LINDE PLC 10-K

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 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 December 31, 2025, 90 Table of Contents such disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by Linde in reports that it files or submits 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. Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Refer to Item 8 for Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting as of December 31, 2025. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There were no changes in Linde’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2025 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Linde’s internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION None . ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS None. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Certain information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections captioned “Corporate Governance and Board Matters - Director Nominees," "Corporate Governance And Board Matters - Insider Trading Policy," and "Corporate Governance and Board Matters - "Delinquent Section 16 (a) Reports" in Linde’s Proxy Statement. Identification of the Audit Committee Linde has a separately-designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The members of that audit committee are Alberto Weisser (chairman), Dr. Thomas Enders, Dr. Victoria Ossadnik and Paula Reynolds and each member is independent within the meaning of the independence standards adopted by the Board of Directors and those of the Nasdaq. Audit Committee Financial Expert The Linde Board of Directors has determined that Alberto Weisser satisfies the criteria adopted by the SEC to serve as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K of the Exchange Act and is independent within the meaning of the independence standards adopted by the Board of Directors and those of the Nasdaq. Code of Ethics Linde has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the company’s directors and all employees, including its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Accounting Officer. This code of ethics, including specific standards for implementing certain provisions of the code, has been approved by the Linde Board of Directors and is named the “Code of Business Integrity”. This document is posted on the company’s public website, www.linde.com but is not incorporated herein. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections captioned “Executive Compensation Matters” and “Corporate Governance and Board Matters - Director Compensation” in Linde’s Proxy Statement. 91 Table of Contents ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS Equity Compensation Plans Information - The table below provides information as of December 31, 2025 about company shares that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights granted to employees or members of Linde’s Board of Directors under equity compensation plans with awards outstanding as of December 31, 2025. EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS TABLE Plan Category Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders 5,563,811 (1) $ 233.38 6,496,096 (2) Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders — — — Total 5,563,811 $ 233.38 6,496,096 ________________________ (1) This amount includes 566,372 restricted shares and 517,465 performance shares. (2) This amount reflects shares available for future issuances pursuant to the 2021 Linde plc Long Term Incentive Plan that was approved by shareholders on July 26, 2021. Certain information required by this item regarding the beneficial ownership of the company’s ordinary shares is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Information on Share Ownership” i n Linde’s Proxy Statement. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections captioned “Corporate Governance And Board Matters – Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons,” “Corporate Governance And Board Matters – Certain Relationships and Transactions,” and “Corporate Governance And Board Matters – Director Independence” in Linde’s Proxy Statement. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Audit Matters” in Linde’s Proxy Statement. 92 Table of Contents PART IV ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (a) The following documents are filed as part of this report: (i) The company’s 2025 Consolidated Financial Statements and the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. (ii) Financial Statement Schedules – All financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto. (iii) Exhibits – The exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed in the accompanying index. INDEX TO EXHIBITS Linde plc and Subsidiaries Exhibit No. Description 2.1 Business Combination Agreement by and among Linde Aktiengesellschaft, Praxair, Inc., Zamalight PLC, Zamalight Holdco LLC and Zamalight Subco, Inc. dated as of June 1, 2017 (Filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Praxair, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 1, 2017, Filing No. 1-11037, and is incorporated herein by reference.) 2.1a Amendment No. 1, dated August 10, 2017, to the Business Combination Agreement, by and among Praxair, Inc., Linde Aktiengesellschaft, Linde plc, Zamalight Holdco LLC and Zamalight Subco, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Praxair, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 10, 2017, Filing No. 1-11037, and is incorporated hereby by reference.) **2.2 Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated July 5, 2018, by and among Praxair, Inc., Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation (“Taiyo”), and Linde plc with respect to the sale of a majority of Praxair’s businesses in Europe to Taiyo in connection with the Business Combination Agreement (Filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, File No. 1-38730, and is incorporated hereby by reference). **2.3 Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated July 16, 2018, by and among Linde AG, Praxair, Inc., MG Industries GmbH, Messer Canada Inc., MG Industries USA, Inc. (the MG entities and Messer Canada, Inc. being collectively referred to as “Messer”), and Linde plc with respect to the sale of certain assets of Linde AG in the Americas and certain assets of Praxair, Inc. to Messer in connection with the Business Combination Agreement (Filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, File No. 1-38730, and is incorporated hereby by reference). **2.3a First Amendment dated September 21, 2018 to the Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated July 16, 2018, by and among Linde AG, Praxair, Inc., Messer, and Linde plc with respect to the sale of certain additional assets of Linde AG in the Americas to Messer in connection with the Business Combination Agreement (Filed as Exhibit 2.