Linde Expands Industrial Gas Capacity to Support U.S. Space Sector

Linde plc LIN, a leading global producer of industrial gases, announced plans to construct and operate a new air separation unit in Brownsville, TX. An air separation unit (ASU) can separate the different components of air, such as nitrogen and oxygen. These gases are used in various industrial processes. Additionally, Linde announced plans to boost industrial gas capacity at its ASU in Mims, FL.The company’s plans to build a new ASU in Texas and increase gas capacity at its existing facility in Florida are aimed at strengthening its position as a leader within the growing U.S. space industry. LIN’s investments toward these ASUs are related to long-term agreements for the supply of liquid oxygen and nitrogen, supporting rocket launches.The company stated that its new ASU in Texas is scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of 2026. This unit is slated to supply liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon to LIN’s customers involved in space exploration. On the other hand, the expansion at the ASU in Mims, FL, is expected to start operations in the first quarter of 2027. The additional capacity should enable the production of critical liquid oxygen and nitrogen, aimed at powering rocket launches from space facilities that lie close to LIN’s ASU.Linde has been involved with the U.S. space program for almost 60 years. The company’s involvement with space exploration and operations dates back to the Apollo program in the 1960s, where it supplied liquid oxygen. It plays a crucial role in modern-day space programs as well. LIN’s supply of rare gases is utilized in modern satellite propulsion systems. This underscores the company's position as a frontrunner in the space exploration domain. Notably, in 2024, LIN supported around 100 successful rocket launches. LIN’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksCurrently, LIN carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Some better-ranked stocks from the basic materials sector are B2Gold Corp. BTG, MAG Silver Corp. MAG and Kinross Gold Corporation KGC, each carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.B2Gold is a Canada-based gold-producing company. The company operates three mines, namely the Fekola Mine in Mali, the Masbate Mine in the Philippines and the Otjikoto Mine in Namibia, along with a portfolio of other exploration assets in Colombia, Mali and Finland. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BTG’s second-quarter earnings is pegged at 12 cents per share, indicating a 100% increase from the prior-year reported figure.MAG Silver is involved in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral projects across Canada, the United States and Mexico. The company primarily focuses on advancing precious-metals projects throughout the Americas. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MAG’s second-quarter earnings is pegged at 29 cents per share, indicating a 38.1% increase from the prior-year reported figure.Kinross Gold is one of the top 10 gold mining companies in the world. The company is focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold mines primarily located in the United States, Brazil, Chile, Canada and Mauritania. Kinross has a strong production profile and a promising pipeline of exploration and development projects. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KGC’s second-quarter earnings is pegged at 27 cents per share, indicating a 92.86% increase from the prior-year reported figure.Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpWant the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC): Free Stock Analysis Report Linde PLC (LIN): Free Stock Analysis Report B2Gold Corp (BTG): Free Stock Analysis Report MAG Silver Corporation (MAG): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks