Linde announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $1.17 per share, reflecting a 10% increase over the previous quarter's dividend. The dividend is payable on March 25, 2022 to shareholders of record on March 11, 2022.

The Board of Directors also approved a new share repurchase program for up to $10 billion of Linde's ordinary shares. This new program replaces the $5 billion share repurchase program that was authorized on January 25, 2021 and was recently completed.

"In 2021, Linde again generated record cash flow," Sanjiv Lamba, Incoming Chief Executive Officer, said.

"Our capital allocation priorities are to maintain a strong balance sheet, invest in high-quality growth opportunities and continue our track record of paying and annually increasing the dividend. Any surplus cash will be used to reward shareholders through a share repurchase program."

Pursuant to European Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) requirements, this new share repurchase program must set forth a maximum share capital repurchase amount and an expiration date, which the Board has set at 15% of outstanding shares and July 31, 2024, respectively.