Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

  x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended 30 September 2010  

OR

 

  ¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from                      to                       

Commission file number 1-4534

AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.

 

7201 Hamilton Boulevard

 

State of incorporation: Delaware

Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18195-1501

 

I.R.S. identification number: 23-1274455

Tel. (610) 481-4911

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class:

 

Registered on:

Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share

 

New York

Preferred Stock Purchase Rights

 

New York

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

YES x        NO  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

YES ¨        NO  x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES x        NO  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

YES x        NO  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer x   Accelerated filer ¨    Non-accelerated filer ¨   Smaller reporting company ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

YES ¨        NO  x

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on 31 March 2010 was approximately $15.7 billion. For purposes of the foregoing calculations all directors and/or executive officers have been deemed to be affiliates, but the registrant disclaims that any such director and/or executive officer is an affiliate.

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of 15 November 2010 was 214,275,258.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.

 

 


Table of Contents

AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended 30 September 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ITEM 1.   BUSINESS     3   
ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS     9   
ITEM 1B.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS     13   
ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES     13   
ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS     14   
ITEM 4.   RESERVED     15   
ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES     15   
ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA     17   
ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS     18   
ITEM 7A.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK     41   
ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA     43   
ITEM 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE     95   
ITEM 9A.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES     95   
ITEM 9B.   OTHER INFORMATION     95   
ITEM 10.   DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE     95   
ITEM 11.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION     96   
ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS     96   
ITEM 13.   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE     96   
ITEM 14.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES     96   
ITEM 15.   EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES     96   
SIGNATURES     98   

 

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PART I

 

  ITEM 1. BUSINESS  

General Description of Business and Fiscal Year 2010 Developments

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (the Company or Air Products), a Delaware corporation originally founded in 1940, serves technology, energy, industrial, and healthcare customers globally with a unique portfolio of products, services, and solutions that include atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, equipment, and services. The Company is the world’s largest supplier of hydrogen and helium and has built leading positions in growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. As used in this report, unless the context indicates otherwise, the term “Company” includes subsidiaries and predecessors of the registrant and its subsidiaries.

On 11 February 2010, Air Products Distribution, Inc. (Purchaser), a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Products, commenced a cash tender offer for all the outstanding shares of common stock of Airgas, Inc. (Airgas) not already owned by Air Products. Airgas is the largest U.S. distributor of packaged industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and associated hard goods such as welding equipment. The offer is scheduled to expire at midnight, New York City time, on Friday, 3 December 2010, unless further extended.

The Company manages its operations, assesses performance, and reports earnings under four business segments: Merchant Gases, Tonnage Gases, Electronics and Performance Materials, and Equipment and Energy.

Financial Information about Segments

Financial information concerning the Company’s four business segments appears in Note 25, Business Segment and Geographic Information, to the consolidated financial statements, included under Item 8 herein.

Narrative Description of Business by Segments

Merchant Gases

Merchant Gases sells atmospheric gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and argon (primarily recovered by the cryogenic distillation of air); process gases such as hydrogen and helium (purchased or refined from crude helium); and medical and specialty gases, along with certain services and equipment, throughout the world to customers in many industries, including those in metals, glass, chemical processing, food processing, healthcare, steel, general manufacturing, and petroleum and natural gas industries.

Merchant Gases includes the following types of products:

Liquid bulk—Product is delivered in bulk (in liquid or gaseous form) by tanker or tube trailer and stored, usually in its liquid state, in equipment designed and installed by the Company at the customer’s site for vaporizing into a gaseous state as needed. Liquid bulk sales are typically governed by three- to five-year contracts.

Packaged gases—Small quantities of product are delivered in either cylinders or dewars. The Company operates packaged gas businesses in Europe, Asia, and Brazil. In the United States, the Company’s current packaged gas business sells products only for the electronics and magnetic resonance imaging (principally helium) industries.

Small on-site plants—Customers receive product through small on-sites (cryogenic or noncryogenic generators), either by a sale of gas contract or the sale of the equipment to the customer.

Healthcare products—Customers receive respiratory therapies, home medical equipment, and infusion services. These products and services are provided to patients in their homes, primarily in Europe. The Company has leading market positions in Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, and in Mexico through its equity affiliate.

Electric power is the largest cost component in the production of atmospheric gases—oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. Natural gas is also an energy source at a number of the Company’s Merchant Gases facilities. The Company mitigates energy and natural gas price increases through pricing formulas and surcharges. A shortage or interruption of electricity or natural gas supply, or a price increase that cannot be passed through to customers, possibly for competitive reasons, may adversely affect the operations or results of Merchant Gases. During fiscal year 2010, no significant difficulties were encountered in obtaining adequate supplies of energy or raw materials.

Merchant Gases competes worldwide against three global industrial gas companies: L’Air Liquide S.A.; Linde AG; Praxair, Inc.; and several regional sellers (including Airgas, primarily with respect to liquid bulk sales). Competition in industrial gases is based primarily on price, reliability of supply, and the development of industrial gas applications.

 

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Competition in the healthcare business involves price, quality, service, and reliability of supply. In Europe, primary healthcare competitors include the same three global industrial gas companies mentioned previously, as well as smaller regional service providers. In some countries such as Spain and the United Kingdom, the Company tenders for significant parts of the healthcare business with government agencies and is expecting to participate in tenders in some countries over the coming fiscal year.

Merchant Gases sales constituted 41% of the Company’s consolidated sales in fiscal year 2010, 44% in fiscal year 2009, and 40% in fiscal year 2008. Sales of atmospheric gases (oxygen, nitrogen, and argon) constituted approximately 20% of the Company’s consolidated sales in fiscal year 2010, 21% in fiscal year 2009, and 18% in fiscal year 2008.

Tonnage Gases

Tonnage Gases provides hydrogen, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and syngas principally to the energy production and refining, chemical, and metallurgical industries worldwide. Gases are produced at large facilities located adjacent to customers’ facilities or by pipeline systems from centrally located production facilities and are generally governed by contracts with 15- to 20-year terms. The Company is the world’s largest provider of hydrogen, which is used by oil refiners to facilitate the conversion of heavy crude feedstock and lower the sulfur content of gasoline and diesel fuels to reduce smog and ozone depletion. The energy production industry uses nitrogen injection for enhanced recovery of oil and natural gas and oxygen for gasification. The metallurgical industry uses nitrogen for inerting and oxygen for the manufacture of steel and certain nonferrous metals. The chemical industry uses hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and synthesis gas (a hydrogen-carbon monoxide mixture) as feedstocks in the production of many basic chemicals. The Company delivers product through pipelines from centrally located facilities in or near the Texas Gulf Coast; Louisiana; Los Angeles, California; Alberta, Canada; Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Southern England, U.K.; Northern England, U.K.; Western Belgium; Ulsan, Korea; Nanjing, China; Tangshan, China; Kuan Yin, Taiwan; Singapore; and Camaçari, Brazil. The Company also owns less than controlling interests in pipelines located in Thailand and South Africa.

Tonnage Gases also includes a Polyurethane Intermediates (PUI) business. At its Pasadena, Texas facility, the Company produces dinitrotoluene (DNT), which is converted to toluene diamine (TDA) and sold for use as an intermediate in the manufacture of a major precursor of flexible polyurethane foam used in furniture cushioning, carpet underlay, bedding, and seating in automobiles. Most of the Company’s TDA is sold under long-term contracts with raw material cost and currency pass-through to a small number of customers. The Company employs proprietary technology and scale of production to differentiate its polyurethane intermediates from those of its competitors.

Natural gas is the principal raw material for hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and synthesis gas production. Electric power is the largest cost component in the production of atmospheric gases. The Company mitigates energy and natural gas price increases through long-term cost pass-through contracts. Toluene, ammonia, and hydrogen are the principal raw materials for the PUI business and are purchased from various suppliers under multiyear contracts. During fiscal year 2010, no significant difficulties were encountered in obtaining adequate supplies of energy or raw materials.

Tonnage Gases competes in the United States and Canada against three global industrial gas companies: L’Air Liquide S.A.; Linde AG; Praxair, Inc.; and several regional competitors. Competition is based primarily on price, reliability of supply, the development of applications that use industrial gases, and, in some cases, provision of other services or products such as power and steam generation. The Company also derives a competitive advantage from its pipeline networks, which enable it to provide a reliable and economic supply of products to customers. Similar competitive situations exist in the European and Asian industrial gas markets where the Company competes against the three global companies as well as regional competitors. Global competitors for the PUI business are primarily BASF Corporation and Bayer AG.

Tonnage Gases sales constituted approximately 32% of the Company’s consolidated sales in fiscal year 2010, 31% in fiscal year 2009, and 34% in fiscal year 2008. Tonnage Gases hydrogen sales constituted approximately 15% of the Company’s consolidated sales in both fiscal year 2010 and 2009, and 17% in fiscal year 2008.

Electronics and Performance Materials

Electronics and Performance Materials employs applications technology to provide solutions to a broad range of global industries through chemical synthesis, analytical technology, process engineering, and surface science. This segment provides the electronics industry with specialty gases (such as nitrogen trifluoride, silane, arsine, phosphine, white ammonia, silicon tetrafluoride, carbon tetrafluoride, hexafluoromethane, critical etch gases, and tungsten hexafluoride) as well as tonnage gases (primarily nitrogen), specialty chemicals, services, and equipment for the

 

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manufacture of silicon and compound semiconductors, thin film transistor liquid crystal displays, and photovoltaic devices. These products are delivered through various supply chain methods, including bulk delivery systems or distribution by pipelines such as those located in California’s Silicon Valley; Phoenix, Arizona; Tainan, Taiwan; Gumi and Giheung, Korea; and Tianjin and Shanghai, China.

Electronics and Performance Materials also provides performance materials for a wide range of products, including coatings, inks, adhesives, civil engineering, personal care, institutional and industrial cleaning, mining, oil refining, and polyurethanes, and focuses on the development of new materials aimed at providing unique functionality to emerging markets. Principal performance materials include polyurethane catalysts and other additives for polyurethane foam, epoxy amine curing agents, and auxiliary products for epoxy systems, specialty surfactants for formulated systems, and functional additives for industrial cleaning and mining industries.

The Electronics and Performance Materials segment uses a wide variety of raw materials, including silane, amines, alcohols, epoxides, organic acids, and ketones. During fiscal year 2010, no significant difficulties were encountered in obtaining adequate supplies of energy or raw materials.

The Electronics and Performance Materials segment faces competition on a product-by-product basis against competitors ranging from niche suppliers with a single product to larger and more vertically integrated companies. Competition is principally conducted on the basis of price, quality, product performance, reliability of product supply, technical innovation, service, and global infrastructure.

Total sales from Electronics and Performance Materials constituted approximately 21% of the Company’s consolidated sales in fiscal year 2010, 19% in fiscal year 2009, and 21% in fiscal year 2008.

Equipment and Energy

Equipment and Energy designs and manufactures cryogenic equipment for air separation, hydrocarbon recovery and purification, natural gas liquefaction (LNG), and helium distribution (cryogenic transportation containers), and serves energy markets in a variety of ways.

Equipment is sold globally to customers in the chemical and petrochemical manufacturing, oil and gas recovery and processing, and steel and primary metals processing industries. The segment also provides a broad range of plant design, engineering, procurement, and construction management services to its customers.

Energy markets are served through the Company’s operation and partial ownership of cogeneration and flue gas desulfurization facilities, its development of hydrogen as an energy carrier, and oxygen-based technologies to serve energy markets in the future. The Company owns and operates a cogeneration facility in Calvert City, Kentucky and a 49-megawatt fluidized-bed coal and biomass-fired power generation facility in Stockton, California; and operates and owns a 47.9% interest in a 112-megawatt gas-fueled power generation facility in Thailand. The Company also operates and owns a 50% interest in a flue gas desulfurization facility in Indiana.

Steel, aluminum, and capital equipment subcomponents (compressors, etc.) are the principal raw materials in the equipment portion of this segment. Adequate raw materials for individual projects are acquired under firm purchase agreements. Coal, petroleum coke, and natural gas are the largest cost components in the production of energy. The Company mitigates these cost components, in part, through long-term cost pass-through contracts. During fiscal year 2010, no significant difficulties were encountered in obtaining adequate supplies of raw materials.

Equipment and Energy competes with a great number of firms for all of its offerings except LNG heat exchangers, for which there are fewer competitors due to the limited market size and proprietary technologies. Competition is based primarily on technological performance, service, technical know-how, price, and performance guarantees.

The backlog of equipment orders (including letters of intent believed to be firm) from third-party customers (including equity affiliates) was approximately $274 million on 30 September 2010, approximately 30% of which is for cryogenic equipment and 50% of which is for LNG heat exchangers, as compared with a total backlog of approximately $239 million on 30 September 2009. The Company expects that approximately $250 million of the backlog on 30 September 2010 will be completed during fiscal year 2011.

 

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Narrative Description of the Company’s Business Generally

The Company, through subsidiaries, affiliates, and minority-owned ventures, conducts business in over 40 countries outside the United States. Its international businesses are subject to risks customarily encountered in foreign operations, including fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and controls; import and export controls; and other economic, political, and regulatory policies of local governments.

The Company has majority or wholly owned foreign subsidiaries that operate in Canada, 17 European countries (including the United Kingdom and Spain), nine Asian countries (including China, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan), and four Latin American countries (including Mexico and Brazil). The Company also owns less-than-controlling interests in entities operating in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America (including Italy, Germany, China, India, Singapore, Thailand, South Africa, and Mexico).

Financial information about the Company’s foreign operations and investments is included in Notes 8, Summarized Financial Information of Equity Affiliates; 22, Income Taxes; and 25, Business Segment and Geographic Information, to the consolidated financial statements included under Item 8 herein. Information about foreign currency translation is included under “Foreign Currency” in Note 1, Major Accounting Policies, and information on the Company’s exposure to currency fluctuations is included in Note 13, Financial Instruments, to the consolidated financial statements, included under Item 8 below, and in “Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk,” included under Item 7A below. Export sales from operations in the United States to unconsolidated customers amounted to $570.5 million, $510.2 million, and $629.1 million in fiscal years 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. Total export sales in fiscal year 2010 included $387.8 million in export sales to affiliated customers. The sales to affiliated customers were primarily equipment sales within the Equipment and Energy segment and the Electronic and Performance Materials segment.

Technology Development

The Company pursues a market-oriented approach to technology development through research and development, engineering, and commercial development processes. It conducts research and development principally in its laboratories located in the United States (Trexlertown, Pennsylvania; Carlsbad, California; Milton, Wisconsin; and Phoenix, Arizona); the United Kingdom (Basingstoke, London, and Carrington); Germany (Hamburg); the Netherlands (Utrecht); Spain (Barcelona); and Asia (Tokyo, Japan; Shanghai, China; Giheung, Korea; and Chubei, Taiwan). The Company also funds and cooperates in research and development programs conducted by a number of major universities and undertakes research work funded by others—principally the United States government.

The Company’s corporate research groups, which include science and process technology centers, support the research efforts of various businesses throughout the Company. Technology development efforts for use within Merchant Gases, Tonnage Gases, and Equipment and Energy focus primarily on new and improved processes and equipment for the production and delivery of industrial gases and new or improved applications for all such products. Research and technology development for Electronics and Performance Materials supports development of new products and applications to strengthen and extend the Company’s present positions. Work is also performed in Electronics and Performance Materials to lower processing costs and develop new processes for the new products.

Research and development expenditures were $114.7 million during fiscal year 2010, $116.3 million in fiscal year 2009, and $130.7 million in fiscal year 2008. The Company expended $23.9 million on customer-sponsored research activities during fiscal year 2010, $29.7 million in fiscal year 2009, and $24.8 million in fiscal year 2008.

As of 1 November 2010, the Company owns 932 United States patents, 2,808 foreign patents, and is a licensee under certain patents owned by others. While the patents and licenses are considered important, the Company does not consider its business as a whole to be materially dependent upon any particular patent, patent license, or group of patents or licenses.

Environmental Controls

The Company is subject to various environmental laws and regulations in the countries in which it has operations. Compliance with these laws and regulations results in higher capital expenditures and costs. From time to time, the Company is involved in proceedings under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (the federal Superfund law), similar state laws, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) relating to the designation of certain sites for investigation and possible cleanup. Additional information with respect to these proceedings is included under Item 3, Legal Proceedings, below. The Company’s accounting policy for environmental expenditures is discussed in Note 1, Major Accounting Policies, and environmental loss contingencies are discussed in Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements, included under Item 8, below.

 

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The amounts charged to income from continuing operations related to environmental matters totaled $31.6 million in fiscal 2010, $52.5 million in 2009, and $49.9 million in 2008. These amounts represent an estimate of expenses for compliance with environmental laws, remedial activities, and activities undertaken to meet internal Company standards. Future costs are not expected to be materially different from these amounts. The 2009 amount included a charge of $16.0 for the Paulsboro site. Refer to Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on this charge. The 2008 amount included revised cost estimates for several existing sites.

Although precise amounts are difficult to determine, the Company estimates that in both fiscal year 2010 and 2009, it spent approximately $6 million on capital projects to control pollution. Capital expenditures to control pollution in future years are estimated at approximately $6 million in both fiscal year 2011 and 2012. The cost of any environmental compliance generally is contractually passed through to the customer.

The Company accrues environmental investigatory and remediation costs for identified sites when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The potential exposure for such costs is estimated to range from $87 million to a reasonably possible upper exposure of $101 million. The accrual on the consolidated balance sheet for 30 September 2010 was $87.0 million and for 30 September 2009 was $95.0 million. Actual costs to be incurred in future periods may vary from the estimates, given inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures. Subject to the imprecision in estimating future environmental costs, the Company does not expect that any sum it may have to pay in connection with environmental matters in excess of the amounts recorded or disclosed above would have a materially adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations in any one year.

Employees

On 30 September 2010, the Company (including majority-owned subsidiaries) had approximately 18,300 employees, of whom approximately 17,900 were full-time employees and of whom approximately 11,000 were located outside the United States. The Company has collective bargaining agreements with unions at various locations that expire on various dates over the next four years. The Company considers relations with its employees to be satisfactory and does not believe that the impact of any expiring or expired collective bargaining agreements will result in a material adverse impact on the Company.

Available Information

All periodic and current reports, registration statements, and other filings that the Company is required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the 1934 Act Reports), are available free of charge through the Company’s Internet website at www.airproducts.com. Such documents are available as soon as reasonably practicable after electronic filing of the material with the SEC. All 1934 Act Reports filed during the period covered by this report were available on the Company’s website on the same day as filing.

The public may also read and copy any materials filed by the Company with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy, and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is www.sec.gov.

Seasonality

Although none of the four business segments are subject to seasonal fluctuations to any material extent, the Electronics and Performance Materials segment is susceptible to the cyclical nature of the electronics industry and to seasonal fluctuations in underlying end-use performance materials markets.

Working Capital

The Company maintains inventory where required to facilitate the supply of products to customers on a reasonable delivery schedule. Merchant Gases inventory consists primarily of industrial, medical, specialty gas, and crude helium inventories supplied to customers through liquid bulk and packaged gases supply modes. Merchant Gases inventory also includes home medical equipment to serve healthcare patients. Electronics inventories consist primarily of bulk and packaged specialty gases and chemicals and also include inventories to support sales of equipment and services. Performance Materials inventories consist primarily of bulk and packaged performance chemical solutions. The Tonnage Gases inventory is primarily Polyurethane Intermediates raw materials and finished goods; the remaining on-site plants and pipeline complexes have limited inventory. Equipment and Energy has limited inventory.

 

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Customers

The Company does not have a homogeneous customer base or end market, and no single customer accounts for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues. The Company and the Tonnage Gases and Electronics and Performance Materials segments do have concentrations of customers in specific industries, primarily refining, chemicals, and electronics. Within each of these industries, the Company has several large-volume customers with long-term contracts. A negative trend affecting one of these industries, or the loss of one of these major customers, although not material to the Company’s consolidated revenues, could have an adverse impact on the affected segment.

Governmental Contracts

No segment’s business is subject to a government entity’s renegotiation of profits or termination of contracts that would be material to the Company’s business as a whole.

Executive Officers of the Company

The Company’s executive officers and their respective positions and ages on 15 November 2010 follow. Information with respect to offices held is stated in fiscal years.

