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19: R7 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies HTML 25K
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Narrative (Details)
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Instruments in Statement of Financial Position,
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Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
iIreland
i98-1448883
(State
or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
iThe Priestley Centre
i10
Priestley Road,
iSurrey Research Park,
iGuildford,
Surrey
iGU2
7XY
iUnited Kingdom
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
+44
i14
i83
242200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading
symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
iOrdinary shares (€0.001 nominal value per share)
iLIN
iNew
York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. iYes☒No☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). iYes☒No☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,”“accelerated filer,”“smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
iLarge
accelerated filer
☒
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
i☐
Emerging
growth company
i☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes☐Noi☒
This document contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are identified by terms and phrases such as: anticipate, believe, intend, estimate, expect, continue, should, could, may, plan, project, predict, will, potential, forecast, and similar expressions. They are based on management’s reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date the statements are made but involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the performance of stock markets generally; developments in worldwide and national economies and other international events and circumstances, including trade conflicts and
tariffs; changes in foreign currencies and in interest rates; the cost and availability of electric power, natural gas and other raw materials; the ability to achieve price increases to offset cost increases; catastrophic events including natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics such as COVID-19, and acts of war and terrorism; the ability to attract, hire, and retain qualified personnel; the impact of changes in financial accounting standards; the impact of changes in pension plan liabilities; the impact of tax, environmental, healthcare and other legislation and government regulation in jurisdictions in which the company operates; the cost and outcomes of investigations, litigation and regulatory proceedings; the impact of potential unusual or non-recurring items; continued timely development and market acceptance of new products and applications; the impact of competitive products
and pricing; future financial and operating performance of major customers and industries served; the impact of information technology system failures, network disruptions and breaches in data security; and the effectiveness and speed of integrating new acquisitions into the business. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual future results or circumstances to differ materially from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, International Financial Reporting Standards or adjusted projections, estimates or other forward-looking statements.
Linde plc assumes no obligation to update or provide revisions to any forward-looking statement in response to changing circumstances. The above listed risks and uncertainties are further described in Item 1A. Risk Factors in Linde plc’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2020 filed with the SEC on March 1, 2021, which should be reviewed carefully. Please consider Linde plc’s forward-looking statements in light of those risks.
Presentation of Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements- In the opinion of Linde management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented and such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements of Linde plc and subsidiaries in Linde's 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to the company’s significant accounting policies during 2021.
i
Accounting
Standards Implemented in 2021
•Income Taxes - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes - In December 2019, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing several exceptions in the current standard and adds guidance to reduce complexity in certain areas, such as requiring that an entity reflect the effect of an enacted change in tax laws or rates in the annual effective tax rate computation in the interim period that includes the enactment date, evaluating whether a step-up in tax basis of goodwill relates to a business combination or a separate transaction and allocating taxes to members of a consolidated group. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020, with early
adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact the company's consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Standards to be Implemented
•Reference Rate Reform - In March 2020, the FASB issued guidance related to reference rate reform which provides practical expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications, hedging relationships and other transactions that the reference London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other interbank offered rates. This update is applicable to our contracts
and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR and other interbank offered rates. The amendments may be applied to impacted contracts and hedges prospectively through December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
iReclassifications – Certain prior periods' amounts have been reclassified to conform
to the current year’s presentation.
2. iCost Reduction Programs and Other Charges
2021 Charges
Cost reduction programs and other charges were a benefit
of $i8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 (benefit of $i28
million, after tax). iThe following table summarizes the activities related to the company's cost reduction charges for the three months ended March 31, 2021:
Total cost reduction program related charges were $i44 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 ($i34
million, after tax).
Severance costs
Severance costs were $i26 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2021, the majority of the actions have been taken, with the remaining actions anticipated to be completed by the end of the fiscal year.
Other cost reduction charges
Other
cost reduction charges of $i18 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are primarily charges related to the execution of the company's synergistic actions including location consolidations and business rationalization projects, process harmonization, and associated non-recurring costs.
Merger-related Costs and Other Charges
Merger-related
costs and other charges were a benefit of $i52 million (benefit of $i62 million, after
tax) for the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily due to a $i52 million gain triggered by a joint venture deconsolidation in the APAC segment (see Note 13), and other tax adjustments.
Cash Requirements
The total cash requirements of the cost reduction program and other charges during the three months ended March
31, 2021 are estimated to be approximately $i24 million and are expected to be paid through 2022. Total cost reduction programs and other charges, net of payments in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2021 also reflects the impact of cash payments of liabilities, including merger-related tax liabilities, accrued as of December 31, 2020.
The
following table summarizes the activities related to the company's cost reduction related charges for the three months ended March 31, 2021:
Cost reduction programs and other charges were $i131 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 ($i95
million, after tax). Total cost reduction program related charges were $i78 million ($i56 million, after tax), which consisted
primarily of severance charges of $i58 million, largely in the EMEA and Engineering segments. Merger-related and other charges were $i53 million ($i39
million, after tax).
Classification in the condensed consolidated financial statements
The costs are shown within operating profit in a separate line item on the consolidated statements of income. On the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, the impact of these costs, net of cash payments, is shown as an adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities. In Note 10 Segments, Linde excluded these costs from its management definition of segment operating profit; a reconciliation of segment operating profit to consolidated operating profit is shown within the segment operating profit table.
Linde applies loss rates that are lifetime expected credit losses at initial recognition of the receivables. These expected loss rates are based on an analysis of the actual historical default rates for each business, taking regional circumstances into account. If necessary, these historical default rates are adjusted
to reflect the impact of current changes in the macroeconomic environment using forward-looking information. The loss rates are also evaluated based on the expectations of the responsible management team regarding the collectability of the receivables. Gross trade receivables aged less than one year were $i4,125 million and $i4,169 million
at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 respectively and gross receivables aged greater than one year were $i338 million and $i358 million
at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 respectively. Other receivables were $i122 million and $i111 million
at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Receivables aged greater than one year are generally fully reserved unless specific circumstances warrant exceptions, such as those backed by federal governments.
Accounts receivable net of reserves were $i4,139 million at March 31, 2021 and $i4,167 million
at December 31, 2020. Allowances for expected credit losses were $i446 million at March 31, 2021 and $i471 million
at December 31, 2020. Provisions for expected credit losses were $i39 million and $i46 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The allowance activity in the three months ended March 31, 2021 related to write-offs of uncollectible amounts, net of recoveries and currency movements is not material.
Inventories
i
The following is a summary of Linde's consolidated inventories:
(a)Amounts
are net of unamortized discounts, premiums and/or debt issuance costs as applicable.
(b)March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 included a cumulative $i62 million and $i79
million adjustment to carrying value, respectively, related to hedge accounting of interest rate swaps. Refer to Note 5 for additional information.
/
The company maintains a $i5 billion unsecured revolving credit agreement with a syndicate of banking
institutions that expires March 26, 2024. There are no financial maintenance covenants contained within the credit agreement. iNo borrowings were outstanding under the credit agreement as of March 31, 2021.
12
5.
iFinancial Instruments
In its normal operations, Linde is exposed to market risks relating to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, energy and commodity costs. The objective of financial risk management at Linde is to minimize the negative impact of such fluctuations on the company’s earnings and cash flows. To manage these risks, among other strategies, Linde routinely
enters into various derivative financial instruments (“derivatives”) including interest-rate swap and treasury rate lock agreements, currency-swap agreements, forward contracts, currency options, and commodity-swap agreements. These instruments are not entered into for trading purposes and Linde only uses commonly traded and non-leveraged instruments.
