thMarks 44 Consecutive Year of Quarterly Dividend Increases on Company's Common Stock thLEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Air Products (NYSE:APD) has increased the quarterly dividend on the Company's common stock to $1.81 per share, marking the 44 consecutive year of dividend increases. The dividend is payable on May 11, 2026 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 1, 2026. About Air Products  Air Products (NYSE: APD) is a world-leading industr ...

Core Thesis - Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) is positioned as a strong investment opportunity due to its stable revenue model, long-term contracts, and leadership in the transition to cleaner energy, particularly in hydrogen production [1][6][7]. Business Model - APD operates under long-term "take-or-pay" contracts, typically lasting 15 to 20 years, ensuring predictable cash flows and providing downside protection during economic fluctuations [4][5]. - The company's contract structure supports stable margins and visibility into future earnings, allowing for confident investments in large-scale projects without excessive balance-sheet risk [5]. Market Position - Air Products is a global leader in supplying industrial gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, serving critical sectors including electronics, energy, chemicals, and healthcare [2]. - The essential nature of industrial gases creates high switching costs for customers, leading to strong customer retention and a durable competitive position [3]. Growth Potential - The demand for low-carbon hydrogen is increasing across various applications, positioning APD to benefit from long-term growth trends in the energy sector [6][7]. - The company's significant investments in hydrogen production and infrastructure leverage its technical expertise and project execution capabilities, enhancing its market leadership [6]. Financial Metrics - As of January 19th, APD's share price was $267.53, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 38.38 and 20.58 respectively, indicating a favorable valuation for growth investors [1].

Company Overview - Air Products is a world-leading industrial gases company with over 80 years of operation, focused on serving energy, environmental, and emerging markets while generating a cleaner future [3] - The company supplies essential industrial gases, related equipment, and applications expertise to various industries, including refining, chemicals, metals, electronics, manufacturing, medical, and food [3] - As the leading global supplier of hydrogen, Air Products develops, engineers, builds, owns, and operates some of the world's largest clean hydrogen projects, supporting the transition to low- and zero-carbon energy [3] Financial Performance - For fiscal 2025, Air Products reported sales of $12.0 billion from operations across approximately 50 countries [4] Upcoming Events - Air Products will hold a conference call to discuss its fiscal 2026 first quarter financial results on January 30, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. ET, which will be open to the public and media in listen-only mode [1] - The teleconference can be accessed via telephone at 646-769-9200 with the passcode 2207146, and an internet broadcast will be available on the company's Investor Relations website [2]

Market Overview - US equities showed strong momentum in 2025, achieving double-digit gains for the second consecutive year, with a rapid recovery from a bear market dip in April [1] - Market leadership has narrowed, with Mega-cap stocks and AI-driven companies dominating [1] Mar Vista U.S. Quality Strategy Performance - The Mar Vista U.S. Quality strategy reported a net-of-fees gain of +0.20% in Q4 2025, compared to the Russell 1000® Index's +2.41% and the S&P 500® Index's +2.65% [1] - Favorable stock selection in communication services, consumer discretionary, and financials contributed positively, while information technology, materials, and healthcare detracted from performance [1] Economic Outlook - For 2026, markets are expected to balance strong fundamentals with increasing economic uncertainties [1] Company Spotlight: Linde plc - Linde plc (NASDAQ:LIN) is highlighted as a leading industrial gas company with a market capitalization of $207.68 billion [2] - As of January 13, 2026, Linde's stock closed at $442.90 per share, with a one-month return of 4.87% and a 52-week gain of 3.49% [2] Linde plc Performance Challenges - Despite being a high-quality leader, Linde's shares declined nearly 10% in Q4 2025 due to a persistent industrial gas volume recession and softer guidance [3] - The company faces negative base volumes in core segments, attributed to economic stagnation in Europe and suppressed demand in China, with price increases insufficient to offset 1-3% volume declines in these regions [3]

Group 1: American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) - American Public Education is an education services provider with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 6.9% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 18.16, compared to 25.57 for the S&P [1] - American Public Education possesses a Value Score of B [1] Group 2: KNOT Offshore Partners LP (KNOP) - KNOT Offshore Partners is a tanker shipping company with a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next year earnings has increased by 41.3% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 7.66, compared to 25.57 for the S&P [2] - KNOT Offshore Partners possesses a Value Score of A [2] Group 3: CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) - CF Industries is an industrial gases company with a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 4.6% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 11.36, compared to 12.40 for the industry [3] - CF Industries possesses a Value Score of A [3]

