India, Feb. 6 -- Industrial gases company Linde plc (LIN) reported Tuesday that its fourth-quarter net income grew 16 percent to $1.54 billion from last year's $1.33 billion.
Earnings per share were $3.16, up 18 percent from last year's $2.67.
Adjusted net income was $1.75 billion or $3.59 per share, compared to $1.57 billion or $3.16 per share a year ago.
On average, 14 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings of $3.49 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.
Linde's sales for the fourth quarter were $8.30 billion, 5 percent above prior year's $7.90 billion. Sales were 3 percent above when excluding positive currency impact. Underlying sales increased 4 percent from price attainment an...