There are ithree types of derivatives that the
company enters into: (i) those relating to fair-value exposures, (ii) those relating to cash-flow exposures, and (iii) those relating to foreign currency net investment exposures. Fair-value exposures relate to recognized assets or liabilities, and firm commitments; cash-flow exposures relate to the variability of future cash flows associated with recognized assets or liabilities, or forecasted transactions; and net investment exposures relate to the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes on the carrying value of net assets denominated in foreign currencies.
When a derivative is executed and hedge accounting is appropriate, it is designated as either a fair-value hedge, cash-flow hedge, or a net investment hedge. Currently, Linde designates all interest-rate and treasury-rate locks as hedges for accounting purposes; however, cross-currency contracts
are generally not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Certain currency contracts related to forecasted transactions are designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Whether designated as hedges for accounting purposes or not, all derivatives are linked to an appropriate underlying exposure. On an ongoing basis, the company assesses the hedge effectiveness of all derivatives designated as hedges for accounting purposes to determine if they continue to be highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the underlying hedged items. If it is determined that the hedge is not highly effective through the use of a qualitative assessment, then hedge accounting will be discontinued prospectively.
Counterparties to Linde's derivatives
are major banking institutions with credit ratings of investment grade or better. The company has Credit Support Annexes ("CSAs") in place with its principal counterparties to minimize potential default risk and to mitigate counterparty risk. Under the CSAs, the fair values of derivatives for the purpose of interest rate and currency management are collateralized with cash on a regular basis. As of March 31, 2021, the impact of such collateral posting arrangements on the fair value of derivatives was insignificant. Management believes the risk of incurring losses on derivative contracts related to credit risk is remote and any losses would be immaterial.
(a)March 31,
2021 and December 31, 2020 included current assets of $i67 million and $i110 million
which are recorded in prepaid and other current assets; long-term assets of $i74 million and $i90 million which are recorded in other
long-term assets; current liabilities of $i42 million and $i70 million which are recorded in other current liabilities;
and long-term liabilities of $i11 million and $i11 million which are recorded in other long-term liabilities.
/
13
Balance Sheet Items
Foreign currency contracts related to balance sheet items consist of forward contracts entered into to manage the exposure to fluctuations in foreign-currency exchange rates on recorded balance sheet assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the related operating unit. Certain forward currency contracts are entered into to protect underlying monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies from foreign exchange risk and are not designated as hedging instruments. For balance sheet items that are not
designated as hedging instruments, the fair value adjustments on these contracts are offset by the fair value adjustments recorded on the underlying monetary assets and liabilities.
Forecasted Transactions
Foreign currency contracts related to forecasted transactions consist of forward contracts entered into to manage the exposure to fluctuations in foreign-currency exchange rates on (1) forecasted purchases of capital-related equipment and services, (2) forecasted sales, or (3) other forecasted cash flows denominated in currencies other than
the functional currency of the related operating units. For forecasted transactions that are designated as cash flow hedges, fair value adjustments are recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") with deferred amounts reclassified to earnings over the same time period as the income statement impact of the associated forecasted transaction. For forecasted transactions that do not qualify for cash flow hedging relationships, fair value adjustments are recorded directly to earnings.
Cross-Currency Swaps
Cross-currency interest rate swaps are entered into to limit the foreign currency risk of future principal and interest cash flows associated with intercompany loans, and to a more limited extent bonds, denominated in non-functional currencies. The fair value adjustments on the cross-currency
swaps are recorded to earnings, where they are offset by fair value adjustments on the underlying intercompany loan or bond.
Commodity contracts are entered into to manage the exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices, which arise in the normal course of business from its procurement transactions. To reduce the extent of this risk, Linde enters into a limited number of electricity, natural gas, and propane gas derivatives. For forecasted transactions that are designated as cash flow hedges, fair value adjustments are recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") with deferred amounts reclassified
to earnings over the same time period as the income statement impact of the associated purchase.
Net Investment Hedge
As of March 31, 2021, Linde has €i2.3 billion ($i2.7 billion)
intercompany Euro-denominated credit facility loans and intercompany loans which are designated as hedges of the net investment positions in foreign operations. Since hedge inception, the deferred loss recorded within the cumulative translation adjustment component of AOCI in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income is $i137 million (deferred gain of $i75 million
recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2021).
As of March 31, 2021, exchange rate movements relating to previously designated hedges that remain in AOCI is a gain of $i73 million. These movements will remain in AOCI, until appropriate, such as upon sale or liquidation of the related
foreign operations at which time amounts will be reclassified to the consolidated statement of income.
Interest Rate Swaps
Linde uses interest rate swaps to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities as a result of interest rate changes. These interest rate swaps effectively convert fixed-rate interest exposures to variable rates; fair value adjustments are recognized in earnings along with an equally offsetting charge/benefit to earnings for the changes in the fair value of the underlying financial asset or financial liability. The notional value of outstanding interest rate swaps of Linde with maturity dates from 2021 through 2028 was $i1,859 million
at March 31, 2021 and $i1,923 million at December 31, 2020 (see Note 4 for further information).
14
Terminated Treasury Rate Locks
The unrecognized aggregated losses related to terminated treasury rate lock contracts
on the underlying $ii500/ million ii2.20/%
fixed-rate notes that mature in 2022 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were immaterial in both periods. The unrecognized gains / (losses) for the treasury rate locks are shown in AOCI and are being recognized on a straight line basis to interest expense – net over the term of the underlying debt agreements.
Derivatives' Impact on Consolidated Statements of Income
i
The
following table summarizes the impact of the company’s derivatives on the consolidated statements of income:
Amount of Pre-Tax Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings *
*
The gains (losses) on balance sheet items are offset by gains (losses) recorded on the underlying hedged assets and liabilities. Accordingly, the gains (losses) for the derivatives and the underlying hedged assets and liabilities related to debt items are recorded in the consolidated statements of income as interest expense-net. Other balance sheet items and anticipated net income gains (losses) are generally recorded in the consolidated statements of income as other income (expenses)-net.
/
The amounts of gain or loss recognized in AOCI and reclassified to the consolidated statement of income was immaterial for the three months ended March
31, 2021. Net losses expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months are also not material.
6. iFair Value Disclosures
The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels as follows:
Level 1 – quoted prices in active
markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 – quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable
Level 3 – inputs that are unobservable (for example cash flow modeling inputs based on assumptions)
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
i
The following table summarizes assets and liabilities
measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
*
Investments and securities are recorded in prepaid and other current assets and other long-term assets in the company's condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Level 1 investments and securities are marketable securities traded on an exchange. Level 2 investments are based on market prices obtained
from independent brokers or determined using quantitative models that use as their basis readily observable market parameters that are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, including third-party pricing services, brokers and market transactions. Level 3 investments and securities consist of a venture fund within the Americas. For the valuation, Linde uses the net asset value received as part of the fund's quarterly reporting, which for the most part is not based on quoted prices in active markets. In order to reflect current market conditions, Linde proportionally adjusts these by observable market data (stock exchange prices) or current transaction prices.
The below summarizes the changes in level 3 investments and securities for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Gains (losses) recognized in earnings are
recorded to interest expense - net in the company's consolidated statements of income.
The level 3 investments and securities as of December 31, 2020 was $i47 million. During the quarter period the balance decreased $i2 million
related to foreign currency movements. The balance as of March 31, 2021 was $i45 million.
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term debt, accounts receivable-net, and accounts payable approximate carrying value because of the short-term maturities of these instruments.
