The chart below shows how APD performed 10 days before and after its earnings report, based on data from the past quarters. Typically, APD sees a +1.74% change in stock price 10 days leading up to the earnings, and a +2.08% change 10 days following the report. On the earnings day itself, the stock moves by -3.03%. This data can give you a slight idea of what to expect for the next quarter's release.
Positive
Earnings Per Share Increase: 1. Strong Earnings Growth: Air Products reported an adjusted earnings per share of $3.56 for Q4 2024, reflecting a 13% increase compared to the previous year, driven by productivity and pricing actions.
Margin Improvement: 2. Improved Margins: The company achieved a 460 basis point increase in adjusted EBITDA margin and a 350 basis point increase in adjusted operating margin year-over-year, indicating enhanced operational efficiency.
Dividend Increase Consistency: 3. Consistent Dividend Growth: Air Products plans to return approximately $1.6 billion to shareholders in dividends this year, marking a 9% annual growth rate in dividends since 2014, with 42 consecutive years of dividend increases.
EPS Growth Forecast: 4. Long-term EPS Growth Outlook: The company expects adjusted earnings per share for fiscal year 2025 to be between $12.70 and $13, representing a 6% to 9% improvement over the previous year, excluding the LNG business.
Asia Segment Performance: 5. Strong Performance in Asia: The Asia segment saw a 7% volume improvement driven by on-site business, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 21% and adjusted EBITDA margin improving by almost 500 basis points, showcasing robust demand in the region.
Negative
LNG Sale Earnings Impact: 1. LNG Business Impact: The sale of the LNG process technology and equipment business to Honeywell will result in a 4% headwind for fiscal year 2025, equating to approximately $0.49 per share loss in earnings.
Asia Demand Concerns: 2. Weak Demand in Asia: The company expressed concerns about economic activity in China, leading to a conservative outlook for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, with no significant growth forecasted due to this uncertainty.
Decline in Merchant Volume: 3. Lower Merchant Volume: The Middle East and India segment reported lower merchant volume, negatively impacting sales and adjusted EBITDA, indicating a decline in demand in that region.
Headcount Growth Concerns: 4. Headcount Increase Concerns: The company has seen a significant headcount increase of about 4,000 people over the years, raising concerns among investors about the sustainability of this growth and its impact on future profitability.
Joint Venture Halted: 5. Project Delays and Cancellations: The proposed $4.5 billion joint venture for green hydrogen in Northern Texas was halted as it did not meet investment criteria, indicating a cautious approach to new projects amidst regulatory challenges.
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Transcript
APD.N
-0.8%