Linde, the industrial gases giant born of the merger between Germany's Linde and US-based Praxair, announced on Tuesday that it was targeting earnings per share growth of between 8% and 11% at constant exchange rates this year.

The group - now based in the UK and listed on the Nasdaq - says it anticipates adjusted EPS of between $15.25 and $15.65 for the 2024 financial year.

This corresponds, on a reported basis, to growth of between 7% and 10%.

CEO Sanjiv Lamba cites an "uncertain" geopolitical and economic environment, which should not prevent the company from winning high-quality projects.

For 2023, Linde reports adjusted EPS of $14.20, up 16%, on sales down 2% to $32.9 billion.

Fourth-quarter sales were up 5% to $8.3 billion, with operating income up 14% to $2 billion.

Adjusted EPS was up 14% to $3.59.

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