The
fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues. Long-term debt is categorized within either Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the trading volume of the issues and whether or not they are actively quoted in the market as opposed to traded through over-the-counter transactions. At March 31, 2021, the estimated fair value of Linde’s long-term debt portfolio was $i12,746 million versus a carrying value of $i12,474
million. At December 31, 2020, the estimated fair value of Linde’s long-term debt portfolio was $i13,611 million versus a carrying value of $i12,903 million. Differences
between the carrying value and the fair value are attributable to fluctuations in interest rates subsequent to when the debt was issued and relative to stated coupon rates.
Basic and diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing Income from continuing operations, Income from discontinued operations and Net income – Linde plc for the period by the weighted average number of either basic or diluted shares outstanding, as follows:
Shares
earned and issuable under compensation plans
i356
i263
Weighted
average shares used in basic earnings per share
i522,459
i531,215
Effect
of dilutive securities
Stock options and awards
i4,468
i3,741
Weighted
average shares used in diluted earnings per share
i526,927
i534,956
Basic
earnings per share from continuing operations
$
i1.87
$
i1.07
Basic
earnings per share from discontinued operations
i—
i—
Basic
Earnings Per Share
$
i1.87
$
i1.07
Diluted
earnings per share from continuing operations
$
i1.86
$
i1.07
Diluted
earnings per share from discontinued operations
i—
i—
Diluted
Earnings Per Share
$
i1.86
$
i1.07
/
There
were iiiino///
antidilutive shares for any period presented.
8. iRetirement Programs
i
The
components of net pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions (“OPEB”) costs for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are shown below:
Quarter Ended March
31,
Pensions
OPEB
(Millions of dollars)
2021
2020
2021
2020
Amount
recognized in Operating Profit
Service cost
$
i40
$
i37
$
i—
$
i1
Amount
recognized in Net pension and OPEB cost (benefit), excluding service cost
Interest cost
i38
i52
i1
i1
Expected
return on plan assets
(i131)
(i120)
i—
i—
Net
amortization and deferral
i44
i23
(i1)
(i1)
(i49)
(i45)
i—
i—
Net
periodic benefit cost (benefit)
$
(i9)
$
(i8)
$
i—
$
i1
/
Linde
estimates that 2021 required contributions to its pension plans will be in the range of $i70 million to $i80
million, of which $i12 million have been made through March 31, 2021.
Linde is subject to various lawsuits and government investigations that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. These actions are based upon alleged environmental, tax, antitrust and personal injury claims, among others. Linde has strong defenses in these cases and intends to defend itself vigorously. It is possible that the
company may incur losses in connection with some of these actions in excess of accrued liabilities. Management does not anticipate that in the aggregate such losses would have a material adverse effect on the company’s consolidated financial position or liquidity; however, it is possible that the final outcomes could have a significant impact on the company’s reported results of operations in any given period (see Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements of Linde's 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K).
Significant matters are:
•During 2009, the Brazilian government published Law 11941/2009 instituting a new voluntary amnesty program (“Refis Program”) which allowed Brazilian
companies to settle certain federal tax disputes at reduced amounts. During 2009, the company decided that it was economically beneficial to settle many of its outstanding federal tax disputes and such disputes were enrolled in the Refis Program, subject to final calculation and review by the Brazilian federal government. The company recorded estimated liabilities based on the terms of the Refis Program. Since 2009, Linde has been unable to reach final agreement on the calculations and initiated litigation against the government in an attempt to resolve certain items. Open issues relate to the following matters: (i) application of cash deposits and net operating loss carryforwards to satisfy obligations and (ii) the amount of tax reductions available under the Refis Program. It is difficult to estimate
the timing of resolution of legal matters in Brazil.
•At March 31, 2021 the most significant non-income and income tax claims in Brazil, after enrollment in the Refis Program, relate to state VAT tax matters and a federal income tax matter where the taxing authorities are challenging the tax rate that should be applied to income generated by a subsidiary company. The total estimated exposure relating to such claims, including interest and penalties, as appropriate, is approximately $i190
million. Linde has not recorded any liabilities related to such claims based on management judgments, after considering judgments and opinions of outside counsel. Because litigation in Brazil historically takes many years to resolve, it is very difficult to estimate the timing of resolution of these matters; however, it is possible that certain of these matters may be resolved within the near term. The company is vigorously defending against the proceedings.
•On September 1, 2010, CADE (Brazilian Administrative Council for Economic Defense) announced alleged anticompetitive activity on the part of ifive
industrial gas companies in Brazil and imposed fines. Originally, CADE imposed a civil fine of R$i2.2 billion Brazilian reais ($i386 million) on White Martins, the Brazil-based subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. The fine was reduced
to R$i1.7 billion Brazilian reais ($i298 million) due to a calculation error made by CADE. The fine against White Martins was overturned by the Ninth Federal Court of Brasilia. CADE appealed this decision, and the Federal Court
of Appeals rejected CADE's appeal and confirmed the decision of the Ninth Federal Court of Brasilia. CADE has filed an appeal with the Superior Court of Justice and a decision is pending.
Similarly, on September 1, 2010, CADE imposed a civil fine of R$i237 million Brazilian reais ($i42
million) on Linde Gases Ltda., the former Brazil-based subsidiary of Linde AG, which was divested to MG Industries GmbH on March 1, 2019 and with respect to which Linde provided a contractual indemnity. The fine was reduced to R$i188 million Brazilian reais ($i33
million) due to a calculation error made by CADE. The fine against Linde Gases Ltda. was overturned by the Seventh Federal Court in Brasilia. CADE appealed this decision, and the Federal Court of Appeals rejected CADE's appeal and confirmed the decision of the Seventh Federal Court of Brasilia. CADE filed an appeal with the Superior Court of Justice, and a final decision is pending.
Linde has strong defenses and is confident that it will prevail on appeal and have the fines overturned. Linde strongly believes that the allegations of anticompetitive activity against our current and former Brazilian subsidiaries are not supported by valid and sufficient evidence. Linde believes that this decision will not stand up to judicial review and deems the possibility of cash outflows to be extremely unlikely. As a result, no reserves have been
recorded as management does not believe that a loss from this case is probable.
•On and after April 23, 2019 former shareholders of Linde AG filed appraisal proceedings at the District Court (Landgericht) Munich I (Germany), seeking an increase of the cash consideration paid in connection with the previously completed cash merger squeeze-out of all of Linde AG’s minority shareholders for €i189.46 per share. Any such increase would apply
to all i14,763,113 Linde AG shares that were outstanding on April 8, 2019, when the cash merger squeeze-out was completed. The period for plaintiffs to file claims expired on July 9, 2019. The company believes the consideration paid was fair and that the claims lack merit, and no reserve has been established. We cannot estimate the timing of resolution.
For a description of Linde plc's operating segments, refer to Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements on Linde plc's 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
i
The
table below presents sales and operating profit information about reportable segments and Other for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
Quarter Ended March 31,
(Millions of dollars)
2021
2020
SALES(a)
Americas
$
i2,840
$
i2,677
EMEA
i1,799
i1,633
APAC
i1,436
i1,336
Engineering
i674
i608
Other
i494
i485
Total
sales
$
i7,243
$
i6,739
Quarter Ended March
31,
(Millions of dollars)
2021
2020
SEGMENT OPERATING PROFIT
Americas
$
i795
$
i661
EMEA
i451
i355
APAC
i351
i281
Engineering
i109
i91
Other
(i18)
(i36)
Segment
operating profit
i1,688
i1,352
Cost
reduction programs and other charges (Note 2)
i8
(i131)
Purchase
accounting impacts - Linde AG
(i483)
(i488)
Total
operating profit
$
i1,213
$
i733
(a)Sales
reflect external sales only. Intersegment sales, primarily from Engineering to the industrial gases segments, were not material.