 

Name    Age        Office
M. Scott Crocco      46         Vice President and Corporate Controller (became Vice President in 2008; Corporate Controller in 2007; and Director of Corporate Decision Support in 2003)

Robert D. Dixon

                (A)

     51         Senior Vice President and General Manager – Merchant Gases (became Senior Vice President in 2008; Vice President and General Manager – Merchant Gases in 2007; President – Air Products Asia in 2003; and Vice President – Air Products Asia in 2003)

Paul E. Huck

                (A)

     60         Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (became Senior Vice President in 2008; Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2004)

Stephen J. Jones

                (A)

     49         Senior Vice President and General Manager, Tonnage Gases, Equipment and Energy (became Senior Vice President and General Manager, Tonnage Gases, Equipment and Energy in 2009; Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in 2008; Vice President and Associate General Counsel in 2007; and Vice President and General Manager – Industrial Chemicals Division in 2003)

John W. Marsland

                (A)

     44         Senior Vice President, Supply Chain (became Senior Vice President, Supply Chain in 2010; Vice President and General Manager, Global Liquid Bulk, Generated Gases and Helium in 2009; Vice President – Business Services in 2009; Vice President and General Manager – Healthcare in 2007; Vice President and General Manager, Global Healthcare in 2005)

John E. McGlade

                (A)(B)(C)

     56         Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer (became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in 2008; President and Chief Operating Officer in 2006; Group Vice President – Chemicals in 2003)

Lynn C. Minella

                (A)

     52         Senior Vice President – Human Resources and Communications (became Senior Vice President – Human Resources and Communications in 2008; Vice President – Human Resources in 2004)

 

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Name    Age        Office

John D. Stanley

                (A)

     52         Senior Vice President and General Counsel (became Senior Vice President and General Counsel in 2009; Assistant General Counsel, Americas and Europe in 2007; Assistant General Counsel, Corporate and Commercial in 2004)

 

  (A) Member, Corporate Executive Committee  
  (B) Member, Board of Directors  
  (C) Member, Executive Committee of the Board of Directors  

 

  ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS  

You should read the following risk factors carefully in conjunction with evaluating our business and the forward-looking information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any of the following risks could have a materially adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, and the actual outcome of matters as to which forward-looking statements are made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. While we believe we have identified and discussed below the key risk factors affecting our business, there may be additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known or that are not currently believed to be significant that may adversely affect our business, performance, or financial condition in the future.

Overall Economic Conditions—Sluggish general economic conditions in certain markets in which the Company does business may decrease the demand for its goods and services and adversely impact its revenues, operating results, and cash flow.

Demand for the Company’s products and services depends in part on the general economic conditions affecting the countries and industries in which the Company does business. Recently, sluggish economic conditions in the U.S. and Europe and in certain industries served by the Company have impacted and may in the future impact demand for the Company’s products and services, in turn negatively impacting the Company’s revenues and earnings. While markets have stabilized relative to the extreme economic contraction in 2008—2009, industry utilization rates and therefore pricing pressure continue to be risks. Excess capacity in the Company’s or its competitors’ manufacturing facilities could decrease the Company’s ability to maintain pricing and generate profits. Unanticipated contract terminations or project delays by current customers can also negatively impact financial results.

Asset Impairments—The Company may be required to record impairment on its long-lived assets.

Weak demand may cause underutilization of the Company’s manufacturing capacity or elimination of product lines; contract terminations or customer shutdowns may force sale or abandonment of facilities and equipment; contractual provisions may allow customer buyout of facilities or equipment; or other events associated with weak economic conditions or specific end market, product, or customer events may require the Company to record an impairment on tangible assets, such as facilities and equipment, as well as intangible assets, such as intellectual property or goodwill, which would have a negative impact on its financial results.

Competition—Inability to compete effectively in a segment could adversely impact sales and financial performance.

The Company faces strong competition from several large global competitors and many smaller regional ones in all of its business segments. Introduction by competitors of new technologies, competing products, or additional capacity could weaken demand for or impact pricing of the Company’s products, negatively impacting financial results. In addition, competitors’ pricing policies could materially affect the Company’s profitability or its market share.

Raw Material and Energy Cost and Availability—Interruption in ordinary sources of supply or an inability to recover increases in energy and raw material costs from customers could result in lost sales or reduced profitability.

Energy, including electricity, natural gas, and diesel fuel for delivery trucks, is the largest cost component of the Company’s business. Because the Company’s industrial gas facilities use substantial amounts of electricity, energy price fluctuations could materially impact the Company’s revenues and earnings. Hydrocarbons, including natural gas, are the primary feedstock for the production of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and synthesis gas. The Electronics and Performance Materials segment uses a wide variety of raw materials, including alcohols, ethyleneamines,

 

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cyclohexylamine, acrylonitriles, and glycols. Shortages or price escalation in these materials could negatively impact financial results. A disruption in the supply of energy and raw materials, whether due to market conditions, legislative or regulatory actions, natural events, or other disruption, could prevent the Company from meeting its contractual commitments, harming its business and financial results.

The Company typically contracts to pass through cost increases in energy and raw materials to its customers, but cost variability can still have a negative impact on its results. The Company may not be able to raise prices as quickly as costs rise, or competitive pressures may prevent full recovery. Increases in energy or raw material costs that cannot be passed on to customers for competitive or other reasons would negatively impact the Company’s revenues and earnings. Even where costs are passed through, price increases can cause lower sales volume.

Regulatory Compliance—The Company is subject to extensive government regulation in jurisdictions around the globe in which it does business. Changes in regulations addressing, among other things, environmental compliance, import/export restrictions, and taxes, can negatively impact the Company’s operations and financial results.

The Company is subject to government regulation in the United States and foreign jurisdictions in which it conducts its business. The application of laws and regulations to the Company’s business is sometimes unclear. Compliance with laws and regulations may involve significant costs or require changes in business practice that could result in reduced profitability. Determination of noncompliance can result in penalties or sanctions that could also impact financial results. Compliance with changes in laws or regulations can require additional capital expenditures or increase operating costs. Export controls or other regulatory restrictions could prevent the Company from shipping its products to and from some markets or increase the cost of doing so. This area continues to attract external focus by multiple customs and export enforcement authorities. Changes in tax laws and regulations and international tax treaties could affect the financial results of the Company’s businesses.

Greenhouse Gases—Legislative and regulatory responses to global climate change create financial risk.

Some of the Company’s operations are within jurisdictions that have, or are developing, regulatory regimes governing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). These include existing and expanding coverage under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme; mandatory reporting and reductions at manufacturing facilities in Alberta, Canada; and mandatory reporting and anticipated constraints on GHG emissions in California and Ontario. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has taken preliminary actions towards regulating greenhouse gas emissions. Increased public awareness and concern may result in more international, U.S. federal, and/or regional requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of GHG. Although uncertain, these developments could increase the Company’s costs related to consumption of electric power, hydrogen production, and fluorinated gases production. The Company believes it will be able to mitigate some of the potential increased cost through its contractual terms, but the lack of definitive legislation or regulatory requirements prevents accurate estimate of the long-term impact on the Company. Any legislation that limits or taxes GHG emissions could impact the Company’s growth, increase its operating costs, or reduce demand for certain of its products.

Environmental Compliance—Costs and expenses resulting from compliance with environmental regulations may negatively impact the Company’s operations and financial results.

The Company is subject to extensive federal, state, local, and foreign environmental and safety laws and regulations concerning, among other things, emissions in the air, discharges to land and water, and the generation, handling, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste and other materials. The Company takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously, but there is a risk of environmental impact inherent in its manufacturing operations and transportation of chemicals. Future developments and more stringent environmental regulations may require the Company to make additional unforeseen environmental expenditures. In addition, laws and regulations may require significant expenditures for environmental protection equipment, compliance, and remediation. These additional costs may adversely affect financial results. For a more detailed description of these matters, see “Narrative Description of the Company’s Business Generally—Environmental Controls,” above.

Foreign Operations, Political, and Legal Risks—The Company’s foreign operations can be adversely impacted by nationalization or expropriation of property, undeveloped property rights, and legal systems or political instability.

The Company’s operations in certain foreign jurisdictions are subject to nationalization and expropriation risk, and some of its contractual relationships within these jurisdictions are subject to cancellation without full compensation for loss. Economic and political conditions within foreign jurisdictions, social unrest, or strained relations between

 

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countries can cause fluctuations in demand, price volatility, supply disruptions, or loss of property. The occurrence of any of these risks could have a material, adverse impact on the Company’s operations and financial results.

Interest Rate Increases—The Company’s earnings, cash flow, and financial position can be impacted by interest rate increases.

At 30 September 2010, the Company had total consolidated debt of $4,128.3 million, of which $468.5 million will mature in the next twelve months. The Company expects to continue to incur indebtedness to fund new projects and replace maturing debt. Although the Company actively manages its interest rate risk through the use of derivatives and diversified debt obligations, not all borrowings at variable rates are hedged, and new debt will be priced at market rates. If interest rates increase, the Company’s interest expense could increase significantly, affecting earnings and reducing cash flow available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and other purposes. In addition, changes by any rating agency to the Company’s outlook or credit ratings could increase the Company’s cost of borrowing.

Currency Fluctuations—Changes in foreign currencies may adversely affect the Company’s financial results.

A substantial amount of the Company’s sales are derived from outside the United States and denominated in foreign currencies. The Company also has significant production facilities which are located outside of the United States. Financial results therefore will be affected by changes in foreign currency rates. The Company uses certain financial instruments to mitigate these effects, but it is not cost-effective to hedge foreign currency exposure in a manner that would entirely eliminate the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates on earnings, cash flows, and fair values of assets and liabilities. Accordingly, reported sales, net earnings, cash flows, and fair values have been and in the future will be affected by changes in foreign exchange rates. For a more detailed discussion of currency exposure, see Item 7A, below.

Pension Liabilities—The Company’s results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted by its U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans.

Adverse equity market conditions and volatility in the credit markets have had and may continue to have an unfavorable impact on the value of the Company’s pension trust assets and its future estimated pension liabilities, significantly affecting the net periodic benefit costs of its pension plans and ongoing funding requirements for these plans. As a result, the Company’s financial results and cash flow in any period could be negatively impacted. For information about potential impacts from pension funding and the use of certain assumptions regarding pension matters, see the discussion in Note 16, Retirement Benefits, to the consolidated financial statements, included in Item 8, below.

Catastrophic Events—Catastrophic events could disrupt the Company’s operations or the operations of its suppliers or customers, having a negative impact on the Company’s business, financial results, and cash flow.

The Company’s operations could be impacted by catastrophic events outside the Company’s control, including severe weather conditions such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and storms, or acts of war and terrorism. Any such event could cause a serious business disruption that could affect the Company’s ability to produce and distribute its products and possibly expose it to third-party liability claims. Additionally, such events could impact the Company’s suppliers, in which event energy and raw materials may be unavailable to the Company, or its customers may be unable to purchase or accept the Company’s products and services. Any such occurrence could have a negative impact on the Company’s operations and financial results.

Operational Risks—Operational and execution risks may adversely affect the Company’s operations or financial results.

The Company’s operation of its facilities, pipelines, and delivery systems inherently entails hazards that require continuous oversight and control, such as pipeline leaks and ruptures, fire, explosions, toxic releases, mechanical failures, or vehicle accidents. If operational risks materialize, they could result in loss of life, damage to the environment, or loss of production, all of which could negatively impact the Company’s ongoing operations, financial results, and cash flow. In addition, the Company’s operating results are dependent on the continued operation of its production facilities and its ability to meet customer requirements. The Company’s operating facilities for the production of certain product lines, primarily in certain electronic materials products, are highly concentrated. Insufficient capacity may expose the Company to liabilities related to contract commitments. Operating results are also dependent on the Company’s ability to complete new construction projects on time, on budget, and in accordance with performance requirements. Failure to do so may expose the Company to loss of revenue, potential litigation, and loss of business reputation.

 

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Information Security—The security of the Company’s Information Technology systems could be compromised, which could adversely affect its ability to operate.

The Company utilizes a global enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and other technologies for the distribution of information both within the Company and to customers and suppliers. The ERP system and other technologies are potentially vulnerable to interruption from viruses, hackers, or system breakdown. To mitigate these risks, the Company has implemented a variety of security measures, including virus protection, redundancy procedures, and recovery processes. A significant system interruption, however, could materially affect the Company’s operations, business reputation, and financial results.

Litigation and Regulatory Proceedings—The Company’s financial results may be affected by various legal and regulatory proceedings, including those involving antitrust, environmental, or other matters.

The Company is subject to litigation and regulatory proceedings in the normal course of business and could become subject to additional claims in the future, some of which could be material. The outcome of existing legal proceedings may differ from the Company’s expectations because the outcomes of litigation, including regulatory matters, are often difficult to predict reliably. Various factors or developments can lead the Company to change current estimates of liabilities and related insurance receivables, where applicable, or make such estimates for matters previously not susceptible to reasonable estimates, such as a significant judicial ruling or judgment, a significant settlement, significant regulatory developments, or changes in applicable law. A future adverse ruling, settlement, or unfavorable development could result in charges that could have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations in any particular period. For a more detailed discussion of the legal proceedings involving the Company, see Item 3, below.

Recruiting and Retaining Employees—Inability to attract, retain, or develop skilled employees could adversely impact the Company’s business.

Sustaining and growing the Company’s business depends on the recruitment, development, and retention of qualified employees. Demographic trends and changes in the geographic concentration of global businesses have created more competition for talent. The inability to attract, develop, or retain quality employees could negatively impact the Company’s ability to take on new projects and sustain its operations, which might adversely affect the Company’s operations or its ability to grow.

Portfolio Management—The success of portfolio management activities is not predictable.

The Company continuously reviews and manages its portfolio of assets in order to maximize value for its shareholders. Portfolio management involves many variables, including future acquisitions and divestitures, restructurings and resegmentations, and cost-cutting and productivity initiatives. The timing, impact, and ability to complete such undertakings; the costs and financial charges associated with such activities; and the ultimate financial impact of such undertakings are uncertain and can have a negative short- or long-term impact on the Company’s operations and financial results.

RISK FACTORS RELATED TO THE TENDER OFFER FOR AIRGAS

If the Company is successful in acquiring Airgas, it will incur substantial transaction and merger-related costs.

If the Company is successful in its tender offer for Airgas (see Note 3, Airgas Transaction, to the consolidated financial statements for more information on this transaction), or otherwise succeeds in acquiring Airgas, it will incur substantial nonrecurring transaction and merger-related costs associated with the acquisition of Airgas, combining the operations of the two companies, and achieving desired synergies. Although the Company expects that the elimination of duplicative costs and the realization of other efficiencies related to the integration of the two businesses will offset the incremental transaction and merger-related costs, this net benefit may not be achieved when expected, or at all.

The Company will carry significantly more long-term debt obligations if the acquisition is completed.

At the current tender offer of $65.50 per share, the total value of the Airgas transaction would be approximately $7.4 billion, including $5.7 billion of equity and $1.7 billion of assumed debt. In connection with the tender offer, the Company has secured a $6.7 billion term loan credit facility (the “bridge loan”), and the Company expects to retain approximately $1 billion of existing Airgas debt. If the tender offer is successful, the Company intends to finance the acquisition primarily by issuing public debt securities. If the Company is unable to successfully market this debt issuance, the bridge loan will be drawn. The bridge loan carries a higher cost than is anticipated for the public debt.

 

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The issuance and assumption of this new debt will require a greater proportion of the Company’s cash flow from operations to service this debt than the Company has historically had to allocate to debt.

Changes in our credit ratings may have a negative impact on our financing costs in future periods.

The Company anticipates that the debt issuance to finance the acquisition of Airgas will result in a temporary downgrade of its credit ratings. The Company’s credit rating is a significant factor in determining pricing and availability of its debt. Changes in our credit ratings could increase our borrowing costs. In addition, our current short-term credit rating allows us to participate in a commercial paper market that has a large number of potential investors and a high degree of liquidity. A downgrade in our credit ratings, particularly our short-term credit rating, could likely reduce the amount of commercial paper we could issue, increase our commercial paper borrowing costs, or both. The Company expects that its credit rating would be restored to current levels within a few years following the potential acquisition; however, inability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the transaction or obtain projected prices for assets required to be divested, or other unexpected developments may delay this restoration.

If the acquisition is completed, we will be subject to integration and other risks.

If the Company is successful in acquiring Airgas, the success of the merger will depend, in part, on its ability to realize the anticipated benefits from combining the businesses. To realize these anticipated benefits, the Company must successfully integrate the operations and personnel of Airgas into our business. It is possible that the integration process could take longer than anticipated and could result in the loss of valuable employees or the disruption of each company’s ongoing businesses. Failure to achieve the anticipated benefits could result in increased costs or decreases in the amount of expected revenues and could adversely affect our future business, financial condition, and operating results. Additionally, if the acquisition is successful, the Company will be required to divest certain assets to comply with the Consent Decree approved by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission on 8 October 2010. Failure to find suitable buyers or obtain a reasonable price for the assets could adversely affect the financial condition of the Company.

 

  ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS  

The Company has not received any written comments from the Commission staff that remain unresolved.

 

  ITEM 2. PROPERTIES  

The Company owns its principal executive offices, which are located at its headquarters in Trexlertown, Pennsylvania, and also owns additional administrative offices in Hersham, England and in Hattingen, Germany. Its regional Asian administrative offices, which are leased, are located in Hong Kong; Shanghai, China; Taipei, Taiwan; Petaling Jaya, Malaysia; and Singapore. Additional administrative offices are leased in Ontario, Canada; Kawasaki, Japan; Seoul, Korea; Brussels, Belgium; Paris, France; Barcelona, Spain; Rotterdam, the Netherlands; São Paulo, Brazil; and Kempton Park, South Africa. Management believes the Company’s manufacturing facilities, described in more detail below, are adequate to support its businesses.

Following is a description of the properties used by the Company’s four business segments:

Merchant Gases

Merchant Gases currently operates over 150 facilities in North and South America (approximately 40 of which sites are owned); over 130 sites in Europe, including healthcare (approximately half of which sites are owned); and over 75 facilities in seven countries within Asia. Helium is recovered at sites in Kansas and Texas and distributed from several transfill sites in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia. Sales support offices are located at its Trexlertown headquarters and in leased properties in three states, at all administrative sites in Europe, and at 15 sites in Asia. Research and development (R&D) activities for this segment are conducted in Trexlertown, Pennsylvania.

Tonnage Gases

Tonnage Gases operates over 50 plants in the United States and Canada that produce over 300 standard tons per day of product. Thirty-five of these facilities produce or recover hydrogen, many of which support the four major pipeline systems located along the Gulf Coast of Texas; on the Mississippi River corridor in Louisiana; in Los Angeles, California; and Alberta, Canada. The Tonnage Gases segment includes a facility in Pasadena, Texas that produces Polyurethane Intermediate products. The segment also operates over 20 tonnage plants in Europe and over 20 tonnage plants within Asia, the majority of which are on leasehold type long-term structured agreements. Sales support offices are located at the Company’s headquarters in Trexlertown, Pennsylvania and leased offices in Texas, Louisiana, California, and Calgary, Alberta in North America, as well as in Hersham, England; Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Shanghai, China; Singapore; and Doha, Qatar in the Middle East.

 

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Electronics and Performance Materials

The electronics business within the Electronics and Performance Materials segment produces, packages, and stores nitrogen, specialty gases, and electronic chemicals at over 44 sites in the United States (the majority of which are leased), nine facilities in Europe, and over 45 facilities in Asia (approximately half of which are located on customer sites).

The performance materials portion of this segment operates facilities in Los Angeles, California; Calvert City, Kentucky; Wichita, Kansas; Milton, Wisconsin; Reserve, Louisiana; Clayton, England; Marl, Germany; Singapore; Isehara, Japan; Changzhou, China and Nanjing, China. Substantially all of the Performance Materials properties are owned.

This segment has five field sales offices in the United States as well as sales offices in Europe, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, and China, the majority of which are leased. The segment conducts R&D related activities at eight locations worldwide, including Trexlertown, Pennsylvania; Carlsbad, California; Utrecht, the Netherlands; Hamburg, Germany; Chubei, Taiwan; Giheung, South Korea; Shanghai, China; and Kawasaki, Japan.

Equipment and Energy

Equipment and Energy operates eight manufacturing plants and two sales offices in the U.S. The Company manufactures a significant portion of the world’s supply of LNG equipment at its Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania site. Air separation columns and cold boxes for Company-owned facilities and third-party sales are produced by operations in Istres, France; Caojing, China; as well as in the Wilkes-Barre facility when capacity is available. Cryogenic transportation containers for liquid helium are manufactured and reconstructed at facilities in eastern Pennsylvania and Liberal, Kansas. Offices in Hersham, England and Shanghai, China house Equipment commercial team members.

Electric power is produced at various facilities, including Stockton, California and Calvert City, Kentucky. Flue gas desulfurization operations are conducted at the Pure Air facility in Chesterton, Indiana. Additionally, the Company owns a 47.9% interest in a gas-fueled power generation facility in Thailand. The Company or its affiliates own approximately 50% of the real estate in this segment and lease the remaining 50%.

 

  ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS  

In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal proceedings, including contract, product liability, intellectual property, and insurance matters. Although litigation with respect to these matters is routine and incidental to the conduct of the Company’s business, such litigation could result in large monetary awards, especially if a civil jury is allowed to determine compensatory and/or punitive damages. However, the Company believes that litigation currently pending to which it is a party will be resolved without any materially adverse effect on its financial position, earnings, or cash flows.

