APD Air Products and Chemicals Inc

Air Products' CFO Says Focus on Growth Markets, Capital Discipline and Productivity Are Keys to Creating Long-Term Shareholder Value Improving Return on Capital Remains #1 Priority LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., June 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Speaking to a group of investors, analysts and journalists earlier today at the Chemical Heritage Foundation's First Annual Chemical Industry Conference in Philadelphia, Paul Huck, vice president and chief financial officer for Air Products (NYSE:APD), said an unyielding focus on growth markets, capital discipline and productivity is positioning the company to create long-term value for shareholders. He also reminded the audience of Air Products' drive to improve return on capital, calling it the leadership team's "highest priority." Huck said that in addition to the stability tied to the company's global reach and the diverse markets it serves, more than 50 percent of revenues are derived from leading positions in four growth platforms, positioning Air Products uniquely among its industry peers. These four areas -- Electronics, Performance Materials, Refinery Hydrogen and Energy Solutions, and Healthcare -- combined with Air Products' $1.1 billion and growing position in Asia -- are expected to deliver profitable growth well into the future. Huck also noted that Air Products is driving increased productivity across its businesses at all levels, including reducing production and distribution costs, increasing plant output and efficiency, and capitalizing on the company's SAP enterprise resource planning system to improve customer service and reduce business transaction costs. Access Huck's presentation slides on Air Products' Investor Relations web site at http://www.airproducts.com/Invest/PresentationSummary.htm. Access his corporate biography at http://www.airproducts.com/PressRoom/Biographies/ExecutiveBiographies.htm. Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. With annual revenues of $6.3 billion and operations in over 30 countries, the company's 18,500 employees build lasting relationships with their customers and communities based on understanding, integrity and passion. For more information, visit http://www.airproducts.com/. ***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations. DATASOURCE: Air Products CONTACT: Media Inquiries: Katie McDonald, +1-610-481-3673, , or Investor Inquiries: Alex Masetti, +1-610-481-7461, , both of Air Products Web site: http://www.airproducts.com/

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