OREANDA-NEWS. Air Products (NYSE: APD) today reported net income of $397* million, up 11* percent versus prior year, and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.82*, up 10* percent versus prior year for its fiscal fourth quarter ended September 30, 2015.

On a GAAP basis, net income and diluted EPS from continuing operations were $345 million and $1.58, respectively, for the quarter.

*The results and guidance in this release, unless otherwise indicated, are based on non-GAAP continuing operations. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results can be found at the end of this release.

Fourth quarter sales of $2,449 million decreased nine percent from the prior year on seven percent unfavorable currency and three percent lower energy pass-through. Volumes were unchanged as Industrial Gases – Asia growth continued and the LNG business posted another solid quarter, while Materials Technologies and Industrial Gases – Americas volumes were lower.

Operating income of $515 million increased nine percent versus prior year, and operating margin of 21 percent improved 340 basis points, driven by higher pricing and good cost performance. Adjusted EBITDA of $785 million increased two percent over prior year, and EBITDA margin of 32.1 percent improved 350 basis points, reflecting strong operating leverage.

For fiscal 2015, sales of $9.9 billion decreased five percent versus prior year. Underlying sales increased by three percent on two percent higher volumes, driven by Industrial Gases – Asia and Materials Technologies, and one percent higher pricing. Operating income of $1.9 billion increased 14 percent, and operating margin of 19 percent improved 310 basis points. Adjusted EBITDA of $3.0 billion improved eight percent and EBITDA margin of 30.1 percent improved 360 basis points. ROCE of 11.3 percent was up 150 basis points.
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Commenting on the quarter, Seifi Ghasemi, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said, “The people of Air Products excelled again this quarter, delivering significant profit improvement in spite of increasingly challenging economic conditions around the globe. Compared to last year, EPS in the fourth quarter increased 10 percent, EBITDA margins were up 350 basis points to 32.1 percent, and operating margin of 21 percent was another record. For the year, EPS of $6.57 was above the top of our original guidance despite a significant currency headwind of about 40 cents. We delivered this performance while improving safety, completing the most significant organizational change in Air Products’ 75-year history, winning a number of important projects with major customers around the world, and announcing the separation of our Materials Technologies business. We made significant progress on our five-point plan this year, and this strong performance is a testament to our people’s hard work and their commitment to move Air Products forward.”