What is the primary purpose of this 8-K filing?

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to provide shareholders with additional information regarding Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.'s Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan") before the upcoming Annual Meeting of Shareholders on January 28, 2010, where the Plan is up for approval.

What specific details about stock options are disclosed?

The filing discloses the number of stock options outstanding for over six years as of fiscal year-end 2009 (7,208,358), their weighted average exercise price ($39.68), and provides a detailed table of specific grants with their grant dates, vesting dates, expiration dates, and exercise prices. This information helps shareholders assess the potential dilutive impact and cost of these options.

How has the company performed in terms of shareholder returns?

As of September 30, 2009, Air Products & Chemicals reported a cumulative total shareholder return of 59.15% over the five fiscal years from 2005 to 2009. Individual year returns varied, including a significant gain in FY2007 (50.05%) and a decline in FY2008 (-28.56%).

Are there sufficient shares available for future employee incentives?

Yes, as of September 30, 2009, there were approximately 3.6 million authorized shares still available for awards under the Plan. Additionally, the company confirmed it is well within its "20% limit" for full value awards, with a substantial number of remaining shares eligible for such grants, indicating ample capacity for future incentive compensation.

APD 8-K SEC Disclosure

Summary

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. (APD) filed an 8-K on January 5, 2010, to provide additional information regarding its Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan") ahead of its January 28, 2010, Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The filing clarifies details about outstanding stock options, particularly those that had exceeded six years by fiscal year-end 2009, and their associated exercise prices. This information is crucial for shareholders considering the approval of the Plan. The report also details the intrinsic value of these options based on historical NYSE closing prices and provides a five-year total shareholder return performance as of September 30, 2009. Furthermore, it addresses the remaining authorized shares available for awards under the Plan, specifically mentioning the "20% limit" for full value awards and the company's compliance with this limit, assuring investors that ample shares remain available for future incentives.

Key Highlights

1APD provided supplemental information on its Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan") in advance of the January 28, 2010, Annual Shareholder Meeting.
2As of September 30, 2009, 7,208,358 stock options granted under the Plan had been outstanding for over six years, with a weighted average exercise price of $39.68.
3The filing includes a table detailing specific stock option grants, their vesting schedules, expiration dates, and exercise prices, some of which were nearing expiration.
4Historical NYSE closing prices from 2000 to 2009 are provided to illustrate the potential intrinsic value of these outstanding options.
5APD reported a cumulative total shareholder return of 59.15% for the five-year period ending September 30, 2009.
6Approximately 3.6 million shares were still available for awards under the Plan as of September 30, 2009.
7The company confirmed compliance with the "20% limit" on full value awards, with less than 12% of shares used for awards since 2001 being full value awards, and a significant portion of remaining shares available for such awards.

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Jan 5, 2010)

Summary

Key Highlights

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