Air Products and Chemicals: Q3 Shows Slow But Clear Improvement (Downgrade)

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. is stabilizing after a CEO change and strategic pivot, but shares remain rangebound and upside is limited in the near term. Recent results show modest improvement, with cost discipline and volume growth outside project exits, but cash flow remains pressured by high cap-ex and debt. Management's guidance is conservative; I expect APD to deliver at the top end, but meaningful transformation will take years, with true potential not reached until 2030.