D.E. Shaw, Mantle Ridge zero in on key fixes to build shareholder value at Air Products

Business: Air Products and Chemicals is an industrial gases company. It's focused on serving energy, environmental and emerging markets. Its base business provides essential industrial gases, related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries, including refining, chemicals, metals, electronics, manufacturing and food. Air Products also develops, engineers, builds, owns and operates clean hydrogen projects supporting the transition to low- and zero-carbon energy in the heavy-duty transportation and industrial sectors. In addition, it provides turbomachinery, membrane systems and cryogenic containers globally. Air Products has operations in approximately 50 countries.

Stock Market Value: $73.83B ($332.10 per share)

Percentage Ownership: n/a

Average Cost: n/a

Activist Commentary: D.E. Shaw is a large multi-strategy fund that is not historically known for activism. The firm isn't an activist investor, but it uses activism as an opportunistic tool in situations where it thinks it may be useful. D.E. Shaw seeks out solid businesses in good industries, and if the firm identifies underperformance that is within management's control, it will take an active role. The investor places a premium on private, constructive engagement with management. As a result, it often comes to an agreement with the company before its position is even public.

D.E. Shaw has reached out to Air Products' board. The firm proposed that the company take various steps to enhance shareholder value, including improving capital allocation, refreshing the board and restructuring executive compensation.

Air Products provides industrial gases and related equipment in end-markets such as refining, chemicals, metals, electronics,