A
summary of the changes in total equity for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 is provided below:
Quarter Ended March
31,
(Millions of dollars)
2021
2020
Activity
Linde plc Shareholders’ Equity
Noncontrolling Interests
Total Equity
Linde plc Shareholders’ Equity
Noncontrolling Interests
Total Equity
Balance,
beginning of period
$
i47,317
$
i2,252
$
i49,569
$
i49,074
$
i2,448
$
i51,522
Net
income (a)
i980
i38
i1,018
i573
i35
i608
Other
comprehensive income (loss)
(i655)
(i6)
(i661)
(i2,574)
(i106)
(i2,680)
Noncontrolling
interests:
Additions (reductions) (b)
i—
(i853)
(i853)
i—
i2
i2
Dividends
and other capital changes
i—
(i21)
(i21)
i—
(i4)
(i4)
Dividends
to Linde plc ordinary share holders ($i1.060 per share in 2021 and $i0.963 per share in 2020)
(i553)
i—
(i553)
(i511)
i—
(i511)
Issuances
of ordinary shares:
For employee savings and incentive plans
(i2)
i—
(i2)
(i18)
i—
(i18)
Purchases
of ordinary shares
(i906)
i—
(i906)
(i1,811)
i—
(i1,811)
Share-based
compensation
i29
i—
i29
i43
i—
i43
Balance,
end of period
$
i46,210
$
i1,410
$
i47,620
$
i44,776
$
i2,375
$
i47,151
(a)
Net income for noncontrolling interests excludes net income related to redeemable noncontrolling interests which is not significant for both the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020which is not part of total equity.
/
(b) Additions (reductions) for noncontrolling interests as of the three months period ended March 31, 2021, includes the impact from the deconsolidation of a joint venture with operations in APAC (see Note 13).
Revenue is accounted for in accordance with ASC 606. Revenue is recognized as control of goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for the goods or services.
Linde serves a diverse group of industries including healthcare, petroleum refining, energy, manufacturing, food, beverage carbonation, fiber-optics, steel making, aerospace, chemicals and water treatment.
Industrial Gases
Within each of the company’s geographic segments for industrial gases, there are three basic distribution methods: (i) on-site or tonnage; (ii) merchant or bulk liquid; and (iii) packaged or cylinder gases. The distribution method used by Linde to supply a customer is determined by many factors, including the customer’s volume requirements and location. The distribution method generally determines the contract terms with the
customer and, accordingly, the revenue recognition accounting practices. Linde'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). These products are generally sold through one of the three distribution methods.
Following is a description of each of the three industrial gases distribution methods and the respective revenue recognition policies:
On-site. Customers that require the largest volumes of product and that have a relatively constant demand pattern are supplied by cryogenic and process gas on-site plants. Linde constructs plants on or adjacent to these customers’ sites and supplies the product directly to customers by pipeline. Where there are
large concentrations of customers, a single pipeline may be connected to several plants and customers. On-site product supply contracts generally are total requirement contracts with terms typically ranging from i10-i20
years and contain minimum purchase requirements and price escalation provisions. Many of the cryogenic on-site plants also produce liquid products for the merchant market. Therefore, plants are typically not dedicated to a single customer. Additionally, Linde is responsible for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of the plants and our customers typically have no involvement in these activities. Advanced air separation processes also allow on-site delivery to customers with smaller volume requirements.
The company’s performance obligations related to on-site customers are satisfied over time as customers receive and obtain control of the product. Linde has elected to apply the practical expedient for measuring progress towards the completion of a performance obligation and recognizes revenue as the
company has the right to invoice each customer, which generally corresponds with product delivery. Accordingly, revenue is recognized when product is delivered to the customer and the company has the right to invoice the customer in accordance with the contract terms. Consideration in these contracts is generally based on pricing which fluctuates with various price indices. Variable components of consideration exist within on-site contracts but are considered constrained.
Merchant. Merchant deliveries generally are made from Linde's plants
by tanker trucks to storage containers at the customer's site. Due to the relatively high distribution cost, merchant oxygen and nitrogen generally have a relatively small distribution radius from the plants at which they are produced. Merchant argon, hydrogen and helium can be shipped much longer distances. The customer agreements used in the merchant business are usually three-to iseven-year supply agreements based on the requirements of the customer. These contracts generally do not contain minimum purchase requirements or volume
commitments.
The company’s performance obligations related to merchant customers are generally satisfied at a point in time as the customers receive and obtain control of the product. Revenue is recognized when product is delivered to the customer and the company has the right to invoice the customer in accordance with the contract terms. Any variable components of consideration within merchant contracts are constrained however this consideration is not significant.
Packaged Gases. Customers requiring small
volumes are supplied products in containers called cylinders, under medium to high pressure. Linde distributes merchant gases from its production plants to company-owned cylinder filling plants where cylinders are then filled for distribution to customers. Cylinders may be delivered to the customer’s site or picked up by the customer at a packaging facility or retail store. Linde invoices the customer for the industrial gases and the use of the cylinder container(s). The company also sells hardgoods and welding equipment purchased from independent manufacturers. Packaged gases are generally sold under one to ithree-year
supply contracts and purchase orders and do not contain minimum purchase requirements or volume commitments.
The company’s performance obligations related to packaged gases are satisfied at a point in time. Accordingly, revenue is
recognized when product is delivered to the customer or when the customer picks up product from a packaged gas facility or retail store, and the
company has the right to payment from the customer in accordance with the contract terms. Any variable consideration is constrained and will be recognized when the uncertainty related to the consideration is resolved.
Linde Engineering
The company designs and manufactures equipment for air separation and other industrial gas applications manufactured specifically for end customers. Sale of equipment contracts are generally comprised of a single performance obligation. Revenue from sale of equipment is generally recognized over time as Linde has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date
and performance does not create an asset with alternative use. For contracts recognized over time, revenue is recognized primarily using a cost incurred input method. Costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion are used to measure progress toward satisfying performance obligations. Costs incurred include material, labor, and overhead costs and represent work contributing and proportionate to the transfer of control to the customer. Contract modifications are typically accounted for as part of the existing contract and are recognized as a cumulative adjustment for the inception-to-date effect of such change.
Contract assets and liabilities result from differences in timing of revenue recognition and customer invoicing. Contract assets primarily relate to sale of equipment contracts for which revenue is recognized over time. The balance represents unbilled revenue which occurs when revenue recognized under the measure of progress exceeds amounts invoiced to customers. Customer invoices may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of certain contractual milestones or a combination of both criteria. Contract liabilities include advance payments
or right to consideration prior to performance under the contract. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue as performance obligations are satisfied under contract terms. Linde has contract assets of $i137
million and $i162 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Total contract liabilities are $i2,511
million at March 31, 2021 (current of $i1,863 million and $i648 million within other
long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets). Total contract liabilities were $i2,301 million at December 31, 2020 (current contract liabilities of $i1,769
million and $i532 million in other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets). Revenue recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2021 that was included in the contract liability at December 31, 2020 was $i446
million. Contract assets and liabilities primarily relate to the Linde Engineering business.
Payment Terms and Other
Linde generally receives payment after performance obligations are satisfied, and customer prepayments are not typical for the industrial gases business. Payment terms vary based on the country where sales originate and local customary payment practices. Linde does not offer extended financing outside of customary payment terms. Amounts billed for sales and use taxes, value-added taxes, and certain excise and other specific transactional taxes imposed on revenue producing transactions are presented on a net basis and are not included in sales within the consolidated statement of income. Additionally, sales returns and allowances are not a normal practice in the industry and
are not significant.
