|
EXCHANGE: New York Stock
Exchange
Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG)
is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases,
welding, safety and related products. Its integrated network of nearly
800 locations includes branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty
gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also distributes
its products and services through eBusiness, catalog and telesales channels.
Its national scale and strong local presence offer a competitive edge to
its diversified customer base
Airgas
Announces Fourth Quarter Earnings Release Schedule Tuesday April 3, 4:05
pm ET
RADNOR,
Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG - News) will release its fourth
quarter earnings shortly after 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 2, 2007,
and will host a teleconference at 11:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, May 3, 2007.
The presentation materials will be available on the Internet at http://www.shareholder.com/arg/slides.cfm
by 5 p.m. on May 2. A web cast of the teleconference will be available
live and on demand through June 1 at http://www.shareholder.com/arg/medialist.cfm.
Airgas
Reports Fourth Quarter Earnings of $0.31 per share
RADNOR,
PA - May 4, 2005 -- Airgas, Inc., (NYSE: ARG), the largest U.S. distributor
of industrial, medical and specialty gases, welding, safety and related
products, today reported strong growth in sales, operating income and net
earnings for its fourth quarter ended March 31, 2005. Net earnings for
the quarter grew 12% to $24.2 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, compared
to $21.7 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, in the same period a year
ago. The current quarter includes expenses of $0.02 per diluted share related
to the integration of the U.S. packaged gas business acquired from The
BOC Group and the separation package for the Company's former Chief Operating
Officer.
Fourth
quarter sales increased 26% to $656 million reflecting strong same-store
sales and price gains, as well as acquisitions. Total same-store sales
were up 11% compared to the same quarter a year ago, with gas and rent
up 8% and hardgoods up 14%. These results reflect continued improvement
in manufacturing and other industrial market segments. "We are very encouraged
by our sales momentum, especially the strength in gases, and by the continued
trend into April," said Airgas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter
McCausland. "The price increases initiated in March are gaining traction
and helping to offset cost pressures related to the purchase and delivery
of our products."
Fiscal
2005 net sales increased 27% to $2.4 billion. Net earnings for the year
ended March 31, 2005 were $1.20 per diluted share compared to prior year
results of $1.07 per diluted share. The results for the year ended March
31, 2005 include expenses of $0.05 per diluted share related to the integration
of the U.S. packaged gas business acquired from The BOC Group and the separation
package for the Company's former Chief Operating Officer. The results for
the year ended March 31, 2004 included a non-recurring after-tax gain of
$1.7 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, at National Welders Supply Company,
and an after-tax $480 thousand special charge recovery related to a revised
estimate on prior years' restructuring charges. Also included in the year
ended March 31, 2004 are insurance-related losses of $2.8 million ($1.7
million after tax), or $0.02 per diluted share, for previously announced
incidents at two of the Company's facilities. |