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, File No. 1-38730, and is incorporated hereby by reference). **2.3b Second Amendment dated October 19, 2018 to the Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated July 16, 2018, as amended by the First Amendment thereto, by and among Linde AG, Praxair, Inc., Messer, and Linde plc, with respect to the sale of certain additional assets of Linde AG in the Americas to Messer in connection with the Business Combination Agreement (Filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, File No. 1-11037, and is incorporated hereby by reference). **2.3c Third Amendment dated February 20, 2019 to the Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated July 16, 2018, as amended by the First and Second Amendment thereto, by and among Linde AG, Praxair, Inc., Messer, and Linde plc, with respect to the sale of certain additional assets of Linde AG in the Americas to Messer in connection with the Business Combination Agreement dated as of June 1, 2017, as amended, to effect a combination of the businesses of Linde AG and Praxair, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 2.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 7, 2019, File No. 1-11037, and is incorporated hereby by reference). 3.01 Amended and Restated Public Limited Company Constitution of Linde plc (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 1, 2023, File No. 001-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). 4.01 Description of Linde plc Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38730) filed on March 1, 2023). 93 Table of Contents Exhibit No. Description 4.02 Indenture, dated as of July 15, 1992, between Praxair, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as the ultimate successor trustee to Bank of America, Illinois, formerly Continental Bank, National Association (Filed as Exhibit 4 to Praxair, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 19, 2007, Filing No. 1-11037, and incorporated herein by reference). 4.03 Form of Subordinated Indenture for Praxair, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Praxair, Inc.'s Form S-3, filed on May 12, 2015, File No. 333-204093, and is incorporated herein by reference.) 4.04 Form of Indenture for Debt Securities between Linde plc, as issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (including form of debt securities and related guarantees) (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Linde plc Form S-3 dated May 3, 2023, Filing No. 001-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). 4.05 Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 3, 2019, among Linde plc, Praxair, Inc., Linde AG and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Linde plc Form 8-K dated September 6, 2019, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). 4.06 Guarantee and Negative Pledge of Linde plc dated May 11, 2020 (Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Linde plc Form 8-K dated May 26, 2020, Filing No.1-38730, and is incorporated herein by reference). 4.07 Upstream Guarantee to Linde plc provided by Linde GmbH dated May 11, 2020 (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to Linde plc’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 26, 2020, Filing No. 001-38730, and is incorporated hereby by reference) 4.08 Upstream Guarantee to Linde plc provided by Linde Inc. dated May 11, 2020 (filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Linde plc’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 26, 2020, Filing No. 001-38730, and is incorporated hereby by reference) 4.09 Form of Indenture for Debt Securities between Linde Inc., as issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (including form of debt securities and related guarantees) (Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Linde plc Form S-3 dated May 3, 2023, Filing No.001-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). 4.10 Form of Indenture for Debt Securities between Linde Finance B.V., as issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (including form of debt securities and related guarantees) (Filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Linde plc Form S-3 dated May 3, 2023, Filing No. 001-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). 4.11 Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 1, 2023, by and among the Company, Linde Inc., Linde GmbH and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (as successor in interest to U.S. Bank National Association), as trustee, to that certain indenture, dated as of July 15, 1992, by and among Linde Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 1, 2023, File No. 001-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). 4.12 Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 1, 2023, by and among the Company, Linde Inc., Linde GmbH and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (as successor in interest to U.S. Bank National Association), as trustee, to that certain indenture, dated as of August 10, 2020, by and among Linde Inc., the Predecessor and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee(Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 1, 2023, File No. 001-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). 4.13 Amended and Restated Fiscal Agency Agreement, dated May 4, 2023, among Linde plc, as Issuer, and Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, as Fiscal Agent and Paying Agent (Filed as Exhibit 4.6 to the Linde plc Form 8-K, dated June 12, 2023, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference.) 