Air Products and Chemicals(APD) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the third quarter was $3.09, exceeding guidance and higher than the previous year, excluding the impact of LNG business sales [4][8] - Sales volume decreased by 4% year-over-year, primarily due to the sale of the LNG business and lower helium demand [8][10] - Total company price increased by 1%, with a 2% improvement for the merchant business [8][10] - Adjusted operating income remained unchanged, with operating margin flat but improved by approximately 300 basis points sequentially due to favorable volume and productivity improvements [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core industrial gas business showed resilience, with strong performance in non-helium products across all regions [4][9] - Helium EPS contributions were down about 4% versus the prior year, with an anticipated headwind of around 55 to 60 cents for the full year [24][25] - The company is executing a global cost reduction plan expected to generate annual savings of $185 to $195 million [5][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas experienced a 6% decline in volume, primarily due to project exits and lower helium demand, although strong on-site volumes were noted [36][38] - The company anticipates that the helium market may stabilize in the coming years, despite current down cycles [66][70] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for high single-digit adjusted EPS growth starting in fiscal year 2026, with a target of operating margins of 30% and return on capital employed (ROCE) in the mid to high teens by 2030 [7][8] - Investments are being made in AI and digital transformation tools to enhance productivity [6][30] - The company is focused on disciplined capital allocation and project execution, particularly in hydrogen and electronics sectors [6][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains cautious about the economic outlook, recognizing significant global uncertainties [11] - The company is optimistic about the competitiveness of its projects, particularly in the blue ammonia market [16][51] - Inflation and tariffs are ongoing concerns, impacting pricing strategies [82] Other Important Information - The company has committed to reducing headcount by about 10% as part of its productivity actions, with approximately 60% of this process completed [30] - Capital expenditures for the fiscal year are expected to be around $5 billion [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the plan to use third parties at Darrow for ammonia and carbon capturing - Management is optimistic about finalizing partnerships by the end of the current year, with competitive CapEx numbers for their projects [14][16] Question: Average prices year over year and dissociation characteristics - Management did not disclose specific numbers but indicated that helium continues to be a headwind, and the goal for dissociation remains a 10% loss [20][21][24] Question: Cost opportunities and digital initiatives - The cost opportunities discussed are in addition to previously outlined savings, with a focus on digital and energy management initiatives [28][30][32] Question: Volume performance in the Americas - The decline in volume was primarily due to project exits and lower helium demand, with strong performance in other areas [35][38] Question: Update on low-risk projects and bidding activity - Management continues to see project activity, particularly in electronics in Asia, and will provide updates on smaller projects in future calls [44][46] Question: Long-term return on capital employed goals - Current ROC is around 11.1%, with expectations to improve as capital expenditures are reduced and cash generation increases [78][80] Question: Helium market cycle outlook - Management believes the helium market may stabilize, but significant changes in supply and demand dynamics are expected [66][70] Question: Update on underperforming projects - Projects in Edmonton, Rotterdam, and Arizona are on schedule, with no significant changes anticipated [86][88]