Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $12.03, which is above the midpoint of the full-year fiscal guidance range [4] - Operating income margin was 23.7%, and return on capital (ROC) was 10.1%, both in line with commitments [4] - The EPS decreased by $0.40 or 3% from the prior year, primarily due to a 4% headwind from LNG divestiture and a 2% headwind from project exits [16][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas segment results were down 3%, impacted by a one-time asset sale and project exits [17] - Asia's results were relatively flat, with lower helium offset by favorable on-site contributions [18] - Europe's results improved by 4%, driven by non-helium merchant pricing and productivity [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company faced a 2% headwind from reduced global helium demand, affecting overall volume [14] - Pricing for non-helium merchant products was favorable across all regions, helping to offset some volume declines [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for high single-digit annual EPS growth in 2026, despite anticipated helium headwinds [5] - Key priorities include optimizing the large projects portfolio, particularly the NEOM project, and balancing capital allocation [5][6] - Capital expenditures are expected to be reduced to approximately $2.5 billion per year after completing several large projects [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about returning to staffing levels similar to 2018, adjusted for employee growth, to support new assets [7] - The company is focused on improving productivity and pricing actions to counteract inflation and lower capital expenditure levels [8] - Management anticipates a modestly cash flow positive position in fiscal year 2026, with a commitment to remain cash flow neutral through 2028 [20] Other Important Information - The company returned $1.6 billion to shareholders in fiscal 2025, marking the 43rd consecutive year of increasing dividends [4] - The NEOM project is about 90% complete, with ammonia production expected to start in 2027 [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Evaluation of carbon capture piece of the Louisiana project - Management explained that they are evaluating proposals to divest the carbon capture piece while still considering the project's future [24][25] Question: Cost overruns in Alberta project - Management confirmed a long-term commitment to supply hydrogen to a major customer, necessitating the project's completion despite cost overruns [26][27] Question: Employee headcount target - The target of 20,000 headcount is expected to be the new base, with ongoing efforts to rationalize the workforce [31] Question: CapEx remaining for Louisiana project - Management indicated that they would provide data on remaining CapEx when updating the project, emphasizing the need for off-take agreements [33] Question: Growth drivers for next year - Management expects contributions from new assets and productivity improvements to drive growth, with a focus on pricing actions [37][38] Question: Helium industry outlook - Management noted that while there may be a decline in helium demand in 2027, they expect stabilization thereafter [40][42] Question: NEOM project commercial options - Management stated that they will need to commercialize the product as ammonia initially, with expectations for growth in green ammonia sales over time [46] Question: Equity affiliates income growth - Management highlighted strong performance from the Mexican joint venture, with expectations for flat contributions in fiscal year 2026 [48] Question: Decision timeline for Louisiana project - Management confirmed that they are working on advanced negotiations and expect to communicate updates by the end of the year [52][56] Question: CapEx forecast changes - Management clarified that the CapEx forecast for fiscal 2026 was adjusted to $4 billion based on a refined bottom-up review [62]

Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings Results Teleconference November 6, 2025 Forward-Looking Statements This presentation contains "forward-looking statements" within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about earnings and capital expenditure guidance, business outlook and investment opportunities. These forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this presentation and are not guarantee ...

Core Insights - Chevron Corp is a major player in the energy sector, involved in oil and natural gas extraction, refining, and renewable energy initiatives [1] - The article highlights three Dividend Aristocrats, emphasizing their potential for stable income and capital appreciation [4][5] Company Summaries Chevron Corp (CVX) - CVX stock has appreciated nearly 85% over the last five years, indicating strong capital growth alongside increasing dividends [7] - The company offers a forward annual dividend of $6.84, yielding approximately 4.4%, with a 37% increase in dividends over the past five years [8] - Analysts rate CVX as a Moderate Buy with a score of 4.07 out of 5, with a price target of $197 per share, suggesting a ~29% upside potential [9] AbbVie Inc (ABBV) - ABBV stock has risen 119% over the past five years, showcasing significant capital appreciation [11] - The company pays an annual dividend of $6.56, yielding 3%, with a 45% increase in dividends over the last five years and a payout ratio of 68.07% [12] - Analysts also rate ABBV as a Moderate Buy with a score of 4.07 out of 5, with a price target of $284 per share, indicating ~31% upside potential [13] Linde Plc (LIN) - LIN stock has increased by 63% in the last five years, reflecting solid capital growth [15] - The company pays a dividend of $6.00 per share, yielding about 1.5%, with a 59% increase in dividends over the past five years and a low payout ratio of 36% [16] - Analysts rate LIN as a Strong Buy with a score of 4.48 out of 5, with a price target of $576 per share, representing around 38% upside potential [17] Investment Strategy - The three highlighted companies are considered compelling options for investors seeking stable income and potential capital growth, supported by their strong market positions and commitment to shareholder value [18]