4.14 Fiscal Agency Agreement, dated May 11, 2020, among Linde plc, as Issuer and as Guarantor, Linde Finance B.V., as Issuer, and Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, as Fiscal Agent and Paying Agent (Filed as Exhibit 4.6 to the Linde plc Form 8-K dated May 26. 2020, Filing No 1-37830, and incorporated herein by reference). 4.15 Indenture, dated as of August 10, 2020, among Praxair, Inc., Linde plc and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Linde plc Form 8-K dated August 10, 2020, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). 4.16 Amended and Restated Fiscal Agency Agreement, dated August 3, 2021, among Linde plc, as Issuer and as Guarantor, Linde Finance B.V., as Issuer, and Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, as Fiscal Agent and Paying Agent (Filed as Exhibit 4.6 to Linde plc 's current report on Form 8-K, dated September 30, 2021, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). 94 Table of Contents Exhibit No. Description 4.17 Amended and Restated Fiscal Agency Agreement, dated May 8, 2024, among Linde plc, as Issuer, and Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, as Fiscal Agent and Paying Agent (Filed as Exhibit 4.6 to the Linde plc Form 8-K, dated June 4, 2024, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference.) 4.18 Amended and Restated Dealer Agreement, dated May 8, 2025, among Linde plc, as Issuer and Citigroup Global Markets Limited, as Arranger and Dealer and the other Dealers party thereto (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to Linde plc’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 5, 2025, Filing No. 001-38730, and is incorporated herein by reference) 4.19 Fiscal Agency Agreement, dated May 8, 2025, among Linde plc, as Issuer, and Citibank, N.A., London Branch, as Fiscal Agent and Paying Agent (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Linde plc Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 5, 2025, and incorporated herein by reference.) 4.20 Confirmation of Upstream Guarantee to Linde plc provided by Linde GmbH, dated June 4, 2025 (filed as Exhibit 4.6 to Linde plc’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 5, 2025, Filing No. 001-38730, and is incorporated herein by reference) 4.21 Confirmation of Upstream Guarantee to Linde plc provided by Linde Inc., dated June 4, 2025 (filed as Exhibit 4.7 to Linde plc’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 5, 2025, Filing No. 001-38730, and is incorporated herein by reference) 4.22 Swiss Agency Agreement, dated June 3, 2025, among Linde plc, as Issuer, and UBS AG, as Paying Agent (Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Linde plc Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 5, 2025, and incorporated herein by reference.) 4.23 Copies of the agreements related to long-term debt which are not required to be filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request. *10 Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Under the 2021 Linde plc Long Term Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.0e to Linde plc's 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-38730, and is incorporated herein by reference). 10.01 Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of December 7, 2022, among Linde plc, certain of its subsidiaries parties thereto as borrowers, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.(Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Linde plc's current report on Form 8-K, dated December 8, 2022, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.02 364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of December 3, 2025, among Linde plc, the Subsidiary Borrowers, certain Subsidiary Guarantors, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Linde plc’s current report on Form 8-K, dated December 5, 2025,Filing No. 001-38730, and is incorporated herein by reference) . *10.03 2021 Linde plc Long Term Incentive Plan, Effective as of July 26, 2021 (Filed as Exhibit 10.01 to Linde plc’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.03a Form of Transferable Stock Option Award Under the 2021 Linde plc Long Term Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.01 to Linde plc’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.03b Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Under the 2021 Linde plc Long Term Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.02 to Linde plc’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.03c Form of Performance Share Unit Award Under the 2021 Linde plc Long Term Incentive Plan with Return on Capital performance metrics (Filed as Exhibit 10.03 to Linde plc’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.03d Form of Performance Share Unit Award Under the 2021 Linde plc Long Term Incentive Plan with Total Shareholder Return performance metrics (Filed as Exhibit 10.04 to Linde plc’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.03e First Amendment to the 2021 Linde plc Long Term Incentive Plan effective January 29, 2024, and dated March 21, 2024, filed as Exhibit 10.03e to Linde’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference. *10.04 Linde plc Annual Variable Compensation Plan effective January 1, 2019 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 25, 2019, File No. 1-38730, and is incorporated hereby by reference). 