Edgar Filing: AIR PRODUCTS & CHEMICALS INC /DE/

Document

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

___________________________

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)



x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended 31 March 2019



¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 001-04534

AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)



Delaware		23-1274455
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

7201 Hamilton Boulevard, Allentown, Pennsylvania		18195-1501
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

610-481-4911

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large accelerated filer x	Accelerated filer ¨	Non-accelerated filer ¨	Smaller reporting company ¨	Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.



Class		Outstanding at 31 March 2019
Common Stock, $1 par value		220,132,561

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AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC. and Subsidiaries

INDEX




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Consolidated Income Statements – Three and Six Months Ended 31 March 2019 and 2018	4
Consolidated Comprehensive Income Statements – Three and Six Months Ended 31 March 2019 and 2018	5
Consolidated Balance Sheets – 31 March 2019 and 30 September 2018	6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Six Months Ended 31 March 2019 and 2018	7
Consolidated Statements of Equity – Three and Six Months Ended 31 March 2019 and 2018	8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	10

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	32
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	53
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	54

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 5. Other Information	55
Item 6. Exhibits	55
Signature	56

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This quarterly report contains “forward-looking statements” within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts and can generally be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “positioned,” “possible,” “potential,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions or variations thereof, or the negative thereof, but these terms are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this report and are not guarantees of future performance. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements may relate to a number of matters, including expectations regarding revenue, margins, expenses, earnings, tax provisions, cash flows, pension obligations, share repurchases or other statements regarding economic conditions or our business outlook; statements regarding plans, projects, strategies and objectives for our future operations, including our ability to win new projects and execute the projects in our backlog; and statements regarding our expectations with respect to pending legal claims or disputes. While forward-looking statements are made in good faith and based on assumptions, expectations and projections that management believes are reasonable based on currently available information, actual performance and financial results may differ materially from projections and estimates expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors, including, without limitation:


•	changes in global or regional economic conditions, supply and demand dynamics in the market segments we serve, or in the financial markets;


•	risks associated with having extensive international operations, including political risks, risks associated with unanticipated government actions and risks of investing in developing markets;


•	project delays, contract terminations, customer cancellations, or postponement of projects and sales;


•	the future financial and operating performance of major customers and joint venture partners;


•	our ability to develop, implement, and operate new technologies, or to execute the projects in our backlog;

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•	tariffs, economic sanctions and regulatory activities in jurisdictions in which we and our affiliates and joint ventures operate;


•	the impact of environmental, tax or other legislation, as well as regulations affecting our business and related compliance requirements, including regulations related to global climate change;


•	changes in tax rates and other changes in tax law;


•	the timing, impact, and other uncertainties relating to acquisitions and divestitures, including our ability to integrate acquisitions and separate divested businesses, respectively;


•	risks relating to cybersecurity incidents, including risks from the interruption, failure or compromise of our information systems;


•	catastrophic events, such as natural disasters, acts of war, or terrorism;


•	the impact of price fluctuations in natural gas and disruptions in markets and the economy due to oil price volatility;


•	costs and outcomes of legal or regulatory proceedings and investigations;


•	asset impairments due to economic conditions or specific events;


•	significant fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates from those currently anticipated;


•	damage to facilities, pipelines or delivery systems, including those we own or operate for third parties;


