Air Products reported first quarter fiscal 2021 GAAP EPS from continuing operations of $2.12, down one percent, despite an estimated $0.10 to $0.15 negative impact from COVID-19; GAAP net income of $487 million, including $10 million from discontinued operations, which was flat; and GAAP net income margin of 20.5 percent, down 120 basis points, each versus prior year.

On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted EPS from continuing operations of $2.12 was down one percent, despite an estimated $0.10 to $0.15 negative impact from COVID-19; adjusted EBITDA of $932 million was up three percent; and adjusted EBITDA margin of 39.2 percent was down 110 basis points, each versus prior year.

First quarter sales of $2.4 billion increased five percent on three percent favorable currency, two percent higher pricing and one percent higher energy pass-through. Volumes declined one percent, as new plants, acquisitions and increased sale-of-equipment activities were offset by lower demand from COVID-19 and a reduced contribution from the Lu'An gasification project in Asia ("Lu'An").

Commenting on the results, Seifi Ghasemi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Air Products, said, "The resilient, hard-working and focused Air Products team delivered higher adjusted EBITDA this quarter—as well as maintained adjusted EBITDA margins of nearly 40 percent—despite the continued challenges of the global pandemic. From our position of financial strength, we continued to execute our growth strategy focused on industrial gas projects that address significant energy and environmental challenges. Meanwhile, we continue to create shareholder value through the dividend, with our latest 12 percent increase representing our 39th consecutive year of dividend payment increases.”

Fiscal First Quarter Results by Business Segment 

Industrial gases 

Americas sales of $933 million were flat versus the prior year. Three percent higher pricing and two percent higher energy pass-through were offset by five percent lower volumes, primarily due to the impact of COVID-19. Operating income of $226 million decreased 12 percent, due to lower volumes and higher planned maintenance, partially offset by higher pricing. Operating margin of 24.2 percent decreased 330 basis points. Adjusted EBITDA of $400 million decreased two percent, due to lower volumes and higher planned maintenance, partially offset by higher pricing and the acquisition of hydrogen assets. Adjusted EBITDA margin of 42.9 percent decreased 90 basis points.

Sequentially, sales increased two percent on five percent higher energy pass-through and one percent higher pricing, partially offset by four percent lower volumes, primarily driven by seasonality.

EMEA sales of $563 million increased 13 percent over the prior year. Volumes increased five percent, primarily driven by acquisitions and higher onsite volumes, partially offset by lower packaged gas demand from COVID-19. Three percent higher pricing and six percent favorable currency more than offset one percent lower energy pass-through. Operating income of $142 million increased 17 percent, primarily due to higher pricing, favorable currency and acquisitions, and operating margin of 25.1 percent increased 90 basis points. Adjusted EBITDA of $222 million increased 18 percent, primarily due to higher pricing, favorable currency and acquisitions, and adjusted EBITDA margin of 39.4 percent increased 170 basis points.

Sequentially, sales increased 11 percent on six percent higher volumes, driven by modest COVID-19-related recovery in the merchant business, acquisitions and higher onsite volumes; two percent favorable currency; two percent higher energy cost pass-through; and one percent higher pricing.

Asia sales of $718 million increased four percent from the prior year on six percent favorable currency and one percent each higher pricing and energy-pass through. Volumes decreased four percent, primarily from a reduced contribution from Lu'An, while the merchant business remained stable. Operating income of $215 million decreased six percent, primarily due to Lu'An, and operating margin of 29.9 percent decreased 310 basis points. Adjusted EBITDA of $343 million decreased one percent, primarily due to Lu'An, and adjusted EBITDA margin of 47.7 percent decreased 240 basis points.

Sequentially, sales increased one percent, as four percent favorable currency more than offset three percent lower volumes, including Lu'An.

Ghasemi added, "Despite continued, broad economic uncertainty in most of the world, we remain confident in the profitable growth strategy we are executing, providing innovative solutions for some of the world’s most significant energy and environmental challenges. With our strong portfolio, we are able to meet customers' and countries' drive for cleaner and more sustainable solutions. We see great opportunities ahead in gasification, carbon capture and hydrogen for mobility, and we continue to develop and invest in strategic opportunities to drive our growth for decades to come. I continue to be as optimistic as ever about the future of Air Products.”