LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Jan. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Q1 FY17 (all from continuing operations):


    --  On a GAAP basis, EPS of $1.15, down 11 percent versus the prior year,
        and operating margin of 17.4 percent, down 260 basis points versus the
        prior year
    --  Adjusted EPS of $1.47*, up nine percent over prior year
    --  Adjusted operating margin of 21.7 percent and adjusted EBITDA margin of
        34.7 percent, up 110 and 80 basis points, respectively, over prior year
    --  Successfully completed the sale of the Performance Materials Division to
        Evonik on 3 January
    --  Submitted preliminary, non-binding expression of interest in acquiring
        Yingde Gases Group Company Limited
    --  Increased dividend payable May 8, 2017 by 10 percent to 95 cents per
        share, reflecting its strong financial position and the 35th consecutive
        year of dividend increases
    --  Fiscal 2017 adjusted EPS guidance of $6.00 to $6.25, which at the
        midpoint, represents a nine percent increase over prior year, and fiscal
        2017 second quarter adjusted EPS guidance of $1.30 to $1.40

*The results and guidance in this release, including in the highlights above, include references to non-GAAP continuing operations measures. These exclude the discontinued operations of the former Materials Technologies (MT) segment and Energy-from-Waste and are identified by the word "adjusted" preceding the measure. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results can be found at the end of this release.

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today reported GAAP net income from continuing operations of $252 million, down 10 percent versus the prior year, and diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations of $1.15, down 11 percent versus the prior year, for its fiscal first quarter ended December 31, 2016.

For the quarter, on a non-GAAP basis, adjusted net income from continuing operations of $322 million was up 10 percent versus prior year, and adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $1.47 was up nine percent versus prior year.

On a GAAP basis, the effective tax rate in the quarter was 23.3 percent. The adjusted effective tax rate in the quarter was 21.2 percent, lower than it has been recently due to the MT separation, new accounting for share-based compensation, and one-time adjustments.

First quarter sales of $1,883 million increased one percent from the prior year, as two percent higher volumes and two percent favorable energy pass-through were partially offset by three percent unfavorable currency. The volume increase was driven by strength in Industrial Gases - Asia and continued progress on the Jazan project. Pricing was flat with the prior year.

For the quarter, on a GAAP basis, operating income of $328 million decreased 12 percent and operating margin of 17.4 percent decreased 260 basis points versus prior year.

Adjusted operating income of $408 million increased six percent, and adjusted EBITDA of $652 million increased three percent over the prior year. Adjusted operating margin of 21.7 percent improved 110 basis points and adjusted EBITDA margin of 34.7 percent improved 80 basis points over the prior year. GAAP ROCE of 10.9 percent increased 130 basis points over the prior year. Adjusted ROCE increased 180 basis points to 12.7 percent. Productivity actions drove these results.

Commenting on the results for the quarter, Seifi Ghasemi, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said, "This was another quarter of strong operating performance by our dedicated employees who are making Air Products the safest and most profitable industrial gases company in the world. We increased adjusted EPS by nine percent over the previous year, improved both adjusted operating and adjusted EBITDA margins, and increased our adjusted ROCE by 180 basis points to 12.7 percent.

"This is the tenth consecutive quarter where we are reporting high single-digit or double-digit growth in our profitability. We also operated for the whole quarter without a lost-time accident. I am very proud that our people achieved these results while also delivering excellent safety performance and completing the sale of the Performance Materials Division to Evonik in early January. Despite the weak economy and currency headwinds, our robust financial position and ongoing productivity programs have us operating from a position of strength. All of this means that we remain in a strong position to grow Air Products' core industrial gases business and deliver value for our shareholders," he said.

First Quarter Results by Business Segment


    --  Industrial Gases - Americas sales of $864 million increased three
        percent versus prior year as five percent higher energy pass-through was
        partially offset by two percent lower volumes, primarily from weakness
        in Latin America and customer-driven outages in the U.S. Gulf Coast.
        Pricing and currency were flat versus prior year. Segment operating
        income of $224 million increased six percent over prior year and
        adjusted EBITDA of $350 million increased five percent, driven by
        productivity actions. Segment operating margin of 25.9 percent improved
        60 basis points, and adjusted EBITDA margin of 40.5 percent improved 40
        basis points over prior year. Excluding energy pass-through, operating
        margin increased 150 basis points.
    --  Industrial Gases - EMEA sales of $400 million declined nine percent
        versus last year on six percent unfavorable currency, two percent lower
        volumes and one percent lower energy pass-through. Pricing was flat.
        Segment operating income of $88 million and adjusted EBITDA of $140
        million both decreased five percent from the prior year; on a constant
        currency basis, they increased slightly, as productivity actions more
        than offset the impact from lower volumes. Segment operating margin of
        22.0 percent increased 100 basis points and adjusted EBITDA margin of
        35.0 percent increased 160 basis points over the prior year, driven by
        productivity actions.
    --  Industrial Gases - Asia sales of $438 million increased six percent
        versus prior year, as volume growth of 10 percent was partially offset
        by three percent unfavorable currency and one percent lower pricing.
        Segment operating income of $118 million increased one percent and
        adjusted EBITDA of $178 million decreased one percent. Segment operating
        margin of 26.9 percent declined 140 basis points, and adjusted EBITDA
        margin of 40.7 percent declined 290 basis points from the prior year,
        mainly due to increased utility cost pass-through at new plants.

Non-GAAP results for the Company in the fiscal first quarter of 2017 exclude expenses of $30.2 million, or $0.12 per share, for business separation costs; $2.7 million, or $0.01 per share, of tax costs associated with the business separation; and $50.0 million, or $0.19 per share, for cost reduction and asset actions. See reconciliation of non-GAAP measures starting on page four.