•	availability and cost of raw materials; and


•	the success of productivity and operational improvement programs

In addition to the foregoing factors, forward-looking statements contained herein are qualified with respect to the risks disclosed elsewhere in this document, including in Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Item 3, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, as well as with respect to the risks described in Item 1A, Risk Factors, to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 30 September 2018. Any of these factors, as well as those not currently anticipated by management, could cause our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity to differ materially from what is expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. Except as required by law, we disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in assumptions, beliefs, or expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances upon which any such forward-looking statements are based.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	31 March				31 March
(Millions of dollars, except for share and per share data)	2019		2018		2019		2018
Sales		$2,187.7		$2,155.7		$4,411.7		$4,372.3
Cost of sales	1,474.7		1,506.5		3,018.7		3,078.3
Facility closure	—		—		29.0		—
Selling and administrative	190.0		194.6		379.6		386.2
Research and development	16.9		14.5		31.9		29.1
Other income (expense), net	10.4		15.3		19.0		37.4
Operating Income	516.5		455.4		971.5		916.1
Equity affiliates' income	46.2		43.7		99.1		57.5
Interest expense	35.4		30.4		72.7		60.2
Other non-operating income (expense), net	13.7		11.1		32.2		20.9
Income From Continuing Operations Before Taxes	541.0		479.8		1,030.1		934.3
Income tax provision	107.5		56.2		239.6		348.0
Income From Continuing Operations	433.5		423.6		790.5		586.3
Loss From Discontinued Operations, net of tax	—		—		—		(1.0		)
Net Income	433.5		423.6		790.5		585.3
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests of Continuing Operations	12.2		7.2		21.7		14.3
Net Income Attributable to Air Products		$421.3		$416.4		$768.8		$571.0
Net Income Attributable to Air Products
Income from continuing operations		$421.3		$416.4		$768.8		$572.0
Loss from discontinued operations	—		—		—		(1.0		)
Net Income Attributable to Air Products		$421.3		$416.4		$768.8		$571.0
Basic Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to Air Products
Income from continuing operations		$1.91		$1.90		$3.49		$2.61
Loss from discontinued operations	—		—		—		—
Net Income Attributable to Air Products		$1.91		$1.90		$3.49		$2.61
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to Air Products
Income from continuing operations		$1.90		$1.89		$3.48		$2.59
Loss from discontinued operations	—		—		—		—
Net Income Attributable to Air Products		$1.90		$1.89		$3.48		$2.59
Weighted Average Common Shares – Basic (in millions)	220.2		219.4		220.0		219.2
Weighted Average Common Shares – Diluted (in millions)	221.4		220.8		221.2		220.7

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended
	31 March
(Millions of dollars)	2019			2018
Net Income		$433.5			$423.6
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax:
Translation adjustments, net of tax of $8.0 and ($13.2)	51.3			125.6
Net gain (loss) on derivatives, net of tax of ($8.7) and $4.0	(35.4		)	17.8
Reclassification adjustments:
Derivatives, net of tax of $11.5 and ($3.3)	36.9			(7.5		)
Pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax of $6.0 and $7.9	18.7			26.6
Total Other Comprehensive Income	71.5			162.5
Comprehensive Income	505.0			586.1
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	12.2			7.2
Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	5.1			2.2
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Air Products		$487.7			$576.7




	Six Months Ended
	31 March
(Millions of dollars)	2019			2018
Net Income		$790.5			$585.3
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax:
Translation adjustments, net of tax of $12.9 and ($19.8)	(16.8		)	262.0
Net gain (loss) on derivatives, net of tax of ($9.4) and ($1.3)	(45.7		)	8.3
Pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax of ($0.8) and $–	(3.9		)	—
Reclassification adjustments:
Currency translation adjustment	—			3.1
Derivatives, net of tax of $10.7 and ($1.6)	33.8			(6.7		)
Pension and postretirement benefits, net of tax of $11.0 and $18.9	33.9			49.5
Total Other Comprehensive Income	1.3			316.2
Comprehensive Income	791.8			901.5
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	21.7			14.3
Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	4.2			4.1
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Air Products		$765.9			$883.1

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)