95 Table of Contents Exhibit No. Description *10.05 Praxair, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Income Plan A effective January 1, 2008 (Filed as Exhibit 10.05a to Praxair, Inc.'s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-11037, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.05a First amendment to the Praxair, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Income Plan A effective January 1, 2010 (Filed as Exhibit 10.05b to Praxair, Inc.'s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-11037, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.05b Second Amendment to Praxair, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Income Plan A effective February 28, 2017, (Filed as Exhibit 10.05c to Praxair, Inc.'s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-11037, and is incorporated hereby by reference). *10.05c Third Amendment to the Praxair, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Income Plan A effective December 1, 2017 (Filed as Exhibit 10.05m to Praxair, Inc.'s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 1-11037, and is incorporated herein by reference). *10.05d Praxair, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Income Plan B amended and restated effective December 31, 2007 (Filed as Exhibit 10.05b to Praxair, Inc.'s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-11037, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.05e First amendment to the Praxair, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Income Plan B effective January 1, 2010 (Filed as Exhibit 10.05d to Praxair, Inc.'s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-11037, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.05f Second Amendment to Praxair, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Income Plan B effective July 1, 2012 (Filed as Exhibit 10.05e to Praxair Inc.’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-11037, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.05g Third Amendment to Praxair, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Income Plan B effective February 28, 2017, (Filed as Exhibit 10.05g to Praxair, Inc.’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-11037, and is incorporated herein by reference). *10.05h Fourth Amendment to the Praxair, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Income Plan B effective December 1, 2017 (Filed as Exhibit 10.05l to Praxair, Inc.’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 1-11037, and is incorporated herein by reference). *10.06 Praxair, Inc. Equalization Benefit Plan amended and restated effective December 31, 2007 (Filed as Exhibit 10.05c to Praxair, Inc.’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-11037, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.06a First amendment to the Praxair, Inc. Equalization Benefit Plan effective January 1, 2010 (Filed as Exhibit 10.05f to Praxair Inc.’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-11037, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.06b Second Amendment to the Praxair, Inc. Equalization Benefit Plan effective February 28, 2017,(Filed as Exhibit 10.05j to Praxair, Inc.'s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-11037, and is incorporated herein by reference). *10.06c Third Amendment to the Praxair, Inc. Equalization Benefit Plan effective December 1, 2017 (Filed as Exhibit 10.05k to Praxair, Inc.’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 1-11037, and is incorporated herein by reference). *10.06d Linde Inc. 2018 Equalization Benefit Plan, Amended and Restated effective September 1, 2020 (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Linde plc's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.06e Linde Inc. 2018 Supplemental Retirement Income Plan A, Amended and Restated effective September 1, 2020 (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Linde plc’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.06f Linde Inc. 2018 Supplemental Retirement Income Plan B, Amended and Restated effective September 1, 2020 (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Linde plc's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.07 Praxair, Inc. Director’s Fees Deferral Plan amended and restated effective January 26, 2010 (Filed as Exhibit 10.06 to Praxair Inc.’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-11037, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.08 Linde Compensation Deferral Program Amended and Restated effective September 1, 2020 (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Linde plc's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). 96 Table of Contents Exhibit No. Description *10.08b Second Amendment to the Linde Compensation Deferral Program effective January 1, 2024 and dated March 13, 2024, filed herewith. *10.09 First Amendment to the Linde Compensation Deferral Program effective April 1, 2021. (Filed as Exhibit 10.01 to Linde plc’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. Filing No. 1-38730 and incorporated herein by reference). *10.10 Amended and Restated 2009 Praxair, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 4.03 to Praxair, Inc.'s Form S-8, filed on October 31, 2018, File No. 333-228084, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.10a First Amendment, dated as of April 25, 2017, to the Amended and Restated 2009 Praxair, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.01 to Praxair, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, Filing No. 1-11037, and is incorporated herein by reference). *10.10b Second Amendment dated September 8, 2020 to the Amended and Restated 2009 Praxair, Inc Long Term Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Linde plc's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.10c Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated 2009 Linde Long Term Incentive Plan effective January 29, 2024 and dated March 21, 2024, filed herewith. *10.10d Form of Standard Option Award under the 2009 Praxair, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.22 to Praxair, Inc.'s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-11037, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.10e Form of Transferable Option Award under the 2009 Praxair, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.23 to Praxair, Inc.'s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-11037, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.10f Form of Transferable Option Award under the Amended and Restated 2009 Praxair, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan for grants made in 2015-2017 (Filed as Exhibit 10.26 to Praxair, Inc.'s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-11037, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.10g Form of Transferable Option Award under the Amended and Restated 2009 Praxair, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan for grants made in 2018 (Filed as Exhibit 10.26a to Praxair, Inc.’