Outlook

Management has provided the following adjusted diluted EPS guidance on a continuing operations basis. While it is likely that we will incur additional costs for items such as business separation, cost reduction and asset actions, and pension settlements in future periods, it is not possible, without unreasonable efforts, to identify the amount or significance of these events or the potential for other transactions that may impact future GAAP EPS. Management does not believe these items to be representative of underlying business performance. Accordingly, management is unable to reconcile, without unreasonable effort, the Company's forecasted range of adjusted EPS to a comparable GAAP range.

Ghasemi said, "Air Products is in a strong position. We have put in place a robust and geographically-focused organization, and our productivity programs already implemented and the new ones underway will drive our EPS growth as we move forward. In addition, we now have an excellent balance sheet with effectively no net debt. Reflecting this financial strength, we raised the dividend for the 35th consecutive year and remain confident in the tremendous growth opportunities to invest in our core industrial gases business.

"But like any other global company, we are not immune from macro-economic and geopolitical events. The new administration in the United States has not yet articulated its full economic and foreign policy. In Europe, it is not yet certain how the UK government will address the exit from the European Union. In addition, it is impossible to predict how other countries will react to the new economic and political developments in the U.S and Europe. All of these events can have significant effects on currency exchange rates and the level of economic activity around the world. As a result, we are now more cautious in our outlook."

Air Products expects fiscal 2017 adjusted EPS of $6.00 to $6.25, which at midpoint, represents an increase of nine percent over last year. This includes an expected full-year adjusted tax rate of approximately 23 percent. For the fiscal 2017 second quarter, Air Products expects adjusted EPS from continuing operations of $1.30 to $1.40.

The capital expenditure forecast for fiscal year 2017 is approximately $1 billion on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis.

Access the Q1 earnings teleconference scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on January 27 by calling (719) 325-2353 and entering passcode 4746543, or access the Event Details page on Air Products' Investor Relations web site.

Update on non-binding proposed transaction with Yingde Gases Group Company Limited ("Yingde")

As previously announced on January 8th and January 20th, Air Products has submitted to the board of directors of Yingde a preliminary, non-binding indication of interest to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Yingde, a Hong Kong listed company and a major industrial gas company in China. Air Products seeks to engage in a friendly transaction, which Air Products believes would be strategically and financially compelling for employees, customers and shareholders of both companies. Air Products currently has about $1 billion of sales and more than 2,500 people employed in its successful China business.

At this time, no agreement between Air Products and Yingde has been reached with respect to the proposal, and there cannot be any assurance that such an agreement will be reached or, if such an agreement is reached, that a transaction will be completed.

About Air Products

Air Products (NYSE:APD) is a world-leading Industrial Gases company in operation for over 75 years. The Company's core industrial gases business provides atmospheric and process gases and related equipment to manufacturing markets, including refining and petrochemical, metals, electronics, and food and beverage. Air Products is also the world's leading supplier of liquefied natural gas process technology and equipment.

The Company had fiscal 2016 sales of $7.5 billion from continuing operations in 50 countries and has a current market capitalization of approximately $30 billion. Approximately 16,000 employees are making Air Products the world's safest and best performing industrial gases company, providing sustainable offerings and excellent service to all customers. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This report contains "forward-looking statements" within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about earnings guidance and business outlook. These forward-looking statements are based on management's reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date this report is filed. Actual performance and financial results may differ materially from projections and estimates expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors not anticipated by management, including, without limitation, global or regional economic conditions (including, as to the United Kingdom and Europe, the impact of the recent "Brexit" referendum) and supply and demand dynamics in market segments into which the Company sells; the inability to eliminate stranded costs previously allocated to the Company's Electronic Materials and Performance Materials divisions which have been divested and other unexpected impacts of the divestitures; significant fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currencies from that currently anticipated; future financial and operating performance of major customers; unanticipated contract terminations or customer cancellations or postponement of projects and sales; our ability to execute projects involving new geographies, technologies or applications; asset impairments due to economic conditions or specific events; the impact of price fluctuations in natural gas and disruptions in markets and the economy due to oil price volatility; costs and outcomes of litigation or regulatory investigations; the success of productivity and operational improvement programs; the timing, impact, and other uncertainties of future acquisitions or divestitures, including reputational impacts; political risks, including the risks of unanticipated government actions; acts of war or terrorism; the impact of changes in environmental, tax or other legislation and regulatory activities in jurisdictions in which the Company and its affiliates operate; and other risk factors described in the Company's Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2016. The Company disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this report to reflect any change in the Company's assumptions, beliefs or expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances upon which any such forward-looking statements are based.

* Presented below are reconciliations of the reported GAAP results to the non-GAAP measures.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(Millions of dollars unless otherwise indicated, except for share data)

The Company has presented certain financial measures on a non-GAAP ("adjusted") basis and has provided a reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. These financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. The Company believes these non-GAAP measures provide investors, potential investors, securities analysts, and others with useful information to evaluate the performance of the business because such measures, when viewed together with our financial results computed in accordance with GAAP, provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting our historical financial performance and projected future results.

In many cases, our non-GAAP measures are determined by adjusting the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to exclude certain disclosed items ("non-GAAP adjustments") that we believe are not representative of the underlying business performance. For example, Air Products has executed its strategic plan to restructure the Company and, as part of this plan, is now focusing on the Company's core Industrial Gases businesses, which will continue to result in significant cost reduction and asset actions that we believe are important for investors to understand separately from the performance of the underlying business. The tax impact of our non-GAAP adjustments reflects the expected current and deferred income tax expense impact of the transactions and is impacted primarily by the statutory tax rate of the various relevant jurisdictions and the taxability of the adjustments in those jurisdictions. In evaluating these financial measures, the reader should be aware that we may incur expenses similar to those eliminated in this presentation in the future. Investors should also consider the limitations associated with these non-GAAP measures, including the potential lack of comparability of these measures from one company to another.


