Airgas 8-K Airgas Reports Strong Second Quarter EPS of $0.60 after $0.03 National Welders Charge and $0.04 Acquisition Integration Expense

Exhibit 99.1

News Release Airgas, Inc.
259 N. Radnor-Chester Road
Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087-5283
www.airgas.com

Investor Contact:	Media Contact:
Jay Worley (610) 902-6206	James Ely (610) 902-6010
jay.worley@airgas.com	jim.ely@airgas.com

For release:            Immediately

Airgas Reports Strong Second Quarter EPS of $0.60
after $0.03 National Welders Charge and $0.04 Acquisition Integration Expense

RADNOR, PA – October 24, 2007 —Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and welding, safety, and related products, today reported strong growth in sales, operating income, and earnings for its second quarter ended September 30, 2007.

Quarterly net earnings increased 28% to $51 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, compared to $40 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, in the prior year. The current year quarter includes a one-time non-cash charge of $0.03 per diluted share related to the previously announced conversion of National Welders Supply Company from a joint venture to a wholly owned subsidiary, and $0.04 per diluted share of integration expense primarily associated with the acquisition of Linde’s U.S. packaged gas business. These charges reduced the year-over-year quarterly net earnings growth by $5 million, or 12%.

Second quarter sales grew 27% over the prior year to $1 billion. Acquisitions contributed 21% to the sales growth, with a full quarter of the Linde packaged gas acquisition accounting for approximately half of that increase. Total same-store sales increased 6%, with hardgoods up 7% and gas and rent up 5% from the prior year quarter.

“This was another excellent quarter for Airgas with solid internal growth, plus the Linde and other acquisitions contributing to our top line. Our integration of the Linde packaged gas business is progressing well and on schedule. Non-residential construction and energy markets have sustained their strong performance, as have our strategic products,” said Airgas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter McCausland. “These revenue gains and our continued focus on operating efficiencies have helped us expand operating margins by 80 basis points over last year, to 11.5%, and Return on Capital* was up 40 basis points, to 13.2%, even with the acquisition integration expense. Our strong cash flow is also encouraging.”

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Airgas expects to earn $0.63 to $0.65 per diluted share in the third quarter, including $0.01 per share of integration expense from the Linde packaged gas acquisition. The Company increased its full-year guidance to $2.55 to $2.60 per diluted share, including integration expenses from the Linde packaged gas acquisition, and the $0.03 one-time non-cash charge from the National Welders transaction. The previously communicated guidance was $2.49 to $2.57 per diluted share for the full year.

The Company will conduct an earnings teleconference at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, October 25. The teleconference will be available by calling (800) 565-5442. The presentation materials (this press release, slides to be presented during the Company’s teleconference, and information about how to access a live and on-demand webcast of the teleconference) are available in the “Investor Information” section under the “Company Information” heading on the Company’s Internet site atwww.airgas.com. A webcast of the teleconference will be available live and on demand through November 23 athttp://www.shareholder.com/arg/medialist.cfm. A replay of the teleconference will be available through November 1. To listen, call (888) 203-1112 and enter passcode 9116664.

* See attached reconciliation of Return on Capital non-GAAP financial measure.

About Airgas, Inc.

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also one of the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, the largest U.S. producer of nitrous oxide and dry ice, the largest liquid carbon dioxide producer in the Southeast, and a leading distributor of process chemicals, refrigerants, and ammonia products. More than 14,000 employees work in over 1,100 locations, including 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. For more information, please visitwww.airgas.com.

# # #

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain statements that are forward looking, as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and releases. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: our integration of the Linde packaged gas business; expectations for third quarter earnings per diluted share of

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$0.63 to $0.65, including $0.01 per share of integration expense related to the Linde packaged gas acquisition; and expectations for fiscal 2008 earnings per diluted share of $2.55 to $2.60, including integration expenses associated with the Linde packaged gas acquisition and the $0.03 per share charge from the National Welders transaction. We intend that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. All forward-looking statements are based on current expectations regarding important risk factors and should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the results expressed therein will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement include: our ability to continue to successfully integrate the former Linde U.S. packaged gas business, including retention of both customers and employees; supply availability and cost pressures; increased industry competition; customer acceptance of price increases; a disruption to our business from integration issues associated with acquisitions; an economic downturn; adverse changes in customer buying patterns; significant fluctuations in interest rates; increases in energy costs and other operating expenses; the effect of hurricanes and other catastrophic events; political and economic uncertainties associated with current world events; and other factors described in the Company’s reports, including its Form 10-K dated March 31, 2007, Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2007, and other reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Consolidated statements of earnings, condensed consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of cash flows, and a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures follow.