The Company is also from time to time involved in certain competition, environmental, health, and safety proceedings involving governmental authorities. The Company is a party to proceedings under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (the federal Superfund law); the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); and similar state environmental laws relating to the designation of certain sites for investigation or remediation. Presently there are approximately 30 sites on which a final settlement has not been reached where the Company, along with others, has been designated a Potentially Responsible Party by the Environmental Protection Agency or is otherwise engaged in investigation or remediation, including cleanup activity at certain of its current or former manufacturing sites. The Company does not expect that any sums it may have to pay in connection with these matters would have a materially adverse effect on its consolidated financial position. Additional information on the Company’s environmental exposure is included under “Narrative Description of the Company’s Business Generally—Environmental Controls.”

In 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency made a referral to the U.S. Department of Justice concerning alleged violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) related to sulfuric acid exchange at the Company’s Pasadena, Texas facility. The Company disputes the allegations, but has agreed to settle the matter for a $1.485 million civil penalty ($1.35 million to the United States and $135,000 to the State of Texas) and payment of $15,000 to the State of Texas for attorneys’ fees. The settlement was memorialized in a Consent Decree which was lodged with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, on 25 August 2010 and entered on 29 October 2010.

 

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On 16 February 2010, an unplanned shutdown at the Company’s nitric acid plant in Pasadena, Texas resulted in the release of nitrogen dioxide and nitric acid into the atmosphere. In connection with the incident, the Company has been contacted by federal, state, and local environmental regulatory authorities, and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A complaint alleging various regulatory and air permit violations and seeking unspecified civil penalties, attorneys’ fees, and court costs has been filed by Harris County, Texas. At this time, the Company does not know whether any fines or penalties will be assessed; however, the Company expects that any resulting fines or penalties will be immaterial to its consolidated financial results.

In September 2010, the Brazilian Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) issued a decision against the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary, Air Products Brasil Ltda., and several other Brazilian industrial gas companies for alleged anticompetitive activities. CADE imposed a civil fine of R$179.2 million on Air Products Brasil Ltda. This fine was based on a recommendation by a unit of the Brazilian Ministry of Justice whose investigation began in 2003, alleging violation of competition laws with respect to the sale of industrial and medical gases. The fines are based on a percentage of the Company’s total revenue in Brazil in 2003.

The Company has denied the allegations made by the authorities and filed an appeal in October 2010 to the Brazilian courts. Certain of the Company’s defenses, if successful, could result in the matter being dismissed with no fine against the Company. The Company, with advice of its outside legal counsel, has assessed the status of this matter and has concluded that although an adverse final judgment after exhausting all appeals is reasonably possible, such a judgment is not probable. As a result, no provision has been made in the consolidated financial statements.

While the Company does not expect that any sums it may have to pay in connection with these or any other legal proceeding would have a materially adverse effect on its consolidated financial position or net cash flows, a future charge for regulatory fines or damage awards could have a significant impact on the Company’s net income in the period in which it is recorded.

 

  ITEM 4. RESERVED  

PART II

 

  ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES  

The Company’s common stock (ticker symbol APD) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Quarterly stock prices, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange composite tape of transactions, and dividend information for the last two fiscal years appear below. Cash dividends on the Company’s common stock are paid quarterly. The Company’s objective is to pay dividends consistent with the reinvestment of earnings necessary for long-term growth. It is the Company’s expectation that comparable cash dividends will continue to be paid in the future.

Quarterly Stock Information

 

2010    High        Low        Close        Dividend  

First

     $85.44           $73.76           $81.06           $.45   

Second

     83.80           65.05           73.95           .49   

Third

     80.24           64.47           64.81           .49   

Fourth

     84.43           64.13           82.82           .49   
                    $1.92   
2009    High        Low        Close        Dividend  

First

     $68.51           $41.46           $50.27           $.44   

Second

     60.20           43.44           56.25           .45   

Third

     69.93           54.73           64.59           .45   

Fourth

     80.60           60.52           77.58           .45   
                    $1.79   

The Company has authority to issue 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock in series. The Board of Directors is authorized to designate the series and to fix the relative voting, dividend, conversion, liquidation, redemption, and

 

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other rights, preferences, and limitations. When preferred stock is issued, holders of Common Stock are subject to the dividend and liquidation preferences and other prior rights of the preferred stock. There currently is no preferred stock outstanding. The Company’s Transfer Agent and Registrar is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 59 Maiden Lane, Plaza Level, New York, New York 10038, telephone (800) 937-5449 (U.S. and Canada) or (718) 921-8124 (all other locations); Internet website www.amstock.com; and e-mail address info@amstock.com. As of 15 November 2010, there were 8,256 record holders of the Company’s common stock.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

On 20 September 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of $1.0 billion of common stock. The program does not have a stated expiration date. As of 30 September 2010, the Company had purchased four million of its outstanding shares under this authorization at a cost of $350.8 million. There were no purchases of stock during fiscal year 2010. Additional purchases will be completed at the Company’s discretion while maintaining sufficient funds for investing in its businesses and growth opportunities.

Performance Graph

The performance graph below compares the five-year cumulative returns of the Company’s common stock with those of the Standard & Poor’s 500 and Dow Jones Chemicals Composite Indices. The figures assume an initial investment of $100 and the reinvestment of all dividends.

LOGO

 

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  ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA  

 

(Millions of dollars, except per share)    2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  

Operating Results

          

Sales

     $9,026        $8,256        $10,415        $9,148        $7,885   

Cost of sales

     6,503        6,042        7,693        6,699        5,817   

Selling and administrative

     957        943        1,090        1,000        892   

Research and development

     115        116        131        129        140   

Global cost reduction plan

            298               14        71   

Acquisition-related costs

     96                               

Operating income

     1,389        846        1,496        1,376        1,042   

Equity affiliates’ income

     127        112        145        114        92   

Interest expense

     122        122        162        162        118   

Income tax provision

     340        185        365        287        262   

Income from continuing operations attributable to Air Products

     1,029        640        1,091        1,020        734   

Net income attributable to Air Products

     1,029        631        910        1,036        723   

Basic earnings per common share attributable to Air Products:

          

Income from continuing operations

     4.85        3.05        5.14        4.72        3.31   

Net income

     4.85        3.01        4.29        4.79        3.26   

Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Air Products:

          

Income from continuing operations

     4.74        3.00        4.97        4.57        3.23   

Net income

     4.74        2.96        4.15        4.64        3.18   

Year-End Financial Position

          

Plant and equipment, at cost

     $16,310        $15,751        $14,989        $14,439        $12,910   

Total assets

     13,506        13,029        12,571        12,660        11,181   

Working capital

     790        494        636        436        289   

Total debt (A)

     4,128        4,502        3,967        3,668        2,846   

Air Products shareholders’ equity

     5,547        4,792        5,031        5,496        4,924   

Total equity

     5,698        4,930        5,167        5,673        5,102   

Financial Ratios

          

Return on average Air Products shareholders’ equity (B)

     19.9     13.3     20.1     19.5     15.1

Operating margin

     15.4     10.3     14.4     15.0     13.2

Selling and administrative as a percentage of sales

     10.6     11.4     10.5     10.9     11.3

Total debt to sum of total debt and total equity (A)

     42.0     47.7     43.4     39.8     36.3

Other Data

          

Depreciation and amortization

     $863        $840        $869        $790        $705   

Capital expenditures on a GAAP basis (C)

     1,134        1,236        1,159        1,553        1,358   

Capital expenditures on a non-GAAP basis (C)

     1,298        1,475        1,355        1,635        1,487   

Cash provided by operating activities

     1,522        1,329        1,659        1,500        1,348   

Cash used for investing activities

     1,057        1,040        920        1,483        947   

Cash provided by (used for) financing activities

     (580     95        (678     (15     (423

Dividends declared per common share

     1.92        1.79        1.70        1.48        1.34   

Market price range per common share

     85–64        81–41        106–65        99–66        70–53   

Weighted average common shares outstanding (in millions)

     212        210        212        216        222   

Weighted average common shares outstanding assuming dilution (in millions)

     217        214        219        223        228   

Book value per common share at year-end

     $25.94        $22.68        $24.03        $25.52        $22.67   

Shareholders at year-end

     8,300        8,600        8,900        9,300        9,900   

Employees at year-end (D)

     18,300        18,900        21,100        22,100        20,700   

 

  (A)

Total debt includes long-term debt, current portion of long-term debt, and short-term borrowings as of the end of the year. Calculation based on continuing operations.

 

 

  (B)

Calculated using income and five-quarter average Air Products shareholders’ equity from continuing operations.

 

 

  (C)

Capital expenditures on a GAAP basis include additions to plant and equipment, investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates, and acquisitions (including long-term debt assumed in acquisitions). The Company utilizes a non-GAAP measure in the computation of capital expenditures and includes spending associated with facilities accounted for as capital leases and purchases of noncontrolling interests. 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. Additionally, the purchase of noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary is accounted for as an equity transaction and will be reflected as a financing activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Refer to page 31 for a reconciliation of the GAAP to non-GAAP measure for 2010, 2009, and 2008. For 2007 and 2006, the GAAP measure was adjusted by $83 and $129, respectively, for spending associated with facilities accounted for as capital leases.

 

 

  (D)

Includes full- and part-time employees from continuing and discontinued operations.

 

 

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  ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS  

 

Business Overview

     18   

2010 In Summary

     18   

2011 Outlook

     20   

Results of Operations

     20   

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

     28   

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     30   

Contractual Obligations

     33   

Pension Benefits

     34   

Environmental Matters

     35   

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

     36   

Related Party Transactions

     36   

Inflation

     36   

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

     36   

New Accounting Guidance

     40   

Forward-Looking Statements

     41   

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes contained in this report. All comparisons in the discussion are to the corresponding prior year unless otherwise stated. All amounts presented are in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), except as noted. All amounts are presented in millions of dollars, except for share data, unless otherwise indicated.

Captions such as income from continuing operations attributable to Air Products and net income attributable to Air Products are simply referred to as “income from continuing operations” and “net income” throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis, unless otherwise stated.

The discussion of results that follows includes non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP measures exclude acquisition-related costs in 2010. For 2009, the non-GAAP measures exclude the global cost reduction plan charge, costs related to customer bankruptcy and asset actions and third quarter 2009 pension settlement costs. For 2008, the non-GAAP measures exclude pension settlement costs. The presentation of non-GAAP measures is intended to enhance the usefulness of financial information by providing measures that the Company’s management uses internally to evaluate the Company’s baseline performance on a comparable basis. The reconciliation of reported GAAP results to non-GAAP measures is presented on pages 28—29.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company or Air Products) serves technology, energy, industrial, and healthcare customers globally with a unique portfolio of products, services, and solutions that include atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, equipment, and services. Geographically diverse, with operations in over 40 countries, the Company has sales of $9.0 billion, assets of $13.5 billion, and a worldwide workforce of approximately 18,300 employees.

The Company organizes its operations into four reportable business segments: Merchant Gases, Tonnage Gases, Electronics and Performance Materials, and Equipment and Energy.

2010 IN SUMMARY

In 2010, the Company emerged from the recession and delivered strong growth and productivity. Sales increased 9% and underlying sales increased 8%, due to strong volume growth as the economic environment improved. These results were driven by a significant recovery in the Electronics and Performance Materials segment and new investments and contracts in the Tonnage Gases segment. Operating income increased due to improved performance across all business segments.

The Company delivered significant improvements in 2010 as a result of actions taken to lower costs and position the Company for success coming out of the global recession. These actions included the completion of the Company’s global cost reduction plans and Electronics business restructuring. Additionally, the Company repositioned its manufacturing centers, continued to leverage the SAP system, and further utilized its shared service centers. These actions contributed to increased productivity and improved operating results.

 

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In February 2010, the Company commenced a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Airgas, Inc. (Airgas). Airgas is the largest packaged industrial gases distributor in the U.S. Its fiscal year 2010 annual revenues were $3.9 and its total assets as of 31 March 2010 were $4.5. The current offer price is $65.50 per share. At this price, the total value of the transaction would be approximately $7.4 billion, including $5.7 billion of equity and $1.7 billon of assumed debt. The offer and withdrawal rights are scheduled to expire on 3 December 2010, unless further extended.

Highlights for 2010

 

   

Sales of $9,026.0 increased 9%, or $769.8. Underlying business increased 8%, primarily due to higher volumes in the Electronics and Performance Materials and Tonnage Gases segments.

 

 

   

Operating income of $1,389.0 increased 64%, or $542.7. On a non-GAAP basis, operating income of $1,485.0 increased 25%, or $300.4, primarily due to higher volumes, lower costs, and favorable currency and foreign exchange, partially offset by reduced pricing.

 

 

   

Income from continuing operations of $1,029.1 increased 61%, or $389.2, and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $4.74 increased 58%, or $1.74. On a non-GAAP basis, income from continuing operations of $1,089.2 increased 26%, or $223.0, and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $5.02 increased 24%, or $.96. A summary table of changes in diluted earnings per share is presented below.

 

 

   

The Company increased the quarterly dividend from $.45 to $.49 per share. This represents the 28th consecutive year that the Company has increased its dividend payment.

 

For a discussion of the challenges, risks, and opportunities on which management is focused, refer to the Company’s 2011 Outlook discussions provided throughout the Management’s Discussion and Analysis that follows.

Changes in Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to Air Products

 

      2010        2009       

Increase

(Decrease)

 

Diluted Earnings per Share

            

Net income

     $4.74           $2.96           $1.78   

Discontinued operations

               (.04        .04   

Continuing Operations—GAAP Basis

     $4.74           $3.00           $1.74   

Acquisition-related costs

     .28                     .28   

Global cost reduction plan

               .94           (.94

Customer bankruptcy and asset actions

               .10           (.10

Pension settlement

               .02           (.02

Continuing Operations—Non-GAAP Basis

     $5.02           $4.06           $.96   

Operating Income (after-tax)

            

Underlying business

            

Volume

               $1.04   

Price/raw materials

               (.30

Costs

               .22   

Currency

                           .09   

Operating Income

               1.05   

Other (after-tax)

            

Equity affiliates’ income

               .05   

Interest expense

                 

Income tax rate

               (.01

Noncontrolling interests

               (.05

Average shares outstanding

                           (.08

Other

                           (.09

Total Change in Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations—Non-GAAP Basis

                           $.96   

 

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2011 OUTLOOK

The Company projects that the gradual economic recovery will continue and that manufacturing will be the leading sector in the recovery. The Company anticipates global manufacturing growth of 3%–4% in 2011, with stronger growth in Asia and more gradual recoveries in the U.S. and Europe. The Company expects the U.S. will have positive growth of 3%–4% in manufacturing. Europe should increase about 1%–2% and Asia, led by China, is expected to continue as the strongest region, growing at 6%–7%.

Looking forward, the Company expects volume growth to be the key factor in driving earnings improvement in 2011. Earnings should benefit from new plant onstreams in 2010 and 2011, along with the loading of existing assets. These volume gains will be partially offset by higher pension expense next year, as a result of a decline in the discount rates from September 2009 to September 2010 and lower expected asset returns. Based upon current rates, the Company does not expect currency to have a significant impact on 2011 earnings. The Company will continue to focus on cost control and will achieve benefits from the cost reduction efforts completed.

If the proposed acquisition of Airgas is consummated in 2011, material impacts affecting most items in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are expected. In addition, projections, estimates and plans described in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis would be materially impacted. Except where noted, the Outlook discussions provided throughout the Management’s Discussion and Analysis do not include any impacts of the proposed transaction.

Outlook by Segment

   

Merchant Gases should benefit as capacity utilization of existing facilities continues to improve globally and as new demand develops, particularly in Asia. Global manufacturing growth, along with new technology applications should continue to increase demand which will drive the loading of facilities.

 

 

   

Tonnage Gases is expected to benefit from the full-year loading of the 2010 new plant start-ups, along with several investments due to come onstream in 2011.

 

 

   

In Electronics, the Company projects silicon growth of 5%–10% and slow, steady growth of the business with the newer photovoltaic (PV) and light-emitting diode (LED) businesses growing at higher rates. In the integrated circuit business, the Company is well positioned with the industry leaders that are starting up new fabrication plants and expanding capacity. The electronics equipment business should also grow in 2011 due to anticipated continued electronics industry capital spending. Growth is expected in Performance Materials as the Company leverages low cost production facilities in Asia. Additionally, Performance Materials continues to benefit from new product, market and application successes.

 

 

   

Equipment and Energy results are expected to be comparable to 2010 levels. Two to three liquefied natural gas (LNG) orders are expected to be signed in 2011.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Discussion of Consolidated Results

      2010      2009     2008  

Sales

     $9,026.0         $8,256.2        $10,414.5   

Operating income—GAAP Basis

     1,389.0         846.3        1,495.8   

Operating income—Non-GAAP Basis

     1,485.0         1,184.6        1,522.1   

Equity affiliates’ income

     126.9         112.2        145.0   

Sales

 

          % Change from Prior Year  
              2010     2009  

Underlying business

       

Volume

        9     (9 )% 

Price

        (1 )%      1

Currency

        1     (6 )% 

Energy and raw material cost pass-through

                     (7 )% 

Total Consolidated Sales Change

              9     (21 )% 

 

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2010 vs. 2009

Sales of $9,026.0 increased 9%, or $769.8. Underlying business increased 8%, driven by volume increases in the Electronics and Performance Materials and Tonnage Gases segments, as the economic environment improved. These results were driven by a significant recovery in the Electronics and Performance Materials segment and new investments and contracts in the Tonnage Gases segment.

2009 vs. 2008

Sales of $8,256.2 decreased 21%, or $2,158.3. Underlying business declined 8%, due to lower volumes primarily in Electronics and Performance Materials, Merchant Gases, and Tonnage Gases. Volumes were impacted by the severity of the worldwide manufacturing downturn and a significant decline in silicon processed. Currency unfavorably impacted sales by 6%, due primarily to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against key European and Asian currencies. Lower energy and raw material contractual cost pass-through to customers reduced sales by 7%.

Operating Income

2010 vs. 2009

Operating income of $1,389.0 increased 64%, or $542.7. On a non-GAAP basis, operating income of $1,485.0 increased 25%, or $300.4.

 

   

Underlying business increased $275, primarily from higher volumes in the Electronics and Performance Materials and Tonnage Gases segments and lower costs, partially offset by reduced pricing.

 

 

   

Favorable currency translation and foreign exchange impacts increased operating income by $25.

 

2009 vs. 2008

Operating income of $846.3 decreased 43%, or $649.5. On a non-GAAP basis, operating income of $1,184.6 decreased 22%, or $337.5.

 

   

Underlying business declined $254, due primarily to lower volumes in the Merchant Gases, Electronics and Performance Materials, and Tonnage Gases segments. The volume declines of $490 were partially offset by favorable cost performance of $157 and improved pricing of $79.

 

 

   

Unfavorable currency impacts lowered operating income by $113, reflecting the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against key European and Asian currencies.

 

 

   

Operating income in 2008 included unfavorable impacts of $28 due to hurricanes and a fire at a production facility.

 

Equity Affiliates’ Income

2010 vs. 2009

Income from equity affiliates of $126.9 increased $14.7, or 13%, primarily due to higher volumes.

2009 vs. 2008

Income from equity affiliates of $112.2 decreased $32.8, or 23%, primarily as a result of lower overall volumes and unfavorable currency. Additionally, 2008 results included favorable adjustments made to certain affiliates in Asia and the reversal of an antitrust fine.

Selling and Administrative Expense (S&A)

2010 vs. 2009

S&A expense of $956.9 increased $13.5, or 1%, primarily due to higher incentive compensation costs, partially offset by improved productivity and the impact of the global cost reduction plan. S&A as a percent of sales decreased to 10.6% from 11.4%.

2009 vs. 2008

S&A expense of $943.4 decreased $147.0, or 13%. Underlying costs decreased 8%, primarily due to improved productivity as well as the impact of the global cost reduction plan, lower incentive compensation costs, and lower discretionary spending. This decrease was partially offset by inflation and higher bad debt expense. Favorable currency impacts, primarily the strengthening of the dollar against the Euro and Pound Sterling, decreased S&A by 6%. The acquisition of CryoService Limited in the third quarter of 2008 increased S&A by 1%. S&A as a percent of sales, increased to 11.4% from 10.5%, due principally to the impact of lower energy and raw material cost pass-through on sales.

 

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2011 Outlook

S&A expense will increase in 2011 due to additional costs to support volume growth and the impacts of cost inflation. These increases will be partially offset by ongoing productivity initiatives.

Research and Development (R&D)

2010 vs. 2009

R&D expense of $114.7 decreased 1%, or $1.6, primarily due to the impact of cost reduction actions. R&D as a percent of sales decreased to 1.3% from 1.4%.

