Allentown, Pennsylvania-based Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD) provides atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, equipment, and related services. Valued at $68.4 billion by market cap, the company develops, engineers, builds, owns, and operates some of the world's largest industrial gas projects, including gasification projects for producing high-value power, fuels, and chemicals. The leading industrial gas supplier is expected to announce its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings for 2026 before the market opens on Thursday, Nov. 5.
Ahead of the event, analysts expect Air Products and Chemicals to report a profit of $3.60 per share on a diluted basis, up 6.2% from $3.39 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company beat the consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing the forecast on another occasion.
For the full year, analysts expect Air Products and Chemicals to report EPS of $13.46, up 11.9% from $12.03 in fiscal 2025. Its EPS is expected to rise 7% year over year to $14.40 in fiscal 2027.
APD stock has outperformed the S&P 500 Index’s ($SPX) 13.1% gains over the past 52 weeks, with shares up 20.4% during this period. Similarly, it outperformed the State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF’s (XLB) 15.5% returns over the same time frame.
APD has outperformed on the back of strict capital discipline, improved margin durability, and a pivot toward higher-return investments. Investor confidence has been further bolstered by management's strategic shift to streamline operations, cut low-return mega-project spending, and prioritize core industrial gas cash flows alongside steady earnings beats.
On Jul. 30, APD shares closed up more than 2% after reporting its Q3 results. Its revenue stood at $3.2 billion, up 4.6% year over year. The company’s adjusted EPS increased 12.3% from the year-ago quarter to $3.47.
Analysts’ consensus opinion on APD stock is reasonably bullish, with a “Moderate Buy” rating overall. Out of 25 analysts covering the stock, 15 advise a “Strong Buy” rating, one suggests a “Moderate Buy,” and nine give a “Hold.” APD’s average analyst price target is $338.13, indicating a potential upside of 10.1% from the current levels.
On the date of publication, Neha Panjwani did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.