Document

As of November 16, 2023, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (the “Company”) has five classes of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”): (1) our common stock; (2) our 1.000% Euro Notes due 2025; (3) our 0.500% Euro Notes due 2028; (4) our 0.800% Euro Notes due 2032; and (5) our 4.000% Euro Notes due 2035.

The following is a description of the general terms of the shares of our common stock. This description does not include all of the terms of our common stock and should be read together with our Restated Certificate of Incorporation (our “Certificate of Incorporation”) and our Amended and Restated Bylaws (our “Bylaws”), each of which are incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of which this Exhibit is a part, and applicable provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”). We encourage you to read our Certificate of Incorporation, our Bylaws and the applicable provisions of the DGCL, for additional information.

Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote per share on all matters requiring a vote of the stockholders. A majority of the votes cast is required for stockholders to elect directors in uncontested elections, while in contested elections directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast. All other matters put to a stockholder vote generally require the approval of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on the matter and present in person or represented by proxy. Stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights.

In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, the holders of common stock will be entitled to share equally in our assets available for distribution after payment in full of all debts and after the holders of any outstanding preferred stock have received their liquidation preferences (including accrued and unpaid dividends) in full.

Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits a defined set of transactions between a Delaware corporation and an interested stockholder. An interested stockholder is generally defined as a person who, together with any affiliates or associates of such person, beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 15% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a corporation. This provision may prohibit business combinations between an interested stockholder and a corporation for a period of three years after the date the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. The term business combination is broadly defined to include mergers, consolidations, sales or other dispositions of assets of the corporation or of any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary which assets have an aggregate market value equal to 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the corporation determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding stock of the corporation, and some other transactions that would increase the interested stockholder’s proportionate share ownership in the corporation.

•the interested stockholder acquired at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation, other than stock held by directors who are also officers or by qualified employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer, in the transaction in which it becomes an interested stockholder; or

Vacancies, and newly-created directorships resulting from any increase in the size of our board, may be filled by a majority vote of all remaining directors, even if the directors then on the board do not constitute a quorum or only one director is left in office. In addition, the board of directors is authorized to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval. These provisions, together with the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL (as discussed above), could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control or the removal of existing management, of deterring potential acquirers from making an offer to our stockholders and of limiting any opportunity to realize premiums over prevailing market prices for our common stock in connection therewith. This could be the case even if a majority of our stockholders could benefit from such a change in control or offer.

In addition, our Bylaws contain a forum selection provision for the adjudication of certain disputes. Unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or our stockholders; (c) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, our Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; or (d) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine will be the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or, if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware does not have jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware, or, if the Superior Court of the State of Delaware does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, in each case, subject to said court having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants. If any action the subject matter of which is within the scope of the forgoing is filed in a court other than a court located within the State of Delaware in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have consented to (i) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within the State of Delaware in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce our forum selection clause and (ii) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such enforcement action by service upon such stockholder’s counsel in such action as agent for such stockholder. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum selection provision of our Bylaws.

As discussed above, our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of undesignated preferred stock, in one or more classes or series. Undesignated preferred stock may enable our board of directors to render it more difficult or to discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a tender offer, proxy contest, merger or otherwise, and to thereby protect the continuity of our management. The issuance of shares of preferred stock may adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common stock. For example, any preferred stock issued may rank prior to our common stock as to dividend rights, liquidation preference or both, may have full or limited voting rights and may be convertible into shares of common stock. As a result, the issuance of shares of preferred stock may discourage bids for our common stock or may otherwise adversely affect the market price of our common stock or any existing preferred stock. In some instances the preferred stock could be issued and have the effect of preventing a merger, tender offer or other takeover attempt that our board of directors opposes.

The following description of our 1.000% Euro Notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes”), our 0.500% Euro Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Notes”), our 0.800% Euro Notes due 2032 (the “2032 Notes”) and our 4.000% Euro Notes due 2035 (the “2035 Notes” and, together with the 2025 Notes, the 2028 Notes and the 2032 Notes, the “Notes”) is a summary and does not purport to be complete. The description of the 2025 Notes is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Indenture, dated as of January 10, 1995, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee (the “1995 Indenture”), and the description of the 2028 Notes, the 2032 Notes and the 2035 Notes is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2020, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (the “2020 Indenture” and, together with the 1995 Indenture, the “Indentures”).