2009 vs. 2008

R&D expense of $116.3 decreased $14.4, primarily due to the impact of cost reduction actions. R&D as a percent of sales increased to 1.4% from 1.3%.

2011 Outlook

R&D expense is expected to be moderately higher in 2011.

Global Cost Reduction Plan

The 2009 results from continuing operations included a total charge of $298.2 ($200.3 after-tax, or $.94 per share) for the global cost reduction plan. In the first quarter of 2009, the Company announced the global cost reduction plan, designed to lower its cost structure and better align its businesses to reflect rapidly declining economic conditions around the world. The 2009 first-quarter results included a charge of $174.2 ($116.1 after-tax, or $.55 per share). In the third quarter 2009, due to the continuing slow economic recovery, the Company committed to additional actions associated with its global cost reduction plan that resulted in a charge of $124.0 ($84.2 after-tax, or $.39 per share). The total 2009 charge included $210.0 for severance and other benefits, including pension-related costs, associated with the elimination of approximately 2,550 positions from the Company’s global workforce. The remainder of this charge, $88.2, was for business exits and asset management actions.

During 2010, the Company revised its estimate of the costs associated with the 2009 global cost reduction plan. The unfavorable impact of additional severance and other benefits was primarily offset by favorable variances related to completed business exits and asset management actions. These adjustments to the charge were excluded from segment operating profit and did not have a material impact on any individual segment.

As of 30 September 2010, the planned actions associated with the global cost reduction plan were substantially completed, with the exception of certain benefit payments associated with a small number of position eliminations. In addition, as part of the asset management actions included in the plan, the Company anticipates completing the sale of a facility by the end of calendar year 2010. Refer to Note 5, Global Cost Reduction Plan, to the consolidated financial statements for additional details on this charge.

Cost savings of approximately $155 were achieved through 2010. Beyond 2010, the Company expects annualized, ongoing savings of approximately $180, of which the majority is related to personnel costs.

Acquisition-Related Costs

In 2010, $96.0 ($60.1 after-tax, or $.28 per share) in expense was recognized related to the Airgas transaction and is included within acquisition-related costs on the consolidated income statement. Refer to Note 3, Airgas Transaction, to the consolidated financial statements for details of these costs.

Customer Bankruptcy and Asset Actions

On 6 January 2009, a customer of the Company who principally receives product from the Tonnage Gases segment began operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. As a result, the Company recognized a $22.2 ($13.9 after- tax, or $.07 per share) charge primarily for the write-off of certain receivables during the third quarter of 2009. Sales and operating income associated with this customer are not material to the Tonnage Gases segment’s results.

In April 2010, the customer emerged from bankruptcy proceedings. The Company received a final settlement in the amount of $22.4, of which $16.0 was applied against the remaining outstanding receivables. Income of $6.4 ($4.0 after-tax, or $.02 per share) was recognized for the recovery of certain receivables that had been previously written off. This amount was recorded as a gain and is reflected within customer bankruptcy on the consolidated income statement.

In the third quarter of 2009, the Company recorded a charge of $9.9 ($7.1 after-tax, or $.03 per share) for other asset actions which consisted of the closure of certain manufacturing facilities. This charge was reflected in cost of sales on the consolidated income statement. The 2009 customer bankruptcy charge combined with this asset write-down resulted in a total charge of $32.1 ($21.0 after-tax, or $.10 per share).

 

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Pension Settlement

The Company’s U.S. supplemental pension plan provides for a lump sum benefit payment option at the time of retirement, or for corporate officers, six months after the participant’s retirement date. The Company recognizes pension settlements when payments exceed the sum of the service and interest cost components of net periodic pension cost of the plan for the fiscal year. A settlement loss is recognized when the pension obligation is settled. The Company recognized $11.5, $10.7, and $30.3 of settlement charges in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. Refer to Note 16, Retirement Benefits, to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Other Income, Net

Items recorded to other income arise from transactions and events not directly related to the principal income earning activities of the Company. The detail of other income is presented in Note 23, Supplemental Information, to the consolidated financial statements.

2010 vs. 2009

Other income of $38.7 increased $15.7, primarily due to a net gain on the sale of assets and favorable foreign exchange. Otherwise, no individual items were significant in comparison to the prior year.

2009 vs. 2008

Other income of $23.0 decreased by $2.8. Other income declined due to losses from asset sales in 2009 and unfavorable foreign exchange. Other income in 2008 included a loss related to fire damage at a production facility. No other items were individually significant in comparison to the prior year.

Interest Expense

 

      2010     2009     2008  

Interest incurred

     $136.2        $143.8        $184.1   

Less: Capitalized interest

     14.3        21.9        22.1   

Interest Expense

     $121.9        $121.9        $162.0   

2010 vs. 2009

Interest incurred decreased $7.6. The decrease was driven by lower average interest rates on variable rate debt, partially offset by a higher average debt balance and the impact of a weaker dollar on the translation of foreign currency interest. The change in capitalized interest is driven by a decrease in project spending which qualified for capitalization.

2009 vs. 2008

Interest incurred decreased by $40.3. This decrease was primarily driven by lower average interest rates on variable rate debt. The impact of a stronger dollar on the translation of foreign currency interest was offset by a higher average debt balance. Capitalized interest was comparable to 2008 due to slightly higher project levels offset by lower average interest rates.

2011 Outlook

The Company expects interest incurred to be modestly higher. This increase is expected to result from a higher average debt balance, higher fees on the Company’s committed credit facility, and slightly higher interest rates on variable rate debt.

Effective Tax Rate

The effective tax rate equals the income tax provision divided by income from continuing operations before taxes. Refer to Note 22, Income Taxes, to the consolidated financial statements for details on factors affecting the effective tax rate.

2010 vs. 2009

On a GAAP basis, the effective tax rate was 24.4% and 22.1% in 2010 and 2009, respectively. On a non-GAAP basis, the effective tax rate was 25.2% and 25.3% in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

2009 vs. 2008

On a GAAP basis, the effective tax rate was 22.1% and 24.7% in 2009 and 2008, respectively. On a non-GAAP basis, the effective tax rate was 25.3% and 24.9% in 2009 and 2008, respectively. The effective tax rate was higher in 2009 due to lower tax credits and adjustments.

 

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2011 Outlook

The Company expects the effective tax rate in 2011 to be approximately 25.0% to 26.0%.

Discontinued Operations

The U.S. Healthcare business, Polymer Emulsions business, and High Purity Process Chemicals (HPPC) business have been accounted for as discontinued operations. The results of operations of these businesses have been removed from the results of continuing operations for all periods presented. Refer to Note 6, Discontinued Operations, to the consolidated financial statements for additional details.

U.S. Healthcare

In July 2008, the Board of Directors authorized management to pursue the sale of the U.S. Healthcare business. In 2008, the Company recorded a total charge of $329.2 ($246.2 after-tax, or $1.12 per share) related to the impairment/write-down of the net carrying value of U.S. Healthcare business.

In the first half of 2009, based on additional facts, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $48.7 ($30.9 after-tax, or $.15 per share), reflecting a revision in the estimated net realizable value of the business. Also, tax benefits of $25.5, or $.12 per share, were recorded to revise the estimated tax benefit associated with the total impairment charges recorded.

During the third quarter of 2009, the Company sold more than half of its remaining U.S. Healthcare business for cash proceeds of $38.1. The Company recognized an after-tax gain of $.3 resulting from the sales combined with adjustments to net realizable value of the remaining businesses.

During the fourth quarter of 2009, through a series of transactions, the Company sold its remaining U.S. Healthcare business for cash proceeds of $12.1. A net after-tax loss of $.7 was recognized. These transactions completed the disposal of the U.S. Healthcare business.

The U.S. Healthcare business generated sales of $125.2 and $239.8, and a loss from operations, net of tax, of $3.4 and $259.4 in 2009 and 2008, respectively. The loss from operations in 2008 included an after-tax impairment charge of $237.0.

Polymer Emulsions Business

On 31 January 2008, the Company closed on the sale of its interest in its vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) polymers joint ventures to Wacker Chemie AG, its long-time joint venture partner. As part of that agreement, the Company received Wacker Chemie AG’s interest in the Elkton, Md. and Piedmont, S.C. production facilities and their related businesses plus cash proceeds of $258.2. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of $89.5 ($57.7 after-tax, or $.26 per share).

On 30 June 2008, the Company sold its Elkton, Md. and Piedmont, S.C. production facilities and the related North American atmospheric emulsions and global pressure sensitive adhesives businesses to Ashland, Inc. The Company recorded a gain of $30.5 ($18.5 after-tax, or $.08 per share) in connection with the sale, which included the recording of a retained environmental obligation associated with the Piedmont site. The sale of the Elkton and Piedmont facilities completed the disposal of the Company’s Polymer Emulsions business.

The Polymer Emulsion business generated sales of $261.4 and income from operations, net of tax, of $16.7 in 2008.

HPPC Business

In 2008, the Company sold its HPPC business to KMG Chemicals, Inc. The sale closed on 31 December 2007, and a loss on the sale was recorded of $.5 ($.3 after-tax) in 2008. The HPPC business generated sales of $22.9 and income from operations, net of tax, of $.1 in 2008.

Net Income

2010 vs. 2009

Net income was $1,029.1 compared to $631.3, and diluted earnings per share was $4.74 compared to $2.96. On a non-GAAP basis, net income was $1,089.2 compared to $857.6, and diluted earnings per share was $5.02 compared to $4.02.

2009 vs. 2008

Net income was $631.3 compared to $909.7, and diluted earnings per share was $2.96 compared to $4.15. On a non-GAAP basis, net income was $857.6 compared to $926.2, and diluted earnings per share was $4.02 compared to $4.23.

 

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Segment Analysis

 

Merchant Gases                    
      2010      2009     2008  

Sales

     $3,718.3         $3,610.6        $4,192.7   

Operating income

     729.4         661.2        789.5   

Equity affiliates’ income

     104.3         98.3        131.8   

Merchant Gases Sales

 

          % Change from Prior Year  
              2010     2009  

Underlying business

       

Volume

        2     (9 )% 

Price

        (1 )%      4

Currency

              2     (9 )% 

Total Merchant Gases Sales Change

              3     (14 )% 

2010 vs. 2009

Sales of $3,718.3 increased by 3%, or $107.7. Sales increased 2% from favorable currency effects, due to a weaker U.S. dollar against key European and Asian currencies in the first half of the year. Underlying business increased 1% as volume increases, primarily in Asia, were partially offset by a decrease in pricing due to liquid hydrogen natural gas cost pass-through and unfavorable customer mix.

In North America, sales were flat, as volume increases were offset by lower pricing and unfavorable customer mix. In Europe, sales were flat as favorable currency impacts were offset by lower pricing and unfavorable customer mix. In Asia, sales increased 20%, with volumes up 16% and a favorable currency impact of 4%. Volume increases were driven by steel, electronics and bulk hydrogen customers.

Merchant Gases Operating Income

Operating income of $729.4 increased 10%, or $68.2. The increase was primarily due to lower costs of $50, higher volumes of $32 and favorable currency of $8, partially offset by lower pricing and unfavorable customer mix of $22. The improved costs resulted from improved plant operating costs, distribution efficiency, and organizational restructuring benefits.

Merchant Gases Equity Affiliates’ Income

Merchant Gases equity affiliates’ income of $104.3 increased 6%, or $6.0. The increase was a result of higher volumes.

2009 vs. 2008

Merchant Gases Sales

Sales of $3,610.6 decreased by 14%, or $582.1. Sales decreased 9% from unfavorable currency effects, driven primarily by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against key European and Asian currencies. Underlying sales declined 5%, with volumes down 9% and pricing up 4%. Volumes were weak across manufacturing end markets globally. Price increases implemented early in the year were effective, partially offsetting the decline in volume.

The global recession significantly impacted manufacturing-related demand for Merchant industrial gases in every region. In North America, sales decreased 10%, with volumes down 14%. Higher pricing of 4% partially offset the decline in volumes. In Europe, sales decreased 17%, primarily due to unfavorable currency impacts of 13%. Underlying sales declined 4%, with volumes down 8% and pricing adding 4%. Stronger healthcare volumes partially offset the total volume decline. In Asia, sales declined 13%. Underlying sales were lower by 6%, with volumes declining 8% and pricing adding 2%. Currency unfavorably impacted sales by 7%.

Merchant Gases Operating Income

Operating income of $661.2 decreased 16%, or $128.3. The decline was due to reduced volumes of $234 and unfavorable currency impacts of $74. These declines were partially offset by improved pricing, net of variable costs, of $102 and improved cost performance of $78, primarily due to cost reduction efforts.

 

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Merchant Gases Equity Affiliates’ Income

Merchant Gases equity affiliates’ income of $98.3 decreased 25%, or $33.5. The decline was a result of lower overall volumes and unfavorable currency. Additionally, 2008 results included favorable adjustments made to certain affiliates in Asia and the reversal of an antitrust fine.

Tonnage Gases

      2010     2009        2008  

Sales

     $2,930.8        $2,573.6           $3,574.4   

Operating income

     444.2        399.6           482.6   

 

Tonnage Gases Sales

 

   % Change from Prior Year  
      2010     2009  

Underlying business

    

Volume

     11     (5 )% 

Currency

     2     (4 )% 

Energy and raw material cost pass-through

     1     (19 )% 

Total Tonnage Gases Sales Change

     14     (28 )% 

2010 vs. 2009

Sales of $2,930.8 increased 14%, or $357.2. Volumes increased 11% due to continued improvement in steel and chemical end markets and new plant onstreams. Currency favorably impacted sales by 2%, driven primarily by the weaker U.S. dollar, in the first half of 2010. Energy and raw material contractual cost pass-through to customers increased sales by 1%.

Tonnage Gases Operating Income

Operating income of $444.2 increased 11%, or $44.6. The increase was a result of higher volumes of $79 and favorable currency impacts of $7, partially offset by higher costs of $41, primarily due to planned maintenance costs and operating inefficiencies.

2009 vs. 2008

Tonnage Gases Sales

Sales of $2,573.6 decreased 28%, or $1,000.8. Lower energy and raw material contractual cost pass-through to customers reduced sales by 19%. Volumes were down 5%. While refinery hydrogen volumes were higher, overall volumes declined from reduced demand from steel and chemical customers. Currency unfavorably impacted sales by 4%.

Tonnage Gases Operating Income

Operating income of $399.6 decreased 17%, or $83.0. Underlying business declined $70, primarily from decreased volumes and lower operating efficiencies. Currency unfavorably impacted operating income by $24. Results in 2008 included unfavorable hurricane related impacts of $11.

 

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Electronics and Performance Materials

      2010     2009     2008  

Sales

     $1,904.7        $1,582.2        $2,209.3   

Operating income

     251.8        101.6        245.9   

 

Electronics and Performance Materials Sales

 

   % Change from Prior Year  
      2010     2009  

Underlying business

    

Volume

     22     (24 )% 

Price

     (3 )%      (2 )% 

Currency

     1     (2 )% 

Total Electronics and Performance Materials Sales Change

     20     (28 )% 

2010 vs. 2009

Sales of $1,904.7 increased 20%, or $322.5. Underlying business increased due to higher volumes of 22% across all markets, partially offset by unfavorable pricing of 3%. Electronics sales increased 17% due to higher volumes in specialty materials and equipment sales in support of fabrication plant expansions, partially offset by lower pricing. Performance Materials sales increased 25%, reflecting volume growth across end markets globally, partially offset by lower pricing.

Electronics and Performance Materials Operating Income

Operating income of $251.8 increased $150.2, primarily due to higher volumes of $160 and lower costs of $40, partially offset by lower pricing of $50. The reduced costs were a result of restructuring and productivity initiatives.

2009 vs. 2008

Electronics and Performance Materials Sales

Sales of $1,582.2 declined 28%, or $627.1, as volumes declined 24%. Sales volumes declined significantly in the first half of 2009 and recovered sequentially in the second half. In Electronics, sales were down 35%, reflecting a significant global downturn in semiconductor and flat-panel capacity utilization and capital investment. In Performance Materials, sales were down 19% due to weaker demand across all end markets, partially offset by improved pricing.

Electronics and Performance Materials Operating Income

Operating income of $101.6 declined by 59%, or $144.3. Operating income declined from lower volumes of $202 as well as unfavorable pricing of $37. Lower pricing in Electronics was partially offset by higher pricing in Performance Materials. Favorable cost performance added $82, primarily due to cost reduction efforts. Results in 2008 included $15 of unfavorable impacts associated with a fire at a production facility.

Equipment and Energy

 

      2010     2009     2008  

Sales

     $472.2        $489.8        $438.1   

Operating income

     67.3        42.2        38.9   

2010 vs. 2009

Sales of $472.2 decreased 4%, or $17.6, due to lower air separation unit (ASU) sales. Operating income of $67.3 increased 59%, due to higher LNG heat exchanger activity, a gain on the sale of an asset, and lower project costs.

The sales backlog for the Equipment business at 30 September 2010 was $274, compared to $239 at 30 September 2009. It is expected that approximately $250 of the backlog will be completed during 2011.

2009 vs. 2008

Sales of $489.8 increased by 12%, or $51.7, due to higher ASU activity. Operating income improved $3.3 from favorable cost performance and higher ASU sales, partially offset by lower LNG heat exchanger activity and unfavorable currency.

The sales backlog for the Equipment business at 30 September 2009 was $239, compared to $399 at 30 September 2008.

 

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Other

Other operating income (loss) includes other expense and income that cannot be directly associated with the business segments, including foreign exchange gains and losses, interest income, and costs previously allocated to businesses now reported as discontinued operations. Also included are LIFO inventory adjustments, as the business segments use FIFO and the LIFO pool adjustments are not allocated to the business segments. Corporate general and administrative costs and research and development costs are fully allocated to the business segments.

2010 vs. 2009

Operating loss was $2.6 compared to $17.3, primarily due to favorable foreign exchange in the current year. No other individual items were significant in comparison to the prior year.

2009 vs. 2008

Operating loss of $17.3 decreased by $13.5. The decrease was primarily due to favorable LIFO inventory adjustments versus 2008. Unfavorable currency partially offset this decline. No other items were individually significant in comparison to the prior year.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The presentation of non-GAAP measures is intended to enhance the usefulness of financial information by providing measures which the Company’s management uses internally to evaluate the Company’s baseline performance on a comparable basis. Presented below are reconciliations of the reported GAAP results to the non-GAAP measures.

