Exhibit 99.2
| News Release | Airgas, Inc. | |
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Media Contact: |
| Investor Contact: |
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Jay Worley (610) 902-6206 |
| Barry Strzelec (610) 902-6256 |
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jay.worley@airgas.com |
| barry.strzelec@airgas.com |
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For release: Immediately
Airgas Increases Fourth Quarter Dividend by 16%, Full Year Dividends Up 33%
RADNOR, PA – January 21, 2011 -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced that the Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend on the company’s common stock by 16%, from $0.25 per share to $0.29 per share. The dividend will be payable on March 31, 2011 to shareholders of record as of March 15, 2011, and will result in a 33% increase in dividends per share paid during fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010.
“We are committed to enhancing shareholder value, including through a dividend program that is reflective of the financial strength of Airgas,” said Airgas Chief Executive Officer Peter McCausland. “The company’s sustained strength in earnings and cash flow as reported in the third quarter reinforces our confidence in Airgas’ long-term prospects and allows us to raise the dividend while funding our growth strategies.”
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 approximately 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production
Airgas Increases Fourth Quarter Dividend / Page 2
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 visit www.airgas.com.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This communication contains statements that are forward looking. Forward-looking statements include the statements identified as forward-looking in the Company’s press release announcing its quarterly earnings, as well as any statement that is not based on historical fact, including statements containing the words “believes,” “may,” “plans,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “estimates,” “continues,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “expects” and similar expressions. 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. Airgas assumes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement include the factors identified in the Company’s press release announcing its quarterly earnings, as well as other factors described in the Company’s reports, including its March 31, 2010 Form 10-K, subsequent forms 10-Q, and other forms filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company notes that forward-looking statements made in connection with a tender offer are not subject to the safe harbors created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company is not waiving any other defenses that may be available under applicable law.