	31 March			30 September
(Millions of dollars, except for share and per share data)	2019			2018
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash items		$2,735.9			$2,791.3
Short-term investments	2.6			184.7
Trade receivables, net	1,258.5			1,207.2
Inventories	408.3			396.1
Prepaid expenses	102.4			129.6
Other receivables and current assets	387.5			373.3
Total Current Assets	4,895.2			5,082.2
Investment in net assets of and advances to equity affiliates	1,279.3			1,277.2
Plant and equipment, at cost	21,986.3			21,490.2
Less: accumulated depreciation	11,792.5			11,566.5
Plant and equipment, net	10,193.8			9,923.7
Goodwill, net	811.9			788.9
Intangible assets, net	418.6			438.5
Noncurrent capital lease receivables	974.7			1,013.3
Other noncurrent assets	671.0			654.5
Total Noncurrent Assets	14,349.3			14,096.1
Total Assets		$19,244.5			$19,178.3
Liabilities and Equity
Current Liabilities
Payables and accrued liabilities		$1,513.7			$1,817.8
Accrued income taxes	70.7			59.6
Short-term borrowings	54.1			54.3
Current portion of long-term debt	434.5			406.6
Total Current Liabilities	2,073.0			2,338.3
Long-term debt	2,933.0			2,967.4
Long-term debt – related party	369.2			384.3
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,560.5			1,536.9
Deferred income taxes	805.4			775.1
Total Noncurrent Liabilities	5,668.1			5,663.7
Total Liabilities	7,741.1			8,002.0
Commitments and Contingencies - See Note 10
Air Products Shareholders’ Equity
Common stock (par value $1 per share; issued 2019 and 2018 - 249,455,584 shares)	249.4			249.4
Capital in excess of par value	1,047.7			1,029.3
Retained earnings	13,662.0			13,409.9
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,744.8		)	(1,741.9		)
Treasury stock, at cost (2019 - 29,323,023 shares; 2018 - 29,940,339 shares)	(2,048.6		)	(2,089.2		)
Total Air Products Shareholders’ Equity	11,165.7			10,857.5
Noncontrolling Interests	337.7			318.8
Total Equity	11,503.4			11,176.3
Total Liabilities and Equity		$19,244.5			$19,178.3

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)



	Six Months Ended
	31 March
(Millions of dollars)	2019			2018
Operating Activities
Net income		$790.5			$585.3
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of continuing operations	21.7			14.3
Net income attributable to Air Products	768.8			571.0
Loss from discontinued operations	—			1.0
Income from continuing operations attributable to Air Products	768.8			572.0
Adjustments to reconcile income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	520.1			467.9
Deferred income taxes	27.5			(94.4		)
Tax reform repatriation	46.2			310.3
Facility closure	29.0			—
Undistributed earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	(27.2		)	(1.0		)
Gain on sale of assets and investments	(2.3		)	(2.4		)
Share-based compensation	21.2			22.5
Noncurrent capital lease receivables	47.6			47.2
Other adjustments	(3.5		)	44.7
Working capital changes that provided (used) cash, excluding effects of acquisitions:
Trade receivables	(55.4		)	(30.2		)
Inventories	(14.2		)	5.5
Other receivables	49.6			11.0
Payables and accrued liabilities	(125.5		)	(260.4		)
Other working capital	3.9			13.3
Cash Provided by Operating Activities	1,285.8			1,106.0
Investing Activities
Additions to plant and equipment	(963.5		)	(572.5		)
Acquisitions, less cash acquired	(106.3		)	(271.4		)
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	(1.4		)	—
Proceeds from sale of assets and investments	3.8			34.4
Purchases of investments	(5.3		)	(345.7		)
Proceeds from investments	187.9			612.9
Other investing activities	2.7			1.5
Cash Used for Investing Activities	(882.1		)	(540.8		)
Financing Activities
Long-term debt proceeds	—			.5
Payments on long-term debt	(2.7		)	(409.2		)
Net decrease in commercial paper and short-term borrowings	(6.6		)	(22.4		)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(483.1		)	(415.5		)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	45.4			52.7
Other financing activities	(12.8		)	(21.7		)
Cash Used for Financing Activities	(459.8		)	(815.6		)
Discontinued Operations
Cash used for operating activities	—			(3.1		)
Cash provided by investing activities	—			18.6
Cash provided by financing activities	—			—
Cash Provided by Discontinued Operations	—			15.5
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	.7			28.2
Decrease in cash and cash items	(55.4		)	(206.7		)
Cash and Cash items – Beginning of Year	2,791.3			3,273.6
Cash and Cash Items – End of Period		$2,735.9			$3,066.9

