Company: LIN
Filing Date: 2025-02-26
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0001628280-25-007990
Chunk: 49

Company: LINDE PLC
Filing Date: 2025-02-26
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 8
Chunk 49
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 currently anticipate significant future obligations due to the funding status of these plans and any such obligation would be immaterial. If Linde determined it was probable that it would withdraw from an MEP, the company would record a liability for its portion of the MEP’s unfunded pension obligations, as calculated at that time. Historically, such withdrawal payments have not been significant.Defined Contribution PlansLinde’s U.S. employees are eligible to participate in defined contribution savings plans offered by their applicable business. Employee contribution percentages vary by plan and are subject to the maximum allowable by IRS regulations. The cost for these defined contribution plans was $69 million in 2024, $59 million in 2023 and $56 million in 2022 (these costs are not included in the tables that follow).The defined contribution plans include a non-leveraged employee stock ownership plan ("ESOP") which covers all employees participating in this plan. The collective number of shares of Linde ordinary shares in the ESOP totaled 1,578,863 at December 31, 2024.Certain non-U.S. subsidiaries of the company also sponsor defined contribution plans where contributions are determined under various formulas. The expense for these plans was $62 million in 2024, $60 million in 2023 and $80 million in 2022 (these expenses are not included in the tables that follow).   Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB)Linde provides health care and life insurance benefits to certain eligible retired employees. These benefits are provided through various insurance companies and healthcare providers. The company does not currently fund its postretirement benefits obligations. Linde’s retiree plans may be changed or terminated by Linde at any time for any reason with no liability to current or future retirees.Linde uses a measurement date of December 31 for its pension and other post-retirement benefit plans.Pension and Postretirement Benefit CostsThe components of net pension and postretirement benefits other than pension ("OPEB") costs for 2024, 2023 and 2022 are shown in the table below: (Millions of dollars)Year Ended December 31,202420232022Amount recognized in Operating Profit     Service cost$84 $84 $127 Amount recognized in Net pension and OPEB cost (benefit), excluding service cost     Interest cost362 373 201      Expected return on plan assets(552)(523)(518)     Net amortization and deferral(10)(30)