    CONSOLIDATED RESULTS


                                                                                                                                                          Continuing Operations
                                                                                                                                                          ---------------------

                                                                                                                                                                    Q1

    2017 vs. 2016                                                                                                          Operating    Operating                 Income Tax          Net         Diluted
                                                                                                                            Income      Margin(A)                 Provision(B)      Income          EPS

    2017 GAAP                                                                                                                              $328.1                         17.4%              $                     78.4                                   $251.6                                   $1.15

    2016 GAAP                                                                                                                   372.5                      20.0%                          96.4                     280.9                          1.29

    Change GAAP                                                                                                                           $(44.4)                      (260)bp              $                   (18.0)                                 $(29.3)                                 $(.14)

    % Change GAAP                                                                                                               (12)%                                                                 (10)%                    (11)%
    -------------                                                                                                                ----                                                                   ----                      ----

    2017 GAAP                                                                                                                              $328.1                         17.4%              $                     78.4                                   $251.6                                   $1.15

    Business separation costs                                                                                                    30.2                       1.6%                           3.7                      26.5                           .12

    Tax costs associated with business separation                                                                                   -                        -%                        (2.7)                      2.7                           .01

    Cost reduction and asset actions                                                                                             50.0                       2.7%                           8.8                      41.2                           .19

    2017 Non-GAAP Measure                                                                                                                  $408.3                         21.7%              $                     88.2                                   $322.0                                   $1.47
    ---------------------                                                                                                                  ------                          ----             ---                     ----                                   ------                                   -----

    2016 GAAP                                                                                                                              $372.5                         20.0%              $                     96.4                                   $280.9                                   $1.29

    Business separation costs                                                                                                    12.0                        .6%                             -                     12.0                           .06

    2016 Non-GAAP Measure                                                                                                                  $384.5                         20.6%              $                     96.4                                   $292.9                                   $1.35

    Change Non-GAAP Measure                                                                                                                 $23.8                         110bp              $                    (8.2)                                   $29.1                                    $.12
                                                                                                                                                                         -----

    % Change Non-GAAP Measure                                                                                                                  6%                                                                                10%                                      9%
    -------------------------                                                                                                                 ---                                                                                 ---                                      ---


    (A)      Operating margin is calculated by dividing operating income by sales.

    (B)       The tax impact of our non-GAAP adjustments reflects the expected current and deferred income tax expense impact of the transactions and is impacted primarily by the statutory tax rate of the various relevant jurisdictions and the taxability of the adjustments in those jurisdictions.


ADJUSTED EBITDA

We define Adjusted EBITDA as income from continuing operations (including noncontrolling interests) excluding certain disclosed items, which the Company does not believe to be indicative of underlying business trends, before interest expense, income tax provision, and depreciation and amortization expense. Adjusted EBITDA provides a useful metric for management to assess operating performance.

Below is a reconciliation of Income from Continuing Operations on a GAAP basis to Adjusted EBITDA:



    2017                                                                    Q1            Q2        Q3         Q4     FY2017
    ----                                                                   ---           ---       ---        ---     ------

    Income from Continuing Operations (A)                                         $258.2                                             $258.2

    Add: Interest expense                                                    29.5                                             29.5

    Add: Income tax provision                                                78.4                                             78.4

    Add: Depreciation and amortization                                      206.1                                            206.1

    Add: Business separation costs                                           30.2                                             30.2

    Add: Cost reduction and asset actions                                    50.0                                             50.0

    Adjusted EBITDA                                                               $652.4                                             $652.4
    ---------------                                                               ------                                             ------

    2016                                                                    Q1            Q2        Q3         Q4     FY2016
    ----                                                                   ---           ---       ---        ---     ------

    Income from Continuing Operations (A)                                         $287.2               $284.7                $255.7                $294.4 $1,122.0

    Add: Interest expense                                                    22.2             25.7               35.1           32.2         115.2

    Add: Income tax provision                                                96.4             93.5              145.9           96.8         432.6

    Add: Depreciation and amortization                                      214.7            213.9              213.5          212.5         854.6

    Add: Business separation costs                                           12.0              7.4                9.5           21.7          50.6

    Add: Cost reduction and asset actions                                       -            10.7               13.2           10.6          34.5

    Add: Pension settlement loss                                                -             2.0                1.0            2.1           5.1

    Add: Loss on extinguishment of debt                                         -               -                 -           6.9           6.9

    Adjusted EBITDA                                                               $632.5               $637.9                $673.9                $677.2 $2,621.5
    ---------------                                                               ------               ------                ------                ------ --------


    (A)      Includes net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.


