.

Previous wording

Reported diluted earnings per share increased $4.36, or 53%, in 2023 as compared to 2022. On an adjusted basis, diluted EPS of $14.20 in 2023 increased 16% versus 2022. The increase on both a reported and adjusted basis is primarily due to higher net income - Linde plc and lower diluted shares outstanding.

Current wording

Reported diluted earnings per share increased $1.03, or 8%, in 2024 as compared to 2023. On an adjusted basis, diluted EPS of $15.51 in 2024 increased $1.31 versus 2023. The increase on both a reported and adjusted basis is primarily due to higher net income - Linde plc and lower diluted shares outstanding.

Previous wording

The number of employees at December 31, 2023 was 66,323, an increase of 2%, or 1,313 employees from 2022, driven primarily by the acquisition of nexAir.

Current wording

The number of employees at December 31, 2024 was 65,289, a decrease of 2%, or 1,034 employees from 2023, driven primarily by the impact of cost reduction programs and a divestiture in APAC.

Previous wording

EBITDA increased to $12,007 million in 2023 from $9,745 million in 2022. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $12,133 million for 2023 as compared to $10,873 million in 2022. The increase in both periods was driven by higher net income - Linde plc versus prior year.

Current wording

EBITDA increased to $12,585 million in 2024 from $12,007 million in 2023. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $12,819 million for 2024 as compared to $12,133 million in 2023. The increase in both periods was driven by higher operating profit versus prior year.

Previous wording

Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2023 was a loss of $35 million resulted primarily from losses related to the change in funded status of retirement plans of $380 million and derivative losses of $55 million largely offset by currency translation adjustments of $400 million. The translation adjustments reflect the impact of translating local currency foreign subsidiary financial statements to U.S. dollars, and are largely driven by the movement of the U.S. dollar against major currencies including the Euro, British pound and the Chinese yuan. See the "Currency" section of the MD&A for exchange rates used for translation purposes and Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for a summary of the currency translation adjustment component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by segment.

Current wording

Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2024 was a loss of $1,126 million that resulted primarily from currency translation adjustments of $1,632 million partially offset by gains related to change in funded status of retirement plans of $519 million. The translation adjustments reflect the impact of translating local currency foreign subsidiary financial statements to U.S. dollars, and are largely driven by the movement of the U.S. dollar against major currencies including the Euro, British pound and the Chinese yuan. See the "Currency" section of the MD&A for exchange rates used for translation purposes and Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for a summary of the currency translation adjustment component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by segment.

Previous wording

Linde operates in jurisdictions that have, or are developing, laws and/or regulations to reduce or mitigate the adverse effects of greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions and therefore faces a highly uncertain regulatory environment in this area. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") has promulgated rules requiring reporting of GHG emissions to which Linde, its suppliers and customers are subject to. EPA has also promulgated regulations to restrict GHG emissions, including final rules regulating GHG emissions from light-duty vehicles and certain large manufacturing facilities, including some of Linde’s suppliers and customers. In addition to these developments in the United States, several other countries worldwide have implemented carbon taxation or trading systems which impact the company and its customers, including regulations in China, Singapore and the European Union. Among other impacts, such regulations are expected to raise the cost of energy, which is a significant cost for Linde. Nevertheless, Linde's long-term customer contracts routinely provide rights to recover increased electricity, natural gas, and other costs that are incurred by the company as a result of climate change regulation.

Current wording

Linde operates in jurisdictions that have, or are developing, laws and/or regulations to reduce or mitigate the adverse effects of greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions and therefore faces a highly uncertain regulatory environment in this area. Linde continues to evaluate ongoing regulatory changes and assess appropriate response. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") has promulgated rules requiring reporting of GHG emissions to which Linde, its suppliers and customers are subject to. EPA has also promulgated regulations to restrict GHG emissions, including final rules regulating GHG emissions from light-duty vehicles and certain large manufacturing facilities, including some of Linde’s suppliers and customers. In addition to these developments in the United States, several other countries worldwide have implemented carbon taxation or trading systems which impact the company and its customers, including regulations in China, Singapore and the European Union. Among other impacts, such regulations are expected to affect the cost of energy, which is a significant cost for Linde. Nevertheless, Linde's long-term customer contracts typically provide rights to recover increased electricity, natural gas, and other costs that are incurred by the company as a result of climate change regulation.

