Stryker shares tumble despite strong Q2 results and raised guidance
On Thursday, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) resumed coverage on Air Products & Chemicals Inc. (NYSE:APD), issuing an Equalweight rating and setting a price target of $290.00. The firm’s analysts acknowledged the positive direction of the company under new leadership but noted that significant outperformance may depend on an expansion of multiples. They pointed out that this could be contingent on improvements in return on invested capital (ROIC), a process that may not only be time-consuming but also carries certain risks.
The analysts emphasized the importance of ROIC enhancement for Air Products, indicating that it is a critical factor for the company’s ability to outperform the market. They suggested that while the company is on a favorable path, with a solid market capitalization of $60.48 billion and a 55-year track record of consistent dividend payments, the potential for substantial growth in stock value might be constrained until these financial metrics show marked improvement. InvestingPro subscribers have access to detailed financial health metrics and 13 additional analyst insights about APD’s future performance.
Air Products has been under new management, and according to Morgan Stanley, the transition has set the company on a promising trajectory. However, the analysts cautioned that the journey towards higher ROIC and, consequently, a potential increase in the stock’s multiples could be challenging and is not guaranteed to succeed.
The setting of the price target at $290.00 reflects Morgan Stanley’s assessment of the company’s current value and prospects. This target falls within the broader analyst range of $260 to $375, with InvestingPro data showing 13 analysts recently revising their earnings expectations downward for the upcoming period. This target is indicative of the analysts’ expectations based on the company’s performance and market conditions.
In their commentary, the analysts from Morgan Stanley stated, "We see APD now heading in the right direction under new leadership, but believe that outperformance hinges largely on multiple expansion at this point. We think this requires ROIC improvement, which is likely to take time and is not without risk." This statement underscores the firm’s view that while management changes have been positive, the financial metrics need to align before any significant stock performance can be anticipated. The company maintains a "FAIR" Financial Health Score of 2.36 according to comprehensive analysis available through InvestingPro’s detailed research reports.
In other recent news, Air Products and Chemicals Inc. reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2025, which fell short of expectations. The company posted an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.69, missing the forecasted range of $2.75 to $2.85, and reported revenue of $2.92 billion, slightly below the anticipated $2.94 billion. Following these results, TD Cowen lowered its price target for Air Products to $315 from $325 but maintained a Buy rating, reflecting confidence in the company’s strategic shifts. The company has also announced plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 11% by fiscal years 2027 and 2028, as part of a broader strategy to improve financial health and reach a free cash flow breakeven point by FY27. Moreover, Moody’s Ratings revised Air Products’ outlook from stable to negative, citing concerns over the firm’s ability to maintain credit metrics due to negative free cash flow in 2025. Despite these challenges, Air Products is focusing on its core industrial gas operations and aims for high single-digit EPS growth from 2026 to 2029. The company has also recalibrated its financial outlook, setting the guidance midpoint for fiscal year 2025 at $12.00 per share, a 7% reduction from prior guidance.
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