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Air Products Increases Quarterly Dividend to $1.77 Per Share

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Air Products (APD) has announced the 42nd consecutive year of quarterly dividend increases on its common stock, raising the dividend to $1.77 per share. The dividend is payable on May 13, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 1, 2024. The company's Chairman, President, and CEO, Seifi Ghasemi, emphasized the commitment to returning cash to shareholders while investing in growth opportunities, with an expected return of approximately $1.6 billion to shareholders in 2024. This is part of the company's strategy to maintain a balanced approach to capital allocation to meet its capital needs while maintaining its A/A2 ratings.
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Insights

The decision by Air Products to increase its quarterly dividend for the 42nd consecutive year is a testament to the company's financial health and commitment to shareholder returns. This consistent dividend growth can act as an indicator of the company's stability and can be particularly attractive to income-focused investors. The increase to $1.77 per share reflects a confidence in ongoing operations and the ability to generate sufficient cash flow to support both dividend payouts and corporate growth initiatives.

Furthermore, the commitment to return approximately $1.6 billion to shareholders in 2024 underlines a robust capital return policy. It's important to note that maintaining credit ratings of A/A2 implies a strong balance sheet and creditworthiness, which is crucial for future capital raising activities and minimizes the cost of debt. Investors may view such financial prudence positively, as it suggests a lower risk of financial distress and an ability to withstand economic downturns.

From a market perspective, Air Products' focus on industrial gas and clean hydrogen projects aligns with growing trends in sustainability and energy transition. This strategic direction may not only enhance the company's growth prospects but also positions it favorably within sectors that are expected to experience significant expansion in the coming years. Investors often look for companies that are well-positioned to capitalize on macroeconomic trends and Air Products seems to be aligning its growth opportunities with these trends.

The company's balanced approach to capital allocation between shareholder returns and investment in growth opportunities is indicative of a mature company that is managing its resources effectively. This strategy could be reassuring to the market, potentially leading to a more stable stock performance over time. The emphasis on advancing sustainability projects may also attract ESG-focused investors, further diversifying the company's investor base.

Marks 42nd Consecutive Year of Quarterly Dividend Increases on Company's Common Stock

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Jan. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Air Products (NYSE:APD) has increased the quarterly dividend on the Company's common stock to $1.77 per share. This marks the 42nd consecutive year the Company has increased its dividend payment.

The dividend is payable on May 13, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 1, 2024.

Air Products Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Seifi Ghasemi said, "We remain committed to striking the right balance of returning cash to our shareholders and investing in our growth opportunities. We expect to return approximately $1.6 billion to our shareholders in 2024, extending our track record of more than 40 years of increasing the dividend, while continuing to execute high-return industrial gas and clean hydrogen projects that advance sustainability and the energy transition. This balanced approach to capital allocation will allow us to meet our capital needs while maintaining our A/A2 ratings."

About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) is a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for over 80 years focused on serving energy, environmental, and emerging markets. The Company has two growth pillars driven by sustainability. Air Products' base business provides essential industrial gases, related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries, including refining, chemicals, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food. The Company also develops, engineers, builds, owns and operates some of the world's largest clean hydrogen projects supporting the transition to low- and zero-carbon energy in the heavy-duty transportation and industrial sectors. Additionally, Air Products is the world leader in the supply of liquefied natural gas process technology and equipment, and provides turbomachinery, membrane systems and cryogenic containers globally.

The Company had fiscal 2023 sales of $12.6 billion from operations in approximately 50 countries and has a current market capitalization of about $60 billion. Approximately 23,000 passionate, talented and committed employees from diverse backgrounds are driven by Air Products' higher purpose to create innovative solutions that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability and reimagine what's possible to address the challenges facing customers, communities, and the world. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook or Instagram.

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/air-products-increases-quarterly-dividend-to-1-77-per-share-302044769.html

SOURCE Air Products

FAQ

What is the new quarterly dividend for Air Products (APD) common stock?

The new quarterly dividend for Air Products (APD) common stock is $1.77 per share.

When is the dividend payable to shareholders of Air Products (APD) common stock?

The dividend is payable on May 13, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 1, 2024.

Who is the Chairman, President, and CEO of Air Products (APD)?

The Chairman, President, and CEO of Air Products (APD) is Seifi Ghasemi.

How long has Air Products (APD) been increasing its dividend payment?

Air Products (APD) has been increasing its dividend payment for over 42 consecutive years.

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