Story
Linde and Air Products Named Top Industrial Gas Stocks by Bernstein
Summary
Bernstein reiterated Outperform ratings for Linde and Air Products, highlighting Linde's consistent earnings performance and Air Products' strategic shift and favorable valuation.
Analysts at Bernstein have identified Linde (LIN) and Air Products (APD) as their top picks in the U.S. industrial gases sector, favoring companies with strong operational discipline. The investment firm noted that the broader chemicals industry is split between specialty and commodity models, with companies in the middle facing the most pressure in the current economic environment.
Linde Noted for Consistent Performance
Bernstein maintained its Outperform rating and designated Linde as its top pick, describing the company as an "earnings aristocrat" for delivering 29 consecutive quarterly EPS beats. The firm views Linde's best-in-class operational discipline as a safe haven for investors amid market volatility.
The analysts set a $561 price target on Linde, which implies a potential upside of 7%. Key growth drivers cited include increasing demand from the electronics, helium, and commercial space sectors, along with strong pricing power. Other firms have also noted Linde's potential, with UBS reiterating a Buy rating and Citi identifying it as a crowded long position among U.S. chemical stocks.
AdAir Products Praised for Strategic Shift
Bernstein also reiterated its Outperform rating for Air Products, highlighting a strategic recalibration under new leadership. The analysis suggests the company is moving away from a model that took on first-party project risk and is now refocusing on cost improvements and pricing discipline.
According to the firm, Air Products' near-term prospects appear favorable against what it called an "undemanding valuation." Bernstein set a $344 price target, suggesting a potential 14% upside. The recent cancellation of its Louisiana Clean Energy Complex project was seen as refocusing attention on other opportunities, such as a potential deal with Yara for the NEOM project. Air Products recently reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings that exceeded analyst expectations.
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