May 2 (Reuters) - Linde ( LIN ), the world's largest

industrial gases company, on Thursday reported adjusted earnings

per share above its target range, helped by higher pricing.

The U.S.-German company, which supplies gases such as

oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen to factories and hospitals,

reported adjusted earnings per share up 10% at $3.75, against a

$3.67 forecast from analysts polled by LSEG.

Linde ( LIN ) is seen as a bellwether for industrial production as

it supplies gases for a wide range of customers in industries

such as chemicals, manufacturing and steel-making.

U.S. peer Air Products reported profits above market

expactations for the second quarter on Tuesday, as higher

margins offset lower sales.

Linde ( LIN ) also narrowed its full year earnings per share

forecast to between $15.30 and $15.60.

For the second quarter, it expects earnings per share

between $3.70 to $3.80.