1 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): December 18, 1998 AIRGAS, INC. ______________________________________________________ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 1-9344 56-0732648 _______________ _______________________ _____________ (State or other (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer jurisdiction of Identification No.) incorporation) 259 North Radnor-Chester Road, Suite 100 Radnor, PA 19087-5283 _____________________________________________________ __________ (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (610) 687-5253 _____________ 2 Item 5. Other Events. ____________ On December 18, 1998, Airgas, Inc. reported its earnings outlook for the third quarter ending December 31, 1998, as described in the press release attached as Exhibit 99 and incorporated herein by reference. Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits __________________________________________________________________ (a) None (b) None (c) Exhibits. 99 Press Release dated December 18, 1998 3 Signatures __________ Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. AIRGAS, INC. BY: /s/ Scott M. Melman _______________________ Vice President & Chief Financial Officer DATED: December 18, 1998