Previous wording

To manage business risks from current and potential GHG emission regulation as well as physical consequences of climate change, Linde actively monitors current developments, evaluates the direct and indirect business risks, and takes appropriate actions. Among others, actions include: increasing relevant resources and training; maintaining contingency plans; obtaining advice and counsel from expert vendors, insurance providers and industry experts; incorporating GHG provisions in commercial agreements; and conducting regular reviews of the business risks with management. Although there are considerable uncertainties, Linde believes that the business risk from potential regulations can be effectively managed through its commercial contracts. Additionally, Linde’s plant design, operations, and risk management teams are engaged to manage and mitigate losses from physical climate change, and the company does not anticipate any material effects regarding its plant operations or business arising from potential physical risks of climate change.

Current wording

To manage business risks from current and potential GHG emission regulation as well as physical consequences of climate change, Linde actively monitors current developments, evaluates the direct and indirect business risks, and takes appropriate actions. Among others, actions include: increasing relevant resources and training; maintaining contingency plans; obtaining advice and counsel from expert vendors, insurance providers and industry experts; incorporating GHG provisions in commercial agreements; and conducting regular reviews of the business risks with management. Although there are considerable uncertainties, Linde believes that the business risk from potential regulations can be effectively managed through its commercial contracts. Additionally, Linde’s plant design, operations, and risk management teams are engaged to manage and mitigate losses from physical climate change, and the company does not anticipate material effects regarding its plant operations or business arising from potential physical risks of climate change.

Previous wording

Linde continuously seeks opportunities to optimize energy use and GHG emissions through research and development in customer applications and rigorous operational energy efficiency, sourcing low-carbon source energy, and purchasing hydrogen as a chemical byproduct where feasible. Linde tracks GHG emission performance versus targets and reports regularly to business management and annually to Linde's Board of Directors. The Sustainability Committee is responsible for oversight of the Company's programs, policies and strategies related to environmental matters, including climate change, greenhouse gas reduction goals and decarbonization solutions, such as clean energy and carbon management.

Current wording

Linde continuously seeks opportunities to optimize energy use and GHG emissions through research and development in customer applications and operational energy efficiency, sourcing low-carbon source energy, and purchasing hydrogen as a chemical byproduct where feasible. Linde tracks GHG emission performance versus targets and reports regularly to business management and annually to Linde's Board of Directors. The Sustainability Committee is responsible for oversight of the Company's programs and policies related to environmental matters, including climate change, greenhouse gas reduction goals and decarbonization solutions, such as clean energy and carbon management.

Previous wording

Environmental protection costs in 2023 were not significant. Linde anticipates that future annual environmental protection expenditures will be similar to 2023, subject to any significant changes in existing laws and regulations. Based on historical results and current estimates, management does not believe that environmental expenditures will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, the consolidated results of operations or cash flows in any given year.

Current wording

The environmental protection costs incurred in 2024 were not significant. Linde anticipates that future annual environmental protection expenditures will be similar to 2024, subject to any significant changes in existing laws and regulations. Based on historical results and current estimates, management does not believe that environmental expenditures will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, the consolidated results of operations or cash flows in any given year.

Previous wording

The net periodic benefit cost (benefit) for the U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans was a benefit of $80 million, $110 million and $35 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Current wording

The net periodic benefit cost (benefit) was a benefit of $106 million, $80 million and $110 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Previous wording

The funded status (pension benefit obligation ("PBO") less the fair value of plan assets) for the U.S. plans was a deficit of $137 million and $238 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The funded status for non-U.S. plans was a deficit of $207 million and surplus of $208 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The U.S. plan derived a benefit from the actual return on plan assets. Non-U.S. plans also experienced an increase in plan assets, offset by unfavorability generated from a higher PBO due to a decrease in discount rates.

Current wording

The funded status (pension benefit obligation ("PBO") less the fair value of plan assets) for the U.S. plans was a surplus of $86 million and deficit of $137 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The funded status for non-U.S. plans was a surplus of $464 million and deficit of $207 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. During 2024, the U.S. and non U.S plans derived a benefit from actuarial gains due to higher discount rate environment.

Previous wording

Global pension contributions were $46 million in 2023, $51 million in 2022, and $42 million in 2021. At a minimum, Linde contributes to its pension plans to comply with local regulatory requirements (e.g., ERISA in the U.S.). Discretionary contributions in excess of the local minimum requirements are made based on many factors, including long-term projections of the plans' funded status, the economic environment, potential risk of overfunding, pension insurance costs and alternative uses of cash. Changes to these factors can impact the timing of discretionary contributions from year to year. Estimated required contributions for 2024 are currently expected to be in the range of $35 million to $45 million.

