A Brief History of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD)

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) was founded in 1940 by Leonard P. Pool in Detroit, Michigan. The company initially focused on developing a new concept of on-site gas generation, which provided customers with a more efficient and economical way to obtain industrial gases.

1940s: The company’s early years were marked by innovation and rapid growth. During World War II, Air Products played a critical role by supplying oxygen generators for the U.S. military, which boosted its prominence in the industrial gases sector.

1950s: Air Products expanded its operations internationally, establishing its first overseas subsidiary in the United Kingdom in 1957. This decade also saw the company diversifying its product offerings beyond industrial gases to include chemicals and equipment.

1960s: The company’s expansion continued, with the acquisition of a number of businesses and the establishment of new production facilities. Air Products went public in 1961, listing its shares on the New York Stock Exchange.

1970s: This period was characterized by significant technological advancements and further diversification. Air Products ventured into the electronics, healthcare, and energy markets, broadening its portfolio.

1980s: The company continued to grow both organically and through acquisitions. Key acquisitions included the purchase of American Cryogenics in 1982 and the expansion into Europe and Asia.

1990s: Air Products began focusing on environmental sustainability and the development of cleaner technologies. The company also marked its entrance into the hydrogen energy market, positioning itself as a leader in this emerging field.

2000s: The new millennium saw Air Products making strategic partnerships and significantly increasing its focus on international markets. The company also invested heavily in research and development to innovate in areas like hydrogen fuel cells and advanced materials.

2010s: Air Products repositioned itself by divesting non-core businesses and focusing on industrial gases. In 2013, the company established a new corporate headquarters in Allentown, Pennsylvania. A significant acquisition during this period was the purchase of DuPont's performance materials division in 2016.

2020s: The company has continued to be a leader in the industrial gases industry, with ongoing investments in hydrogen infrastructure and other sustainable technologies. In 2020, Air Products announced plans to build the world’s largest green hydrogen project in Saudi Arabia.

Today, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) operates worldwide, delivering essential industrial gases and related products to a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, technology, energy, and food.

Who Owns Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD)

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol APD. As a publicly traded company, its ownership is distributed among numerous shareholders, including institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual retail investors. Here are some key points about the ownership structure:

• Institutional Investors: A significant portion of APD's shares are held by large institutional investors, such as pension funds, insurance companies, and investment firms. These institutions often own large blocks of shares and can have considerable influence on the company's decisions and policies.
• Mutual Funds: Various mutual funds include APD in their portfolios, thereby contributing to its ownership distribution. Some mutual funds specialize in sectors that include industrial gases, making APD an attractive asset.
• Individual Retail Investors: A portion of APD's shares are owned by individual investors who purchase stocks through brokerage accounts. These retail investors can range from small-scale investors to high-net-worth individuals.
• Company Executives and Insiders: Executives and insiders of APD, including board members and senior management, often hold shares in the company. These shares can come from stock options, performance awards, or direct ownership.

It's important to note that the exact percentages of ownership can vary over time due to buying and selling activities in the stock market. Investors can often find the latest information on ownership distribution in the company's annual reports or filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) Mission Statement

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) is a company dedicated to providing essential industrial gases, equipment, and expertise to a wide range of industries. The core mission of APD is centered on several crucial elements that drive the company's operations and interactions with its stakeholders.

The mission statement of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. emphasizes:

• Customer Focus: Serving the needs of their customers by delivering high-quality products and exceptional service.
• Innovation: Driving growth and solving customer challenges through innovative solutions and cutting-edge technology.
• Sustainability: Committing to sustainability by minimizing environmental impact and promoting safety and health.
• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees can thrive and contribute.

By adhering to these core principles, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. aims to create value for its customers, shareholders, employees, and communities.

How Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) Works

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) is a prominent global company that provides essential industrial gases and related equipment to various industries. The company focuses on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to its clients, enhancing productivity and reducing environmental impact. Here’s how APD operates:

Core Business Segments: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. operates through several key business segments, including:

• Industrial Gases: This segment is the largest and includes atmospheric gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and argon, as well as process and specialty gases such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and helium.
• Materials Technologies: This division caters to electronics, performance materials, and equipment sectors, providing products such as specialty chemicals and advanced materials.
• Energy and Environmental Solutions: APD is committed to developing technologies that promote sustainability, including carbon capture, hydrogen energy, and clean energy solutions.

Production and Distribution: The production process involves air separation units (ASUs) where atmospheric air is separated into its primary components, nitrogen, oxygen, and argon. These gases are then processed and purified to meet specific industrial requirements. APD employs several methods for distribution, including:

• Pipelines: For large volume users, APD uses an extensive network of pipelines to deliver gases directly to customer facilities.
• Cryogenic Transport: Gases are liquefied and transported in cryogenic tankers for medium to large volume users.
• Cylinders: For smaller quantities, gases are compressed and delivered in high-pressure cylinders or containers.

Research and Development: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. places significant emphasis on research and development. The company invests heavily in R&D to innovate and refine its products and technologies, ensuring they meet evolving market demands and environmental standards.

Customer Solutions: APD works closely with its customers to provide tailored solutions that optimize their processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. Their offerings span various industries, including:

• Healthcare: Supplying medical gases and related equipment for hospitals and healthcare facilities.
• Manufacturing and Metal Production: Providing gases for welding, cutting, and other metal fabrication processes.
• Food and Beverage: Offering gases for food preservation, carbonated beverages, and modified atmosphere packaging.

Commitment to Sustainability: APD is committed to sustainability and has integrated environmental responsibility into its core operations. The company focuses on reducing its carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency, and developing clean energy technologies, such as hydrogen fuel for zero-emission vehicles.

Overall, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. continues to be a leader in the industrial gases industry by focusing on innovation, customer needs, and sustainability to drive its business forward.

How Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) Makes Money

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) is a leading industrial gases company that generates revenue through various streams. The company operates in several key sectors and offers a variety of products and services that contribute to its financial health. Below are some of the primary ways APD makes money:

• Industrial Gases: One of the main sources of revenue for APD is the sale of industrial gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide. These gases are essential in various industries like steel manufacturing, chemical processing, electronics, and healthcare.
• On-Site Gas Production: APD provides on-site gas production solutions, where they install and operate gas production facilities directly at the customer's site. This service model ensures a steady income stream through long-term contracts.
• Merchant Gases: The company supplies gases through a network of production and distribution centers. These gases are delivered in cylinders or as bulk liquid, catering to medium and small-sized enterprises.
• Energy and Environmental Solutions: APD invests in clean energy projects and technologies, such as hydrogen fuel for transportation and carbon capture solutions. These initiatives not only help diversify APD's revenue streams but also position the company as a leader in sustainable practices.
• Equipment and Technology: The company designs, manufactures, and sells cryogenic and gas processing equipment. These technologies assist in the storage, transportation, and production of gases, offering another avenue for revenue.
• Engineering and Construction Services: APD offers engineering and construction services for building gas production and processing plants. This service includes project management, plant design, and construction, providing another layer of income through service contracts.

By leveraging its expertise in industrial gases and focusing on innovation, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. continues to maintain a strong financial position and diversify its sources of income.