Airgas, Inc. (ARG-NYSE) just saw shares launch at the end of the day because the company raised guidance. The guidance wasn’t just a bit, it was by 17%: $0.61 to $0.63 EPS now expected for Q1 versus prior $0.52 to $0.54 EPS range. The company has seen a 9% same-store-sales and good growth in both gas and hardgoods same-store sales with strong demand including manufacturing and non-residential construction sectors.
Shares are up almost 7% after having been up 3% or 4% before the ‘raised guidance.’ This signals that there is still strength above and beyond expectations throughout much of the small and mid-sized manufacturing and construction services. Airgas sells specialty gases to just about every industry so if you want to know who their customers are the answer is ‘almost everyone.’ Shares just crossed to new 52-week highs on the news, above the old 33.40 to $45.36 range over the last 52-weeks.
Jon C. Ogg
June 19, 2007
Jon Ogg can be reached at [email protected]; he does not own securities in the companies he covers.
Want to Retire Early? Start Here (Sponsor)
Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?
Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.
Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.