Current wording

Global pension contributions were $35 million in 2024, $46 million in 2023, and $51 million in 2022. At a minimum, Linde contributes to its pension plans to comply with local regulatory requirements (e.g., ERISA in the U.S.). Discretionary contributions in excess of the local minimum requirements are made based on many factors, including long-term projections of the plans' funded status, the economic environment, potential risk of overfunding, pension insurance costs and alternative uses of cash. Changes to these factors can impact the timing of discretionary contributions from year to year. Estimated required contributions for 2025 are currently expected to be in the range of $25 million to $35 million.

Previous wording

Linde assumes expected returns on plan assets for 2024 of 7.00% and 5.83% for the U.S. and non-U.S. plans, respectively, which are consistent with the long-term expected returns on its investment portfolios.

Current wording

Linde assumes expected returns on plan assets for 2025 of 7.00% and 6.02% for the U.S. and non-U.S. plans, respectively, which are consistent with the long-term expected returns on its investment portfolios.

Previous wording

Excluding the impact of any settlements, 2024 consolidated pension expense is expected to be a benefit of approximately$115 million. The benefit derived from the expected return on assets assumption for Linde's most significant plans is anticipated to more than offset the expense from service and interest cost accruals and the higher amortization of deferred losses.

Current wording

Excluding the impact of any settlements,2025 consolidated pension expense is expected to be a benefit of approximately$145 million. The benefit derived from the expected return on assets assumption for Linde's most significant plans is anticipated to more than offset the expense from service and interest cost accruals and the higher amortization of deferred losses.

Previous wording

Linde purchases insurance to limit a variety of property and casualty risks, including those related to property, business interruption, third-party liability and workers’ compensation. Currently, the company self retains up to $10 million per occurrence for vehicle liability in the United States, $5 million per occurrence for workers' compensation and general liability. In addition, the company self retains risk up to €5 to €7.5 million at its various properties worldwide for property damage resulting from fire, flood and other perils affecting its properties along with a separate €5 to €7.5 million deductible on business interruption resulting from a major peril loss. To mitigate its aggregate loss potential above these retentions, the company purchases catastrophic insurance coverage from highly rated insurance companies. The company does not currently operate or participate in any captive insurance companies or other non-traditional risk transfer alternatives.

Current wording

Linde purchases insurance to limit a variety of property and casualty risks, including those related to property, business interruption, third-party liability and workers’ compensation. Currently, the company self retains up to $10 million per occurrence for vehicle liability in the United States and $5 million per occurrence for workers' compensation and general liability. Through December 31, 2024, the company self retained risk up to €5 to €7.5 million at its various properties worldwide for property damage resulting from fire, flood and other perils affecting its properties along with a separate €5 to €7.5 million deductible on business interruption resulting from a major peril loss. As of January 1, 2025 Linde has a captive insurance company that provides coverage for up to $50 million per event, and $100 million, in the annual aggregate, of losses above local deductibles for property damage and business interruption at the group’s sites globally. To mitigate the risk of losses above these self retention levels, the company purchases catastrophic insurance coverage from highly rated insurance companies.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the company had recorded a total of $75 million and $71 million, respectively, representing an estimate of the retained liability for the ultimate cost of claims incurred and unpaid as of the balance sheet dates. The estimated liability is established using statistical analysis and is based upon historical experience, actuarial assumptions and professional judgment. These estimates are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency and are subject to a significant degree of inherent variability. If actual claims differ from the company’s estimates, they will be adjusted at that time and financial results could be impacted.

Current wording

At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the company had recorded a total of $80 million and $75 million, respectively, representing an estimate of the retained liability for the ultimate cost of claims incurred and unpaid as of the balance sheet dates. The estimated liability is established using statistical analysis and is based upon historical experience, actuarial assumptions and professional judgment. These estimates are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency and are subject to a significant degree of inherent variability. If actual claims differ from the company’s estimates, they will be adjusted at that time and financial results could be impacted.

Previous wording

The industrial gases product line centers on the manufacturing and distribution of atmospheric gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare gases) and process gases (carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, electronic gases, specialty gases, acetylene). Many of these products are co-products of the same manufacturing process. Linde manufactures and distributes nearly all of its products and manages its customer relationships on a regional basis. Linde’s industrial gases are distributed to various end-markets within a regional segment through one of three basic distribution methods: on-site or tonnage; merchant or bulk; and packaged or cylinder gases. The distribution methods are generally integrated in order to best meet the customer’s needs and very few of its products can be economically transported outside of a region. Therefore, the distribution economics are specific to the various geographies in which the company operates and are consistent with how management assesses performance.

