USA: Air Products Revenues Down

July 25, 2012

Air Products reported net income of $303 million and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.41 on a non-GAAP, continuing operations basis, for its fiscal third quarter ended June 30, 2012.

This excludes a $.25 per share gain associated with acquiring the additional 50 percent equity interest in Air Products’ existing DA NanoMaterials joint venture.

Results from discontinued operations of $.60 per share include a gain of $.70 per share associated with the sale of the Continental Europe Homecare business. These results also include a $.14 per share impairment associated with the planned disposal of the remaining Homecare business, primarily in the UK, and the income from the remaining Homecare business of $.04 per share.

On a GAAP basis, including discontinued operations, income and diluted EPS for the quarter were $485 million and $2.26 respectively.

The discussion of third quarter results and guidance is based on non-GAAP continuing operations comparisons that exclude these items.

Third Quarter Financial Results

Third quarter revenues of $2,340 million decreased five percent versus prior year, primarily on lower energy pass-through and a stronger dollar. Underlying sales were up one percent, largely due to higher pricing in the Merchant Gases segment. Operating income of $397 million was up two percent on improved cost performance, partially offset by a stronger dollar. Operating margin of 17 percent increased 130 basis points versus prior year.

Sequentially, while overall sales were unchanged, underlying sales grew one percent due to higher volumes. Better cost performance drove operating income up six percent and operating margin increased 100 basis points sequentially.

Commenting on the quarter, John McGlade, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said, “Economic growth this quarter was below what we expected in Asia, Europe and Electronics. Despite headwinds from the economy and a stronger dollar, we were able to deliver earnings within expectations due to excellent cost performance. In addition, we recently executed several key strategic activities, including the purchase of our majority position in Indura, taking full ownership of our DA NanoMaterials joint venture and the sale of our Continental Europe Homecare business.”

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LNG World News Staff, July 25, 2012; Image: Air Products