Core Viewpoint - Air Products forecasts 2026 adjusted profit exceeding Wall Street estimates after surpassing quarterly profit expectations due to strong sales in Europe and Asia [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company reported strong quarterly profits driven by robust sales in European and Asian markets [1] - Adjusted profit for 2026 is projected to be above Wall Street estimates, indicating positive growth expectations [1] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The strong sales performance in Europe and Asia highlights the company's effective market strategies and demand for industrial gases in these regions [1]

Core Viewpoint - Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and provided earnings guidance for the first quarter and full-year 2026, indicating a positive outlook for earnings growth [1] Earnings Guidance - The company expects adjusted earnings for the first quarter to be in the range of $2.95 to $3.10 per share [1] - For the full-year 2026, the expected adjusted earnings range is $12.85 to $13.15 per share [1] - Analysts' average expectations are $3.08 per share for the first quarter and $12.88 per share for the full year, which are in line with the company's guidance [1]

Core Insights - Air Products reported a significant decline in fiscal 2025 results, with a GAAP loss per share of $1.74 and an operating loss of $877 million, compared to a profit of $17.24 per share and operating income of $4.5 billion in fiscal 2024 [1][5] - The fiscal 2025 results included approximately $3.7 billion in pre-tax charges related to business and asset actions, impacting overall performance [1][29] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $12.03 exceeded guidance midpoint, while adjusted operating income was $2.9 billion, reflecting a decrease from the previous year [3][5] Fiscal 2025 Full-Year Results - Total sales for fiscal 2025 were $12.0 billion, a decrease of 1% from the prior year, driven by a 4% decline in volumes, partially offset by a 2% increase in energy cost pass-through and a 1% increase in pricing [2][12] - Adjusted operating income decreased by 3% to $2.9 billion due to lower volumes and higher costs, despite higher non-helium pricing [3][9] Fiscal 2025 Fourth Quarter Results - Fourth quarter sales were $3.2 billion, down 1% from the prior year, with a 5% decrease in volumes offset by a 3% increase in energy cost pass-through [8][9] - The fourth quarter adjusted operating income was $812 million, a decrease of 4% from the previous year, primarily due to lower volumes [9][11] Business Segment Performance - In the Americas, sales decreased by 1% to $1.3 billion, with a 7% drop in volumes, while operating income fell by 13% to $392 million [11] - Asia's sales increased by 1% to $870 million, but operating income decreased by 7% to $227 million due to lower helium volumes [11] - Europe saw an 8% increase in sales to $789 million, with operating income rising by 15% to $238 million, driven by higher non-helium volumes [11] Future Outlook - The company expects fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance in the range of $12.85 to $13.15, with first quarter guidance of $2.95 to $3.10 [5][12] - Anticipated capital expenditures for fiscal 2026 are approximately $4 billion [5][12]

Core Insights - CHARBONE CORPORATION has appointed Mr. Patrick Cuddihy as Senior Vice President – Strategic Affairs, formalizing over fourteen months of collaboration with the CEO [1][2] - Mr. Cuddihy has been instrumental in negotiating a Tier 1 strategic alliance in the United States, marking a significant milestone for the company's international development [2] - His expertise has contributed to diversifying CHARBONE's offerings in clean Ultra High Purity hydrogen and specialty industrial gases, enhancing the company's strategic priorities [3] Company Overview - CHARBONE specializes in clean Ultra High Purity hydrogen and the strategic distribution of industrial gases in North America and Asia-Pacific [6] - The company is building a distributed network of green hydrogen production plants and diversifying revenues through helium and specialty gas partnerships [6] - CHARBONE's disciplined model aims to reduce risk, enhance flexibility, and position the company as a leader in the transition to a low-carbon future [6] Leadership Experience - Mr. Cuddihy brings extensive experience in hydrogen and industrial gas production and distribution management, having held senior leadership roles in a leading industrial gas company [4][5]