The Terms of the 2025 Notes are governed by the 1995 Indenture, as supplemented by the Officers’ Certificate, dated February 12, 2015 (the “2015 Officers’ Certificate”). The terms of the 2028 Notes and the 2032 Notes are governed by the 2020 Indenture, as supplemented by the Officer’s Certificate, dated May 5, 2020 (the “2020 Officer’s Certificate”). The terms of the 2035 Notes are governed by the 2020 Indenture, as supplemented by the Officer’s Certificate, dated March 3, 2023 (the “2023 Officer’s Certificate” and, together with the 2015 Officers’ Certificate and the 2020 Officer’s Certificate, the “Certificates”). We encourage you to read the above referenced Indentures, as supplemented by the Certificates, for additional information.

2025 Notes

2028 Notes

2032 Notes

2035 Notes

Principal

€300,000,000

€500,000,000

€700,000,000

Interest Rate

1.000% per year

0.500% per year

0.800% per year

4.000% per year

Issuance Date

February 12, 2015

May 5, 2020

March 3, 2023

Interest Payment Date

Annually on February 12, commencing

February 12, 2016

Annually on May 5, commencing

May 5, 2021

Annually on May 5, commencing

May 5, 2021

Annually on March 3, commencing March 3, 2024

Maturity Date

February 12, 2025

May 5, 2028

May 5, 2032

March 3, 2035

Trading Symbol

APD25

APD28

APD32

APD35

Each series of Notes bears interest from the date of initial issuance at the fixed rate and on the dates stated in the table above. Interest on the 2025 Notes, the 2028 Notes and the 2032 Notes is payable to the person in whose name such Note is registered at the close of business on the 15th calendar day prior to the applicable interest payment date. Interest on the 2035 Notes is payable to the person in whose name such Note is registered at the close of business on the clearing system business day immediately preceding each interest payment date.

Interest is computed on the basis of the actual number of days in the period for which interest is being calculated and the actual number of days from and including the last date on which interest was paid on the Notes (or the original issuance date, if no interest has been paid), to but excluding the next scheduled interest payment date. This payment convention is referred to as ACTUAL/ACTUAL (ICMA) as defined in the rulebook of the International Capital Markets Association.

If any interest payment date falls on a day that is not a business day, the interest payment will be postponed to the next day that is a business day, and no interest on such payment will accrue for the period from and after such interest payment date. If the maturity date or date fixed for redemption of any series of Notes falls on a day that is not a business day, the payment of interest and principal shall be made on the next succeeding business day, and no interest on such payment will accrue for the period from and after the maturity date.

We may redeem the 2025 Notes, in whole or in part, prior to November 12, 2024 at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes being redeemed or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon from the redemption date to the applicable maturity date (exclusive of any accrued interest) discounted to the redemption date on an annual basis (ACTUAL/ACTUAL (ICMA)) using a discount rate equal to the Comparable Government Bond Rate (as defined in the 2015 Officers’ Certificate) plus 15 basis points, plus, in each case, any interest accrued but not paid to the date of redemption.

We may redeem the 2028 Notes, in whole or in part, prior to February 5, 2028 at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the 2028 Notes being redeemed or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon that would be due if the 2028 Notes matured on February 5, 2028 (exclusive of any accrued interest) discounted to the redemption date on an annual basis (Actual/Actual (ICMA)) using a discount rate equal to the Comparable Government Bond Rate (as defined in the 2020 Officer’s Certificate) plus 20 basis points, plus, in each case, any interest accrued but not paid to the date of redemption.

We may redeem the 2032 Notes, in whole or in part, prior to February 5, 2032 at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the 2032 Notes being redeemed or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon that would be due if the 2032 Notes matured on February 5, 2032 (exclusive of any accrued interest) discounted to the redemption date on an annual basis (Actual/Actual (ICMA)) using a discount rate equal to the Comparable Government Bond Rate (as defined in the 2020 Officer’s Certificate) plus 20 basis points, plus, in each case, any interest accrued but not paid to the date of redemption.

We may redeem the 2035 Notes, in whole or in part, prior to December 3, 2034 at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the 2035 Notes being redeemed or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon that would be due if the 2035 Notes matured on December 3, 2034 (exclusive of any accrued interest) discounted to the redemption date on an annual basis (Actual/Actual (ICMA)) using a discount rate equal to the Comparable Government Bond Rate (as defined in the 2023 Officer’s Certificate) plus 25 basis points, plus, in each case, any interest accrued but not paid to the date of redemption.