Consolidated Results

 

     

Operating

Income

    Income from
Continuing
Operations
    Diluted
EPS
    Net
Income
    Diluted
EPS
 

2010 GAAP

     $1,389.0        $1,029.1        $4.74        $1,029.1        $4.74   

2009 GAAP

     846.3        639.9        3.00        631.3        2.96   

Change GAAP

     $542.7        $389.2        $1.74        $397.8        $1.78   

% Change GAAP

     64     61     58     63     60

2010 GAAP

     $1,389.0        $1,029.1        $4.74        $1,029.1        $4.74   

Acquisition-related costs (tax impact $35.9) (a)

     96.0        60.1        .28        60.1        .28   

2010 Non-GAAP Measure

     $1,485.0        $1,089.2        $5.02        $1,089.2        $5.02   

2009 GAAP

     $846.3        $639.9        $3.00        $631.3        $2.96   

Global cost reduction plan (tax impact $97.9) (b)

     298.2        200.3        .94        200.3        .94   

Customer bankruptcy and asset actions
(tax impact $11.1)
(c)

     32.1        21.0        .10        21.0        .10   

Pension settlement (tax impact $3.0) (d)

     8.0        5.0        .02        5.0        .02   

2009 Non-GAAP Measure

     $1,184.6        $866.2        $4.06        $857.6        $4.02   

Change Non-GAAP Measure

     $300.4        $223.0        $.96       

% Change Non-GAAP Measure

     25     26     24    

 

  (a) Based on statutory tax rate of 37.4%  

 

  (b) Based on average statutory tax rate of 32.8%  

 

  (c) Based on average statutory tax rate of 34.6%  

 

  (d) Based on average statutory tax rate of 37.5%  

 

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Operating

Income

    Income from
Continuing
Operations
    Diluted
EPS
    Net
Income
    Diluted
EPS
 

2009 GAAP

     $846.3        $639.9        $3.00        $631.3        $2.96   

2008 GAAP

     1,495.8        1,090.5        4.97        909.7        4.15   

Change GAAP

     $(649.5     $(450.6     $(1.97     $(278.4     $(1.19

% Change GAAP

     (43 )%      (41 )%      (40 )%      (31 )%      (29 )% 

2009 GAAP

     $846.3        $639.9        $3.00        $631.3        $2.96   

Global cost reduction plan (tax impact $97.9) (b)

     298.2        200.3        .94        200.3        .94   

Customer bankruptcy and asset actions (tax impact $11.1) (c)

     32.1        21.0        .10        21.0        .10   

Pension settlement (tax impact $3.0) (d)

     8.0        5.0        .02        5.0        .02   

2009 Non-GAAP Measure

     $1,184.6        $866.2        $4.06        $857.6        $4.02   

2008 GAAP

     $1,495.8        $1,090.5        $4.97        $909.7        $4.15   

Pension settlement (tax impact $9.8) (e)

     26.3        16.5        .08        16.5        .08   

2008 Non-GAAP Measure

     $1,522.1        $1,107.0        $5.05        $926.2        $4.23   

Change Non-GAAP Measure

     $(337.5     $(240.8     $(.99    

% Change Non-GAAP Measure

     (22 )%      (22 )%      (20 )%     

 

  (a) Based on statutory tax rate of 37.4%  

 

  (b) Based on average statutory tax rate of 32.8%  

 

  (c) Based on average statutory tax rate of 34.6%  

 

  (d) Based on average statutory tax rate of 37.5%  

 

  (e) Based on statutory tax rate of 37.3%  

 

      Effective Tax Rate  
      2010     2009     2008  

Income Tax Provision—GAAP

     $339.5        $185.3        $365.3   

Income from Continuing Operations Before Taxes—GAAP

     $1,394.0        $836.6        $1,478.8   

Effective Tax Rate—GAAP

     24.4     22.1     24.7

Income tax provision—GAAP

     $339.5        $185.3        $365.3   

Acquisition-related costs tax impact

     35.9                 

Global cost reduction plan tax impact

            97.9          

Customer bankruptcy and asset actions tax impact

            11.1          

Pension settlement tax impact

            3.0        9.8   

Income Tax Provision—Non-GAAP Measure

     $375.4        $297.3        $375.1   

Income from continuing operations before taxes—GAAP

     $1,394.0        $836.6        $1,478.8   

Acquisition-related costs

     96.0                 

Global cost reduction plan

            298.2          

Customer bankruptcy and asset actions

            32.1          

Pension settlement

            8.0        26.3   

Income from Continuing Operations Before Taxes—Non-GAAP Measure

     $1,490.0        $1,174.9        $1,505.1   

Effective Tax Rate—Non-GAAP Measure

     25.2     25.3     24.9

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company maintained a solid financial position throughout 2010. Cash flow from operations provided funding for the Company’s capital spending and dividend payments. The Company retained consistent access to commercial paper markets throughout the year.

The Company’s cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities, as reflected in the consolidated statements of cash flows, are summarized in the following table:

 

      2010     2009     2008  

Cash provided by (used for)

      

Operating activities

     $1,522.4        $1,329.4        $1,658.8   

Investing activities

     (1,056.5     (1,040.4     (919.8

Financing activities

     (579.7     95.0        (677.7

Operating Activities

2010 vs. 2009

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $193.0, or 15%. The increase resulted from higher net income of $397.8 combined with the favorable impact of noncash adjustments to income of $191.2, partially offset by unfavorable changes in working capital of $396.0.

Noncash adjustments include depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, deferred taxes, certain acquisition-related costs and share-based compensation cost. These adjustments also include changes in operating assets, such as noncurrent capital lease receivables, and liabilities which reflect timing differences between the receipt or disbursement of cash and their recognition in earnings.

Favorable noncash adjustments to net income in 2010 primarily included the following:

 

   

An increase in deferred income taxes of $148.5 due to pension funding and the utilization of foreign tax credits.

 

 

   

Expense of $84.0 for the amortization of financing costs associated with the Airgas tender offer.

 

 

   

A decrease in noncurrent capital lease receivables of $101.1.

 

These favorable adjustments were partially offset by the impact of 2009 noncash impairment charges of $118.7 related to the global cost reduction plan and the discontinued U.S. Healthcare business.

Changes in working capital increased cash used (negative cash flow variance) by $396.0 and included:

 

   

A $301.5 negative cash flow variance due to higher trade receivables. The current year reflected a negative cash flow of $142.5 caused by rising sales, while the prior year reflected a positive cash flow of $159.0 resulting from a significant drop in sales.

 

 

   

A $94.6 negative cash flow variance from inventories and contracts in progress primarily due to increased spending for inventory and projects to support higher business activity.

 

2009 vs. 2008

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $329.4, or 20%. The decrease resulted from the reduction in net income of $278.4 combined with the unfavorable impact of noncash adjustments to income of $143.4, partially offset by favorable changes in working capital of $92.4. Net income in 2009 included noncash impairment charges of $118.7 related to the global cost reduction plan and the discontinued U.S. Healthcare business. In 2008, U.S. Healthcare noncash impairment charges totaling $314.8 were partially offset by gains of $105.9 on the sale of discontinued operations. Proceeds from the sale of assets and businesses are reflected as an investing activity.

Changes in working capital decreased cash used (positive cash flow variance) by $92.4 and included:

 

   

A $256.4 positive cash flow variance due to lower trade receivables as a result of lower sales.

 

 

   

A $108.7 positive cash flow variance from other receivables due primarily to the recognition of a deferred tax asset in 2008 related to the U.S. Healthcare impairment charge. The recognition of this asset represented a use of cash in 2008.

 

 

   

A $319.0 negative cash flow variance due to a higher use of cash for payables and accrued liabilities. This variance was due to a lower level of activity and the timing of payments.

 

 

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Table of Contents

Investing Activities

2010 vs. 2009

Cash used for investing increased $16.1, primarily due to:

 

   

Capital expenditures for plant and equipment decreased by $148.2, consistent with the Company’s capital spending plan.

 

 

   

The Company purchased approximately 1.5 million shares of Airgas stock for $69.6 prior to a tender offer as discussed in Note 3, Airgas Transaction, to the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Changes in restricted cash, due to lower project spending, resulted in a reduced source of cash of $53.4. The proceeds from the issuance of certain Industrial Revenue Bonds must be held in escrow until related project spending occurs and are classified as noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

 

   

The prior year included proceeds of $51.0 from the sale of the U.S. Healthcare business.

 

2009 vs. 2008

Cash used for investing increased $120.6, primarily from lower proceeds from the sale of discontinued operations of $372.0, partially offset by changes in restricted cash of $270.6.

 

   

During 2009, the Company completed the sale of its U.S. Healthcare business, which generated proceeds of $51.0. In 2008, proceeds of $423.0 included the sales of the Polymer Emulsions and HPPC businesses.

 

 

   

Decreases in the restricted cash balances, caused by project spending exceeding new bond proceeds, resulted in a source of cash of $87.0 in 2009. Activity in 2008 resulted in a use of cash of $183.6.

 

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures are detailed in the following table:

 

      2010     2009     2008  

Additions to plant and equipment

     $1,030.9        $1,179.1        $1,085.1   

Acquisitions, less cash acquired

     37.2        32.7        72.0   

Short-term borrowings associated with SAGA acquisition (A)

     60.9                 

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates

     4.8        24.5        2.2   

Capital Expenditures on a GAAP Basis

     $1,133.8        $1,236.3        $1,159.3   

Capital lease expenditures (B)

     122.6        238.6        195.7   

Noncurrent liability related to purchase of shares from noncontrolling
interests
(B)

     42.0                 

Capital Expenditures on a Non-GAAP Basis

     $1,298.4        $1,474.9        $1,355.0   

 

  (A)

Noncash transaction.

 

 

  (B)

The Company utilizes a non-GAAP measure in the computation of capital expenditures and includes spending associated with facilities accounted for as capital leases and purchases of noncontrolling interests.

 

 

   

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.

 

 

   

Additionally, the purchase of noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary is accounted for as an equity transaction and will be reflected as a financing activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

 

Capital expenditures on a GAAP basis in 2010 totaled $1,133.8, compared to $1,236.3 in 2009, resulting in a reduction of $102.5. Additions to plant and equipment were largely in support of the Merchant Gases and Tonnage Gases businesses during both 2010 and 2009. Additions to plant and equipment also included support capital of a routine, ongoing nature, including expenditures for distribution equipment and facility improvements.

Capital expenditures on a non-GAAP basis in 2010 totaled $1,298.4, compared to $1,474.9 in 2009. Capital lease expenditures of $122.6 decreased by $116.0, reflecting lower project spending. In 2009, capital lease expenditures of $238.6 increased $42.9 from 2008, reflecting higher project spending, primarily in North America Tonnage Gases.

2011 Outlook

Excluding acquisitions, capital expenditures for new plant and equipment in 2011 on a GAAP basis are expected to be between $1,400 and $1,500, and on a non-GAAP basis are expected to be between $1,500 and $1,700. The non-GAAP capital expenditures include spending associated with facilities accounted for as capital leases which are expected to be between $100 and $200. The majority of spending is expected in the Tonnage Gases segment, with

 

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approximately $1,000 associated with new plants. It is anticipated that capital expenditures will be funded principally with cash from continuing operations. In addition, the Company intends to continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities and investments in equity affiliates.

Financing Activities

2010 vs. 2009

Cash used by financing activities increased $674.7, primarily due to:

 

   

A decrease in long-term proceeds of $384.3. The prior year included proceeds of $400.0 from the issuance of a fixed-rate 4.375% 10-year senior note.

 

 

   

An increase in payments on long-term debt of $353.5, resulting primarily from the repayment of a 250 Eurobond ($306.8).

 

2009 vs. 2008

Cash provided by financing activities increased $772.7, primarily as a result of share repurchases of $793.4 in 2008. In 2009, the Company did not purchase any of its outstanding shares.

Financing and Capital Structure

Capital needs in 2010 were satisfied primarily with cash from operations. At the end of 2010, total debt outstanding was $4.1 billion compared to $4.5 billion, and cash and cash items were $.4 billion compared to $.5 billion. Total debt at 30 September 2010 and 2009, expressed as a percentage of the sum of total debt and total equity, was 42.0% and 47.7%, respectively.

Long-term debt proceeds of $226.2 included $85.0 from the issuance of Industrial Revenue Bonds. Refer to Note 15, Debt, to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

In February 2010, the Company commenced a tender offer to acquire all outstanding common stock of Airgas as further discussed in Note 3, Airgas Transaction, to the consolidated financial statements. In connection with this tender offer, the Company has secured committed financing in the form of a $6.7 billion term loan credit facility. Borrowings under this credit facility will be available beginning on the date of the consummation of the tender offer, which must occur no later than 4 February 2011. All borrowings under this credit facility will mature on the date that is one year from the consummation of the tender offer. The credit facility agreement contains one financial covenant, a maximum leverage ratio, and other affirmative and negative covenants, including restrictions on liens and certain subsidiary indebtedness. It also requires mandatory commitment reduction/prepayment for certain capital market transactions and asset dispositions. Fees incurred to secure this credit facility have been deferred and are being amortized over the term of the arrangement.

The Company has obtained the commitment of a number of commercial banks to lend money at market rates whenever needed. At 30 September 2009, the Company’s total multicurrency committed credit facility amounted to $1,450. On 8 July 2010, the Company replaced this facility with a new $2,000 multicurrency committed credit facility maturing on 8 July 2013. Facility fees were modified to reflect current market rates. The Company has one financial covenant associated with this new credit facility. The covenant indicates that the ratio of total debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) shall not exceed 3.0. This credit facility provides a source of liquidity and is used to support the issuance of commercial paper. No borrowings were outstanding under this commitment at the end of 2010. Additional commitments totaling $518.7 are maintained by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, of which $345.2 was borrowed and outstanding at 30 September 2010.

In 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1,000 of the Company’s outstanding common stock. During 2010, the Company did not purchase any shares under this authorization. At 30 September 2010, $649.2 in share repurchase authorization remained.

2011 Outlook

Exclusive of the potential Airgas transaction described above, the Company projects a limited need to access the long-term debt markets in 2011 due to its projected operating cash flows, modest debt maturities and available cash balance at the end of 2010. Should the Airgas transaction occur, the Company expects to fund this acquisition primarily with new debt financing. The Company expects that it will continue to be in compliance with all of its financial covenants. Also, the Company anticipates that it will continue to be able to access the commercial paper and other short-term debt markets.

 

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Dividends

On 18 March 2010, the Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend from $.45 per share to $.49 per share. Dividends are declared by the Board of Directors and are usually paid during the sixth week after the close of the fiscal quarter.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The Company is obligated to make future payments under various contracts, such as debt agreements, lease agreements, unconditional purchase obligations, and other long-term obligations. The following table summarizes these obligations of the Company as of 30 September 2010:

 

     Payments Due By Period  
      Total      2011      2012      2013      2014      2015      Thereafter  

Long-term debt obligations

                    

Debt maturities

     $3,842         $182         $453         $335         $488         $444         $1,940   

Contractual interest

     698         122         109         93         72         58         244   

Capital leases

     11         2         2         2         1         1         3   

Operating leases

     190         50         38         28         18         13         43   

Pension obligations

     1,042         247         104         136         90         92         373   

Unconditional purchase obligations

     1,466         482         100         103         112         118         551   

Other liabilities

     103         61         42                                   

Total Contractual Obligations

     $7,352         $1,146         $848         $697         $781         $726         $3,154   

Long-Term Debt Obligations

The long-term debt obligations include the maturity payments of long-term debt, including current portion, and the related contractual interest obligations. Refer to Note 15, Debt, to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on long-term debt.

Contractual interest is the interest the Company is contracted to pay on the long-term debt obligations without taking into account the interest impact of interest rate swaps related to any of this debt, which at current interest rates would slightly decrease contractual interest. The Company had $1,240 of long-term debt subject to variable interest rates at 30 September 2010, excluding fixed-rate debt that has been swapped to variable-rate debt. The rate assumed for the variable interest component of the contractual interest obligation was the rate in effect at 30 September 2010. Variable interest rates are primarily determined by interbank offer rates and by U.S. short-term tax-exempt interest rates.

Leases

Refer to Note 12, Leases, to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on capital and operating leases.

Pension Obligations

The amounts in the table above represent the current estimated cash payments to be made by the Company that in total equal the recognized pension liabilities. Refer to Note 16, Retirement Benefits, to the consolidated financial statements. These payments are based upon the current valuation assumptions and regulatory environment.

The total accrued liability for pension benefits is impacted by interest rates, plan demographics, actual return on plan assets, continuation or modification of benefits, and other factors. Such factors can significantly impact the amount of the liability and related contributions.

Unconditional Purchase Obligations

Most of the Company’s long-term unconditional purchase obligations relate to feedstock supply for numerous HyCO (hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and syngas) facilities. The price of feedstock supply is principally related to the price of natural gas. However, long-term take-or-pay sales contracts to HyCO customers are generally matched to the term of the feedstock supply obligations and provide recovery of price increases in the feedstock supply. Due to the matching of most long-term feedstock supply obligations to customer sales contracts, the Company does not believe these purchase obligations would have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operations. Refer to Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements.

The above unconditional purchase obligations include other product supply commitments and also electric power and natural gas supply purchase obligations. In addition, purchase commitments to spend approximately $330 for additional plant and equipment are included in the unconditional purchase obligations in 2011.

 

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The Company also purchases materials, energy, capital equipment, supplies, and services as part of the ordinary course of business under arrangements that are not unconditional purchase obligations. The majority of such purchases are for raw materials and energy, which are obtained under requirements-type contracts at market prices. In total, purchases by the Company approximate $6.3 billion annually, including the unconditional purchase obligations in the table above.

Other Liabilities

Other liabilities includes the obligation to purchase the remaining outstanding shares of the French SAGA group (SAGA) for a fixed price of 44.8, or approximately $61, and the obligation to purchase 25% of the remaining shares of CryoService Limited (CSL) for $42.0.

In the second quarter of 2010, the Company entered into agreements that will enable it to acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of SAGA. Under the terms of these agreements, the Company purchased 51.47% of the shares in March 2010. The remaining shares are expected to be purchased by the end of calendar year 2010 for a fixed price of 44.8, or approximately $61, under a put and call option structure. At 30 September 2010, this structure was accounted for as a financing of the purchase of the remaining shares and reported within short-term borrowings on the consolidated balance sheet. Refer to Note 4, Business Combinations, to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Additionally, in June 2010, the Company entered into agreements obligating it to purchase 25% of the remaining shares of CSL. The agreements require the consideration, which is based on a multiple of earnings formula, to be remitted in January 2012. At 30 September 2010, the liability amounted to $42.0 and has been reported in other noncurrent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Refer to Note 20, Noncontrolling Interests, to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Income Tax Liabilities

Noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities as of 30 September 2010 were $335.1. Refer to Note 22, Income Taxes, to the consolidated financial statements. Tax liabilities related to uncertain tax positions as of 30 September 2010 were $233.7. These tax liabilities were not included in the Contractual Obligations table, as it is impractical to determine a cash impact by year.

PENSION BENEFITS

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries sponsor defined benefit pension plans that cover a substantial portion of its worldwide employees. The principal defined benefit pension plans—the U.S. salaried pension plan and the U.K. pension plan—were closed to new participants in 2005 and were replaced with defined contribution plans. The move to defined contribution plans has not had a material impact on retirement program cost levels or funding. Over the long run, however, the defined contribution plans are expected to reduce volatility of both expense and contributions.

For 2010, the fair market value of pension plan assets for the Company’s defined benefit plans as of the measurement date increased to $2,711.6 from $2,251.0 in 2009. The projected benefit obligation for these plans as of the measurement date was $3,753.6 and $3,386.0 in 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase in the obligation was due principally to a decrease in the weighted average discount rate used to measure future benefit obligations to 5.0% from 5.6%. Refer to Note 16, Retirement Benefits, to the consolidated financial statements for comprehensive and detailed disclosures on the Company’s postretirement benefits.

Pension Expense

 

      2010     2009     2008  

Pension expense

     $109.0        $110.0        $127.0   

Special terminations, settlements, and curtailments (included above)

     14.8        43.8        31.5   

Weighted average discount rate

     5.6     7.1     6.1

Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets

     8.2     8.3     8.8

Weighted average expected rate of compensation increase

     4.1     4.3     4.2

2010 vs. 2009

The increase in pension expense, net of special items, was primarily attributable to the 150 basis point decrease in the weighted average discount rate, resulting in higher amortization of actuarial losses. The increase was partially offset by a higher expected return on plan assets due to higher contributions. Expense in 2010 included $14.8 of special termination and settlement charges, of which $2.8 was related to the global cost reduction plan.

 

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2009 vs. 2008

The decrease in pension expense was primarily attributable to the 100 basis point increase in the weighted average discount rate. Expense in 2009 included $43.8 of special termination, settlement, and curtailment charges, of which $32.3 was related to the global cost reduction plan.

2011 Outlook

Pension expense is estimated to be approximately $122 in 2011, an increase of $27.8 from 2010, net of special terminations and settlements. In 2011, pension expense will include approximately $94 for amortization of actuarial losses versus $66.8 in 2010. Actuarial losses of $294.8 were incurred in 2010, resulting primarily from lower discount rates. Actuarial gains/losses, in excess of certain thresholds, are amortized into pension expense over the average remaining service lives of the employees to the extent they are not offset by future gains or losses. Future changes in the discount rate and actual returns on plan assets, different from expected returns, would impact the actuarial gains/losses and resulting amortization in years beyond 2011.

Pension Funding

Pension funding includes both contributions to funded plans and benefit payments under unfunded plans. With respect to funded plans, the Company’s funding policy is that contributions, combined with appreciation and earnings, will be sufficient to pay benefits without creating unnecessary surpluses.

In addition, the Company makes contributions to satisfy all legal funding requirements while managing its capacity to benefit from tax deductions attributable to plan contributions. The Company analyzes the liabilities and demographics of each plan, which help guide the level of contributions. During 2010 and 2009, the Company’s cash contributions to funded plans and benefit payments under unfunded plans were $406.6 and $184.8, respectively. The majority of the cash contributions were voluntary.

Cash contributions to defined benefit plans, including benefit payments for unfunded plans, are estimated to be approximately $247 in 2011. Of this amount, $200 was contributed in October 2010. Actual future contributions will depend on future funding legislation, discount rates, investment performance, plan design, and various other factors. Refer to the Contractual Obligations discussion on page 33 for a projection of future contributions.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

The Company is subject to various environmental laws and regulations in the countries in which it has operations. Compliance with these laws and regulations results in higher capital expenditures and costs. From time to time, the Company is involved in proceedings under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (the federal Superfund law), similar state laws, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) relating to the designation of certain sites for investigation and possible cleanup. The Company’s accounting policy for environmental expenditures is discussed in Note 1, Major Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements, and environmental loss contingencies are discussed in Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements.

The amounts charged to income from continuing operations related to environmental matters totaled $31.6, $52.5, and $49.9 in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. These amounts represent an estimate of expenses for compliance with environmental laws, remedial activities, and activities undertaken to meet internal Company standards. Future costs are not expected to be materially different from these amounts. The 2009 amount included a charge of $16.0 for the Paulsboro site. Refer to Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on this charge. The 2008 amount included revised cost estimates for several existing sites.

