Air Prods & Chems Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Air Products (NYSE: APD) reported fiscal 2024 third quarter results with GAAP EPS of $3.13, up 17% year-over-year, and adjusted EPS of $3.20, up 7%. The company's GAAP net income increased 16% to $709 million, with a net income margin of 23.7%, up 360 basis points. Adjusted EBITDA rose 5% to $1.3 billion, with a margin of 42.4%, up 260 basis points. Sales decreased 2% to $3.0 billion due to unfavorable currency and lower energy cost pass-through. Air Products confirmed its fiscal 2024 full-year adjusted EPS guidance of $12.20 to $12.50 and expects capital expenditures between $5.0-$5.5 billion.

Air Products (NYSE: APD) has announced plans to build a network of permanent, commercial-scale hydrogen refuelling stations (HRSs) across Europe, strategically located near the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). These stations will offer enhanced fueling technology, multiple pressure options, and onsite liquid hydrogen storage. The company is collaborating with Daimler Truck on a pioneering hydrogen truck pilot project, trialing five Mercedes-Benz GenH2 trucks at a mobile fuelling station in Duisburg.

Air Products is also doubling Europe's total liquid hydrogen capacity with a second liquefaction plant in Rotterdam. The company has secured funding from the European Commission and the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia for several HRS projects. This initiative aligns with Air Products' commitment to convert its distribution fleet to hydrogen-powered vehicles, supporting the advancement of a safe and resilient hydrogen ecosystem for heavy-duty transportation across Europe.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) has announced the formation of a Management Board, effective immediately, to execute the company's two-pillar growth strategy. This strategy aims to optimize and grow Air Products' core industrial gases business while advancing the energy transition through clean hydrogen.

Chairman, President and CEO Seifi Ghasemi will lead the new Management Board, comprising 11 senior executives from various global divisions. The board's formation is designed to streamline and optimize the global organization, maintain Air Products' position as the safest and most profitable industrial gas company in the world, and enhance its ability to execute its full portfolio of projects.

Air Products (NYSE: APD) has announced a quarterly dividend of $1.77 per share of common stock. The dividend will be payable on November 12, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 1, 2024. This declaration by the Board of Directors demonstrates the company's commitment to returning value to its shareholders through regular dividend payments.

Air Products (NYSE: APD) has announced plans to build two new air separation units (ASUs) at its facilities in Conyers, Georgia and Reidsville, North Carolina. These new ASUs will replace older units, provide additional capacity, and are expected to be operational by 2026. The project aims to enhance sustainability, productivity, and operational flexibility of Air Products' base industrial gas business.

The new ASUs will produce liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and liquid argon for regional supply to established and growing merchant markets. These markets include chemicals, food, metals processing, primary materials, fabricated metals, electronics, and distributors. The investment demonstrates Air Products' commitment to its industrial gas business and will ensure enhanced product reliability for regional customers.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) has announced that Eric Guter will become the new Vice President of Investor Relations, effective September 30, 2024. Guter, who has been with the company since 1995, will succeed Sidd Manjeshwar, who is leaving to pursue other opportunities. The transition will be managed over the coming months to ensure continuity.

Guter brings nearly 30 years of experience at Air Products, including expertise in hydrogen and energy transition. He has held various roles in operations, commercial business, and most recently served as vice president of Hydrogen for Mobility. Air Products' CEO, Seifi Ghasemi, expressed confidence that Guter's extensive business experience and financial knowledge will be valuable to the investment community as the company executes its industrial gases and clean hydrogen growth strategy.

Air Products (NYSE: APD), a global industrial gases company, has received an 'A' rating on MSCI's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Ratings. This rating reflects improvements in carbon management, including carbon capture efforts and a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from operations by 2050. MSCI recognized Air Products as an ESG leader in clean tech and safety and health within its industry.

The company has committed to invest $15 billion in world-scale clean energy projects to accelerate the energy transition. This MSCI rating adds to Air Products' recent recognitions, including inclusion in Barron's 100 Most Sustainable Companies List, S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook 2024, and Newsweek's America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity in 2024.

Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) has announced an all-cash acquisition of Air Products' (NYSE: APD) liquefied natural gas (LNG) process technology and equipment business for $1.81 billion. The acquisition is projected to immediately enhance Honeywell's sales growth and segment margin, and be accretive to adjusted EPS in the first full year.

This strategic move aims to expand Honeywell's energy transition solutions, providing a comprehensive offering that includes natural gas pre-treatment and state-of-the-art liquefaction under the Honeywell Forge and Experion platforms. Meanwhile, Air Products will continue focusing on its core industrial gas business and clean hydrogen technology.

The deal will bring approximately 475 employees from Air Products to Honeywell, and includes a 390,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Florida. Expected to close by the end of the year, the transaction aligns with Honeywell's strategy of high-return acquisitions in automation, aviation, and energy transition.

Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) is set to acquire Air Products' (NYSE: APD) LNG process technology and equipment business for $1.81 billion in cash. This acquisition aims to bolster Honeywell's energy transition offerings by integrating Air Products' coil-wound heat exchangers (CWHE) and related technologies.

The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Honeywell's sales growth, segment margin, and adjusted EPS in the first year of ownership. Over 475 employees from Air Products' LNG business will join Honeywell, enhancing its capabilities in natural gas pre-treatment and liquefaction.

Air Products will continue to focus on its core industrial gas business and clean hydrogen technology. The deal is anticipated to close by the end of the calendar year, pending regulatory approvals.