Disaggregated Revenue Information
As described above and in Note 18 to Linde's 2020 Form 10-K, the company manages its industrial gases business on a geographic basis, while the Engineering and Other businesses are generally managed on a global basis. Furthermore, the company believes that reporting sales by distribution method by reportable geographic segment best illustrates the nature, timing, type of customer, and contract terms for its revenues, including terms and pricing.
i
The
following tables show sales by distribution method at the consolidated level and for each reportable segment and Other for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020.
As described above, Linde's contracts with on-site customers are under long-term supply arrangements which generally require the customer to purchase their requirements from Linde and also have minimum purchase requirements. The company estimates the consideration related to minimum purchase requirements is approximately $i45 billion.
This amount excludes all sales above minimum purchase requirements, which can be significant depending on customer needs. In the future, actual amounts will be different due to impacts from several factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control including, but not limited to, timing of newly signed, terminated and renewed contracts, inflationary price escalations, currency exchange rates, and pass-through costs related to natural gas and electricity. The actual duration of long-term supply contracts ranges up to itwenty
years. The company estimates that approximately half of the revenue related to minimum purchase requirements will be earned in the next ifive years and the remaining thereafter.
13. iDivestitures
Effective
January 1, 2021, Linde deconsolidated a joint venture with operations in APAC, due to the expiration of certain contractual rights that the parties mutually agreed not to renew. From the effective date, the joint venture is reflected as an equity investment on Linde's consolidated balance sheet with the corresponding results reflected in income from equity investments on the consolidated statement of income.
The fair value of the joint venture at January 1, 2021 was determined using a discounted cash flow model and approximated the carrying amount of its net assets. The net carrying value of $i852 million
was mainly comprised of assets of approximately $i1.9 billion (primarily Other intangibles and Property plant and equipment - net), net of liabilities of approximately $i1.0 billion. Upon deconsolidation an equity investment was recorded representing Linde's share of
the joint venture's net assets. The deconsolidation resulted in a gain of $i52 million recorded within cost reduction programs and other charges (see Note 2) related to the release of the CTA balance recorded within AOCI. The company did not receive any consideration, cash or otherwise, as part of the deconsolidation.
The joint venture contributed sales of approximately $i600 million
in 2020. Future earnings per share will not be affected as the ownership percent remains the same.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A")
Non-GAAP Measures
Throughout MD&A,
the company provides adjusted operating results from continuing operations exclusive of certain items such as cost reduction programs and other charges, net gains on sale of businesses, purchase accounting impacts of the Linde AG merger and pension settlement charges. Adjusted amounts are non-GAAP measures which are intended to supplement investors’ understanding of the company’s financial information by providing measures which investors, financial analysts and management find useful in evaluating the company’s operating performance. Items which the company does not believe to be indicative of on-going business performance
are excluded from these calculations so that investors can better evaluate and analyze historical and future business trends on a consistent basis. In addition, operating results from continuing operations, excluding these items, is important to management's development of annual and long-term employee incentive compensation plans. Definitions of these non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similar definitions used by other companies and are not a substitute for similar GAAP measures.
The non-GAAP measures and reconciliations are separately included in a later section in the MD&A titled "Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations."
Consolidated Results
The
following table provides summary information for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. The reported amounts are GAAP amounts from the Consolidated Statements of Income. The adjusted amounts are intended to supplement investors' understanding of the company's financial information and are not a substitute for GAAP measures:
Quarter Ended March
31,
(Millions of dollars, except per share data)
2021
2020
Variance
Sales
$
7,243
$
6,739
7
%
Cost
of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
$
4,054
$
3,843
5
%
As a percent of sales
56.0
%
57.0
%
Selling,
general and administrative
$
787
$
861
(9)
%
As a percent of sales
10.9
%
12.8
%
Depreciation
and amortization
$
1,166
$
1,142
2
%
Cost reduction programs and other charges (b)
$
(8)
$
131
(106)
%
Other
income (expense) - net
$
4
$
15
(73)
%
Operating profit
$
1,213
$
733
65
%
Operating
margin
16.7
%
10.9
%
Interest expense - net
$
20
$
24
(17)
%
Net
pension and OPEB cost (benefit), excluding service cost
$
(49)
$
(45)
9
%
Effective tax rate
21.6
%
21.9
%
Income
from equity investments
$
43
$
17
153
%
Noncontrolling interests from continuing operations
$
(38)
$
(35)
9
%
Income
from continuing operations
$
979
$
571
71
%
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
$
1.86
$
1.07
74
%
Diluted
shares outstanding
526,927
534,956
(2)
%
Number of employees
71,699
79,008
(9)
%
Adjusted
Amounts (a)
Operating profit
$
1,688
$
1,352
25
%
Operating
margin
23.3
%
20.1
%
Effective tax rate
23.9
%
23.9
%
Income
from continuing operations
$
1,312
$
1,009
30
%
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
$
2.49
$
1.89
32
%
Other
Financial Data (a)
EBITDA from continuing operations
$
2,422
$
1,892
28
%
As
percent of sales
33.4
%
28.1
%
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations
$
2,438
$
2,049
19
%
As
percent of sales
33.7
%
30.4
%
(a) Adjusted Amounts and Other Financial Data are non-GAAP performance measures. A reconciliation of reported amounts to adjusted amounts can be found in the "Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations" sections of this MD&A.
(b) See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Reported
In the first quarter of 2021, Linde's sales were $7,243 million, 7% above prior year, primarily driven by 2% price attainment and 3% higher volumes. Currency translation increased sales by 4% in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to 2020.
Reported operating profit for the first quarter of 2021 of $1,213 million, or 16.7% of sales, was 65% above prior year. The reported year-over-year increase was primarily due to higher price and volumes and lower cost reduction programs and other charges. The reported effective tax rate ("ETR") was 21.6% in the
first quarter 2021 versus 21.9% in the first quarter 2020. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations ("EPS") was $1.86, or 74% above EPS of $1.07 in the first quarter of 2020 primarily due to higher income from continuing operations and lower diluted shares outstanding.
Adjusted
In the first quarter of 2021, adjusted operating profit of $1,688 million, or 23.3% of sales, was 25% higher as compared to 2020 driven by higher price and volumes and continued productivity initiatives across all segments. The adjusted ETR was 23.9% in the first quarter 2021, flat versus the 2020 quarter. On an adjusted basis, EPS was $2.49, 32% above the 2020 adjusted EPS of $1.89, driven by higher adjusted income from continuing operations and lower diluted shares outstanding.
Outlook
Linde
provides quarterly updates on operating results, material trends that may affect financial performance, and financial guidance via quarterly earnings releases and investor teleconferences. These updates are available on the company’s website, www.linde.com, but are not incorporated herein.
Results of operations
The changes in consolidated sales compared to the prior year are attributable to the following:
Sales
increased $504 million, or 7%, for the first quarter of 2021 versus the respective 2020 period. Volume increased sales by 3% in the quarter primarily driven by healthcare, electronics and a recovery in the cyclical end markets of manufacturing, metals, chemicals and refining. Higher pricing across all geographic segments contributed 2% to sales in the quarter. Currency translation increased sales by 4% in the quarter, largely in EMEA and APAC, driven by the strengthening of the Euro, Australian dollar, Chinese yuan and British pound against the U.S. dollar. Cost pass-through increased sales by 1% in the quarter with minimal impact on operating profit. The deconsolidation of a joint venture with operations in APAC decreased sales by 3% (see Note 13 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization
Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation
and amortization increased $211 million, or 5%, for the first quarter of 2021 primarily due to higher volumes and currency impacts, partially offset by productivity initiatives. Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization was 56.0% of sales for the first quarter of 2021 versus 57.0% of sales for the respective 2020 period. The decrease as a percentage of sales in the quarter was due primarily to cost reduction and productivity initiatives.