If, as a result of any change in, or amendment to, the laws of the United States or the official interpretation thereof that is announced or becomes effective, we become or, based upon a written opinion of independent counsel selected by us, there is a substantial probability that we will become obligated to pay certain additional amounts with respect to a series of Notes, then we may redeem, in whole, but not in part, the Notes of the affected series at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest on such Notes to, but excluding, the redemption date.

With respect to each series of Notes, a “Change of Control Triggering Event” will be deemed to have occurred in the event of both a Change of Control and a Ratings Decline, as each term is defined in the applicable Certificate. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event with respect to a series of Notes, we will be required to make an offer (a “Change of Control Offer”) to the holders of such series to repurchase all or any part of such series at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date of repurchase.

We will, subject to certain exceptions and limitations, pay additional amounts on each series of Notes as is necessary in order that the net payment of the principal of and interest on such Notes to a holder who is not a United States person, after withholding or deduction for any present or future tax, assessment or other governmental charge imposed by the United States or a taxing authority in the United States, will not be less than the amount provided in such Notes to be then due and payable.

An “event of default” is defined in the Indentures as being any of the following events: (i) default for 30 days in the payment of any interest on the Notes of such series; (ii) default in the payment of principal or premium, if any, due on the Notes of any series; (iii) for the 2025 Notes, default in the payment of any sinking fund installment on the securities of such series, when due or, in the case of the 2028 Notes, 2032 Notes and 2035 Notes, default for 30 days in the payment of any sinking fund installment on the securities of such series, when due; (iv) default for 90 days in the performance of any other of the covenants or agreements in the Indentures (other than those set forth exclusively in the terms of any other series of securities); or (v) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization.

The trustee must give notice of a default to the holders of the series of Notes on which the default exists within 90 days unless the default is cured or waived. However, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of, premium on, if any, or interest on any of the securities of such series or in the making of any sinking fund payment with respect to such series, the trustee may withhold this notice if the trustee considers it in the interest of the holders of the Notes of such series to do so. The trustee may not withhold notice in the event of a payment default with regard to principal, interest or a sinking fund.

If an event of default has occurred and is continuing and (a) in the case of the 2025 Notes, the event of default is as described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above or (b) in the case of the 2028 Notes, the 2032 Notes and the 2035 Notes, the event of default is as described in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above, either the trustee or the holders of 25% in principal amount of the Notes of such series then outstanding may declare the principal of all such securities to be due and payable immediately.

If an event of default as described in clause (iv) or (v) above applies to the 2025 Notes, either the trustee or the holders of 25% in principal amount of all affected securities, voting as a single class, may declare the principal of all such securities to be due and payable immediately. If an event of default as described in clause (v) above applies to the 2028 Notes, 2032 Notes or 2035 Notes, then all securities issued under the 2020 Indenture shall automatically and without acceleration or other action on the part of the trustee or any holder, become immediately due and payable.

However, upon the occurrence of certain conditions specified in the applicable Indenture, past events of default may be waived by the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the affected securities, except for defaults in the payment of principal of, or any premium or interest on, such Notes or with respect to any covenant or provision which may not be amended without the approval of each holder affected.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes of each series affected, voting as a separate class, may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee under the respective Indenture, subject to certain limitations specified in such Indenture, provided that the holders of securities shall have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity against costs, expenses and liabilities.

Together with the trustee, and subject to the consent of the holders of (a) in the case of the 2025 Notes, at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding principal amount of the outstanding Notes of all affected series, or (b) in the case of the 2028 Notes, 2032 Notes and 2035 Notes, a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the outstanding Notes of all affected series (voting separately), we may modify the respective Indenture or any supplement to such Indenture. Without the consent of each affected Note holder, we may not: (i) extend the final maturity; (ii) reduce the principal amount or rate of interest; (iii) extend the time of payment of interest; (iv) reduce the amount payable upon redemption; (v) reduce the amount of the principal of a discounted security payable upon acceleration of the maturity of the security or in the event of bankruptcy; (vi) impair the right to institute suit to enforce payment or repayment; or (vii) change the provisions in the Indenture that relate to its modification or amendment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indentures permit us, together with the trustee, to make certain specified changes to the respective Indentures without obtaining the consent of the holders of any series of Notes issued thereunder.