Core Viewpoint - Linde is scheduled to release its fourth quarter 2025 financial results on February 5, 2026, at 06:00 EST/midday CET [1] Group 1 - The conference call will take place at 09:00 EST/15:00 CET and will be available to the public and media in listen-only mode [1] - A live conference call US Toll-Free Dial-In Number is provided as 1 888 770 7292, and the UK Toll-Free Dial-In Number is 0800 358 0970, with an access code of 6877110 [1] - A live webcast will also be available for listening at the company's website [1]

Core Viewpoint - Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD) is considered one of the top hydrogen and fuel cell stocks to invest in for 2026, despite a recent 11% stock drop attributed to market overreaction following the announcement of negotiations with Yara for hydrogen megaprojects [1]. Group 1: Company Developments - The agreement between Air Products and Yara focuses on the Louisiana Clean Energy Complex and Saudi Arabia's NEOM Green Hydrogen Project, aiming to cover approximately 25% of the costs for the Darrow project [2]. - Yara is looking to acquire ammonia production, storage, and shipping facilities, with an estimated investment of $2-2.25 billion [2]. - Analyst James Hooper from Bernstein noted that the recent release from Air Products is "broadly positive" regarding long-term demand for both blue and green hydrogen, addressing previous concerns about hydrogen demand [2]. Group 2: Market Reaction and Analyst Insights - Bernstein maintains an Outperform rating on Air Products with a price target of $320, suggesting that the market's negative reaction was an overreaction [1]. - Hooper emphasized that the frameworks established by the projects are "supportive" despite lower cash generation and ongoing uncertainties related to the projects [3]. - Air Products is recognized as a leading US-based industrial gases company, involved in developing and operating some of the largest clean hydrogen projects globally [3].

Core Insights - Linde plc (NASDAQ:LIN) is recognized as one of the top hydrogen and fuel cell stocks to invest in for 2026, with BMO Capital maintaining an Outperform rating and a price target of $501, citing strong growth potential [1] - Mizuho also reaffirmed an Outperform rating with a price target of $495, indicating a projected combined trendline EPS growth of 8-12%, driven by price and productivity enhancements as well as capital allocation measures [3] Company Overview - Linde plc is a global leader in industrial gases and engineering, operating the largest liquid hydrogen capacity and distribution system worldwide, with key products including green hydrogen, hydrogen refueling solutions, and innovative hydrogen storage and transportation technology [4] Financial Performance - Linde's recent business review suggests the company can sustain or exceed its EPS growth target of over 10%, with significant price and productivity benefits highlighted during discussions on AI [2] - The company's backlog has remained steady, with expectations for growth by the end of 2026 [3]

Core Viewpoint - Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD) is facing mixed analyst sentiments, with recent downgrades reflecting ongoing sector challenges, while the company is also positioning itself as a leader in energy and environmental solutions, particularly in hydrogen projects [2][4]. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Wells Fargo downgraded Air Products to Equal Weight from Overweight and reduced the price target to $250 from $330, citing "trough-like conditions" in the chemical sector expected to persist into the first half of 2026 [2]. - Mizuho lowered its price target on Air Products to $290 from $300 but maintained an Outperform rating, indicating a cautious outlook for the chemicals sector due to weak market conditions [3]. Sector Challenges - Analysts highlighted several pressures on the chemical sector, including a muted recovery in China and slow housing markets in the US and Europe, which are contributing to a challenging environment for chemical stocks [2]. - The March quarter is anticipated to start weak, similar to the December quarter, as rising exports from China continue to impact basic chemical markets [3]. Strategic Positioning and Projects - Air Products is focusing on solutions related to energy and environmental challenges, with significant investments in gasification, carbon capture, and clean hydrogen technologies [4]. - The NEOM Green Hydrogen Project in Saudi Arabia is about 80% complete and is expected to begin production by 2027. Additionally, the company is advancing an $8 billion blue hydrogen project in Louisiana and a $3.3 billion blue hydrogen project in Canada, along with a smaller $360 million green hydrogen project in Arizona expected to start in 2026 [5]. Industry Leadership - Air Products remains a global leader in industrial gases and liquefied natural gas processing technology and equipment, indicating its strong market position despite current sector headwinds [6].

Core Viewpoint - Pomerantz LLP is investigating potential securities fraud or unlawful business practices involving Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and its officers or directors [1] Group 1: Company Developments - On December 8, 2025, Air Products announced advanced negotiations with Yara International to combine its industrial gas capabilities and low-emission hydrogen production with Yara's ammonia production, shipping, and terminals, focusing on European demand [3] - Following the announcement, Air Products' stock price decreased by $24.64 per share, or 9.45%, closing at $236.05 per share on the same day [3] Group 2: Legal Investigation - Pomerantz LLP is representing investors of Air Products in an investigation regarding possible securities fraud or other unlawful business practices [1] - Investors are encouraged to contact Pomerantz LLP for more information regarding the class action [2]