Selling,
general and administrative expense ("SG&A") decreased $74 million, or 9%, for the first quarter of 2021. SG&A was 10.9% of first quarter sales versus 12.8% for the respective 2020 period. Currency impacts increased SG&A by approximately $25 million in the quarter. Excluding currency impacts, underlying SG&A decreased driven by lower incentive compensation and continued cost reduction and productivity initiatives.
Depreciation and amortization
Reported depreciation and amortization expense increased $24 million, or 2%, for the first quarter of 2021 primarily due to currency translation impacts.
On an adjusted basis depreciation and amortization increased $22 million, or 3%, for the first quarter of 2021, primarily due to currency translation impacts which increased depreciation and amortization by $20 million. Excluding
currency impacts, underlying depreciation was relatively flat as the impact of new project start ups was largely offset by the deconsolidation of a joint venture with operations in APAC (see Note 13 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).
Cost reduction programs and other charges
Cost reduction programs and other charges was a benefit of $8 million and a charge of $131 million for the first quarter 2021 and 2020, respectively, primarily related to merger and synergy-related costs (see Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).
On an adjusted basis, these costs have been excluded in both periods.
Operating profit
On a reported basis, operating profit increased $480 million, or 65%, for 2021. The increase was primarily
due to higher volumes and price, partially offset by the deconsolidation of a joint venture with operations in APAC. Cost reduction programs and other charges was a benefit of $8 million for the first quarter, versus a charge of $131 million for the respective 2020 period.
On an adjusted basis, which excludes the impacts of purchase accounting and cost reduction programs and other charges, operating profit increased $336 million, or 25% in the 2021 quarter. Operating profit growth was driven by higher volume and price and the benefit of cost reduction programs and productivity initiatives, partially offset by the deconsolidation of a joint venture with operations in APAC. A discussion of operating profit by segment is included in the segment discussion that follows.
Interest expense - net
Reported
interest expense - net decreased $4 million for the first quarter of 2021. On an adjusted basis interest expense decreased $8 million for the first quarter versus the respective 2020 period.
On both a reported and adjusted basis, the decrease was driven primarily by the impact of unfavorable foreign currency revaluation on an unhedged intercompany loan in the prior year period.
Net pension and OPEB cost (benefit), excluding service cost
Reported net pension and OPEB cost (benefit), excluding service cost was a benefit of $49 million for the 2021 quarter, versus a benefit of $45 million for the respective 2020 period. The increase in benefit of $4 million largely relates to a higher expected return on assets and lower interest costs driven by the low discount rate environment offset by higher amortization of deferred losses.
Effective
tax rate
The reported effective tax rate ("ETR") for the 2021 quarter was 21.6%, versus 21.9% for the respective 2020 period.
On an adjusted basis, the ETR for the first quarter 2021 was 23.9%, flat with the respective 2020 period.
Income from equity investments
Reported income from equity investments for the first quarter 2021 was $43 million, versus $17 million for the respective 2020 period. On an adjusted basis, income from equity investments for the first quarter of 2021 was $62 million, versus $31 million, in the prior respective period. The increase in both the reported and adjusted income from equity investments was driven by the deconsolidation of a joint venture with operations in APAC which is reflected in equity income effective
January 1, 2021 (see Note 13 to the condensed consolidated financial statements), and the impact of unfavorable foreign currency revaluation on an unhedged loan of an investment in EMEA in the prior year period.
Noncontrolling interests from continuing operations
At March 31, 2021, noncontrolling interests from continuing operations consisted primarily of non-controlling shareholders' investments in APAC (primarily China) and surface technologies.
Reported
noncontrolling interests from continuing operations increased $3 million for the first quarter of 2021 versus the respective 2020 period. Adjusted noncontrolling interests from continuing operations decreased $7 million for the first quarter of 2021 versus the respective 2020 period, primarily driven by the deconsolidation of a joint venture with operations in APAC (see Note 13 to the condensed consolidated financial statements) and the buyout of minority shareholders in the Republic of South Africa.
Income from continuing operations
Reported income from continuing operations increased $408 million, or 71%, for the first quarter of 2021 primarily due to higher operating profit versus the respective 2020 period.
On an adjusted basis, which excludes the impacts of purchase accounting and other non-GAAP adjustments, income from continuing
operations increased $303 million, or 30%, for 2021 versus the respective 2020 period. The increase in the quarter was driven by higher overall adjusted operating profit.
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
Reported diluted EPS from continuing operations increased $0.79, or 74%, for 2021 versus the comparable 2020 period. On an adjusted basis, diluted EPS of $2.49 for the first quarter increased $0.60, or 32% versus the respective 2020 period. The increase in both reported and adjusted diluted EPS is driven by higher income from continuing operations and lower diluted shares outstanding.
Employees
The number of employees at March 31, 2021 was 71,699, a decrease of 7,309 employees from March 31,
2020 primarily driven by cost reduction actions and divestitures.
Other Financial Data
EBITDA from continuing operations was $2,422 million for the first quarter 2021 as compared to $1,892 million in the respective 2020 period. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations increased to $2,438 million for the first quarter 2021 from $2,049 million in the respective 2020 period.
See the "Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations" section for definitions and reconciliations of these adjusted non-GAAP measures to reported GAAP amounts.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the first quarter 2021 was a loss of $661 million and resulted primarily from currency translation adjustments of $715 million during the quarter.
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 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a summary of the currency translation adjustment component of accumulated other comprehensive income by segment.
The following summary of sales and operating profit by segment provides a basis for the discussion that follows. Linde plc evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based on operating profit, excluding items not indicative of ongoing business trends.The reported amounts are GAAP amounts from the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Quarter Ended March
31,
(Millions of dollars)
2021
2020
Variance
SALES
Americas
$
2,840
$
2,677
6
%
EMEA
1,799
1,633
10
%
APAC
1,436
1,336
7
%
Engineering
674
608
11
%
Other
494
485
2
%
Total
sales
$
7,243
$
6,739
7
%
SEGMENT
OPERATING PROFIT
Americas
$
795
$
661
20
%
EMEA
451
355
27
%
APAC
351
281
25
%
Engineering
109
91
20
%
Other
(18)
(36)
50
%
Segment
operating profit
$
1,688
$
1,352
25
%
Reconciliation to reported operating profit:
Cost
reduction programs and other charges (Note 2)
The Americas segment includes Linde's industrial gases operations in approximately 20 countries including the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil.
Sales
Sales for the Americas segment increased $163 million, or 6%, for the first quarter of 2021 versus the respective 2020 period. Higher pricing contributed 3% to sales in the quarter. Higher volumes increased sales by 4% led by higher demand from the healthcare and chemical and refining end markets. Currency translation decreased sales by 2% in the quarter primarily driven by the weakening of the Brazilian real and Mexican peso against the U.S. Dollar. Cost pass-through contributed 1% to sales in the quarter with minimal impact on operating
profit.
Operating profit
Operating profit in the Americas segment increased $134 million, or 20%, in 2021 versus the respective 2020 period. Operating profit increased due primarily to higher pricing and higher volumes, which were partially offset by unfavorable impacts of currency translation.