    2017 vs. 2016                              Q1
    -------------                              ---

    Change GAAP

    Income from continuing operations change           $(29.0)

    Income from continuing operations % change   (10)%
    ------------------------------------------    ----

    Change Non-GAAP

    Adjusted EBITDA change                               $19.9

    Adjusted EBITDA % change                        3%
    ------------------------                       ---

Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to Adjusted EBITDA:


                                          Industrial         Industrial          Industrial   Industrial                Corporate          Segment
                                            Gases-              Gases-             Gases-       Gases-                  and other            Total
                                           Americas              EMEA               Asia        Global
                                           --------              ----               ----        ------

    GAAP MEASURE
    ------------

    Three Months Ended 31 December 2016

    Operating income (loss)                           $223.8                           $88.0                     $118.1                           $8.2               $(29.8)                $408.3

    Operating margin                                   25.9%                          22.0%                     26.9%                                                          21.7%
    ----------------                                    ----                            ----                       ----                                                            ----

    Three Months Ended 31 December 2015

    Operating income (loss)                           $211.6                           $92.3                     $117.3                        $(19.3)              $(17.4)                $384.5

    Operating margin                                   25.3%                          21.0%                     28.3%                                                          20.6%
    ----------------                                    ----                            ----                       ----                                                            ----

    Operating income (loss) change                     $12.2                          $(4.3)                       $.8                          $27.5               $(12.4)                 $23.8

    Operating income (loss) % change                      6%                           (5)%                        1%                          142%                (71)%                    6%

    Operating margin change                      60bp                     100bp                   (140)bp                                                          110bp
    -----------------------                      ----                     -----                   -------                                                          -----


    NON-GAAP MEASURE
    ----------------

    Three Months Ended 31 December 2016

    Operating income (loss)                           $223.8                           $88.0                     $118.1                           $8.2               $(29.8)                $408.3

    Add: Depreciation and amortization          111.8                42.2                46.7            2.0                      3.4                        206.1

    Add: Equity affiliates' income               14.7                 9.5                13.5             .3                        -                        38.0
    ------------------------------               ----                 ---                ----            ---                      ---                        ----

    Adjusted EBITDA                                   $350.3                          $139.7                     $178.3                          $10.5               $(26.4)                $652.4

    Adjusted EBITDA margin                      40.5%              35.0%              40.7%                                                   34.7%
    ----------------------                       ----                ----                ----                                                     ----

    Three Months Ended 31 December 2015

    Operating income (loss)                           $211.6                           $92.3                     $117.3                        $(19.3)              $(17.4)                $384.5

    Add: Depreciation and amortization          109.0                46.8                51.9            2.1                      4.9                        214.7

    Add: Equity affiliates' income (loss)        14.5                 7.6                11.7           (.5)                       -                        33.3
    ------------------------------------         ----                 ---                ----            ---                      ---                        ----

    Adjusted EBITDA                                   $335.1                          $146.7                     $180.9                        $(17.7)              $(12.5)                $632.5

    Adjusted EBITDA margin                      40.1%              33.4%              43.6%                                                   33.9%
    ----------------------                       ----                ----                ----                                                     ----

    Adjusted EBITDA change                             $15.2                          $(7.0)                    $(2.6)                         $28.2               $(13.9)                 $19.9

    Adjusted EBITDA % change                              5%               (5)%                      (1)%                             159%             (111)%                           3%

    Adjusted EBITDA margin change                        40%              160bp                             (290)bp                                                      80bp
    -----------------------------                        ---               -----                             -------                                                      ----

Below is a reconciliation of segment total operating income to consolidated operating income:



                                        Three Months Ended

                                            31 December

    Operating Income                   2016                2015
    ----------------                   ----                ----

    Segment total                              $408.3                  $384.5

    Business separation costs        (30.2)                     (12.0)

    Cost reduction and asset actions (50.0)                          -

    Consolidated Total                         $328.1                  $372.5
    ------------------                         ------                  ------


INCOME TAXES

The tax impact of our non-GAAP adjustments reflects the expected current and deferred income tax expense impact of the transactions and is impacted primarily by the statutory tax rate of the various relevant jurisdictions and the taxability of the adjustments in those jurisdictions.



                                Effective Tax Rate

                                Three Months Ended
                                    31 December

                                     2016              2015

    Income Tax Provision - GAAP                $78.4                $96.4

    Income From Continuing
     Operations Before Taxes -
     GAAP                                     $336.6               $383.6

    Effective Tax Rate - GAAP       23.3%            25.1%
    -------------------------        ----              ----

    Income Tax Provision - GAAP                $78.4                $96.4

    Business separation costs         3.7                 -

    Tax costs associated with
     business separation            (2.7)                -

    Cost reduction and asset
     actions                          8.8                 -

    Income Tax Provision - Non-
     GAAP Measure                              $88.2                $96.4
    ---------------------------                -----                -----

    Income From Continuing
     Operations Before Taxes -
     GAAP                                     $336.6               $383.6

    Business separation costs        30.2              12.0

    Cost reduction and asset
     actions                         50.0                 -

    Income From Continuing
     Operations Before Taxes -
     Non-GAAP Measure                         $416.8               $395.6

    Effective Tax Rate - Non-
     GAAP Measure                              21.2%        24.4%
    -------------------------                   ----          ----


CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

We utilize a non-GAAP measure in the computation of capital expenditures and include spending associated with facilities accounted for as capital leases. Certain contracts associated with facilities that are built to provide product to a specific customer are required to be accounted for as leases, and such spending is reflected as a use of cash within cash provided by operating activities if the arrangement qualifies as a capital lease.

Below is a reconciliation of capital expenditures on a GAAP basis to a non-GAAP measure:


                                     Three Months Ended
                                        31 December

                                    2016                2015
                                    ----                ----

    Capital expenditures for
     continuing operations - GAAP
     basis                                  $248.0               $247.1

    Capital lease expenditures       4.0                     7.3

    Capital expenditures - Non-GAAP
     basis                                  $252.0               $254.4
    -------------------------------         ------               ------

We expect capital expenditures for fiscal year 2017 to be approximately $1,000 on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis.


RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED (ROCE)

Return on capital employed (ROCE) is calculated on a continuing operations basis as earnings after-tax divided by five-quarter average total capital. Earnings after-tax is calculated based on trailing four quarters and is defined as the sum of net income from continuing operations attributable to Air Products, interest expense, after-tax, at our effective quarterly tax rate, and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. On a non-GAAP basis, the GAAP measure has been adjusted for the impact of the disclosed items detailed below. Total capital consists of total debt, total equity, and redeemable noncontrolling interest less noncontrolling interests and total assets of discontinued operations.




                                                                            2017                                                             2016                                                                    2015

                                                                     Q1                       Q4        Q3           Q2          Q1                     Q4          Q3          Q2     Q1
                                                                     ---                     ---        ---         ---          ---                    ---        ---          ---   ---

    Net income from continuing operations attributable to Air
     Products                                                                       $251.6                            $289.4                     $250.3                $278.9              $280.9                                 $273.7         $221.5      $188.4

    Interest expense                                                        29.5                 32.2        35.1         25.7          22.2                               22.7                28.1             23.2

    Interest expense tax impact                                            (6.9)               (8.0)     (12.7)       (6.3)        (5.6)                             (5.4)              (6.8)           (5.7)
    ---------------------------                                             ----                 ----       -----         ----          ----                               ----                ----             ----

         Interest expense, after-tax                                        22.6                 24.2        22.4         19.4          16.6                               17.3                21.3             17.5

    Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of
     continuing operations                                                   6.6                  5.0         5.4          5.8           6.3                                4.1                12.3              5.1

    Earnings After-Tax-GAAP                                                         $280.8                            $318.6                     $278.1                $304.1              $303.8                                 $295.1         $255.1      $211.0
    =======================                                                         ======                            ======                     ======                ======              ======                                 ======         ======      ======


    Disclosed items, after-tax
    --------------------------

    Business separation costs                                                        $26.5                             $19.3                       $6.5                  $8.9               $12.0                                   $7.5    $           -      $    -

    Tax costs associated with business separation                            2.7                  4.1        47.7            -            -                                 -                  -               -

    Cost reduction and asset actions                                        41.2                  7.2         8.7          8.8             -                              47.2                33.0             36.5

    Pension settlement loss                                                    -                 1.4          .6          1.3             -                               4.2                  .8              7.4

    Gain on land sales                                                         -                   -          -           -            -                            (28.3)                  -               -

    Loss on extinguishment of debt                                             -                 4.3           -           -            -                              14.2                   -               -

    Earnings After-Tax-Non-GAAP                                                     $351.2                            $354.9                     $341.6                $323.1              $315.8                                 $339.9         $288.9      $254.9
    ===========================                                                     ======                            ======                     ======                ======              ======                                 ======         ======      ======


    Total Capital
    -------------

    Short-term borrowings                                                           $156.1                            $935.8                   $1,043.0              $1,478.5            $1,539.4                               $1,494.3       $1,082.9    $1,259.4    $1,276.4

    Current portion of long-term debt                                      873.3                365.4       714.9        763.6         403.1                              430.6                80.1            151.2                   49.3

    Long-term debt                                                       3,289.0              3,909.7     3,908.1      3,556.9       3,853.0                            3,931.0             4,669.1          4,488.7                4,725.7
    --------------                                                       -------              -------     -------      -------       -------                            -------             -------          -------                -------

         Total Debt                                                      4,318.4              5,210.9     5,666.0      5,799.0       5,795.5                            5,855.9             5,832.1          5,899.3                6,051.4

    Total Equity                                                         7,261.1              7,213.4     7,180.2      7,053.1       7,499.0                            7,381.1             7,731.3          7,476.3                7,503.3

    Redeemable noncontrolling interest                                         -                   -          -           -            -                                 -              277.9            280.0                  288.7

    Noncontrolling interests of discontinued operations                        -              (33.9)     (32.9)      (33.0)       (32.1)                            (32.0)             (35.7)          (34.6)                (36.2)

    Assets of discontinued operations                                    (860.2)           (1,968.5)  (1,761.4)   (1,679.9)    (2,588.4)                         (2,544.1)          (2,558.6)       (2,397.3)             (2,358.1)
    ---------------------------------                                     ------             --------    --------     --------      --------                           --------            --------         --------               --------

    Total Capital                                                                $10,719.3                         $10,421.9                  $11,051.9             $11,139.2           $10,674.0                              $10,660.9      $11,247.0   $11,223.7   $11,449.1
    -------------                                                                ---------                         ---------                  ---------             ---------           ---------                              ---------      ---------   ---------   ---------


    Earnings After Tax-GAAP                                                       $1,181.6                                                              $1,065.0

    Five-quarter average total capital                                  10,801.3                                                 11,050.9

    ROCE-GAAP                                                              10.9%                                                    9.6%

    Change GAAP Measure                                       130 bp
    ===================                                       ======


    Earnings After Tax-Non-GAAP                                                   $1,370.8                                                              $1,199.5

    Five-quarter average total capital                                  10,801.3                                                 11,050.9

    ROCE-Non-GAAP                                                          12.7%                                                   10.9%

    Change Non-GAAP Measure                                               180 bp
    =======================                                               ======

OPERATING INCOME - CONSTANT CURRENCY BASIS

Industrial Gases - EMEA

Operating income on a constant currency basis equals current year GAAP operating income adjusted for prior period average exchange rates to show the underlying growth rate versus the prior year.



