"Industrial stocks delivered steady growth in 2025 while tech volatility rattled portfolios. Specialty chemicals and industrial gas companies expanded margins and generated resilient cash flows. The Nasdaq-100 has declined 2.3% year-to-date through February 17, creating a contrasting backdrop for industrial sector performance. With prediction markets pricing just 22.5% recession odds through 2026, these essential-product manufacturers continue serving steady industrial demand."
"Air Products and Chemicals ( NYSE:APD) delivered a strong start to fiscal 2026, reporting Q1 revenue of $3.10 billion and adjusted EPS of $3.16, beating estimates of $3.04 despite helium market headwinds. The 10% year-over-year earnings growth demonstrates operational strength, with adjusted operating income rising 12% to $757 million. Air Products' positioning in clean energy infrastructure separates it from commodity chemical peers."
Industrial stocks posted steady growth in 2025 even as the Nasdaq-100 fell 2.3% year-to-date through February 17. Manufacturing value-added surged 3.2% in Q3 2025, matching information-sector growth and supporting industrial demand. Industrial gas and specialty chemical producers serve essential needs across healthcare, manufacturing, energy, and electronics, leveraging pricing power, long-term contracts, and operational leverage to create predictable earnings and resilient cash flows. Air Products reported Q1 revenue of $3.10 billion, adjusted EPS of $3.16, 10% year-over-year earnings growth, and adjusted operating income up 12% to $757 million, while guiding fiscal 2026 EPS of $12.85–$13.15 and $4 billion capex. Ecolab posted record fiscal 2025 sales of $16 billion and 15% Q4 adjusted EPS growth.
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