Jim Cramer criticized the 5.9% decline in Linde plc shares on July 31st following its second-quarter earnings report, calling the move “beyond stupid” and highlighting a major contract from Taiwan Semiconductor in Arizona. Linde reported revenue of $9.29 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $4.50, beating analyst estimates of $4.48, and raised its full-year guidance to a range of $17.70 to $17.90 per share. Cramer noted the Arizona contract is worth $1 billion and is part of an $11.1 billion backlog, while bears point to an operating margin decline to 29.5% from 31.0% and an EBITDA margin miss. Hedge fund interest increased, with 104 out of 1,022 funds holding a stake in the first quarter of 2026, up from 89 in the prior quarter.