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(Unaudited)



	Six Months Ended
	31 March 2019
(Millions of dollars, except for per share data)	Common Stock		Capital in Excess of Par Value			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Treasury Stock			Air Products Shareholders' Equity			Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity
Balance at 30 September 2018		$249.4		$1,029.3			$13,409.9			($1,741.9	)		($2,089.2	)		$10,857.5			$318.8			$11,176.3
Net income	—		—			768.8			—			—			768.8			21.7			790.5
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—			—			(2.9		)	—			(2.9		)	4.2			1.3
Dividends on common stock (per share $2.26)	—		—			(497.5		)	—			—			(497.5		)	—			(497.5		)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	—		—			—			—			—			—			(7.0		)	(7.0		)
Share-based compensation	—		20.7			—			—			—			20.7			—			20.7
Issuance of treasury shares for stock option and award plans	—		(.9		)	—			—			40.6			39.7			—			39.7
Cumulative change in accounting principle	—		—			(17.1		)	—			—			(17.1		)	—			(17.1		)
Other equity transactions	—		(1.4		)	(2.1		)	—			—			(3.5		)				(3.5		)
Balance at 31 March 2019		$249.4		$1,047.7			$13,662.0			($1,744.8	)		($2,048.6	)		$11,165.7			$337.7			$11,503.4



	Six Months Ended
	31 March 2018
(Millions of dollars, except for per share data)	Common Stock		Capital in Excess of Par Value			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Treasury Stock			Air Products Shareholders' Equity			Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity
Balance at 30 September 2017		$249.4		$1,001.1			$12,846.6			($1,847.4	)		($2,163.5	)		$10,086.2			$99.3			$10,185.5
Net income attributable to Air Products	—		—			571.0			—			—			571.0			14.3			585.3
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—			—			312.1			—			312.1			4.1			316.2
Dividends on common stock (per share $2.05)	—		—			(449.1		)	—			—			(449.1		)	—			(449.1		)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	—		—			—			—			—			—			(10.6		)	(10.6		)
Share-based compensation	—		21.8			—			—			—			21.8			—			21.8
Issuance of treasury shares for stock option and award plans	—		(12.3		)	—			—			52.4			40.1			—			40.1
Other equity transactions	—		.6			(1.9		)	—			—			(1.3		)	5.3			4.0
Balance at 31 March 2018		$249.4		$1,011.2			$12,966.6			($1,535.3	)		($2,111.1	)		$10,580.8			$112.4			$10,693.2

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AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (cont.)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended
	31 March 2019
(Millions of dollars, except for per share data)	Common Stock		Capital in Excess of Par Value			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Treasury Stock			Air Products Shareholders' Equity			Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity
Balance at 31 December 2018		$249.4		$1,030.4			$13,497.9			($1,811.2	)		($2,083.6	)		$10,882.9			$320.5			$11,203.4
Net income	—		—			421.3			—			—			421.3			12.2			433.5
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—			—			66.4			—			66.4			5.1			71.5
Dividends on common stock (per share $1.16)	—		—			(255.9		)	—			—			(255.9		)	—			(255.9		)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	—		—			—			—			—			—			(.1		)	(.1		)
Share-based compensation	—		11.8			—			—			—			11.8			—			11.8
Issuance of treasury shares for stock option and award plans	—		6.7			—			—			35.0			41.7			—			41.7
Other equity transactions	—		(1.2		)	(1.3		)	—			—			(2.5		)	—			(2.5		)
Balance at 31 March 2019		$249.4		$1,047.7			$13,662.0			($1,744.8	)		($2,048.6	)		$11,165.7			$337.7			$11,503.4



