Linde plc (LIN)

Linde's price has climbed about 9% in the past month, its fastest pace in a while.

What is going on right now?

Linde, the world's largest industrial gas company, has been rising steadily and is trading near the top of its recent range. The price has run up unusually fast lately, and streaks like this have often paused to catch their breath.

How is the business itself doing?

Linde sells gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen to hospitals, factories, and chip makers. It keeps roughly 20 cents of every dollar it earns as profit, and its revenue grew about 9% while earnings grew about 11%.

What stands out?

Reports of big spending on data centers could mean more demand for the specialized gases used in making electronics, which is one of Linde's key markets.

What comes next?

Linde's next earnings report is due October 29, and it will show whether rising UK costs and a slowdown in auto manufacturing are starting to dent its sales volumes.