Current wording

The industrial gases product line centers on the manufacturing and distribution of atmospheric gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare gases) and process gases (hydrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, electronic gases, specialty gases, acetylene). Many of these products are co-products of the same manufacturing process. Linde manufactures and distributes nearly all of its products and manages its customer relationships on a regional basis. Linde’s industrial gases are distributed to various end-markets within a regional segment through one of three basic distribution methods: on-site or tonnage; merchant or bulk; and packaged or cylinder gases. The distribution methods are generally integrated in order to best meet the customer’s needs and very few of its products can be economically transported outside of a region. Therefore, the distribution economics are specific to the various geographies in which the company operates and are consistent with how management assesses performance.

Previous wording

The company’s measure of profit/loss for segment reporting purposes is segment operating profit. Segment operating profit is defined as operating profit excluding purchase accounting impacts of the Linde AG merger, intercompany royalties, and items not indicative of ongoing business trends. This is the manner in which the company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") assesses performance and allocates resources.

Current wording

The company’s measure of profit/loss for segment reporting purposes is segment operating profit. Segment operating profit is defined as operating profit excluding purchase accounting impacts of the Linde AG merger, cost reduction program and other charges, and items not indicative of ongoing business trends. This is the manner in which the company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") assesses performance and allocates resources.

Previous wording

Sales for the Americas segment increased $430 million, or 3%, in 2023 versus 2022. Higher pricing contributed 6% to sales. The impact of net acquisitions increased sales by 3% primarily due to the acquisition of nexAir, LLC (See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements). Cost past-through decreased sales by 6% with minimal impact on operating profit. Volumes and currency translation remained flat.

Current wording

Sales for the Americas segment increased $138 million, or 1%, in 2024 versus 2023. Higher pricing contributed 3% to sales. The impact of net acquisitions increased sales by 1%. Cost past-through decreased sales by 1% with minimal impact on operating profit. Currency translation decreased sales by 2% driven primarily by the weakening of the Brazilian real and Mexican peso against the U.S. Dollar. Volumes remained flat due base volume declines largely offset by project start-ups.

Previous wording

Operating profit in the Americas segment increased $512 million, or 14%, in 2023 versus 2022 driven primarily by higher pricing, acquisitions and continued productivity initiatives which more than offset cost inflation the year.

Current wording

Operating profit in the Americas segment increased $306 million, or 7%, in 2024 versus 2023 driven primarily by higher pricing, continued productivity initiatives and a settlement gain with a supplier, which more than offset cost inflation.

Previous wording

EMEA segment sales increased by $99 million, or 1%, in 2023 versus 2022. Higher price attainment increased sales by 9%. Volumes decreased sales by 4% led by the chemicals and energy end market. Cost pass-through decreased sales by 3% with minimal impact on operating profit. Currency translation increased sales by 1% due largely to the strengthening of the Euro and British pound against the U.S. Dollar. The impact of net divestitures decreased sales by 2% primarily due to the deconsolidation of the Russian subsidiaries in June 2022.

Current wording

EMEA segment sales decreased $190 million, or 2%, in 2024 versus 2023. Cost pass-through decreased sales by 4% with minimal impact on operating profit. Higher price attainment increased sales by 3%. Volumes decreased sales by 1% led by the manufacturing end market. Currency translation was flat.

Previous wording

Operating Profit for the EMEA segment increased $473 million, or 23%, in 2023 versus 2022. The increase was driven primarily by higher pricing and continued productivity initiatives, partially offset by cost inflation, lower volumes and divestitures.

Current wording

Operating Profit for the EMEA segment increased $294 million, or 12%, in 2024 versus 2023. The increase was driven primarily by higher pricing and continued productivity initiatives, partially offset by cost inflation and lower volumes.

Previous wording

Sales for the APAC segment increased $79 million, or 1%, in 2023 versus 2022. Volume increased 2% including project start-ups in the electronics and chemicals and energy end markets. Higher price increased sales by 4%. Cost pass-through decreased sales by 1% with minimal impact on operating profit. Currency translation decreased sales by 4% driven primarily by the weakening of the Australian dollar, Indian rupee and Chinese Yuan against the U.S. Dollar.

Current wording

Sales for the APAC segment increased $73 million, or 1%, in 2024 versus 2023. Volumes increased 2% including project start-ups in the electronics end market. Currency translation decreased sales by 2% driven primarily by the weakening of the Korean won and Chinese yuan against the U.S. Dollar. Cost pass-through increased sales by 1% with minimal impact on operating profit. Pricing was flat.