Market Overview - The stock market experienced volatility due to third-quarter earnings reports, the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, and developments in the China-U.S. trade war, yet all three major indexes (S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow) ended the week positively [1] - The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter-point for the second time this year, with Chairman Jerome Powell emphasizing a commitment to reducing inflation to 2% [1] - The S&P 500 increased by 2.3% and the Nasdaq advanced by 4.7% in October, while the Dow achieved its sixth consecutive month of gains with a return of 2.5% [1] Corporate Earnings - Nvidia became the first U.S. company to surpass a $5 trillion market capitalization, driven by strength in generative AI and partnerships with Nokia and T-Mobile [1] - Apple reached a $4 trillion market capitalization, supported by strong demand for the iPhone 17 and positive analyst ratings [1] - Microsoft reported decent quarterly earnings but faced pressure due to high expectations and increased AI spending, leading to an upgrade in stock rating to a buy-equivalent 1 [1] - Meta Platforms' stock declined by 10% after raising its expense outlook and reporting a significant tax charge, which was viewed as a buying opportunity [1] - Eli Lilly's earnings report led to a price target increase from $800 to $925 due to strong revenue and earnings performance [1] - Amazon's cloud computing unit reported impressive results, prompting an increase in the price target from $250 to $275 while maintaining a buy-equivalent 1 rating [2] Trade Developments - The U.S. and China reached a one-year trade agreement, reducing fentanyl-linked tariffs on China from 20% to 10%, lowering overall levies on Chinese goods to approximately 47% [1] - China agreed to a one-year pause on rare earth export controls, which had been announced earlier in October [1] Company Specific Developments - Corning reported better-than-expected earnings but saw a decline in stock price as investors took profits; the company is viewed positively due to its AI-related products [1] - Boeing faced a mixed quarter with a $9 billion charge-off, leading to a stock decline [1] - Honeywell's Advanced Material business split and began trading under the ticker "SOLS," with shares rising by 6% on the first trading day [2] - DuPont's electronics business, Qnity, is set to begin trading on the S&P 500 [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - EPS for the third quarter was $4.21, representing a 7% increase year-over-year [3] - Operating cash flow grew by 8% to $2.9 billion, with free cash flow generation of $1.7 billion [3][13] - Sales reached $8.6 billion, up 3% from the previous year, with a 1% sequential increase [11] - Underlying sales increased by 2% year-over-year, with price increases of 2% aligned with global inflation [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer-related end markets, including healthcare and food & beverage, showed stable growth, with healthcare expected to remain steady [4] - Electronics was the fastest-growing end market, achieving 6% growth driven by high-end chip production [5] - Industrial end markets, which account for about two-thirds of sales, faced challenges, with metals and mining slightly up due to inflation but overall base volumes down [6][7] - Manufacturing grew by 3% year-on-year, particularly in the U.S., with strong volume growth noted [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market showed resilience with mid-single-digit growth in the packaged gas business, while Europe continued to face negative volume trends [48][49] - China experienced a leveling off in manufacturing, while India remained on a strong growth trajectory [8] - The European market remains soft, with no immediate catalysts for improvement expected [42][44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a recession-resistant model, emphasizing productivity and efficiency while targeting high-quality growth [9][16] - There is a strong emphasis on capital management, with $4.2 billion invested year-to-date and $5.3 billion returned to shareholders [13] - The company anticipates continued growth in the electronics sector, with a robust pipeline of projects expected to drive future EPS growth [36][84] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the near-term outlook, particularly in industrial activity, while remaining confident in the company's ability to generate shareholder value [15][16] - The company has been navigating an industrial recession for over two years and is prepared to take mitigating actions if conditions worsen [16] - There is optimism about the potential for recovery in the chemical industry, although it may take time [65] Other Important Information - The company expects fourth-quarter EPS guidance to be between $4.10 and $4.20, reflecting a cautious outlook [14] - The backlog remains strong at $10 billion, securing long-term EPS growth [3] Q&A Session Summary Question: Backlog expectations for new projects - Management confirmed that the backlog is at a record level of $7 billion and is on track to maintain this by year-end despite project startups [18] Question: Opportunities in the U.S. steel market - Management indicated that there are ongoing opportunities for expansion in the U.S. steel and metals sector due to tariffs and market positioning [20] Question: Pricing trends and macroeconomic conditions - Management noted that pricing has remained stable year-over-year, with helium and rare gases being a drag on overall pricing [28][29] Question: EPS growth algorithm and macroeconomic factors - Management explained that their EPS growth algorithm does not rely solely on macroeconomic conditions, with capital allocation and management actions being key drivers [32] Question: Future growth in electronics and industrial gas demand - Management expects robust growth in the electronics sector, driven by advancements in semiconductor technology and increased gas intensity [84] Question: Margins in EMEA and future outlook - Management indicated that margins are strong but may not expand further without volume recovery, with a focus on maintaining pricing aligned with inflation [88] Question: Demand trends in packaged gases - Management highlighted stable demand trends in the packaged gas sector, particularly in welding applications, while discussing regional consolidation opportunities [89]

Financial Performance - Third-quarter sales reached $8.615 billion, a 3% increase year-over-year and a 1% increase sequentially[5] - Operating profit for the third quarter was $2.558 billion, a 3% increase year-over-year[5] - Diluted EPS for the third quarter was $4.21, a 7% increase year-over-year[5] - Operating cash flow for the third quarter was $2.9 billion, an 8% increase year-over-year[5] - The company's backlog is $10 billion[6] Capital Management - Year-to-date capital reinvestment in the business totaled $4.2 billion, a 23% increase year-over-year[12] - Net share repurchases amounted to $3.2 billion year-to-date[10, 12] - Base capex is projected at $1.9 billion year-to-date[10] Guidance - The company anticipates fourth-quarter adjusted EPS to be in the range of $4.10 to $4.20, representing a 3% to 6% increase compared to 2024[15] - Full-year 2025 adjusted EPS is expected to be between $16.35 and $16.45, a 5% to 6% increase versus 2024[15] - Capital expenditure (CAPEX) for 2025 is projected to be in the range of $5.0 billion to $5.5 billion[15] Regional Performance - Sales in the Americas increased by 6% year-over-year to $3.846 billion[18] - Sales in APAC increased by 1% year-over-year to $1.741 billion[22] - Sales in EMEA increased by 3% year-over-year to $2.178 billion[27]