                                Three Months Ended

                                   31 December

    Industrial Gases - EMEA              2016       2015 Change
    -----------------------              ----       ---- ------

    Segment Operating Income                      $88.0           $ 92.3 (5)%

    Currency adjustment                             7.6

    Non-GAAP Operating Income -
     Constant Currency                            $95.6           $ 92.3   4%
    ---------------------------                   -----         --- ----  ---


OUTLOOK

Guidance provided is on a non-GAAP continuing operations basis, which excludes the impact of certain items that we believe are not representative of our underlying business performance. It is likely that we will incur additional costs for items such as business separation, cost reduction and asset actions, and pension settlements in future periods. However, it is not possible, without unreasonable efforts, to identify the amount or significance of these events or the potential for other transactions that may impact future GAAP EPS. Accordingly, management is unable to reconcile, without unreasonable effort, the Company's forecasted range of adjusted EPS on a continuing operations basis to a comparable GAAP range.



                                                         Diluted
                                                            EPS

                                                        Full Year
                                                        ---------

    2016 GAAP                                               $5.04

    Business separation costs                                 .21

    Tax costs associated with business
     separation                                               .24

    Cost reduction and asset actions                          .11

    Pension settlement loss                                   .02

    Loss on extinguishment of debt                            .02
    ------------------------------                            ---

    2016 Non-GAAP Measure                           $

                                                             5.64

    2017 Non-GAAP Outlook                               6.00-6.25
    ---------------------                               ---------

    Change Non-GAAP                                       .36-.61

    % Change Non-GAAP                                      6%-11%
    -----------------                                       -----



                                                                                   AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC. and Subsidiaries

                                                                                            CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

                                                                                                      (Unaudited)


                                                                                                                                             Three Months Ended

                                                                                                                                                31 December

    (Millions of dollars, except for share data)                                                                                        2016                 2015
    -------------------------------------------                                                                                         ----                 ----

    Sales                                                                                                                                     $1,882.5                    $1,866.3

    Cost of sales                                                                                                                    1,318.1                      1,295.9

    Selling and administrative                                                                                                         165.7                        173.9

    Research and development                                                                                                            15.1                         16.9

    Business separation costs                                                                                                           30.2                         12.0

    Cost reduction and asset actions                                                                                                    50.0                            -

    Other income (expense), net                                                                                                         24.7                          4.9

    Operating Income                                                                                                                   328.1                        372.5

    Equity affiliates' income                                                                                                           38.0                         33.3

    Interest expense                                                                                                                    29.5                         22.2

    Income From Continuing Operations Before Taxes                                                                                     336.6                        383.6

    Income tax provision                                                                                                                78.4                         96.4

    Income From Continuing Operations                                                                                                  258.2                        287.2

    Income From Discontinued Operations, net of tax                                                                                     48.2                         84.8

    Net Income                                                                                                                         306.4                        372.0

    Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests of Continuing Operations                                                         6.6                          6.3

    Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests of Discontinued Operations                                                         -                         2.1
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       ---                         ---

    Net Income Attributable to Air Products                                                                                                     $299.8                      $363.6
    ---------------------------------------                                                                                                     ------                      ------

    Net Income Attributable to Air Products

    Income from continuing operations                                                                                                           $251.6                      $280.9

    Income from discontinued operations                                                                                                 48.2                         82.7

    Net Income Attributable to Air Products                                                                                                     $299.8                      $363.6
    ---------------------------------------                                                                                                     ------                      ------

    Basic Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to Air Products

    Income from continuing operations                                                                                                            $1.16                       $1.30

    Income from discontinued operations                                                                                                  .22                          .38
    -----------------------------------                                                                                                  ---                          ---

    Net Income Attributable to Air Products                                                                                                      $1.38                       $1.68
    ---------------------------------------                                                                                                      -----                       -----

    Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to Air Products

    Income from continuing operations                                                                                                            $1.15                       $1.29

    Income from discontinued operations                                                                                                  .22                          .38
    -----------------------------------                                                                                                  ---                          ---

    Net Income Attributable to Air Products                                                                                                      $1.37                       $1.67
    ---------------------------------------                                                                                                      -----                       -----

    Weighted Average Common Shares - Basic (in millions)                                                                               217.7                        215.8

    Weighted Average Common Shares - Diluted (in millions)                                                                             219.7                        217.6

    Dividends Declared Per Common Share - Cash                                                                                                    $.86                        $.81
    ------------------------------------------                                                                                                    ----                        ----

    Other Data from Continuing Operations

    Depreciation and amortization                                                                                                               $206.1                      $214.7

    Capital expenditures - Refer to page 7                                                                                             252.0                        254.4



                                   AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC. and Subsidiaries

                                              CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                                      (Unaudited)


                                                       31 December                  30 September

    (Millions of dollars)                                     2016                            2016

    Assets
    ------

    Current Assets

    Cash and cash items                                                 $655.5                        $1,293.2

    Trade receivables, net                                 1,063.3                           1,146.2

    Inventories                                              330.7                             255.0

    Contracts in progress, less
     progress billings                                        84.6                              64.6

    Prepaid expenses                                          68.6                              93.9

    Other receivables and current
     assets                                                  485.9                             538.2

    Current assets of discontinued
     operations                                              860.2                             926.2

    Total Current Assets                                   3,548.8                           4,317.3
    --------------------                                   -------                           -------

    Investment in net assets of and
     advances to equity affiliates                         1,254.7                           1,283.6

    Plant and equipment, at cost                          18,273.8                          18,660.2

    Less: accumulated depreciation                        10,243.5                          10,400.5

    Plant and equipment, net                               8,030.3                           8,259.7
    ------------------------                               -------                           -------

    Goodwill, net                                            811.1                             845.1

    Intangible assets, net                                   376.7                             387.9

    Noncurrent capital lease
     receivables                                           1,162.6                           1,221.7

    Other noncurrent assets                                  772.0                             671.0

