Linde Bangladesh posts modest H1 profit growth

Linde Bangladesh reported a modest 4 per cent year-on-year growth in profit for the first half (January-June) of 2026, supported by higher sales and lower operating expenses.

The multinational industrial gas producer posted a profit of nearly Tk 195 million, up from Tk 188 million in the corresponding period of last year.

Earnings per share (EPS) rose to Tk 12.78 in the January-June period, up from Tk 12.33 in the same period a year before, according to its unaudited financial statements released on Monday.

The company attributed the growth to increased revenue and lower operating costs. Revenue climbed 13 per cent year-on-year to Tk 1.22 billion in January-June this year, driven by rising demand for industrial gases.

Operating expenses fell around 3 per cent year-on-year to Tk 296 million during the period, largely due to the divestment of its subsidiary last year.

Linde Bangladesh sold its welding electrode business to ESAB Group for Tk 7.72 billion last year and distributed about Tk 6.85 billion to shareholders as cash dividend from the sale proceeds.

The company's net operating cash flow per share (NOCFPS) jumped to Tk 17.71 in the first six months of 2026 from Tk 4.08 a year earlier, mainly due to lower payments to suppliers.

Net asset value (NAV) per share also improved to Tk 213.09 as of June 2026 from Tk 210.31 in December last year, reflecting improved profitability.

However, the company's second-quarter profit fell 20 per cent year-on-year to Tk 84.5 million, compared with Tk 107 million in the April-June quarter of 2025.

On Monday, the company's shares rose 1.34 per cent to close at Tk 736 on the Dhaka Stock Exchange.

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