World Investment Advisors LLC Boosts Stake in Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD)

World Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD - Free Report) by 1,205.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 38,423 shares of the basic materials company's stock after buying an additional 35,479 shares during the period. World Investment Advisors LLC's holdings in Air Products and Chemicals were worth $11,440,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Truvestments Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Air Products and Chemicals during the 3rd quarter valued at about $25,000. Meeder Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Air Products and Chemicals in the second quarter worth approximately $32,000. Iron Horse Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Air Products and Chemicals by 88.7% in the 3rd quarter. Iron Horse Wealth Management LLC now owns 117 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares during the period. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC grew its position in Air Products and Chemicals by 1,700.0% in the 2nd quarter. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC now owns 144 shares of the basic materials company's stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 136 shares during the period. Finally, Prospera Private Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in Air Products and Chemicals during the 3rd quarter valued at $42,000. Institutional investors own 81.66% of the company's stock.

Air Products and Chemicals Stock Performance

Air Products and Chemicals stock traded down $1.59 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $310.77. The company had a trading volume of 653,111 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,595,705. The company has a market capitalization of $69.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.18, a P/E/G ratio of 3.21 and a beta of 0.81. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. has a 12-month low of $212.24 and a 12-month high of $337.00. The company's fifty day moving average is $319.51 and its 200-day moving average is $289.26. The company has a current ratio of 1.52, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72.

Air Products and Chemicals Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 2nd will be paid a dividend of $1.77 per share. This represents a $7.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.28%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 2nd. Air Products and Chemicals's payout ratio is 41.21%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

APD has been the subject of several research analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on Air Products and Chemicals from $323.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a report on Thursday, November 14th. Evercore ISI upgraded Air Products and Chemicals from an "in-line" rating to an "outperform" rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $305.00 to $365.00 in a research note on Monday, October 7th. Vertical Research upgraded Air Products and Chemicals from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating and set a $336.00 price target for the company in a research note on Monday, October 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on Air Products and Chemicals from $350.00 to $345.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 8th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Air Products and Chemicals from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Monday, September 23rd. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $331.53.

Air Products and Chemicals Company Profile

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc provides atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, equipment, and related services in the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, India, and internationally. The company produces atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, and argon; process gases, such as hydrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and syngas; and specialty gases for customers in various industries, including refining, chemical, manufacturing, electronics, energy production, medical, food, and metals.