Although precise amounts are difficult to determine, the Company estimates that in both 2010 and 2009, it spent approximately $6 on capital projects to control pollution. Capital expenditures to control pollution in future years are estimated to be approximately $6 in both 2011 and 2012.

The Company accrues environmental investigatory and remediation costs for identified sites when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The potential exposure for such costs is estimated to range from $87 to a reasonably possible upper exposure of $101. The consolidated balance sheets at 30 September 2010 and 2009 included an accrual of $87.0 and $95.0, respectively. The accrual for the environmental obligations relating to the Pace, Florida; Piedmont, South Carolina; and the Paulsboro, New Jersey facilities is included in these amounts. Refer to Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements for further details on these facilities.

 

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Actual costs to be incurred at identified sites in future periods may vary from the estimates, given inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures. Subject to the imprecision in estimating future environmental costs, the Company does not expect that any sum it may have to pay in connection with environmental matters in excess of the amounts recorded or disclosed above would have a materially adverse impact on its financial position or results of operations in any one year.

Some of the Company’s operations are within jurisdictions that have, or are developing, regulations governing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). These include existing and expanding coverage under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme; mandatory reporting and reductions at manufacturing facilities in Alberta, Canada; and mandatory reporting and anticipated constraints on GHG emissions in California and Ontario. In the U.S., regional initiatives have been implemented that will regulate GHG emissions from fossil fuel-driven power plants, and some federal legislative proposals also focus on such power plants. As a large consumer of electric power, the Company could be impacted by increased costs that may arise from such regulatory controls. In addition, federal legislation has been introduced in the U.S. that would regulate GHG emissions from the Company’s hydrogen facilities and other operations, such as production of fluorinated gases manufactured by the Company. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has taken preliminary actions towards regulating GHG emissions. Increased public awareness and concern may result in more international, U.S. federal, and/or regional requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of GHG.

The Company may incur costs related to GHG emissions from its hydrogen facilities and other operations such as fluorinated gases production. The Company believes it will be able to mitigate some of the potential costs through its contractual terms, but the lack of definitive legislation or regulatory requirements prevents accurate prediction of the long-term impact on the Company. Any legislation that limits or taxes GHG emissions from Company facilities could impact the Company’s growth by increasing its operating costs or reducing demand for certain of its products.

Regulation of GHG may also produce new opportunities for the Company. The Company continues to develop technologies to help its facilities and its customers lower energy consumption, improve efficiency, and lower emissions. The Company is also developing a portfolio of technologies that capture carbon dioxide from power and chemical plants before it reaches the atmosphere, enable cleaner transportation fuels, and facilitate alternate fuel source development. In addition, the potential demand for clean coal and the Company’s carbon capture solutions could increase demand for oxygen, one of the Company’s main products, and the Company’s proprietary technology for delivering low-cost oxygen.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company has entered into certain guarantee agreements as discussed in Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements. The Company is not a primary beneficiary in any material variable interest entity. The Company does not have any derivative instruments indexed to its own stock. The Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements are not reasonably likely to have a material impact on financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company’s principal related parties are equity affiliates operating primarily in the industrial gas business. The Company did not engage in any material transactions involving related parties that included terms or other aspects that differ from those which would be negotiated at arm’s length with clearly independent parties.

INFLATION

The consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and do not fully reflect the impact of prior years’ inflation. While the U.S. inflation rate has been modest for several years, the Company operates in many countries that experience volatility in inflation and foreign exchange rates. The ability to pass on inflationary cost increases is an uncertainty due to general economic conditions and competitive situations. It is estimated that the cost of replacing the Company’s plant and equipment today is greater than its historical cost. Accordingly, depreciation expense would be greater if the expense were stated on a current cost basis.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Note 1, Major Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements describes the Company’s major accounting policies. Judgments and estimates of uncertainties are required in applying the Company’s accounting policies in many areas. However, application of the critical accounting policies discussed below requires

 

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management’s significant judgments, often as the result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. If actual results were to differ materially from the estimates made, the reported results could be materially affected. The Company’s management has reviewed these critical accounting policies and estimates and related disclosures with its audit committee.

Depreciable Lives of Plant and Equipment

Net plant and equipment at 30 September 2010 totaled $7,051.3, and depreciation expense totaled $837.7 during 2010. Plant and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method, which deducts equal amounts of the cost of each asset from earnings every year over its estimated economic useful life.

Economic useful life is the duration of time an asset is expected to be productively employed by the Company, which may be less than its physical life. Assumptions on the following factors, among others, affect the determination of estimated economic useful life: wear and tear, obsolescence, technical standards, contract life, market demand, competitive position, raw material availability, and geographic location.

The estimated economic useful life of an asset is monitored to determine its appropriateness, especially in light of changed business circumstances. For example, changes in technology, changes in the estimated future demand for products, or excessive wear and tear may result in a shorter estimated useful life than originally anticipated. In these cases, the Company would depreciate the remaining net book value over the new estimated remaining life, thereby increasing depreciation expense per year on a prospective basis. Likewise, if the estimated useful life is increased, the adjustment to the useful life decreases depreciation expense per year on a prospective basis.

The Company has numerous long-term customer supply contracts, particularly in the gases on-site business within the Tonnage Gases segment. These contracts principally have initial contract terms of 15 to 20 years. There are also long-term customer supply contracts associated with the tonnage gases business within the Electronics and Performance Materials segment. These contracts principally have initial terms of 10 to 15 years. Depreciable lives of the production assets related to long-term contracts are matched to the contract lives. Extensions to the contract term of supply frequently occur prior to the expiration of the initial term. As contract terms are extended, the depreciable life of the remaining net book value of the production assets is adjusted to match the new contract term.

The depreciable lives of production facilities within the Merchant Gases segment are principally 15 years. Customer contracts associated with products produced at these types of facilities typically have a much shorter term. The depreciable lives of production facilities within the Electronics and Performance Materials segment, where there is not an associated long-term supply agreement, range from 10 to 15 years. These depreciable lives have been determined based on historical experience combined with judgment on future assumptions such as technological advances, potential obsolescence, competitors’ actions, etc. Management monitors its assumptions and may potentially need to adjust depreciable life as circumstances change.

A change in the depreciable life by one year for production facilities within the Merchant Gases and Electronics and Performance Materials segments for which there is not an associated long-term customer supply agreement would impact annual depreciation expense as summarized below:

 

        Decrease Life
By 1 Year
       Increase Life
By 1 Year
 

Merchant Gases

       $19           $(14

Electronics and Performance Materials

       $15           $(12

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Plant and Equipment

Plant and equipment held for use is grouped for impairment testing at the lowest level for which there is identifiable cash flows. Impairment testing of the asset group occurs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. Such circumstances would include a significant decrease in the market value of a long-lived asset grouping, a significant adverse change in the manner in which the asset grouping is being used or in its physical condition, a history of operating or cash flow losses associated with the use of the asset grouping, or changes in the expected useful life of the long-lived assets. There were no such events or changes in circumstances that occurred during the reporting periods.

If such circumstances are determined to exist, an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows produced by that asset group is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. If an asset group is determined to be

 

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impaired, the loss is measured based on the difference between the asset group’s fair value and its carrying value. An estimate of the asset group’s fair value is based on the discounted value of its estimated cash flows. Assets to be disposed of by sale are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

The assumptions underlying cash flow projections represent management’s best estimates at the time of the impairment review. Factors that management must estimate include industry and market conditions, sales volume and prices, costs to produce, inflation, etc. Changes in key assumptions or actual conditions that differ from estimates could result in an impairment charge. The Company uses reasonable and supportable assumptions when performing impairment reviews and cannot predict the occurrence of future events and circumstances that could result in impairment charges.

Goodwill

The acquisition method of accounting for business combinations currently requires the Company to make use of estimates and judgments to allocate the purchase price paid for acquisitions to the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of net assets of an acquired entity. Goodwill, including goodwill associated with equity affiliates of $60.2, was $974.8 as of 30 September 2010. The majority of the Company’s goodwill is assigned to reporting units within the Merchant Gases and Electronics and Performance Materials segments. Disclosures related to goodwill are included in Note 10, Goodwill, to the consolidated financial statements.

The Company performs an impairment test annually in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year. In addition, goodwill would be tested more frequently if changes in circumstances or the occurrence of events indicated that potential impairment exists. The impairment test requires the Company to compare the fair value of business reporting units to carrying value, including assigned goodwill. The Company has designated its reporting units for goodwill impairment testing as one level below the operating segment for which discrete financial information is available and whose operating results are reviewed by segment managers regularly. Currently, the Company has four business segments and fifteen reporting units. Reporting units are primarily based on products and geographic locations within each business segment.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company conducted the required annual test of goodwill for impairment. The Company determined that the fair value of each of the reporting units substantially exceeded its carrying value, and therefore there were no indications of impairment.

The Company primarily uses an income approach valuation model, representing the present value of future cash flows, to determine fair value of a reporting unit. The Company’s valuation model uses a five-year growth period for the business and an estimated exit trading multiple. Management has determined the income approach valuation model represents the most appropriate valuation methodology due to the capital intensive nature of the business, long-term contractual nature of the business, relatively consistent cash flows generated by the Company’s reporting units, and limited comparables within the industry. The principal assumptions utilized in the Company’s income approach valuation model include revenue growth rate, operating profit margins, discount rate, and exit multiple. Revenue growth rate and operating profit assumptions are consistent with those utilized in the Company’s operating plan and long-term financial planning process. The discount rate assumption is calculated based upon an estimated weighted-average cost of capital which includes factors such as the risk-free rate of return, cost of debt, and expected equity premiums. The exit multiple is determined from comparable industry transactions. Also, the expected cash flows consider the customer attrition rate assumption, which is based on historical experience and current and future expected market conditions. Management judgment is required in the determination of each assumption utilized in the valuation model, and actual results could differ from the estimates.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets at 30 September 2010 totaled $285.7 and consisted primarily of customer relationships, purchased patents, and technology. The Company has no acquired intangible assets with indefinite lives. Intangible assets are tested for impairment as part of the long-lived asset grouping impairment tests. Impairment testing of the asset group occurs whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. See impairment discussion above under Plant and Equipment for a description of how impairment losses are determined.

Equity Investments

Investments in and advances to equity affiliates totaled $912.8 at 30 September 2010. The majority of the Company’s investments are non-publicly traded ventures with other companies in the industrial gas business. Summarized

 

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financial information of equity affiliates is included in Note 8, Summarized Financial Information of Equity Affiliates, to the consolidated financial statements. Equity investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable.

In the event that a decline in fair value of an investment occurs, and the decline in value is considered to be other than temporary, an impairment loss would be recognized. Management’s estimate of fair value of an investment is based on estimated discounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the investee. Changes in key assumptions about the financial condition of an investee or actual conditions that differ from estimates could result in an impairment charge.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the tax effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities measured using the enacted tax rate. At 30 September 2010, accrued income taxes and deferred tax liabilities amounted to $73.6 and $335.1, respectively. Tax liabilities related to uncertain tax positions as of 30 September 2010 were $233.7. Current and noncurrent deferred tax assets equaled $209.6 at 30 September 2010. Income tax expense was $339.5 for the year ended 30 September 2010. Management judgment is required in determining income tax expense and the related balance sheet amounts. Judgments are required concerning the ultimate outcome of tax contingencies and the realization of deferred tax assets.

Actual income taxes paid may vary from estimates, depending upon changes in income tax laws, actual results of operations, and the final audit of tax returns by taxing authorities. Tax assessments may arise several years after tax returns have been filed. The Company believes that its recorded tax liabilities adequately provide for the probable outcome of these assessments.

Deferred tax assets are recorded for operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. However, when there are not sufficient sources of future taxable income to realize the benefit of the operating losses or tax credit carryforwards, these deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance. A valuation allowance is recognized if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization include forecasted future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize or renew net deferred tax assets in order to avoid the potential loss of future tax benefits. The effect of a change in the valuation allowance is reported in the current period tax expense.

A 1% point increase/decrease in the Company’s effective tax rate would have decreased/increased net income by approximately $14.

Pension Benefits

The amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements for pension benefits under the defined benefit plans are determined on an actuarial basis utilizing numerous assumptions. The discussion that follows provides information on the significant assumptions and expense associated with the defined benefit plans.

Actuarial models are used in calculating the pension expense and liability related to the various defined benefit plans. These models have an underlying assumption that the employees render service over their service lives on a relatively consistent basis; therefore, the expense of benefits earned should follow a similar pattern.

Several assumptions and statistical variables are used in the models to calculate the expense and liability related to the plans. The Company determines assumptions about the discount rate, the expected rate of return on plan assets, and the rate of compensation increase. Note 16, Retirement Benefits, to the consolidated financial statements includes disclosure of these rates on a weighted-average basis for both the domestic and international plans. The actuarial models also use assumptions about demographic factors such as retirement age, mortality, and turnover rates. The Company believes the actuarial assumptions are reasonable. However, actual results could vary materially from these actuarial assumptions due to economic events and different rates of retirement, mortality, and turnover.

One of the critical assumptions used in the actuarial models is the discount rate. This rate reflects the prevailing market rate for high-quality, fixed-income debt instruments with maturities corresponding to the expected duration of the benefit obligations on the annual measurement date for each of the various plans. The rate is used to discount the future cash flows of benefit obligations back to the measurement date. For the U.S. plans, the timing and amount of expected benefit cash flows are matched with an interest rate curve applicable to the returns of high quality corporate bonds over the expected benefit payment period to determine an overall effective discount rate. In making this

 

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determination, the Company considers the yields on the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve and the Citigroup Above Median Pension Discount Curve, the general movement of interest rates, and the changes in those rates from one period to the next. This rate can change from year-to-year based on market conditions that affect corporate bond yields. A higher discount rate decreases the present value of the benefit obligations and results in lower pension expense. A 50 basis point increase/decrease in the discount rate decreases/increases pension expense by approximately $23 per year.

The expected rate of return on plan assets represents the average rate of return to be earned by plan assets over the period that the benefits included in the benefit obligation are to be paid. The expected return on plan assets assumption is based on an estimated weighted average of long-term returns of major asset classes. In determining asset class returns, the Company takes into account long-term returns of major asset classes, historical performance of plan assets, and related value of active management, as well as the current interest rate environment. Asset allocation is determined by an asset/liability study that takes into account plan demographics, asset returns, and acceptable levels of risk. Lower returns on the plan assets result in higher pension expense. A 50 basis point increase/decrease in the estimated rate of return on plan assets decreases/increases pension expense by approximately $14 per year.

The Company uses a market-related valuation method for recognizing investment gains or losses. Investment gains or losses are the difference between the expected and actual return based on the market-related value of assets. This method recognizes investment gains or losses over a five-year period from the year in which they occur, which reduces year-to-year volatility. Expense in future periods will be impacted as gains or losses are recognized in the market-related value of assets over the five-year period.

The expected rate of compensation increase is another key assumption. The Company determines this rate based on review of the underlying long-term salary increase trend characteristic of labor markets and historical experience, as well as comparison to peer companies. A 50 basis point increase/decrease in the expected rate of compensation increases/decreases pension expense by approximately $12 per year.

Loss Contingencies

In the normal course of business the Company encounters contingencies, i.e., situations involving varying degrees of uncertainty as to the outcome and effect on the Company. The Company accrues a liability for loss contingencies when it is considered probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. When only a range of possible loss can be established, the most probable amount in the range is accrued. If no amount within this range is a better estimate than any other amount within the range, the minimum amount in the range is accrued.

Contingencies include those associated with litigation and environmental matters for which the Company’s accounting policy is discussed in Note 1, Major Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements, and particulars are provided in Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements. Significant judgment is required in both determining probability and whether the amount of loss associated with a contingency can be reasonably estimated. These determinations are made based on the best available information at the time. As additional information becomes available, the Company reassesses probability and estimates of loss contingencies. Revisions in the estimates associated with loss contingencies could have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations in the period in which an accrual for loss contingencies is recorded or adjusted. For example, due to the inherent uncertainties related to environmental exposures, a significant increase to environmental liabilities could occur if a new site is designated, the scope of remediation is increased, or the Company’s proportionate share is increased. Similarly, a future charge for regulatory fines or damage awards associated with litigation could have a significant impact on the Company’s net income in the period in which it is recorded.

NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE

See Note 2, New Accounting Guidance, to the consolidated financial statements for information concerning the Company’s implementation and impact of new accounting guidance.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis contains “forward-looking statements” within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including projections, plans, estimates and expectations regarding future operations, financial performance, costs and capital expenditures, projects, and applications and technologies. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date this Report is filed regarding important risk factors. 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, the Company’s acquisition of Airgas Inc. pursuant to the Company’s pending tender offer; slowing of global economic recovery; renewed deterioration in economic and business conditions; weakening demand for the Company’s products; future financial and operating performance of major customers and industries served by the Company; unanticipated contract terminations or customer cancellations or postponement of projects and sales; asset impairments due to economic conditions or specific product or customer events; the success of commercial negotiations; the impact of competitive products and pricing; interruption in ordinary sources of supply of raw materials; the ability to recover unanticipated increased energy and raw material costs from customers; costs and outcomes of litigation or regulatory activities; successful development and market acceptance of new products and applications; the ability to attract, hire and retain qualified personnel in all regions of the world where the Company operates; consequences of acts of war or terrorism; the effects of a natural disaster; the success of cost reduction and productivity programs; the timing, impact, and other uncertainties of future acquisitions or divestitures, including achieving anticipated acquisition synergies; significant fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currencies from that currently anticipated; the continued availability of capital funding sources in all of the Company’s foreign operations; the impact of environmental, healthcare, tax or other legislation and regulations in jurisdictions in which the Company and its affiliates operate; the impact of new or changed financial accounting guidance; the timing and rate at which tax credits can be utilized; and other risk factors described in Section 1A. The Company disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this document 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.

 

  ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK  

The Company’s earnings, cash flows, and financial position are exposed to market risks relating to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. It is the Company’s policy to minimize its cash flow exposure to adverse changes in currency exchange rates and to manage the financial risks inherent in funding with debt capital.

The Company mitigates adverse energy price impacts through its cost pass-through contracts with customers, as well as price increases. The Company has also entered into a limited number of commodity swap contracts in order to reduce the cash flow exposure to changes in the price of natural gas relative to certain oil-based feedstocks. There were no commodity swap contracts outstanding at 30 September 2010.

The Company addresses these financial exposures through a controlled program of risk management that includes the use of derivative financial instruments. Counterparties to all derivative contracts are major financial institutions, thereby minimizing the risk of credit loss. All instruments are entered into for other than trading purposes. For details on the types and use of these derivative instruments and the major accounting policies, see Note 1, Major Accounting Policies, and Note 13, Financial Instruments, to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

The Company’s derivative and other financial instruments consist of long-term debt (including current portion), interest rate swaps, cross currency interest rate swaps, foreign exchange-forward contracts, foreign exchange-option contracts, and commodity swaps. The net market value of these financial instruments combined is referred to below as the net financial instrument position. The net financial instrument position does not include available-for-sale securities of $103.6 at 30 September 2010 and $19.4 at 30 September 2009 as disclosed in Note 14, Fair Value Measurements, to the consolidated financial statements. The available-for-sale securities in 2010 primarily included the investment in Airgas stock of $102.5.

At 30 September 2010 and 2009, the net financial instrument position was a liability of $4,086 and $4,510, respectively. The decrease in the net financial instrument position was due primarily to a reduction in long-term debt and the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar on the translation of foreign currency long-term debt.

The analysis below presents the sensitivity of the market value of the Company’s financial instruments to selected changes in market rates and prices. The range of changes chosen reflects the Company’s view of changes that are

 

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reasonably possible over a one-year period. Market values are the present value of projected future cash flows based on the market rates and prices chosen. The market values for interest rate risk and foreign currency risk are calculated by the Company using a third-party software model that utilizes standard pricing models to determine the present value of the instruments based on market conditions (interest rates, spot and forward exchange rates, and implied volatilities) as of the valuation date.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s debt portfolio, including swap agreements, as of 30 September 2010 primarily comprised debt denominated in Euros (42%) and U.S. dollars (44%), including the effect of currency swaps. This debt portfolio is composed of 48% fixed-rate debt and 52% variable-rate debt. Changes in interest rates have different impacts on the fixed- and variable-rate portions of the Company’s debt portfolio. A change in interest rates on the fixed portion of the debt portfolio impacts the net financial instrument position but has no impact on interest incurred or cash flows. A change in interest rates on the variable portion of the debt portfolio impacts the interest incurred and cash flows but does not impact the net financial instrument position.