	Three Months Ended
	31 March 2018
(Millions of dollars, except for per share data)	Common Stock		Capital in Excess of Par Value		Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Treasury Stock			Air Products Shareholders' Equity			Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity
Balance at 31 December 2017		$249.4		$998.1		$12,792.3			($1,695.6	)		($2,128.9	)		$10,215.3			$105.9			$10,321.2
Net income	—		—		416.4			—			—			416.4			7.2			423.6
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—			160.3			—			160.3			2.2			162.5
Dividends on common stock (per share $1.10)	—		—		(241.1		)	—			—			(241.1		)	—			(241.1		)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—			—			—			—			(2.9		)	(2.9		)
Share-based compensation	—		10.7		—			—			—			10.7			—			10.7
Issuance of treasury shares for stock option and award plans	—		2.4		—			—			17.8			20.2			—			20.2
Other equity transactions	—		—		(1.0		)	—			—			(1.0		)	—			(1.0		)
Balance at 31 March 2018		$249.4		$1,011.2		$12,966.6			($1,535.3	)		($2,111.1	)		$10,580.8			$112.4			$10,693.2

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(Millions of dollars unless otherwise indicated, except for share and per share data)



1	.	Basis of Presentation and Major Accounting Policies	10
2	.	New Accounting Guidance	11
3	.	Revenue Recognition	13
4	.	Acquisitions	16
5	.	Inventories	17
6	.	Goodwill	17
7	.	Financial Instruments	17
8	.	Fair Value Measurements	21
9	.	Retirement Benefits	23
10	.	Commitments and Contingencies	24
11	.	Share-Based Compensation	26
12	.	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	27
13	.	Earnings per Share	28
14	.	Income Taxes	28
15	.	Supplemental Information	29
16	.	Business Segment Information	30

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND MAJOR ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The interim consolidated financial statements of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” “us,” the “Company,” “Air Products,” or “registrant”) included herein have been prepared by us, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In our opinion, the accompanying statements reflect adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for those periods indicated and contain adequate disclosure to make the information presented not misleading. Adjustments included herein are of a normal, recurring nature unless otherwise disclosed in the notes. The notes to the interim consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise indicated, are on a continuing operations basis.

To fully understand the basis of presentation, the consolidated financial statements and related notes included herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2018 Form 10-K. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year.

Refer to our 2018 Form 10-K for a description of major accounting policies. During the first six months of fiscal year 2019, these policies were impacted by the implementation of certain new accounting guidance, including the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and all related amendments (“the new revenue standard”). We adopted the new revenue standard as of 1 October 2018 under the modified retrospective approach. Comparative prior year information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. Our updated revenue recognition policy, which reflects the principles under the new revenue standard, is discussed below.

Other than the adoption of new accounting guidance as discussed in Note 2, New Accounting Guidance, there have been no notable changes to our accounting policies during the first six months of fiscal year 2019.

Certain prior year information has been reclassified to conform to the fiscal year 2019 presentation.

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Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when or as performance obligations are satisfied, which occurs when control is transferred to the customer.

We determine the transaction price of our contracts based on the amount of consideration to which we expect to be entitled to receive in exchange for the goods or services provided. Our contracts within the scope of revenue guidance do not contain payment terms that include a significant financing component.

Sales returns and allowances are not a business practice in the industry.

Our sale of gas contracts are either accounted for over time during the period in which we deliver or make available the agreed upon quantity of goods or at a point in time when the customer receives and obtains control of the product, which generally occurs upon delivery. We generally recognize revenue from our sale of gas contracts based on the right to invoice practical expedient.

Our sale of equipment contracts are generally comprised of a single performance obligation as the individual promised goods or services contained within the contracts are integrated with or dependent upon other goods or services in the contract for a single output to the customer. Revenue from our sale of equipment contracts is generally recognized over time as we have an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date and our performance under the contract terms does not create an asset with alternative use. We recognize these contracts using a cost incurred input method by which costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion are used to measure progress toward satisfying performance obligations.

Amounts billed for shipping and handling fees are classified as sales in the consolidated income statements. Shipping and handling activities for our sale of equipment contracts may be performed after the customer obtains control of the promised goods. In these cases, we have elected to apply the practical expedient to account for shipping and handling as activities to fulfill the promise to transfer the goods. For our sale of gas contracts, control generally transfers to the customer upon delivery.