    Noncurrent assets of
     discontinued operations                                     -                          1,042.3

    Total Noncurrent Assets                               12,407.4                          13,711.3

    Total Assets                                                     $15,956.2                       $18,028.6
    ------------                                                     ---------                       ---------

    Liabilities and Equity
    ----------------------

    Current Liabilities

    Payables and accrued liabilities                                  $1,677.5                        $1,652.2

    Accrued income taxes                                     133.7                             117.9

    Short-term borrowings                                    156.1                             935.8

    Current portion of long-term
     debt                                                    873.3                             365.4

    Current liabilities of
     discontinued operations                                  89.2                             211.8

    Total Current Liabilities                              2,929.8                           3,283.1
    -------------------------                              -------                           -------

    Long-term debt                                         3,289.0                           3,909.7

    Other noncurrent liabilities                           1,797.3                           1,816.5

    Deferred income taxes                                    679.0                             710.4

    Noncurrent liabilities of
     discontinued operations                                     -                          1,095.5

    Total Noncurrent Liabilities                           5,765.3                           7,532.1

    Total Liabilities                                      8,695.1                          10,815.2
    -----------------                                      -------                          --------

    Air Products Shareholders'
     Equity                                                7,161.5                           7,079.6

    Noncontrolling Interests                                  99.6                             133.8

    Total Equity                                           7,261.1                           7,213.4

    Total Liabilities and Equity                                     $15,956.2                       $18,028.6
    ----------------------------                                     ---------                       ---------




                                                                                                           AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC. and Subsidiaries

                                                                                                                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                                                                                                              (Unaudited)


                                                                                                                                                                 Three Months Ended

                                                                                                                                                                     31 December

    (Millions of dollars)                                                                                                                                       2016                2015

    Operating Activities

    Net income                                                                                                                                                          $306.4                    $372.0

    Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of continuing operations                                                                           6.6                          6.3

    Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of discontinued operations                                                                           -                         2.1
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                                         ---                         ---

    Net income attributable to Air Products                                                                                                                    299.8                        363.6

    Income from discontinued operations                                                                                                                       (48.2)                      (82.7)
    -----------------------------------                                                                                                                        -----                        -----

    Income from continuing operations attributable to Air Products                                                                                             251.6                        280.9

    Adjustments to reconcile income to cash provided by operating activities:

    Depreciation and amortization                                                                                                                              206.1                        214.7

    Deferred income taxes                                                                                                                                     (23.6)                        31.7

    Undistributed earnings of unconsolidated affiliates                                                                                                        (6.9)                         7.0

    Gain on sale of assets and investments                                                                                                                     (5.0)                        (.9)

    Share-based compensation                                                                                                                                     9.0                          8.3

    Noncurrent capital lease receivables                                                                                                                        22.3                         12.2

    Write-down of long-lived assets associated with restructuring                                                                                               45.7                            -

    Other adjustments                                                                                                                                           10.7                       (66.2)

    Working capital changes that provided (used) cash, excluding effects of acquisitions and divestitures:

    Trade receivables                                                                                                                                           42.3                         83.7

    Inventories                                                                                                                                                  9.9                       (19.0)

    Contracts in progress, less progress billings                                                                                                             (22.6)                      (20.3)

    Other receivables                                                                                                                                          (7.2)                      (25.3)

    Payables and accrued liabilities                                                                                                                            10.4                      (100.7)

    Other working capital                                                                                                                                       31.6                        (8.9)

    Cash Provided by Operating Activities                                                                                                                      574.3                        397.2
    -------------------------------------                                                                                                                      -----                        -----

    Investing Activities

    Additions to plant and equipment                                                                                                                         (239.2)                     (248.4)

    Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates                                                                                                    (8.8)                         1.3

    Proceeds from sale of assets and investments                                                                                                                11.4                         30.8

    Other investing activities                                                                                                                                 (1.5)                          .6

    Cash Used for Investing Activities                                                                                                                       (238.1)                     (215.7)
    ----------------------------------                                                                                                                        ------                       ------

    Financing Activities

    Long-term debt proceeds                                                                                                                                      1.2                            -

    Payments on long-term debt                                                                                                                                (14.4)                      (65.5)

    Net (decrease) increase in commercial paper and short-term borrowings                                                                                    (772.2)                        46.0

    Dividends paid to shareholders                                                                                                                           (186.9)                     (174.4)

    Proceeds from stock option exercises                                                                                                                        10.7                         10.3

    Other financing activities                                                                                                                                (12.9)                      (16.6)

    Cash Used for Financing Activities                                                                                                                       (974.5)                     (200.2)
    ----------------------------------                                                                                                                        ------                       ------

    Discontinued Operations

    Cash (used for) provided by operating activities                                                                                                          (59.6)                       176.9

    Cash used for investing activities                                                                                                                        (19.4)                      (86.3)

    Cash provided by financing activities                                                                                                                       69.5                          2.1

    Cash (Used for) Provided by Discontinued Operations                                                                                                        (9.5)                        92.7

    Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash                                                                                                                   (16.2)                       (1.3)
    ---------------------------------------                                                                                                                    -----                         ----

    (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Items                                                                                                               (664.0)                        72.7

    Cash and Cash Items - Beginning of Year                                                                                                                  1,330.8                        206.4

    Cash and Cash Items - End of Period                                                                                                                                 $666.8                    $279.1
    -----------------------------------                                                                                                                                 ------                    ------

    Less: Cash and Cash Items - Discontinued Operations                                                                                                         11.3                         46.7

    Cash and Cash Items - Continuing Operations                                                                                                                         $655.5                    $232.4
    -------------------------------------------                                                                                                                         ------                    ------