The sensitivity analysis related to the fixed portion of the Company’s debt portfolio assumes an instantaneous 100 basis point move in interest rates from the level at 30 September 2010, with all other variables held constant. A 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would result in a decrease of $87 and $92 in the net liability position of financial instruments at 30 September 2010 and 2009, respectively. A 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates would result in an increase of $95 and $92 in the net liability position of financial instruments at 30 September 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Based on the variable-rate debt included in the Company’s debt portfolio, including the interest rate swap agreements, a 100 basis point increase in interest rates would result in an additional $22 and $20 of interest incurred per year at the end of 30 September 2010 and 2009, respectively. A 100 basis point decline in interest rates would lower interest incurred by $22 and $20 per year at 30 September 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

The sensitivity analysis assumes an instantaneous 10% change in the foreign currency exchange rates from their levels at 30 September 2010 and 2009, with all other variables held constant. A 10% strengthening or weakening of the functional currency of an entity versus all other currencies would result in a decrease or increase, respectively, of $345 and $369 in the net liability position of financial instruments at 30 September 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The primary currencies for which the Company has exchange rate exposure are the U.S. dollar versus the Euro and the U.S. dollar versus the Pound Sterling. Foreign currency debt, cross currency interest rate swaps, and foreign exchange-forward contracts are used in countries where the Company does business, thereby reducing its net asset exposure. Foreign exchange-forward contracts are also used to hedge the Company’s firm and highly anticipated foreign currency cash flows, along with foreign exchange-option contracts. Thus, there is either an asset/liability or cash flow exposure related to all of the financial instruments in the above sensitivity analysis for which the impact of a movement in exchange rates would be in the opposite direction and materially equal (or more favorable in the case of purchased foreign exchange-option contracts) to the impact on the instruments in the analysis.

 

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  ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA  

MANAGEMENTS REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Air Products’ management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting, which is defined in the following sentences, is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

  (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;  
  (ii) provide reasonable assurance that the transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and  
  (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.  

Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting can only provide reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting may vary over time. Our processes contain self-monitoring mechanisms, and actions are taken to correct deficiencies as they are identified.

Management has evaluated the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this evaluation, management concluded that, as of 30 September 2010, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued their opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of 30 September 2010 as stated in their report which appears herein.

 

/s/ John E. McGlade

   

/s/ Paul E. Huck

    

John E. McGlade

   

Paul E. Huck

    

Chairman, President, and

   

Senior Vice President and

    

Chief Executive Officer

   

Chief Financial Officer

    

23 November 2010

   

23 November 2010

    

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of 30 September 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated income statements and consolidated statements of equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended 30 September 2010. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule referred to in item 15(a)(2) in this Form 10-K. We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of 30 September 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.” Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of 30 September 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended 30 September 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. Also in our opinion, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 30 September 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

23 November 2010

 

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The Consolidated Financial Statements

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

 

Year ended 30 September (Millions of dollars, except for share data)    2010     2009     2008  

Sales

     $9,026.0        $8,256.2        $10,414.5   

Cost of sales

     6,503.0        6,042.1        7,693.1   

Selling and administrative

     956.9        943.4        1,090.4   

Research and development

     114.7        116.3        130.7   

Global cost reduction plan

            298.2          

Acquisition-related costs

     96.0                 

Customer bankruptcy

     (6.4     22.2          

Pension settlement

     11.5        10.7        30.3   

Other income, net

     (38.7     (23.0     (25.8

Operating Income

     1,389.0        846.3        1,495.8   

Equity affiliates’ income

     126.9        112.2        145.0   

Interest expense

     121.9        121.9        162.0   

Income from Continuing Operations before Taxes

     1,394.0        836.6        1,478.8   

Income tax provision

     339.5        185.3        365.3   

Income from Continuing Operations

     1,054.5        651.3        1,113.5   

Loss from Discontinued Operations, net of tax

            (8.6     (175.4

Net Income

     $1,054.5        $642.7        $938.1   

Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

     25.4        11.4        28.4   

Net Income Attributable to Air Products

     $1,029.1        $631.3        $909.7   

Net Income Attributable to Air Products

      

Income from continuing operations

     $1,029.1        $639.9        $1,090.5   

Loss from discontinued operations

            (8.6     (180.8

Net Income Attributable to Air Products

     $1,029.1        $631.3        $909.7   

Weighted Average of Common Shares Outstanding (in millions)

     212.2        209.9        212.2   

Weighted Average of Common Shares Outstanding Assuming
Dilution (in millions)

     217.1        213.5        219.2   

Basic Earnings per Common Share Attributable to Air Products

      

Income from continuing operations

     $4.85        $3.05        $5.14   

Loss from discontinued operations

            (.04     (.85

Net Income Attributable to Air Products

     $4.85        $3.01        $4.29   

Diluted Earnings per Common Share Attributable to Air Products

      

Income from continuing operations

     $4.74        $3.00        $4.97   

Loss from discontinued operations

            (.04     (.82

Net Income Attributable to Air Products

     $4.74        $2.96        $4.15   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

30 September (Millions of dollars, except for share data)    2010     2009  

Assets

                

Current Assets

    

Cash and cash items

     $374.3        $488.2   

Trade receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts of $99.3 in 2010 and $65.0 in 2009

     1,481.9        1,363.2   

Inventories

     571.6        509.6   

Contracts in progress, less progress billings

     163.6        132.3   

Prepaid expenses

     70.3        99.7   

Other receivables and current assets

     372.1        404.8   

Total Current Assets

     3,033.8        2,997.8   

Investment in Net Assets of and Advances to Equity Affiliates

     912.8        868.1   

Plant and Equipment, at cost

     16,309.7        15,751.3   

Less: Accumulated depreciation

     9,258.4        8,891.7   

Plant and Equipment, net

     7,051.3        6,859.6   

Goodwill

     914.6        916.0   

Intangible Assets, net

     285.7        262.6   

Noncurrent Capital Lease Receivables

     770.4        687.0   

Other Noncurrent Assets

     537.3        438.0   

Total Noncurrent Assets

     10,472.1        10,031.3   

Total Assets

     $13,505.9        $13,029.1   

Liabilities and Equity

                

Current Liabilities

    

Payables and accrued liabilities

     $1,702.0        $1,674.8   

Accrued income taxes

     73.6        42.9   

Short-term borrowings

     286.0        333.8   

Current portion of long-term debt

     182.5        452.1   

Total Current Liabilities

     2,244.1        2,503.6   

Long-Term Debt

     3,659.8        3,715.6   

Other Noncurrent Liabilities

     1,569.3        1,522.0   

Deferred Income Taxes

     335.1        357.9   

Total Noncurrent Liabilities

     5,564.2        5,595.5   

Total Liabilities

     7,808.3        8,099.1   

Commitments and Contingencies—See Note 17

    

Air Products Shareholders’ Equity

    

Common stock (par value $1 per share; issued 2010 and 2009—249,455,584 shares)

     249.4        249.4   

Capital in excess of par value

     802.2        822.9   

Retained earnings

     7,852.2        7,234.6   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (1,159.4     (1,161.8

Treasury stock, at cost (2010—35,652,719 shares; 2009—38,195,320 shares)

     (2,197.5     (2,353.2

Total Air Products Shareholders’ Equity

     5,546.9        4,791.9   

Noncontrolling Interests

     150.7        138.1   

Total Equity

     5,697.6        4,930.0   

Total Liabilities and Equity

     $13,505.9        $13,029.1   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

Year ended 30 September (Millions of dollars)    2010     2009     2008  

Operating Activities

      

Net income

     $1,054.5        $642.7        $938.1   

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     25.4        11.4        28.4   

Net income attributable to Air Products

     $1,029.1        $631.3        $909.7   

Adjustments to reconcile income to cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     863.4        840.3        869.0   

Impairment of assets of continuing operations

     3.8        69.2          

Impairment of assets of discontinued operations

            49.5        314.8   

Gain on sale of discontinued operations

            (2.1     (105.9

Deferred income taxes

     96.2        (52.3     36.9   

Undistributed earnings of unconsolidated affiliates

     (50.6     (58.0     (77.8

(Gain) loss on sale of assets and investments

     (14.8     3.6        .3   

Share-based compensation

     48.6        60.4        61.4   

Noncurrent capital lease receivables

     (85.6     (186.7     (192.6

Acquisition-related costs

     84.0                 

Customer bankruptcy

            22.2          

Other adjustments

     (9.0     (1.3     (17.9

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

      

Trade receivables

     (142.5     159.0        (97.4

Inventories

     (65.9     (17.7     (34.9

Contracts in progress

     (33.9     12.5        95.2   

Other receivables

     41.5        (11.9     (120.6

Payables and accrued liabilities

     (293.6     (282.8     36.2   

Other working capital

     51.7        94.2        (17.6

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     1,522.4        1,329.4        1,658.8   

Investing Activities

      

Additions to plant and equipment

     (1,030.9     (1,179.1     (1,085.1

Acquisitions, less cash acquired

     (37.2     (32.7     (72.0

Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates

     (4.8     (24.5     (2.2

Investment in Airgas stock

     (69.6              

Proceeds from sale of assets and investments

     52.4        57.9        19.6   

Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations

            51.0        423.0   

Change in restricted cash

     33.6        87.0        (183.6

Other investing activities

                   (19.5

Cash Used for Investing Activities

     (1,056.5     (1,040.4     (919.8

Financing Activities

      

Long-term debt proceeds

     226.2        610.5        580.1   

Payments on long-term debt

     (436.4     (82.9     (95.7

Net decrease in short-term borrowings

     (74.6     (122.7     (178.9

Dividends paid to shareholders

     (398.7     (373.3     (349.3

Purchase of treasury stock

                   (793.4

Proceeds from stock option exercises

     88.1        54.4        87.4   

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

     23.9        15.5        52.1   

Other financing activities

     (8.2     (6.5     20.0   

Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities

     (579.7     95.0        (677.7

(Continued on following page)

 

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Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

 

Year ended 30 September (Millions of dollars)    2010     2009     2008  

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash

     (.1     .7        1.7   

(Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Items

     (113.9     384.7        63.0   

Cash and Cash Items—Beginning of Year

     488.2        103.5        40.5   

Cash and Cash Items—End of Year

     $374.3        $488.2        $103.5   

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

      

Significant noncash transactions

      

Short-term borrowings associated with SAGA acquisition

     $60.9        $—        $—   

Noncurrent liability related to the purchase of shares from
noncontrolling interests

     42.0                 

Cash paid for interest and taxes

      

Interest (net of amounts capitalized)

     126.9        127.6        159.5   

Taxes (net of refunds)

     192.0        124.5        237.2   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

 

Year ended 30 September (Millions of dollars, except for share data)    2010     2009     2008  

Number of Common Shares Outstanding

    

Balance, beginning of year

     211,260,264        209,334,627        215,355,685   

Purchase of treasury shares

                   (8,676,029

Issuance of treasury shares for stock option and award plans

     2,542,601        1,925,637        2,654,971   

Balance, end of year

     213,802,865        211,260,264        209,334,627   

Common Stock

      

Balance, beginning and end of year

     $249.4        $249.4        $249.4   

Capital in Excess of Par Value

      

Balance, beginning of year

     $822.9        $811.7        $759.5   

Share-based compensation expense

     48.6        59.3        62.5   

Issuance of treasury shares for stock option and award plans

     (76.0     (71.9     (74.2

Purchase of noncontrolling interests

     (28.3              

Tax benefit of stock option and award plans

     35.0        23.8        63.9   

Balance, end of year

     $802.2        $822.9        $811.7   

Retained Earnings

      

Balance, beginning of year

     $7,234.6        $6,990.2        $6,458.5   

Defined benefit plans measurement date change

            (8.1       

Initial recording of accounting for uncertain tax positions

                   (13.3

Adjusted balance, beginning of year

     $7,234.6        $6,982.1        $6,445.2   

Net income attributable to Air Products

     1,029.1        631.3        909.7   

Dividends on common stock (per share $1.92, $1.79, $1.70)

     (408.4     (376.3     (359.6

Other

     (3.1     (2.5     (5.1

Balance, end of year

     $7,852.2        $7,234.6        $6,990.2   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

      

Balance, beginning of year

     $(1,161.8     $(549.3     $(142.9

Defined benefit plans measurement date change, net of tax of $14.0

            35.8          

Adjusted balance, beginning of year

     $(1,161.8     $(513.5     $(142.9

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax:

      

Translation adjustments, net of tax (benefit) of $69.4, $(35.2), $7.9

     136.4        (148.3     (186.3

Net loss on derivatives, net of tax (benefit) of $(5.5), $(1.8), $(30.2)

     (11.6     (4.5     (74.4

Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax (benefit) of $12.1, $1.4, $(2.4)

     20.2        2.4        (4.5

Pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax (benefit) of $(103.0), $(287.4), $(92.0)

     (201.7     (518.3     (185.5

Reclassification adjustments:

      

Currency translation adjustment

     (.7     (3.2     (53.7

Derivatives, net of tax (benefit) of $7.0, $(.8), $19.2

     14.8        (.7     50.7   

Available-for-sale securities, net of tax (benefit) of $(5.8)

     (10.0              

Pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax of $29.5, $9.8, $24.5

     55.0        24.3        47.3   

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     $2.4        $(648.3     $(406.4

Balance, end of year

     $(1,159.4     $(1,161.8     $(549.3

Treasury Stock

      

Balance, beginning of year

     $(2,353.2     $(2,471.3     $(1,828.9

Purchase of treasury shares

                   (787.4

Issuance of treasury shares for stock option and award plans

     155.7        118.1        145.0   

Balance, end of year

     $(2,197.5     $(2,353.2     $(2,471.3

Total Air Products Shareholders’ Equity

     $5,546.9        $4,791.9        $5,030.7   

(Continued on following page)

 

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Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (continued)

 

Year ended 30 September (Millions of dollars, except for share data)    2010     2009     2008  

Noncontrolling Interests

      

Balance, beginning of year

     $138.1        $136.2        $177.3   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     25.4        11.4        28.4   

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax:

      

Translation adjustments, net of tax (benefit) of $.1 in 2010,
$(.1) in 2009

     2.0        (.8     (.3

Net loss on derivatives, net of tax (benefit)

            (.2       

Pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax (benefit)
of $(.3) in 2009

     (.2     (1.6       

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     1.8        (2.6     (.3

Dividends to noncontrolling interests

     (18.7     (8.9     (5.8

Purchase of noncontrolling interests

     (10.8     (.4     (6.7

Contribution from noncontrolling interests

     14.7        2.4        32.9   

Other equity transactions

     .2               (.2

Noncontrolling interests of discontinued operations

                   (89.4

Balance, end of year

     $150.7        $138.1        $136.2   

Total Equity

     $5,697.6        $4,930.0        $5,166.9   

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

                        

Net Income

     $1,054.5        $642.7        $938.1   

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax:

      

Translation adjustments, net of tax (benefit) of $69.5, $(35.3), $7.9

     138.4        (149.1     (186.6

Net loss on derivatives, net of tax (benefit) of $(5.5), $(1.8), $(30.2)

     (11.6     (4.7     (74.4

Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $12.1, $1.4, $(2.4)

     20.2        2.4        (4.5

Pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax (benefit) of $(103.0), $(287.7), $(92.0)

     (201.9     (519.9     (185.5

Reclassification adjustments:

      

Currency translation adjustment

     (.7     (3.2     (53.7

Derivatives, net of tax (benefit) of $7.0, $(.8), $19.2

     14.8        (.7     50.7   

Available-for-sale securities, net of tax (benefit) of $(5.8)

     (10.0              

Pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax of $29.5,
$9.8, $24.5

     55.0        24.3        47.3   

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     4.2        (650.9     (406.7

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     1,058.7        (8.2     531.4   

Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

     27.2        8.8        28.1   

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Air Products

     $1,031.5        $(17.0     $503.3   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(Millions of dollars, except for share data)

 

  1.     

Major Accounting Policies

     51   
  2.     

New Accounting Guidance

     56   
  3.     

Airgas Transaction

     58   
  4.     

Business Combinations

     58   
  5.     

Global Cost Reduction Plan

     59   
  6.     

Discontinued Operations

     60   
  7.     

Inventories

     63   
  8.     

Summarized Financial Information of Equity Affiliates

     63   
  9.     

Plant and Equipment

     64   
  10.     

Goodwill

     64   
  11.     

Intangible Assets

     65   
  12.     

Leases

     65   
  13.     

Financial Instruments

     66   
  14.     

Fair Value Measurements

     69   
  15.     

Debt

     71   
  16.     

Retirement Benefits

     73   
  17.     

Commitments and Contingencies

     80   
  18.     

Capital Stock

     83   
  19.     

Share-Based Compensation

     83   
  20.     

Noncontrolling Interests

     85   
  21.     

Earnings per Share

     86   
  22.     

Income Taxes

     86   
  23.     

Supplemental Information

     89   
  24.     

Summary by Quarter (Unaudited)

     91   
  25.     

Business Segment and Geographic Information

     92   

1.  Major Accounting Policies

Consolidation Principles

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and those of its controlled subsidiaries (the Company or Air Products), which are generally majority owned. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

The Company consolidates all entities that it controls. The general condition for control is ownership of a majority of the voting interests of an entity. Control may also exist in arrangements where the Company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. An entity that will absorb the majority of a variable interest entity’s expected losses or expected residual returns is considered a primary beneficiary of that entity. The Company has determined that it is not a primary beneficiary in any material variable interest entity.

Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from product sales is recognized as risk and title to the product transfers to the customer (which generally occurs at the time shipment is made), the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Sales returns and allowances are not a business practice in the industry.

Revenues from equipment sale contracts are recorded primarily using the percentage-of-completion method. Under this method, revenues from the sale of major equipment, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) heat exchangers and large air separation units, are recognized primarily based on labor hours incurred to date compared with total

 

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estimated labor hours. Changes to total estimated labor hours and anticipated losses, if any, are recognized in the period determined.

Amounts billed for shipping and handling fees are classified as sales in the consolidated income statements.

Amounts billed for sales and use taxes, value-added taxes, and certain excise and other specific transactional taxes imposed on revenue-producing transactions are presented on a net basis and excluded from sales in the consolidated income statements. The Company records a liability until remitted to the respective taxing authority.

Certain contracts associated with facilities that are built to provide product to a specific customer are required to be accounted for as leases. In cases where operating lease treatment is necessary, there is no difference in revenue recognition over the life of the contract as compared to accounting for the contract as product sales. In cases where capital lease treatment is necessary, the timing of revenue and expense recognition is impacted. Revenue and expense are recognized up front for the sale of equipment component of the contract as compared to revenue recognition over the life of the arrangement under contracts not qualifying as capital leases. Additionally, a portion of the revenue representing interest income from the financing component of the lease receivable is reflected as sales over the life of the contract.

If an arrangement involves multiple deliverables, the delivered items are considered separate units of accounting if the items have value on a stand-alone basis and there is objective and reliable evidence of their fair values. Revenues from the arrangement are allocated to the separate units of accounting based on their relative fair values.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales predominantly represents the cost of tangible products sold. These costs include labor, raw materials, plant engineering, power, depreciation, production supplies and materials packaging costs, and maintenance costs. Costs incurred for shipping and handling are also included in cost of sales.

Depreciation

Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method, which deducts equal amounts of the cost of each asset from earnings every year over its expected economic useful life. The principal lives for major classes of plant and equipment are summarized in the table below:

 

      Principal Estimated Useful Lives

Buildings

   30 years

Production facilities (A)

  

Merchant Gases

   15 years

Tonnage Gases

   15 to 20 years

Electronics and Performance Materials

   10 to 15 years

Equipment and Energy

   5 to 20 years

Distribution equipment (B)

   5 to 25 years

Other machinery and equipment

   10 to 25 years

 

  (A)

Depreciable lives of production facilities related to long-term customer supply contracts associated with the tonnage gases business are matched to the contract lives.

 

 

  (B)

The depreciable lives for various types of distribution equipment are 10 to 25 years for cylinders, depending on the nature and properties of the product; 20 years for tanks; 7.5 years for customer stations; 5 to 15 years for tractors and trailers.

 

Selling and Administrative

The principal components of selling and administrative expenses are salaries, advertising, and promotional costs.

Postemployment Benefits

The Company has substantive ongoing severance arrangements. Termination benefits provided to employees as part of the global cost reduction plan (discussed in Note 5, Global Cost Reduction Plan) are consistent with termination benefits in previous, similar arrangements. Because the Company’s plan met the definition of an ongoing benefit arrangement, a liability was recognized for termination benefits when probable and estimable. These criteria are met when management, with the appropriate level of authority, approves and commits to its plan of action for termination; the plan identifies the employees to be terminated and their related benefits; and the plan is to be completed within one year. During periods of operations where terminations are made on an as-needed basis, absent a detailed committed plan, terminations are accounted for on an individual basis and a liability is recognized when probable and estimable.