Amounts billed for sales and use taxes, value-added taxes, and certain excise and other specific transactional taxes imposed on revenue-producing transactions are presented on a net basis and excluded from sales in the consolidated income statements.

For additional information, refer to Note 3, Revenue Recognition.

2. NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE

Accounting Guidance Implemented in Fiscal Year 2019

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued the new revenue standard, which is based on the principle that revenue is recognized in an amount expected to be collected and to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for the transfer of goods or services. We adopted this guidance under the modified retrospective approach as of 1 October 2018. Upon adoption, we no longer present "Contracts in progress, less progress billings" on our consolidated balance sheets and have expanded disclosure requirements. Otherwise, adoption of this guidance did not impact our consolidated financial statements, and no adjustment was necessary to opening retained earnings. Accordingly, sales presented during the first six months of fiscal year 2019 would not change if presented under accounting standards in effect prior to 1 October 2018.

For additional information, including the balance sheet impacts of no longer presenting "Contracts in progress, less progress billings" and expanded disclosures under the new revenue standard, refer to Note 3, Revenue Recognition.

Cash Flow Statement Classification

In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance to reduce diversity in practice related to the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. We adopted this guidance retrospectively in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 and elected to use the cumulative earnings approach to determine the classification of distributions received from equity affiliates. As a result, we reclassified $4.1 of net activity from operating activities to investing activities for the six months ended 31 March 2018.

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Intra-Entity Asset Transfers

In October 2016, the FASB issued guidance on accounting for the income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Previous guidance prohibited the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset had been sold to an outside party. Under the new guidance, the income tax consequences of an intra-entity asset transfer are recognized when the transfer occurs. We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment of $17.1 that decreased retained earnings as of 1 October 2018.

New Accounting Guidance to be Implemented

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases, including operating leases, with a term in excess of 12 months. The guidance also expands the quantitative and qualitative disclosure requirements.

The Company is the lessee under various agreements for real estate, distribution equipment, aircraft, and vehicles that are currently accounted for as operating leases. The new guidance will require the Company to record all leases, including operating leases, on the balance sheet with a right-of-use asset and corresponding liability for future payment obligations.

We will adopt this guidance in fiscal year 2020 using a modified retrospective approach with the election to apply the guidance as of the adoption date instead of the earliest comparative period presented in the consolidated financial statements.

We expect to elect the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which among other things, allows us to carry forward the historical lease classification. We intend to also elect the practical expedient related to land easements, allowing us to carry forward our current accounting treatment for land easements on existing agreements. In addition, we expect to elect the hindsight practical expedient to determine the reasonably certain lease term for existing leases as of the date of adoption.

We are evaluating the impact the guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. In addition, we are implementing a new software application to administer the accounting and disclosure requirements under the new guidance.

Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance on the measurement of credit losses, which requires measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets, including trade receivables and capital lease receivables, held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The method to determine a loss is different from the existing guidance, which requires a credit loss to be recognized when it is probable. The guidance is effective beginning in fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted beginning in fiscal year 2020. We are evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Hedging Activities

In August 2017, the FASB issued guidance on hedging activities to expand the related presentation and disclosure requirements, change how companies assess effectiveness, and eliminate the separate measurement and reporting of hedge ineffectiveness. The guidance also enables more hedging strategies to become eligible for hedge accounting. The guidance is effective in fiscal year 2020, with early adoption permitted. For cash flow and net investment hedges existing at the date of adoption, an entity should apply a cumulative-effect adjustment to eliminate the separate measurement of ineffectiveness within equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year the guidance is adopted. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance is applied prospectively. We are evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and expect to adopt this guidance at the beginning of fiscal year 2020.