The
EMEA segment includes Linde's industrial gases operations in approximately 45 European, Middle Eastern and African countries including Germany, France, Sweden, the Republic of South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Sales
EMEA segment sales increased by $166 million, or 10%, for the first quarter 2021 as compared to the respective 2020 period. Volumes increased 1% in the quarter driven by increased demand from the healthcare end market. Higher price increased sales by 3% in the quarter. Currency translation increased sales by 7% in the quarter due to the strengthening of the Euro, British pound and Swedish krona against the U.S. Dollar. Sales decreased 2% in the quarter related to the 2020 divestiture of a non-core business in Scandinavia. Cost pass-through contributed 1% to sales in the quarter with minimal impact
on operating profit.
Operating profit
Operating profit for the EMEA segment increased by $96 million, or 27%, in the first quarter 2021 as compared to the respective 2020 period, driven largely by higher price, continued cost reduction and productivity initiatives and favorable currency translation.
The
APAC segment includes Linde's industrial gases operations in approximately 20 Asian and South Pacific countries and regions including China, Australia, India and South Korea.
Sales
Sales for the APAC segment increased $100 million, or 7%, for the first quarter 2021 versus the respective 2020 period. Volumes increased 10% in the quarter primarily in the cyclical end markets and project start-ups. Higher price contributed 1% to sales. Currency translation increased sales by 6% in quarter driven primarily by the strengthening of the Chinese yuan and Australian dollar against the U.S. Dollar in the period. Sales decreased $143 million, or 11%, in the first quarter of 2021 due to the deconsolidation of a joint venture with operations in Taiwan (see Note 13 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).
Operating
profit
Operating profit in the APAC segment increased $70 million, or 25%, in the first quarter 2021 versus the respective 2020 period driven by higher volumes, continued cost reduction and productivity initiatives and favorable currency translation, partially offset by a $28 million reduction due to the deconsolidation of a joint venture.
Engineering segment sales increased $66 million, or 11%, in the first quarter 2021 as compared to the respective 2020 period driven primarily by favorable currency impacts of 7%. Volumes increased sales by 4% driven by project timing.
Operating profit
Engineering segment operating profit increased $18 million, or 20%, in the first quarter 2021 as compared to the respective 2020 period driven by productivity initiatives and favorable currency impacts.
Other
consists of corporate costs and a few smaller businesses including: Surface Technologies, GIST, global helium wholesale, and Electronic Materials; which individually do not meet the quantitative thresholds for separate presentation.
Sales
Sales for Other increased $9 million, or 2%, for the first quarter 2021 versus the respective 2020 period. Currency translation increased sales by 5% in the period. Lower volumes decreased sales by 4% largely due to Surface Technologies. Cost pass-through increased sales by 1%.
Operating profit
Operating profit in Other increased $18 million, or 50% in the first quarter 2021 versus the respective 2020 period, due primarily to continued cost reduction and
productivity initiatives.
The results of Linde's non-U.S. operations are translated to the company’s reporting currency, the U.S. dollar, from the functional currencies. For most operations, Linde uses the local currency as its functional currency. There is inherent variability and unpredictability in the relationship of these functional currencies
to the U.S. dollar and such currency movements may materially impact Linde's results of operations in any given period.
To help understand the reported results, the following is a summary of the significant currencies underlying Linde's consolidated results and the exchange rates used to translate the financial statements (rates of exchange expressed in units of local currency per U.S. dollar):
Add: Cost reduction programs and other charges, net of payments (a)
(76)
40
Net income adjusted for non-cash charges
2,071
1,724
Less:
Working capital
(42)
(270)
Less:
Pension contributions
(12)
(17)
Other
92
(90)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
2,109
$
1,347
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital
expenditures
(762)
(803)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(10)
(41)
Divestitures and asset sales
21
231
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
$
(751)
$
(613)
FINANCING
ACTIVITIES
Debt increase (decrease) - net
681
3,112
Issuances (purchases) of common stock - net
(851)
(1,815)
Cash dividends - Linde plc shareholders
(553)
(511)
Noncontrolling
interest transactions and other
(247)
(27)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
$
(970)
$
759
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
$
(46)
$
(179)
Cash
and cash equivalents, end-of-period
$
4,096
$
4,014
(a) See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Cash Flow from Operations
Cash provided by operations of $2,109 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 increased $762 million, or 57%, versus 2020. The increase was driven by higher net income adjusted for non-cash charges, lower working capital requirements, lower merger and synergy related cash outflows
and favorable changes in other long-term assets and liabilities. Cost reduction programs and other charges was a benefit of $8 million and a charge of $131 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Related cash outflows were $68 million and $91 million for the same respective periods.
Linde estimates that total 2021 required contributions to its pension plans will be in the range of $70 million to $80 million, of which $12 million has been made through March 31, 2021. At a minimum, Linde contributes to its pension plans to comply with local regulatory requirements (e.g., ERISA in the United States). 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 the cash. Changes to these factors can impact the amount and timing of discretionary contributions from year to year.
Net cash used for investing of $751 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 increased $138 million versus 2020, primarily driven by the
proceeds from divestitures in 2020, partially offset by lower capital expenditures and acquisitions.
Capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $762 million, $41 million lower than the prior year.
At March 31, 2021, Linde's sale of gas backlog of large projects under construction was approximately $3.5 billion. This represents the total estimated capital cost of large plants under construction.
Acquisitions for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $10 million and related primarily to acquisitions in EMEA. Acquisitions for the three months ended
March 31, 2020 were $41 million and related to acquisitions in the Americas.
Divestitures and asset sales for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were $21 million and $231 million, respectively. The 2020 period includes net proceeds from merger-related divestitures of $98 million from the sale of selected assets of Linde China and proceeds of approximately $130 million related to the divestiture of a non-core business in Scandinavia.
Financing
Cash used for financing activities was $970 million for the three months ended March 31,
2021 as compared to cash provided by financing activities of $759 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Cash provided by debt was $681 million versus cash provided by debt of $3,112 million in 2020 primarily due to lower short-term debt borrowings net of repayments. Net purchases of ordinary shares were $851 million in 2021 versus $1,815 million in 2020. Cash dividends of $553 million increased $42 million from 2020 driven primarily by a 10% increase in quarterly dividends per share from 96.3 cents per share to 106 cents per share. Cash used for Noncontrolling interest transactions and other was $247 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 versus cash used of $27 million for the respective 2020 period due to the settlement of the buyout of minority interests in the Republic of South Africa in January of 2021.
The
company continues to believe it has sufficient operating flexibility, cash, and funding sources to meet its business needs around the world. The company had $4.1 billion of cash as of March 31, 2021, and has a $5 billion unsecured and undrawn revolving credit agreement with no associated financial covenants. No borrowings were outstanding under the credit agreement as of March 31, 2021. The company does not anticipate any limitations on its ability to access the debt capital markets and/or other external funding sources and remains committed to its strong ratings from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s.
On January
25, 2021, the company's board of directors approved the repurchase of $5.0 billion of its ordinary shares ("2021 program") which could take place from time to time on the open market (and could include the use of 10b5-1 trading plans), subject to market and business conditions. The 2021 program has a maximum repurchase amount of 15% of outstanding shares, began on February 1, 2021 and expires on July 31, 2023.
Legal Proceedings
See Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
The following non-GAAP measures are intended to supplement investors’ understanding of the company’s financial information by providing measures which investors, financial analysts and management use to help evaluate the company’s operating performance and liquidity. Items which the company does not believe
to be indicative of on-going business trends are excluded from these calculations so that investors can better evaluate and analyze historical and future business trends on a consistent basis. Definitions of these non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similar definitions used by other companies and are not a substitute for similar GAAP measures.