 

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Financial Instruments

The Company addresses certain financial exposures through a controlled program of risk management that includes the use of derivative financial instruments. Refer to Note 13, Financial Instruments, for further detail on the types and use of derivative instruments that the Company enters into. The types of derivative financial instruments permitted for such risk management programs are specified in policies set by management.

Major financial institutions are counterparties to all of these derivative contracts. The Company has established counterparty credit guidelines and only enters into transactions with financial institutions of investment grade or better. Management believes the risk of incurring losses related to credit risk is remote, and any losses would be immaterial to the consolidated financial results, financial condition, or liquidity.

The Company recognizes these derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. On the date the derivative instrument is entered into, the Company generally designates the derivative as either (1) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge), (2) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation (net investment hedge), or (3) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (fair value hedge).

The following details the accounting treatment of the Company’s cash flow, fair value, net investment, and non-designated hedges:

 

   

Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as and meets all the required criteria for a cash flow hedge are recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) and then recognized in earnings when the hedged items affect earnings.

 

 

   

Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as and meets all the required criteria for a fair value hedge, along with the gain or loss on the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in current period earnings.

 

 

   

Changes in the fair value of a derivative and foreign currency debt that are designated as and meet all the required criteria for a hedge of a net investment are recorded as translation adjustments in AOCI.

 

 

   

Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is not designated as a hedge are recorded immediately in earnings.

 

The Company formally documents the relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes relating derivatives that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether each derivative is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, or if a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting with respect to that derivative prospectively.

Foreign Currency

Since the Company does business in many foreign countries, fluctuations in currency exchange rates affect the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In most of the Company’s foreign operations, local currency is considered the functional currency. Generally, foreign subsidiaries translate their assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates—that is, the rates in effect at the end of the fiscal period. The gains or losses that result from this process are shown in AOCI in the equity section of the consolidated balance sheet.

The revenue and expense accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates that prevailed during the period. Therefore, the U.S. dollar value of these items on the consolidated income statement fluctuates from period to period, depending on the value of the dollar against foreign currencies. Some transactions are made in currencies different from an entity’s functional currency. Gains and losses from these foreign currency transactions are generally included in earnings as they occur.

Environmental Expenditures

Accruals for environmental loss contingencies are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Remediation costs are capitalized if the costs improve the Company’s property as compared with the condition of the property when originally constructed or acquired, or if the costs prevent environmental contamination from future operations. The Company expenses environmental costs

 

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related to existing conditions resulting from past or current operations and from which no current or future benefit is discernible.

The measurement of environmental liabilities is based on an evaluation of currently available information with respect to each individual site and considers factors such as existing technology, presently enacted laws and regulations, and prior experience in remediation of contaminated sites. An environmental liability related to cleanup of a contaminated site might include, for example, a provision for one or more of the following types of costs: site investigation and testing costs, cleanup costs, costs related to soil and water contamination resulting from tank ruptures, post-remediation monitoring costs, and outside legal fees. These liabilities include costs related to other potentially responsible parties to the extent that the Company has reason to believe such parties will not fully pay their proportionate share. They do not take into account any claims for recoveries from insurance or other parties and are not discounted.

As assessments and remediation progress at individual sites, the amount of projected cost is reviewed periodically, and the liability is adjusted to reflect additional technical and legal information that becomes available. Management has a well-established process in place to identify and monitor the Company’s environmental exposures. An environmental accrual analysis is prepared and maintained that lists all environmental loss contingencies, even where an accrual has not been established. This analysis assists in monitoring the Company’s overall environmental exposure and serves as a tool to facilitate ongoing communication among the Company’s technical experts, environmental managers, environmental lawyers, and financial management to ensure that required accruals are recorded and potential exposures disclosed.

Actual costs to be incurred at identified sites in future periods may vary from the estimates, given inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures. Refer to Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, for additional information on the Company’s environmental loss contingencies.

The accruals for environmental liabilities are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets, primarily as part of other noncurrent liabilities, and will be paid over a period of up to 30 years.

Litigation

In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in legal proceedings. The Company accrues a liability for such matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. When only a range of possible loss can be established, the most probable amount in the range is accrued. If no amount within this range is a better estimate than any other amount within the range, the minimum amount in the range is accrued. The accrual for a litigation loss contingency includes estimates of potential damages and other directly related costs expected to be incurred.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company has various share-based compensation programs, which include stock options, deferred stock units, and restricted stock. Refer to Note 19, Share-Based Compensation, for further detail. The Company expenses the grant-date fair value of these awards over the vesting period during which employees perform related services.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the tax effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. A principal temporary difference results from the excess of tax depreciation over book depreciation because accelerated methods of depreciation and shorter useful lives are used for income tax purposes. The cumulative impact of a change in tax rates or regulations is included in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

A tax benefit for an uncertain tax position is recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination based on its technical merits. This position is measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as a component of income tax expense.

Cash and Cash Items

Cash and cash items include cash, time deposits, and certificates of deposit acquired with an original maturity of three months or less.

 

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Trade Receivables, Less Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

Trade receivables primarily comprise amounts owed to the Company through its operating activities and are presented net of allowances for doubtful accounts. The allowances for doubtful accounts represent estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults on contractual obligations. A provision for customer defaults is made on a general formula basis when it is determined that the risk of some default is probable and estimable but cannot yet be associated with specific customers. The assessment of the likelihood of customer defaults is based on various factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical experience, and existing economic conditions. The allowances also include amounts for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified considering factors such as the financial condition of the customer and customer disputes over contractual terms and conditions. Provisions to the allowances for doubtful accounts charged against income were $29.5, $37.8, and $14.4 in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The Company writes down its inventories for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.

The Company utilizes the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for determining the cost of inventories in the Merchant Gases, Tonnage Gases, and Electronics and Performance Materials segments in the United States. Inventories for these segments outside of the United States are accounted for on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, as the LIFO method is not generally permitted in the foreign jurisdictions where these segments operate. The inventories of the Equipment and Energy segment on a worldwide basis, as well as all other inventories, are accounted for on the FIFO basis.

At the business segment level, inventories are recorded at FIFO and the LIFO pool adjustments are not allocated to the business segments.

Equity Investments

The equity method of accounting is used when the Company has a 20% or greater interest in other companies and exercises significant influence but does not have operating control. Under the equity method, original investments are recorded at cost and adjusted by the Company’s share of undistributed earnings or losses of these companies. Equity investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable.

Plant and Equipment

Plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Construction costs, labor, and applicable overhead related to installations are capitalized. Expenditures for additions and improvements that extend the lives or increase the capacity of plant assets are capitalized. The costs of maintenance and repairs of plant and equipment are charged to expense as incurred.

Fully depreciated assets are retained in the gross plant and equipment and accumulated depreciation accounts until they are removed from service. In the case of disposals, assets and related depreciation are removed from the accounts, and the net amounts, less proceeds from disposal, are included in income.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash includes the proceeds from the issuance of certain industrial revenue bonds that must be held in escrow until related project spending occurs. Restricted cash is classified as noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Capitalized Interest

As the Company builds new plant and equipment, it includes in the cost of these assets a portion of the interest payments it makes during the year. The amount of capitalized interest was $14.3, $21.9, and $22.1 in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

Asset Retirement Obligations

The fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation is recognized in the period in which it is incurred. The liability is measured at discounted fair value and is adjusted to its present value in subsequent periods as accretion expense is recorded. The corresponding asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the asset’s useful life. The Company’s asset retirement obligations are primarily associated with Tonnage Gases on-site long-term supply contracts, under which the Company has built a facility on land leased from the customer and is obligated to remove the facility at the end of the contract term. The Company’s asset retirement obligations totaled $57.6 and $43.5 at 30 September 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

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Computer Software

The Company capitalizes costs incurred to purchase or develop software for internal use. Capitalized costs include purchased computer software packages, payments to vendors/consultants for development and implementation or modification to a purchased package to meet Company requirements, payroll and related costs for employees directly involved in development, and interest incurred while software is being developed. Capitalized computer software costs are included in the balance sheet classification plant and equipment and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the software, generally a period of three to ten years. The Company’s SAP system is being depreciated over a ten-year life.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company assesses recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If an asset is considered impaired, the impairment loss to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

Goodwill

Acquisitions are accounted for using the acquisition method. The purchase price is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair market values. Any excess purchase price over the fair market value of the net assets acquired, including identified intangibles, is recorded as goodwill. Preliminary purchase price allocations are made at the date of acquisition and finalized when information needed to affirm underlying estimates is obtained, within a maximum allocation period of one year.

Goodwill is subject to impairment testing at least annually. In addition, goodwill is tested more frequently if a change in circumstances or the occurrence of events indicates that potential impairment exists.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets with determinable lives primarily consist of customer relationships and purchased patents and technology. The Company has no acquired intangible assets with indefinite lives. The cost of intangible assets with determinable lives is amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated period of economic benefit. No residual value is estimated for these intangible assets.

Customer relationships are generally amortized over periods of five to twenty-five years. Purchased patents and technology and other intangibles are amortized based on contractual terms, ranging generally from five to twenty years. Amortizable lives are adjusted whenever there is a change in the estimated period of economic benefit.

Retirement Benefits

The cost of retiree benefits is recognized over the employees’ service period. The Company is required to use actuarial methods and assumptions in the valuation of defined benefit obligations and the determination of expense. Differences between actual and expected results or changes in the value of obligations and plan assets are not recognized in earnings as they occur but, rather, systematically and gradually over subsequent periods. Refer to Note 16, Retirement Benefits, for disclosures related to the Company’s pension and other postretirement benefits.

2.  New Accounting Guidance

New Accounting Guidance to be Implemented

CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued authoritative guidance that amends previous guidance for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity (VIE). It requires an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the Company’s variable interests give it a controlling financial interest in a VIE. A company would be required to assess whether it has an implicit financial responsibility to ensure that a VIE operates as designed when determining whether it has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. In addition, ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE are required. This guidance is effective for the Company for fiscal year 2011. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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MULTIPLE-DELIVERABLE REVENUE ARRANGEMENTS

In October 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements. This new guidance amends the existing criteria for separating consideration received in multiple-deliverable arrangements and requires that arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables based on their relative selling price. The guidance establishes a hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable which is based on vendor-specific objective evidence, third-party evidence, or management estimates. Expanded disclosures related to multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements are also required. This guidance is effective for the Company for fiscal year 2011. Upon adoption, the guidance may be applied either prospectively from the beginning of the fiscal year for new or materially modified arrangements, or it may be applied retrospectively. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Guidance Implemented

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

In December 2007, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to affirm that the acquisition method of accounting (previously referred to as the purchase method) be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. This guidance defines the acquirer as the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in the business combination and establishes the acquisition date as the date that the acquirer achieves control. Among other requirements, the guidance requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize at full fair value all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction. If a business combination is achieved in stages, the previously-held ownership interest is adjusted to fair value at the acquisition date, and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in earnings. Contingent consideration is recognized at fair value at the acquisition date, and restructuring and acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. The fair value of assets and liabilities acquired, including uncertain tax positions, can be adjusted during the measurement period. Any adjustments after the measurement period, which cannot exceed one year, will be recognized in earnings. This guidance was effective for the Company beginning on 1 October 2009 and was applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s 2010 consolidated financial statements.

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

In December 2007, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that establishes the accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It requires entities to report noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries separately within equity in the consolidated balance sheets. It also requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated income statement, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests. Changes in a parent’s ownership interests while the parent retains control are treated as equity transactions. If a parent loses control of a subsidiary, any retained noncontrolling interests would be measured at fair value, with any gain or loss recognized in earnings. This guidance was effective for the Company on 1 October 2009 and was applied prospectively, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements related to noncontrolling interests, which were applied retrospectively for all periods presented. The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been updated to reflect the new presentation.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

In September 2006, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Effective 1 October 2008, the Company adopted this guidance for financial assets and liabilities and any other assets and liabilities that are recognized and disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis. The requirement for other nonfinancial assets and liabilities was effective on 1 October 2009 for the Company. This guidance did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In January 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on improving disclosures about fair value measurements. This guidance requires new disclosures about transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 measurements and separate disclosures about activity relating to Level 3 measurements. In addition, this guidance clarifies existing fair value disclosures about the level of disaggregation and the input and valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The guidance only relates to disclosure and does not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted this guidance in the second quarter of fiscal year 2010. There was no significant impact to the Company’s disclosures upon adoption.

 

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EMPLOYERS’ DISCLOSURES ABOUT POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLAN ASSETS

In December 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to require employers to provide additional disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit or other postretirement plan. Disclosures include information about investment policies and strategies, major categories of plan assets, the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets, and significant concentrations of risk. This guidance was effective for the Company beginning with its fiscal year-end 2010. Upon adoption, this guidance was not required to be applied to earlier periods that are presented for comparative purposes. This guidance only requires additional disclosure and did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption. Refer to Note 16, Retirement Benefits, for the required disclosures.

3.  Airgas Transaction

In February 2010, the Company commenced a tender offer to acquire all the outstanding common stock of Airgas, Inc. (Airgas), including the associated preferred stock purchase rights, for $60.00 per share in cash, less any required withholding tax, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, dated 11 February 2010, as amended. Airgas, a Delaware company, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and hard goods. On 6 September 2010, the Company increased the value of its tender offer to $65.50 per share. At this price, the total value of the transaction would be approximately $7.4 billion, including $5.7 billion of equity and $1.7 billion of assumed debt. The offer and withdrawal rights are scheduled to expire on 3 December 2010, unless further extended.

At the Airgas’ Annual Meeting of Shareholders on 15 September 2010, Airgas shareholders elected three directors nominated by Air Products and also voted in favor of Air Products’ three by-law amendment proposals. Following the Annual Meeting, Airgas filed suit in the Delaware Chancery Court to invalidate the by-law amendment that would move Airgas’ next annual meeting to January 2011. On 8 October 2010, the Delaware Chancery Court ruled that the by-law amendment was properly adopted at the Airgas Annual Meeting on 15 September 2010 and that it is valid under Delaware law. Airgas has appealed the Court’s ruling.

Further, in October 2010, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission approved the terms of a Consent Decree for the proposed acquisition of Airgas. The Consent Decree would permit the Company to acquire Airgas subject to the divestiture of certain assets within a period of time after the closing of the acquisition. The assets to be divested relate primarily to Airgas’ liquid bulk and on-site supply of atmospheric gases, including production and related assets.

Prior to the tender offer, the Company purchased approximately 1.5 million shares of Airgas stock for $69.6. This amount was recorded as an available-for-sale investment within other noncurrent assets on the consolidated balance sheet. For the year ended 30 September 2010, an after-tax unrealized holding gain of $20.6 was recorded in other comprehensive income within total equity on the consolidated balance sheet.

In connection with this tender offer, the Company has secured committed financing in the form of a $6.7 billion term loan credit facility. Refer to Note 15, Debt, for additional information on this credit facility.

For the year ended 30 September 2010, $96.0 ($60.1 after-tax, or $.28 per share) in expense was recognized related to this transaction and is included within acquisition-related costs on the consolidated income statement. This includes amortization of the fees related to the term loan credit facility and other acquisition-related costs. Total costs of this transaction are expected to be approximately $150 to $200.

4.  Business Combinations

In the second quarter of 2010, the Company entered into agreements that will enable it to acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of the French SAGA group (SAGA), which consists of SAGA, SAGA Medical, and SAGA Technologies. SAGA is an independent industrial gas provider in France with packaged gases, liquid bulk, and medical businesses. The acquisition of SAGA supports the Merchant Gases segment’s integration strategy by enhancing market position in southwest and central France. SAGA revenues for calendar year 2009 were approximately 25, or $35.

Under the terms of these agreements, the Company purchased 51.47% of the shares of SAGA on 1 March 2010 for 34.5 or $47.2 ($25.0 net of cash acquired of $22.2). The remaining shares are expected to be purchased by the end of calendar year 2010 for a fixed price of 44.8, or approximately $61, under a put and call option structure. At 30 September 2010, this structure was accounted for as a financing of the purchase of the remaining shares and reported within short-term borrowings on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

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The acquisition of SAGA was accounted for as a business combination, and its results of operations were included in the Company’s consolidated income statement after the acquisition date. The purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their fair values as of the acquisition date, with the amount exceeding the fair value recorded as goodwill. During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company finalized the purchase price allocation with no material adjustments made to the preliminary valuation. The final purchase price allocation included identified intangibles of $42.5, plant and equipment of $40.8, goodwill of $35.0 (which is deductible for tax purposes), and other net assets of $12.7. Additionally, deferred tax liabilities of $23.0 were recognized. The identified intangibles primarily relate to customer relationships and are being amortized over 23 years.

Goodwill, which was assigned to the Merchant Gases segment, largely consisted of expected revenue and cost synergies resulting from the business combination. Revenue synergies will result primarily from the sale of differentiated offerings and cost synergies from combining supply chains and optimization of the combined logistics. The fair value of plant and equipment was quantified primarily using a cost approach, by estimating reproduction/replacement cost consistent with assumptions market participants would use. Intangible assets consisted primarily of customer relationships for which fair value was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis under the income approach. The income approach required estimating a number of factors, including projected revenue growth, customer attrition rates, profit margin, and the discount rate. The remaining identifiable assets and liabilities were primarily cash, accounts receivable, and payables and accrued liabilities, for which book value approximated fair value.

Prior Year Acquisitions

Acquisitions in 2009, totaling $32.7, included principally the purchase of S.I.Q. — Beteiligungs GmbH, a manufacturer of epoxy additives. In 2008, acquisitions totaled $72.0 and included the purchase of an additional interest in CryoService Limited, a cryogenic and specialty gases company in the U.K. See Note 20, Noncontrolling Interests, for a discussion on a related put option agreement.

5.  Global Cost Reduction Plan

2009 Plan

The 2009 results from continuing operations included a total charge of $298.2 ($200.3 after-tax, or $.94 per share) for the global cost reduction plan. In the first quarter of 2009, the Company announced the global cost reduction plan designed to lower its cost structure and better align its businesses to reflect rapidly declining economic conditions around the world. The 2009 first-quarter results included a charge of $174.2 ($116.1 after-tax, or $.55 per share). In the third quarter 2009, due to the continuing slow economic recovery, the Company committed to additional actions associated with its global cost reduction plan that resulted in a charge of $124.0 ($84.2 after-tax, or $.39 per share).

The total 2009 charge included $210.0 for severance and other benefits, including pension-related costs, associated with the elimination of approximately 2,550 positions from the Company’s global workforce. The reductions were targeted at reducing overhead and infrastructure costs, reducing and refocusing elements of the Company’s technology and business development spending, lowering its plant operating costs, and the closure of certain manufacturing facilities. The remainder of this charge, $88.2, was for business exits and asset management actions. Assets held for sale were written down to net realizable value, and an environmental liability of $16.0 was recognized. This environmental liability resulted from a decision to sell a production facility.

Business Segments

The global cost reduction plan charge recorded in 2009 was excluded from segment operating profit. The table below displays how this charge related to the businesses at the segment level:

 

      Severance and
Other Benefits
    Asset
Impairments/
Other Costs
    Total

Merchant Gases

     $127.5        $7.2     

$134.7

Tonnage Gases

     14.2            —          14.2

Electronics and Performance Materials

     30.6          58.9          89.5

Equipment and Energy

     37.7          22.1          59.8

2009 Charge

     $210.0        $88.2      $298.2

 

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During 2010, the Company revised its estimate of the costs associated with the 2009 global cost reduction plan. The unfavorable impact of additional severance and other benefits was primarily offset by favorable variances related to completed business exits and asset management actions. These adjustments to the charge were excluded from segment operating profit and did not have a material impact on any individual segment.

As of 30 September 2010, the planned actions associated with the global cost reduction plan were substantially completed with the exception of certain benefit payments associated with a small number of position eliminations. In addition, as part of the asset management actions included in the plan, the Company anticipates completing the sale of a facility by the end of calendar year 2010.

Accrual Balance

The following table summarizes changes to the carrying amount of the accrual for the global cost reduction plan:

 

      Severance and
Other Benefits
    Asset
Impairments/
Other Costs
    Total  

First quarter 2009 charge

     $120.0        $54.2        $174.2   

Third quarter 2009 charge

     90.0        34.0        124.0   

Environmental charge (A)

            (16.0     (16.0

Noncash items

     (33.8 (B)      (66.1     (99.9

Cash expenditures

     (75.3     (.9     (76.2

Currency translation adjustment

     4.3               4.3   

30 September 2009

     $105.2        $5.2        $110.4   

Adjustment to charge

     7.6        (6.6     1.0   

Environmental charge (A)

            1.5        1.5   

Noncash items

     (2.8 )  (B)      .1        (2.7

Cash expenditures

     (102.8     (.2     (103.0

Currency translation adjustment

     (5.3            (5.3

30 September 2010