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2018, the FASB issued guidance allowing a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The guidance is effective in fiscal year 2020, with early adoption permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If elected, the reclassification can be applied in either the period of adoption or retrospectively to the period of the enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (i.e., our first quarter of fiscal year 2018). We are evaluating the adoption alternatives and the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

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Fair Value Measurement Disclosures

In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance that modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The guidance is effective in fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted. Certain amendments must be applied prospectively while other amendments must be applied retrospectively. We are evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the disclosures in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Retirement Benefit Disclosures

In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance that modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans. The guidance is effective in fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted, and must be applied on a retrospective basis. We are evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the disclosures in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Cloud Computing Implementation Costs

In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance that aligns the capitalization requirements for implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the existing capitalization requirements for implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The guidance is effective in fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. We are evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities

In October 2018, the FASB issued an update that amends the guidance for determining whether a decision-making fee is a variable interest. The amendments require consideration of indirect interests held through related parties under common control on a proportional basis rather than as the equivalent of a direct interest in its entirety as required under current accounting standards. The guidance is effective in fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted. The amendments must be applied retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings at the beginning of the earliest period presented. We are evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

3. REVENUE RECOGNITION

Nature of Goods and Services

The principal activities from which the Company generates its sales from its contracts with customers, separated between our regional industrial gases businesses and industrial gases equipment businesses, are described below with their respective revenue recognition policies. For an overall summary of these policies and discussion on payment terms and presentation, refer to Note 1, Basis of Presentation and Major Accounting Policies.

Industrial Gases – Regional

Our regional industrial gases businesses produce and sell atmospheric gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and argon (primarily recovered by the cryogenic distillation of air) and process gases such as hydrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, syngas, and specialty gases. We distribute gases to our sale of gas customers through different supply modes depending on various factors including the customer's volume requirements and location. Our supply modes are as follows:

On-Site Gases—Supply mode associated with customers who require large volumes of gases and have relatively constant demand. Gases are produced and supplied by large facilities we construct on or near the customers’ facilities or by pipeline systems from centrally located production facilities. These sale of gas contracts generally have 15- to 20- year terms. The Company also delivers smaller quantities of product through small on-site plants (cryogenic or non-cryogenic generators), typically via a 10- to 15- year sale of gas contract. The contracts within this supply mode generally contain fixed monthly charges and/or minimum purchase requirements with price escalation provisions that are generally based on external indices. Revenue associated with this supply mode is generally recognized over time during the period in which we deliver or make available the agreed upon quantity of goods.

Merchant Gases—Supply mode associated with liquid bulk and packaged gases customers. Liquid bulk customers receive delivery of product in liquid or gaseous form by tanker or tube trailer. The product is stored, usually in its liquid state, in equipment typically designed and installed by the Company at the customer’s site for vaporizing into a gaseous state as needed. Packaged gases customers receive small quantities of product delivered in either cylinders or dewars. Both liquid bulk and packaged gases sales do not contain minimum purchase requirements as they are governed by contracts and/or purchase orders based on the customer's requirements. These contracts contain stated terms that are generally 5 years or less. Performance obligations associated with this supply mode are satisfied at a point in time when the customer receives and obtains control of the product, which generally occurs upon delivery.

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The timing of revenue recognition for our regional industrial gases businesses is generally consistent with our right to invoice the customer. Variable components of consideration that may not be resolved within the month, such as the ability to earn an annual bonus or incur a penalty, are more relevant to on-site contracts and are considered constrained as they can be impacted by a single significant event such as a plant outage, which could occur at the end of a contract period. We consider contract modifications on an individual basis to determine appropriate accounting treatment. However, contract modifications are generally accounted for prospectively as they relate to distinct goods or services associated with future periods of performance.

We mitigate energy and natural gas price risk contractually through pricing formulas, surcharges, and cost pass-through arrangements.

Industrial Gases – Equipment

The Company designs and manufactures equipment for air separation, hydrocarbon recovery and purification, natural gas liquefaction (LNG), and liquid helium and liquid hydrogen transport and storage. The Industrial Gases – Global and the Corporate and other segments serve our sale of equipment customers.

Revenue from our sale of equipment contracts is generally recognized over time as we have an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date and our performance under the contract terms does not create an asset with alternative