Airgas Highlights Strong Growth Prospects at Analyst Meeting; Fiscal 2016 Goals Reflect Significant Improvement in Operating Margin and Returns
RADNOR, PA - Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today will hold its 2012 analyst meeting, during which it will discuss strategies for organic and acquisition growth, operating efficiency opportunities, the progress of the Company's SAP implementation, and fiscal 2016 financial goals.
"Airgas is stronger than ever and well-positioned for long-term growth," said Airgas Executive Chairman Peter McCausland. "While near-term uncertainty persists in the macroeconomic environment, we're very optimistic about the long-term prospects for the U.S. manufacturing and energy industries and our ability to leverage our unique value proposition and unrivaled platform to drive growth in these and other key market segments."
Airgas President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael L. Molinini, will discuss the Company's strategy for sales channel optimization, including its investments in its Airgas Total Access(TM) telesales program and the development of a robust eBusiness platform. Andrew R. Cichocki, Senior Vice President - Distribution Operations and Business Process Improvement, will provide an update on the progress of the Company's SAP implementation and discuss supply chain optimization opportunities, and Ronald J. Stark, Senior Vice President - Sales and Marketing, will provide insight into each of the Company's key market segments.
Molinini commented, "The foundation we have built is strong, and development of the programs to further leverage our foundation for long-term growth and enhanced profitability is well down the road to completion."
Airgas Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Robert M. McLaughlin, will review the Company's strong financial profile and resilient business model, and introduce fiscal 2016 financial goals. "While near-term business conditions are challenging, we remain focused on the key metrics that drive shareholder value creation," said McLaughlin. "In fiscal 2016, subject to certain assumptions, we expect to have grown revenues to more than $6.5 billion, increased operating margins to between 15% and 16%, and expanded return on capital* to between 17% and 18%."
The presentation materials, including assumptions associated with financial goals and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures, are available on the Company website at http://investor.shareholder.com/arg/slides.cfm.
The presentation will begin at 2:00pm ET and is expected to end by 5:30pm ET. Interested parties may listen to a live webcast or replay until January 5 at http://investor.shareholder.com/arg/events.cfm.
About Airgas, Inc.
Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is one of the nation's leading suppliers of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and related products. Airgas is a leading U.S. producer of atmospheric gases with 16 air separation plants, a leading producer of carbon dioxide, dry ice, and nitrous oxide, one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products, and a leading U.S. supplier of refrigerants, ammonia products, and process chemicals. More than 15,000 employees work in approximately 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also markets 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.
Media Contact:
Doug Sherman (610) 902-6270
doug.sherman@airgas.com
Investor Contact:
Barry Strzelec (610) 902-6256
barry.strzelec@airgas.com
Airgas, Inc.
259 North Radnor-Chester Road Suite 100,
Radnor, PA 19087-5283