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 1-11037, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.10h Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award under the Amended and Restated 2009 Praxair, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan for grants made in 2018 (Filed as Exhibit 10.27a to Praxair, Inc.’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 1-11037, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.10i Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Award under the Amended and Restated 2009 Praxair, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan for grants made in 2019 and thereafter (Filed as Exhibit 10.10i to Linde plc's 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.10j Form of Transferable Option Award under the Amended and Restated 2009 Praxair, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan for grants beginning in 2019 (Filed as Exhibit 10.11L to Linde plc’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.10k Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award under the Amended and Restated 2009 Praxair, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan for grants beginning in 2019 (Filed as Exhibit 10.11M to Linde plc’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.10l Form of Performance Share Unit Award under the Amended and Restated 2009 Praxair, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan for grants beginning in 2019 with Return on Capital performance metrics (Filed as Exhibit 10.11N to Linde plc’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.10m Form of Performance Share Unit Award under the Amended and Restated 2009 Praxair, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan for grants beginning in 2019 with Total Shareholder Return performance metrics (Filed as Exhibit 10.11O to Linde plc’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.11 Pension Agreement among Linde AG, Linde Holding GmbH and Mr. Sanjiv Lamba, dated December 20, 2019 (Filed as Exhibit 10.13a to Linde plc's 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). 10.12 Offer Letter between Linde plc and Sanjiv Lamba dated November 12, 2021 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Linde plc’s current report on Form 8-K dated November 18, 2021, File No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). 97 Table of Contents Exhibit No. Description 10.13 Nondisclosure, Nonsolicitation and Noncompetition Agreement between Linde Inc. and Sanjiv Lamba dated as of November 7, 2021 (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Linde plc’s current report on Form 8-K dated November 18, 2021, File No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.14 Retirement Agreement and General Release between Linde Inc. and John M. Panikar, dated as of November 19, 2024, filed as Exhibit 10.14 to Linde’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference. *10.15 Form of Linde plc Director Indemnification Agreement (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 31, 2018, File No. 333-218485, and incorporated herein by reference). *10.16 Linde plc Non-employee Director Deferral Program, adopted by the Board of Directors on July 30, 2024, filed as Exhibit 10.16 to Linde’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference. 19.01 Linde plc Insider Trading Policy, Effective October 23, 2024, filed as Exhibit 19.01 to Linde’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, Filing No. 1-38730, and incorporated herein by reference. 21.01 Subsidiaries of Linde plc, filed herewith. 23.01 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, filed herewith. 31.01 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification, filed herewith. 31.02 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification, filed herewith. 32.01 Section 1350 Certification (such certifications are furnished for the information of the Commission and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act), filed herewith. 32.02 Section 1350 Certification (such certifications are furnished for the information of the Commission and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act), filed herewith. 97.1 Linde plc Executive Clawback Policy adopted by the Board of Directors of Linde plc on October 23, 2023 (Filed as Exhibit 97.1 to Linde plc’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Filing No. 1-38730 and incorporated herein by reference). 101.INS XBRL Instance Document: The XBRL Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. 101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema 101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase 101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase 101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase 101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Copies of exhibits incorporated by reference can be obtained from the SEC and are located in SEC File No. 1-11037. * Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. ** Certain schedules or similar attachments have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant agrees to furnish supplemental copies of any of the omitted schedules or attachments upon request by the SEC. ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY None. 98 Table of Contents SIGNATURES Linde plc and Subsidiaries 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. Linde plc (Registrant) Date: February 25, 2026 By: /s/ KELCEY E. HOYT Kelcey E. Hoyt Chief Accounting Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 25, 2026. /s/ SANJIV LAMBA /s/ MATTHEW J. WHITE /s/ PROF. DDR. ANN-KRISTIN ACHLIETNER Sanjiv Lamba Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Matthew J. White Chief Financial Officer Ann-Kristin Achleitner Director /s/ ROBERT L. WOOD /s/ DR. THOMAS ENDERS /s/ JOSEF KAESER Robert L. Wood Director Thomas Enders Director Josef Kaeser Director /s/ DR. VICTORIA OSSADNIK /s/ ALBERTO WEISSER /s/ PAULA REYNOLDS Victoria Ossadnik Director Alberto Weisser Director Paula Reynolds Director /s/ HUGH GRANT Hugh Grant Director 99