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AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2007			2006			2007			2006
Net sales	$	1,007,283		$	790,747		$	1,922,382		$	1,563,783
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold (excl. deprec.)		485,554			386,377			923,532			769,596
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses		357,742			283,924			679,154			559,901
Depreciation		44,767			34,152			86,332			67,314
Amortization		3,831			2,031			6,738			3,803
Total costs and expenses		891,894			706,484			1,695,756			1,400,614
Operating income		115,389			84,263			226,626			163,169
Interest expense, net		(24,490	)		(14,654	)		(44,998	)		(28,330	)
Discount on securitization of trade receivables (b)		(4,238	)		(3,546	)		(8,357	)		(6,882	)
Other income, net		723			551			639			764
Earnings before income tax expense and minority interest		87,384			66,614			173,910			128,721
Income tax expense		(34,256	)		(26,356	)		(68,351	)		(49,100	)
Minority interest in earnings of consolidated affiliate (c)		(2,519	)		(711	)		(3,230	)		(1,422	)
Net earnings	$	50,609		$	39,547		$	102,329		$	78,199
Net earnings per common share (d):
Basic earnings per share	$	0.62		$	0.51		$	1.27		$	1.01
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.60		$	0.49		$	1.23		$	0.97
Weighted average shares outstanding (d):
Basic		81,896			77,811			80,480			77,685
Diluted		84,209			82,629			83,955			82,553

See attached Notes. 

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AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands)

	(Unaudited)
	September 30,		March 31,
	2007		2007
ASSETS
Cash	$	42,113	$	25,931
Trade accounts receivable, net (b)		233,053		193,664
Inventories, net		310,547		250,308
Deferred income tax asset, net		19,924		31,004
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		52,977		48,592
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS		658,614		549,499
Plant and equipment, net		2,142,916		1,865,418
Goodwill		886,634		832,162
Other intangible assets, net		79,984		62,935
Other non-current assets		29,979		23,443
TOTAL ASSETS	$	3,798,127	$	3,333,457
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable, trade	$	160,391	$	146,385
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		274,685		241,275
Current portion of long-term debt		40,157		40,296
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES		475,233		427,956
Long-term debt		1,559,812		1,309,719
Deferred income tax liability, net		386,934		373,246
Other non-current liabilities		59,618		39,963
Minority interest in affiliate		—		57,191
Stockholders’ equity		1,316,530		1,125,382
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	3,798,127	$	3,333,457

See attached Notes. 

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AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)

	Six Months Ended			Six Months Ended
	September 30, 2007			September 30, 2006
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings	$	102,329		$	78,199
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation		86,332			67,314
Amortization		6,738			3,803
Deferred income taxes		29,825			22,211
Loss/(gain) on sales of plant and equipment		708			(213	)
Minority interest		3,230			1,422
Stock-based compensation expense		10,029			6,532
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of business acquisitions:
Securitization of trade receivables		20,600			2,900
Trade receivables, net		(8,940	)		(23,256	)
Inventories, net		(17,663	)		(7,703	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(201	)		(4,031	)
Accounts payable, trade		(17,659	)		(13,359	)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		9,075			(14,971	)
Other non-current assets		(4,314	)		(1,184	)
Other non-current liabilities		3,179			4,740
Net cash provided by operating activities		223,268			122,404
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures		(128,611	)		(121,548	)
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment		3,630			3,487
Business acquisitions and holdback settlements		(341,212	)		(99,166	)
Other, net		(1,228	)		157
Net cash used in investing activities		(467,421	)		(217,070	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from borrowings		676,694			525,650
Repayment of debt		(441,708	)		(438,517	)
Financing costs		—			(5,103	)
Minority interest in earnings		(711	)		(1,422	)
Tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options		7,871			2,726
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan		6,618			5,846
Proceeds from the exercise of options		12,175			6,517
Dividends paid to stockholders		(14,475	)		(10,884	)
Change in cash overdraft		13,871			6,647
Net cash provided by financing activities		260,335			91,460
Change in cash	$	16,182		$	(3,206	)
Cash – Beginning of period		25,931			34,985
Cash – End of period	$	42,113		$	31,779

See attached Notes. 