    Supplemental Cash Flow Information

    Cash paid for taxes (net of cash refunds) - Continuing operations                                                                                                    $79.7                     $59.8
    -----------------------------------------------------------------                                                                                                    -----                     -----


                                                                         AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC. and Subsidiaries

                                                                                    SUMMARY BY BUSINESS SEGMENTS

                                                                                            (Unaudited)


    (Millions of dollars)               Industrial          Industrial          Industrial               Industrial        Corporate           Segment

                                          Gases -            Gases -              Gases -                 Gases -          and other            Total

                                         Americas              EMEA                Asia                    Global

    Three Months Ended 31 December 2016

    Sales                                            $863.9                                      $399.7                                $438.3                  $147.9             $32.7  $1,882.5

    Operating income (loss)                  223.8                        88.0                                  118.1                      8.2          (29.8)          408.3

    Depreciation and amortization            111.8                        42.2                                   46.7                      2.0             3.4           206.1

    Equity affiliates' income                 14.7                         9.5                                   13.5                       .3               -           38.0

    Three Months Ended 31 December 2015

    Sales                                            $836.3                                      $439.6                                $414.6                  $104.3             $71.5  $1,866.3

    Operating income (loss)                  211.6                        92.3                                  117.3                   (19.3)         (17.4)          384.5

    Depreciation and amortization            109.0                        46.8                                   51.9                      2.1             4.9           214.7

    Equity affiliates' income (loss)          14.5                         7.6                                   11.7                     (.5)              -           33.3

    Total Assets

    31 December 2016                               $5,873.9                                    $3,005.0                              $4,098.0                  $268.5          $1,850.6 $15,096.0

    30 September 2016                      5,896.7                     3,178.6                                4,232.7                    367.6         2,384.5        16,060.1
    -----------------                      -------                     -------                                -------                    -----         -------        --------

Below is a reconciliation of segment total operating income to consolidated operating income:



                                     Three Months Ended

                                         31 December

    Operating Income                         2016              2015
    ----------------                         ----              ----

    Segment total                                    $408.3         $384.5

    Business separation costs              (30.2)           (12.0)

    Cost reduction and asset actions       (50.0)                -

    Consolidated Total                               $328.1         $372.5
    ------------------                               ------         ------

Below is a reconciliation of segment total assets to consolidated total assets:




                            31 December                 30 September

    Total Assets                         2016                    2016
    ------------                         ----                    ----

    Segment total                             $15,096.0               $16,060.1

    Discontinued operations             860.2                 1,968.5

    Consolidated Total                        $15,956.2               $18,028.6
    ------------------                        ---------               ---------

AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)

1. MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES SEPARATION
On 16 September 2015, the Company announced plans to separate its Materials Technologies business, which contained two divisions, Electronic Materials Division (EMD) and Performance Materials Division (PMD), into an independent publicly traded company and distribute to Air Products shareholders all of the shares of the new public company in a tax-free distribution (a "spin-off"). Versum Materials, Inc., or Versum, was formed as the new company to hold the Materials Technologies business subject to the spin-off. On 6 May 2016, the Company entered into an agreement to sell certain subsidiaries and assets comprising PMD to Evonik Industries AG. As a result, the Company moved forward with the planned spin-off of Versum containing only EMD.

On 1 October 2016, we completed the separation of EMD through the spin-off of Versum. On 3 January 2017, we completed the sale of PMD to Evonik Industries AG for $3.8 billion in cash subject to customary post-closing adjustments, including working capital. As a result, these divisions are reflected in our consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

For the three months ended 31 December 2016, we incurred separation costs of $30.2 ($26.5 after-tax, or $.12 per share), primarily related to legal and advisory costs associated with these transactions. The costs are reflected on the consolidated income statements as "Business separation costs." A significant portion of these costs were not tax deductible because they were directly related to the plan for the tax-free spin-off of Versum. In addition, our income tax provision includes additional tax expense related to the separation of $2.7 ($.01 per share).


2. COST REDUCTION AND ASSET ACTIONS
In the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, we recognized a net expense of $50.0 ($41.2 after-tax, or $.19 per share), primarily related to the write-down of an air separation unit in the Industrial Gases - EMEA segment that was constructed mainly to provide oxygen to one of the Energy-from-Waste plants and for severance and other benefits.


3. ENERGY-FROM-WASTE
During the second quarter of fiscal year 2016, the Board of Directors approved the Company's exit of its Energy-from-Waste (EfW) business. As a result, efforts to start up and operate its two EfW projects located in Tees Valley, United Kingdom, had been discontinued and a loss on disposal of $945.7 ($846.6 after-tax) was recorded to write down plant assets to their estimated net realizable value and record a liability for plant disposition and other costs.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2017, we determined that it is unlikely for a buyer to assume the remaining assets and contract obligations, including the related land lease. As a result, we recorded an additional loss of $59.3 ($47.1 after-tax) in results of discontinued operations, of which $53.0 was recorded primarily for land lease obligations and $6.3 was recorded to update our estimate of the net realizable value of the plant assets as of 31 December 2016.


4. NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an update to simplify the accounting for employee share-based payments, including the income tax impacts, the classification on the statement of cash flows, and forfeitures. We elected to early adopt this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. The new guidance requires excess tax benefits and deficiencies to be recognized in the income statement rather than in additional paid-in capital on the balance sheet. As a result of applying this change prospectively, we recognized $7.0 of excess tax benefits in our provision for income taxes during the first quarter of fiscal year 2017.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/air-products-reports-strong-fiscal-2017-first-quarter-results-300398010.html

SOURCE Air Products