Of course, these are not new companies that have caught my attention, but they are new to my focus. First of all, they are $APD (+0,08Â %)
Air Products and Chemicals is far more than just a traditional gas producer - the company is the sleeping giant of the global energy transition. While the market clings to short-term pressures from helium prices and China worries, Air Products is preparing for a new earnings phase: The company is repositioning its margins on the basis of structural cost reductions, the reduction of overcapacities and selective large-scale projects. In the coming year, the operating margin is expected to rise again to 24 percent, while EBITDA will climb from 5.0 to 5.7 billion dollars - well above the analysts' consensus. The company's market leadership in long-term industrial gas contracts with "take or pay" clauses ensures stable, predictable cash flows even in weak economic phases. Over 50 percent of sales are already contractually secured - a moat that only a few competitors can offer. At the same time, mega-projects such as the Blue Hydrogen complex in Louisiana or the NEOM project in Saudi Arabia offer considerable potential for future valuation premiums, even though they have not yet been factored into current estimates. Despite higher debt and a historically high valuation, Air Products delivers strong dividend stability (43 consecutive years of increases!) and a conservative re-margining roadmap. Those willing to see through the temporary valuation thicket will recognize that this is the world's strongest gas company for the green energy era. Investors who buy today will secure a rare combination of defensive cash flow stability and explosive hydrogen fantasy.
CHART PHOTO SHARE The Air Products share has been oscillating in a broad trading range between 215 and 338 dollars for five years now. However, this sideways trend could now come to an abrupt end. Since the April low of 248 dollars, the share has gained momentum and last week broke above the GD200 on a sustained basis. At the same time, it is showing increasing relative strength compared to the market as a whole. Particularly interesting: In the near future, the GD50 should cross the GD200 from bottom to top, generating a golden cross - a classic technical buy signal. This would clear the way to the all-time high of 338 dollars.
Peer group in percent 6 % better than Al The chart comparison of the four industrial gases groups shows high volatility over the past twelve months, particularly in the case of Air Products. While the share price slipped into negative territory at times during the April correction - as was also the case with its competitors - all the shares have now managed to return to positive territory. Air Products in particular has stood out over the past two weeks with its increasing upward momentum. At the same time, the fundamental outlook has brightened considerably. Although a decline in profits of around 30% is expected for the 2025 financial year, analysts are forecasting double-digit profit growth again from the following year. This positive outlook is also reflected in the share price targets: at its peak, the experts see a potential of over 30 percent - up to 394 dollars!
And of course, as usual, there is a suitable derivative that I might invest in. I have chosen VG0L32. If the share rises to the old ATH, the bond will make just under 400%.