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Notes:

(a)	On June 30, 2007, Airgas (the “Company”) completed the acquisition of most of the U.S. packaged gas business of Linde A.G. for $310 million in cash. The acquisition involved 130 locations in 18 states, including branches, warehouses, packaged gas fill plants, and other operations involved in distributing packaged industrial and specialty gases and related equipment. For the calendar year ended December 2006, the business generated $346 million in revenue.
(b)	The Company participates in a securitization agreement with three commercial banks to sell up to $285 million of qualified trade receivables. Net proceeds from the securitization were used to reduce borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facilities. The amount of outstanding receivables sold under the agreement was $285 million and $264 million at September 30, 2007 and March 31, 2007, respectively.
(c)	Pursuant to a definitive agreement reached by the Company with the preferred stockholders of the National Welders joint venture on July 3, 2007, the Company issued 2.471 million shares of Airgas common stock to the preferred stockholders in exchange for all 3.2 million preferred shares of National Welders (the “NWS Exchange Transaction”). Upon the exchange, National Welders, a consolidated joint venture, became a wholly owned subsidiary of Airgas. In the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the Company recognized a one-time after-tax charge of $2.5 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, as a result of the NWS Exchange Transaction. The net after-tax charge was reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings as “Minority interest in earnings of consolidated affiliate.”
(d)	The tables below present the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2007		2006		2007		2006
Basic Earnings per Share Computation
Numerator
Net earnings	$	50,609	$	39,547	$	102,329	$	78,199
Denominator
Basic shares outstanding		81,896		77,811		80,480		77,685
Basic earnings per share	$	0.62	$	0.51	$	1.27	$	1.01

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	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2007(2)		2006(1)		2007(2)		2006(1)
Diluted Earnings per Share Computation
Numerator
Net earnings	$	50,609	$	39,547	$	102,329	$	78,199
Plus: Preferred stock dividends		—		711		711		1,422
Plus: Income taxes on earnings of National Welders		—		262		245		476
Net earnings assuming preferred stock conversion	$	50,609	$	40,520	$	103,285	$	80,097
Denominator
Basic shares outstanding		81,896		77,811		80,480		77,685
Incremental shares from assumed conversions:
Stock options and options under the employee stock purchase plan		2,313		2,491		2,293		2,541
Preferred stock of National Welders		—		2,327		1,182		2,327
Diluted shares outstanding		84,209		82,629		83,955		82,553
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.60	$	0.49	$	1.23	$	0.97

(1)	Prior to the July 3, 2007 NWS Exchange Transaction (see Note (c)), the preferred stockholders of National Welders had the option to exchange their 3.2 million preferred shares of National Welders either for cash at a price of $17.78 per share or for approximately 2.3 million shares of Airgas common stock. If Airgas common stock had a market value of $24.45 per share or greater, conversion of the preferred stock was assumed because it provided greater value to the preferred stockholders. Based on the assumed conversion of the preferred stock to Airgas common stock, the 2.3 million shares were included in the diluted shares outstanding.
	The National Welders preferred stockholders earned a 5% dividend, recognized as “Minority interest in earnings of consolidated affiliate.” Upon the conversion of the preferred stock to Airgas common stock, the dividend would no longer be paid to the preferred stockholders, resulting in additional net earnings for Airgas. For the periods in which the conversion was assumed, the 5% preferred stock dividend was added back to net earnings in the diluted earnings per share computation.
	For periods prior to the NWS Exchange Transaction, the earnings of National Welders for tax purposes were treated as a deemed dividend to Airgas, net of an 80% dividend exclusion. Upon the conversion of National Welders preferred stock to Airgas common stock, National Welders would become a wholly owned subsidiary of Airgas. As a wholly owned subsidiary, the net earnings of National Welders would not be subject to additional tax at the Airgas level. For the periods in which the conversion was assumed, the additional tax was added back to net earnings in the diluted earnings per share computation.
(2)	Upon the July 3, 2007 conversion of National Welders preferred stock, the issued shares of Airgas common stock were reflected as outstanding shares for the basic and diluted earnings per share computation for the three month period ended September 30, 2007. The diluted earnings per share computation for the six month period ended September 30, 2007 includes the effect of the items described in note (1) above, of which the conversion shares have been weighted to reflect the impact of the exchange transaction.

