Improved Profitability and EPS Growth
Adjusted operating income increased 12% year-over-year; adjusted EPS was $3.16, up 10% YoY and exceeded the top end of guidance; operating margin expanded to 24.4% (up ~140 basis points).
Affirmed Full-Year Guidance and Q2 Outlook
Company reaffirmed fiscal 2026 EPS guidance of $12.85–$13.15 (midpoint implies ~7%–9% improvement) and provided Q2 EPS guidance of $2.95–$3.10 (implying 10%–15% YoY growth for Q2).
Capital Discipline and CapEx Reduction Plan
Management remains focused on capital discipline: expects to reduce capital expenditures by approximately $1 billion in fiscal 2026 and maintained FY26 CapEx guidance at ~ $4 billion while prioritizing de-risking of large projects.
Shareholder Returns and Strong Cash Generation
Returned nearly $400 million to shareholders during the quarter and announced a dividend increase (44th consecutive year of increases); continued generation of strong cash flows from the base business.
Segment-Level Resilience
Americas sales up ~4%; Asia sales up ~2% with Asia operating income up ~7%; Europe sales and operating income also increased (Europe volumes benefited from lapping prior-year turnarounds).
Progress on Strategic Projects and Partnerships
Advanced negotiations with Yara International for low-emission ammonia projects in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia; launched RFPs and discussions for CO2 transport and storage partners to de-risk Louisiana project scope.
Pipeline in High-Growth End Markets
Notable wins and momentum in resilient end markets (refining, electronics, aerospace). Signed multiple NASA liquid hydrogen supply contracts; management estimates ~40%–50% U.S. space market share and expects space-related sales growth of ~6%–7% annually.
Leverage Management and Deconsolidation Plan
Net debt-to-EBITDA was 2.2x this quarter; management reiterated plan to deconsolidate the Neom green hydrogen joint venture once operational (mid-2027), which would reduce consolidated leverage when deconsolidation occurs.