Air Products Recognized for Commitment to Advancing Women in the Workplace with 2019 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index Selection

Inclusion on GEI Listing a Strong Validation of Commitment to Core Company Goal

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Jan 16, 2019, 11:47 ET

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Air Products (NYSE: APD), A leading global industrial gases company, today announced that it has been selected for the 2019 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI) which distinguishes companies committed to transparency in gender reporting and advancing women's equality. The selection to the Bloomberg GEI is an excellent fit with the goal Air Products has set to be the safest, most diverse and most profitable industrial gas company in the world, providing excellent service to customers.

"We took action last year and strategically added "most diverse" to our company's goal. We continue to make strides toward this goal, but there is always more work to be done. We recognize this and are committed to make progress. That said, it is a great accomplishment to be selected to the Bloomberg GEI and be recognized for our diversity efforts to this point," said Seifi Ghasemi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer at Air Products.

In all 230 companies globally were named to the index, which doubled in size from 2018 and includes firms from 10 sectors headquartered across 36 countries and regions. Collectively, these firms have a combined market capitalization of $9 trillion (USD) and employ more than 15 million people, of which seven million are women, around the world. Thirteen markets are represented for the first time this year and include Argentina, China, Israel and South Africa.

"We applaud Air Products and the other 229 firms tracked by the index for their action to measure gender equality through the Bloomberg GEI framework," said Peter T. Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg and Founding Chairman of the U.S. 30% Club. "Air Products' GEI inclusion is a strong indicator to its employees, investors and industry peers alike that it is leading by example to advance ongoing efforts for a truly inclusive workplace."

Additional details on Air Products diversity and inclusion efforts around the world can be found at: www.airproducts.com/Company/about-us/diversity-and-inclusion.aspx.

Bloomberg's standardized reporting framework offers public companies the opportunity to disclose information on how they promote gender equality across four separate areas – company statistics, policies, community engagement and products and services. Reporting companies that score above a globally-established threshold, based on the extent of disclosures and the achievement of best-in-class statistics and policies, are included in the GEI. Demand for products and services using ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) data has seen a significant increase over the last years, as a growing number of investors are looking to incorporate environmental, social and governance data into their investment decisions. Still, currently only 10% of eligible companies are disclosing their workplace gender policies and practices.

The Bloomberg gender reporting framework is voluntary and has no associated costs. The GEI is a reference index. All public companies can submit data to Bloomberg. Those with a security listed on a U.S. exchange and a market capitalization of $1 billion (USD) or greater are eligible for index inclusion. For more information on the GEI and how to submit information for next year's index visit: https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/solution/gender-equality-index/

Bloomberg subscribers can access the GEI at {BGEI Index DES <GO>}. Terminal users will have access to the fully updated index on Friday, January 18, 2019.

About Air Products

Air Products (NYSE: APD) is a world-leading Industrial Gases company in operation for over 75 years. The Company provides industrial gases and related equipment to dozens of industries, including refining, chemical, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food and beverage. Air Products is also the world's leading supplier of liquefied natural gas process technology and equipment.

The Company had fiscal 2018 sales of $8.9 billion from operations in 50 countries and has a current market capitalization of about $35 billion. Approximately 16,000 passionate, talented and committed employees from diverse backgrounds are driven by Air Products' higher purpose to create innovative solutions that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability and address the challenges facing customers, communities, and the world. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

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NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management's reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release regarding important risk factors. Actual performance and financial results may differ materially from projections and estimates expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors not anticipated by management, including risk factors described in the company's Form 10K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.

SOURCE Air Products