Add:
Noncontrolling interests related to continuing operations
38
35
Add: Net pension and OPEB cost (benefit), excluding service cost
(49)
(45)
Add: Interest expense
20
24
Add:
Income taxes
268
165
Add: Depreciation and amortization
1,166
1,142
EBITDA from continuing operations
$
2,422
$
1,892
Add:
Cost reduction programs and other charges
(8)
131
Add: Purchase accounting impacts - Linde AG (c)
24
26
Total adjustments
16
157
Adjusted
EBITDA from continuing operations
$
2,438
$
2,049
Reported sales
$
7,243
$
6,739
%
of sales
EBITDA from continuing operations
33.4
%
28.1
%
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations
33.7
%
30.4
%
(a) The
income tax expense (benefit) on the non-GAAP pre-tax adjustments was determined using the applicable tax rates for the jurisdictions that were utilized in calculating the GAAP income tax expense (benefit) and included both current and deferred income tax amounts.
(b) Net of income taxes which are shown separately in “Adjusted Income Taxes and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate”.
(c) The company believes that its non-GAAP measures excluding Purchase accounting impacts - Linde AG are useful to investors because: (i) the business combination was a merger of equals in an all-stock merger transaction, with no cash consideration, (ii) the company is managed on a
geographic basis and the results of certain geographies are more heavily impacted by purchase accounting than others, causing results that are not comparable at the reportable segment level, therefore, the impacts of purchasing accounting adjustments to each segment vary and are not comparable within the company and when compared to other companies in similar regions, (iii) business management is evaluated and variable compensation is determined based on results excluding purchase accounting impacts, and; (iv) it is important to investors and analysts to understand the purchase accounting impacts to the financial statements.
A summary of each of the adjustments made for Purchase accounting impacts - Linde AG are as follows:
Adjusted Operating Profit and Margin: The purchase accounting adjustments
for the periods presented relate primarily to depreciation and amortization related to the fair value step up of fixed assets and intangible assets (primarily customer related) acquired in the merger and the allocation of fair value step-up for ongoing Linde AG asset disposals (reflected in Other Income/(Expense)).
Adjusted Interest Expense - Net: Relates to the amortization of the fair value of debt acquired in the merger.
Adjusted Income Taxes and Effective Tax Rate: Relates to the current and deferred income tax impact on the adjustments discussed above. The income tax expense (benefit) on the non-GAAP pre-tax adjustments was determined using the applicable tax rates for the jurisdictions that were utilized in calculating the GAAP income tax expense (benefit) and included both current and deferred income tax amounts.
Adjusted
Income from Equity Investments: Represents the amortization of increased fair value on equity investments related to depreciable and amortizable assets.
Adjusted Noncontrolling Interests from Continuing Operations: Represents the noncontrolling interests’ ownership portion of the adjustments described above determined on an entity by entity basis.
Net Debt and Adjusted Net Debt
Net debt is a financial liquidity measure used by investors, financial analysts and management to evaluate the ability of a company to repay its debt. Purchase accounting impacts have been excluded as they are non-cash and do not have an impact on liquidity.
On June 6, 2020, the company filed a Form S-3 Registration Statement with the SEC ("the Registration Statement").
Linde plc may offer debt securities, preferred shares, depositary shares and ordinary shares under the Registration Statement, and debt securities exchangeable for or convertible into preferred shares, ordinary shares or other debt securities. Debt securities of Linde plc may be guaranteed by Linde, Inc (previously Praxair) and/or Linde GmbH (previously Linde AG). Linde plc may provide guarantees of debt securities
offered by its wholly owned subsidiaries Linde, Inc. or Linde Finance under the Registration Statement.
Linde, Inc. (previously Praxair, Inc.) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Linde plc. Linde, Inc. may offer debt securities under the Registration Statement. Debt securities of Linde, Inc. will be guaranteed by Linde plc, and such guarantees by Linde plc may be guaranteed by Linde GmbH. Linde, Inc. may also provide (i) guarantees of debt securities offered by Linde plc under the Registration Statement and (ii) guarantees of the guarantees provided by Linde plc of debt securities of Linde Finance offered under the Registration Statement.
Linde Finance B.V. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Linde plc. Linde Finance may offer debt securities under the Registration
Statement. Linde plc will guarantee debt securities of Linde Finance offered under the Registration Statement. Linde GmbH and Linde, Inc. may guarantee Linde plc’s obligations under its downstream guarantee.
Linde GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Linde plc. Linde GmbH may provide (i) guarantees of debt securities offered by Linde plc under the Registration Statement and (ii) upstream guarantees of downstream guarantees provided by Linde plc of debt securities of Linde, Inc. or Linde Finance offered under the Registration Statement.
In September 2019, Linde plc provided downstream guarantees of all of the pre-business combination Linde, Inc. and Linde Finance notes, and Linde GmbH and Linde, Inc., respectively, provided upstream guarantees of Linde plc’s downstream guarantees.
For
further information about the guarantees of the debt securities registered under the Registration Statement (including the ranking of such guarantees, limitations on enforceability of such guarantees and the circumstances under which such guarantees may be released), see “Description of Debt Securities – Guarantees” and “Description of Debt Securities – Ranking” in the Registration Statement, which subsections are incorporated herein by reference.
The following tables present summarized financial information for Linde plc, Linde, Inc., Linde GmbH and Linde Finance on a combined basis, after eliminating intercompany transactions and balances between them and excluding investments in and equity in earnings from non-guarantor subsidiaries.
(a)From current assets above, amount due from non-guarantor subsidiaries
$
949
$
937
(b) From long-term assets above,
amount due from non-guarantor subsidiaries
4,336
4,553
(c) From current liabilities above, amount due to non-guarantor subsidiaries
1,078
1,053
(d) From long-term liabilities above, amount due to non-guarantor subsidiaries
22,834
22,419
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Refer to Item 7A. to Part II of Linde's 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for discussion.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
(a)Based on an evaluation of the effectiveness of Linde's disclosure controls and procedures, which was made under the supervision and with the participation of management, including Linde's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer have each concluded that, as of the end of the quarterly period covered by this report, such disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by Linde in reports
that it files under the Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and accumulated and communicated to management including Linde's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b)There were no changes in Linde's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarterly period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Linde's internal control over financial reporting.
See Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a description of current legal proceedings.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Through the quarterly period covered by this report, there have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A to Part I of Linde's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Purchases of Equity Securities- Certain information regarding purchases made by or on behalf of the company or any affiliated purchaser (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of its ordinary shares
during the quarter ended March 31, 2021 is provided below:
Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
(Thousands)
Average Price Paid Per
Share
Total Numbers of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Program (1,2)
(Thousands)
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet be Purchased
Under the Program (2)
(Millions)
January 2021
537
$
257.37
537
$
1,138
February
2021
1,240
$
251.63
1,240
$
4,688
March 2021
1,719
$
265.40
1,719
$
4,232
First
Quarter 2021
3,496
$
259.28
3,496
$
4,232
(1) On January 22, 2019the company’s board of directors approved the repurchase of $6.0 billion of its ordinary shares ("2019 program") which could take place from time to time on the open market (which could include the use of 10b5-1 trading
plans), subject to market and business conditions. The 2019 program had a maximum repurchase amount of 15% of outstanding shares and expired on February 1, 2021.
(2) On January 25, 2021the company's board of directors approved the repurchase of $5.0 billion of its ordinary shares ("2021 program") which could take place from time to time on the open market (and could include the use of 10b5-1 trading plans), subject to market and business conditions.The 2021 program has a maximum repurchase amount of 15% of outstanding shares, began on February 1, 2021 and expires on July 31, 2023.
As
of March 31, 2021, the company repurchased $768 million and $4.9 billion of its ordinary shares pursuant to the 2021 and 2019 programs, respectively. Under the 2021 program, $4.2 billion shares remain authorized. The 2019 program expired on February 1, 2021.
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*Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.