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(e) Unaudited business segment information for the Company’s Distribution and All Other Operations segments is shown below:

	Three Months Ended									Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2007									September 30, 2006
			All									All
			Other									Other
(In thousands)	Dist.		Ops.		Elim.			Total		Dist.		Ops.		Elim.			Total
Gas and rent	$	447,435	$	180,731	$	(37,928	)	$	590,238	$	342,976	$	124,586	$	(13,505	)	$	454,057
Hardgoods		387,331		31,291		(1,577	)		417,045		314,351		23,485		(1,146	)		336,690
Total net sales		834,766		212,022		(39,505	)		1,007,283		657,327		148,071		(14,651	)		790,747
Cost of products sold, excluding deprec. expense		419,530		105,529		(39,505	)		485,554		329,758		71,270		(14,651	)		386,377
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses		287,101		70,641		—			357,742		235,616		48,308		—			283,924
Depreciation		33,674		11,093		—			44,767		26,721		7,431		—			34,152
Amortization		3,035		796		—			3,831		1,569		462		—			2,031
Operating income	$	91,426	$	23,963	$	0		$	115,389	$	63,663	$	20,600	$	—		$	84,263

	Six Months Ended									Six Months Ended
	September 30, 2007									September 30, 2006
			All									All
			Other									Other
(In thousands)	Dist.		Ops.		Elim.			Total		Dist.		Ops.		Elim.			Total
Gas and rent	$	858,716	$	344,744	$	(70,968	)	$	1,132,492	$	674,980	$	241,769	$	(27,991	)	$	888,758
Hardgoods		738,686		54,237		(3,033	)		789,890		631,600		46,087		(2,662	)		675,025
Total net sales		1,597,402		398,981		(74,001	)		1,922,382		1,306,580		287,856		(30,653	)		1,563,783
Cost of products sold, excluding deprec. expense		801,526		196,007		(74,001	)		923,532		661,353		138,896		(30,653	)		769,596
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses		545,923		133,231		—			679,154		465,499		94,402		—			559,901
Depreciation		64,018		22,314		—			86,332		52,546		14,768		—			67,314
Amortization		5,120		1,618		—			6,738		2,878		925		—			3,803
Operating income	$	180,815	$	45,811	$	—		$	226,626	$	124,304	$	38,865	$	—		$	163,169

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure (Unaudited)

Return on Capital:

Reconciliation and computation of return on capital:

(In thousands)	September 30, 2007			September 30, 2006
Operating Income — Trailing Four Quarters	$	404,909		$	305,900
Five Quarter Average of Total Assets	$	3,183,861		$	2,492,643
Five Quarter Average of Securitized Trade Receivables		264,500			231,780
Five Quarter Average of Current Liabilities (exclusive of debt)		(381,042	)		(330,796	)
Five Quarter Average Capital Employed	$	3,067,319		$	2,393,627
Return on Capital		13.2	%		12.8	%

The Company believes this return on capital computation helps investors assess how effectively the Company uses the capital invested in its operations. Our management uses return on capital as a metric for determining employee compensation. Non-GAAP numbers should be read in conjunction with the GAAP financial measures, as non-GAAP metrics are merely a supplement to, and not a replacement for, GAAP financial measures. It should be noted as well that our non-GAAP information may be different from the non-GAAP information provided by other companies.