10-Q

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

ý QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 2002

Commission file number: 1-9344

AIRGAS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	56-0732648
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
259 North Radnor-Chester Road, Suite 100 Radnor, PA	19087-5283
(Address of principal executive offices)	(ZIP code)
(610) 687-5253 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ý        No o

Common Stock outstanding at August 6, 2002: 71,264,439 shares

AIRGAS, INC.

FORM 10-Q
June 30, 2002

INDEX

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 (Unaudited)	3
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2002 (Unaudited) and March 31, 2002	4
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 (Unaudited)	5
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	6
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	18
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	26
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	29
Item 6.	Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K	29
SIGNATURES		30

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    Financial Statements

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

			Three Months Ended June 30, 2002			Three Months Ended June 30, 2001
Net sales
	Distribution		$	422,055		$	378,314
	Gas Operations			35,613			37,361
		Total net sales		457,668			415,675
Costs and expenses
	Cost of products sold (excluding depreciation)
		Distribution		211,449			198,903
		Gas Operations		10,817			13,320
	Selling, distribution and administrative expenses			176,299			152,719
	Depreciation			18,459			15,672
	Amortization			1,740			2,277
	Special charges			2,694			—
		Total costs and expenses		421,458			382,891
Operating income
	Distribution			32,700			26,571
	Gas Operations			6,204			6,213
	Special charges			(2,694	)		—
		Total operating income		36,210			32,784
Interest expense, net				(13,121	)		(10,913	)
Discount on securitization of trade receivables				(851	)		(1,492	)
Other income (expense), net				(123	)		(193	)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates				932			913
	Earnings before income taxes and the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle			23,047			21,099
Income taxes				9,003			7,648
	Earnings before the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle			14,044			13,451
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle				—			(59,000	)
Net earnings (loss)			$	14,044		$	(45,549	)
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
	Earnings per share before the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle		$	.20		$	.20
	Cumulative effect per share of a change in accounting principle			—			(.88	)
	Net earnings (loss) per share		$	.20		$	(.68	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
	Earnings per share before the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle		$	.20		$	.20
	Cumulative effect per share of a change in accounting principle			—			(.87	)
	Net earnings (loss) per share		$	.20		$	(.67	)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
	Basic			69,900			67,400
	Diluted			72,000			68,400
Comprehensive income (loss)			$	14,920		$	(49,268	)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

		(Unaudited) June 30, 2002			March 31, 2002
ASSETS
Current Assets
Trade receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts of $8,334 at June 30, 2002 and $8,176 at March 31, 2002		$	92,060		$	88,634
Inventories, net			151,972			154,045
Deferred income tax asset, net			13,210			13,210
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			28,060			47,654
	Total current assets		285,302			303,543
Plant and equipment, at cost			1,317,336			1,309,001
Less accumulated depreciation			(432,096	)		(415,986	)
	Plant and equipment, net		885,240			893,015
Goodwill			409,741			406,548
Other intangible assets, net			23,690			25,718
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates			65,303			64,626
Other non-current assets			30,199			23,607
	Total assets	$	1,699,475		$	1,717,057
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable, trade		$	74,995		$	82,485
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			108,394			136,390
Current portion of long-term debt			1,327			2,456
	Total current liabilities		184,716			221,331
Long-term debt			767,647			764,124
Deferred income taxes, net			187,275			198,173
Other non-current liabilities			31,890			30,343
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, no par value, 20,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding at June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002			—			—
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 200,000 shares authorized, 75,921 and 75,193 shares issued at June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002, respectively			759			752
Capital in excess of par value			206,941			198,500
Retained earnings			359,225			345,181
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(3,525	)		(4,401	)
Treasury stock, 547 common shares at cost at June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002, respectively			(4,289	)		(4,289	)
Employee benefits trust, 4,133 and 4,331 common shares at cost at June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002, respectively			(31,164	)		(32,657	)
	Total stockholders' equity		527,947			503,086
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,699,475		$	1,717,057

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

			Three Months Ended June 30, 2002			Three Months Ended June 30, 2001
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings (loss)			$	14,044		$	(45,549	)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization			20,199			17,949
	Deferred income taxes			(11,396	)		2,700
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates			(932	)		(913	)
	Losses on divestitures			241			—
	Losses on sales of plant and equipment			246			89
	Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan			2,227			1,562
	Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle			—			59,000
	Other non-cash charges			—			517
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of business acquisitions and divestitures:
	Securitization of trade receivables			6,400			64,100
	Trade receivables, net			(12,697	)		(2,408	)
	Inventories, net			(348	)		(2,946	)
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			19,737			6,186
	Accounts payable, trade			(6,957	)		1,232
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			(17,787	)		1,069
	Other assets and liabilities, net			2,429			(3,499	)
		Net cash provided by operating activities		15,406			99,089
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
	Capital expenditures			(14,427	)		(16,991	)
	Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment			1,102			309
	Proceeds from divestitures			3,167			—
	Business acquisitions, settlement of acquisition related liabilities			(4,342	)		—
	Dividends and fees from unconsolidated affiliates			684			784
	Other, net			1,281			2,328
		Net cash used in investing activities		(12,535	)		(13,570	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
	Proceeds from borrowings			93,400			57,371
	Repayment of debt			(96,100	)		(137,856	)
	Exercise of stock options			4,331			826
	Cash overdraft			(4,502	)		(5,860	)
		Net cash used in financing activities		(2,871	)		(85,519	)
Change in Cash			$	—		$	—
	Cash—Beginning of period			—			—
	Cash—End of period		$	—		$	—
Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest		$	20,733		$	9,567
	Income taxes, net of refunds		$	(1,232	)	$	9,020

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

(1)  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Airgas, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company"). Unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for on the equity method and generally consist of 20 - 50% owned operations where control does not exist. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

        The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These statements do not include all disclosures required for annual financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the more complete disclosures contained in the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002.

        The consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature except for the accounting changes and special charges, which are discussed in these notes to the consolidated financial statements. The interim operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for an entire year.

(2)  ACCOUNTING CHANGES

SFAS 142

        In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. As allowed under the Standard, the Company adopted SFAS 142 retroactively to April 1, 2001. SFAS 142 requires goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives to no longer be amortized, but instead be tested for impairment at least annually. Upon adoption of SFAS 142, the Company performed an evaluation of goodwill, which indicated that goodwill recorded in the Distribution segment associated with its industrial tool reporting unit was impaired as of April 1, 2001. Accordingly, the Company recognized a $59 million non-cash charge, recorded as of April 1, 2001, as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle for the write-down of goodwill to its fair value. The impaired goodwill was not deductible for taxes, and as a result, no tax benefit was recorded in relation to the charge. The financial statements presented for the quarter ended June 30, 2001 have been revised to reflect the $59 million charge as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, as required under SFAS 142.

SFAS 144

        On April 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, as required. SFAS 144 addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, including discontinued operations. The adoption of SFAS 144 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

6

(3)  ACQUISITIONS & DIVESTITURES

(a) Acquisitions

        On February 28, 2002, the Company purchased the majority of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.'s ("Air Products") U.S. packaged gas business. Below is a rollforward of the preliminary purchase price allocation to each major asset and liability caption of the acquired packaged gas business. Such allocations have been based on preliminary estimates of fair value at the date of acquisition and are subject to revision as better estimates, such as third-party appraisals, are obtained. The purchase accounting reflects $1.8 million of costs to close certain acquired facilities and severance for 129 employees.

(In thousands)	March 31, 2002			Revisions			June 30, 2002
Current assets	$	27,049		$	(1,283	)	$	25,766
Property, plant and equipment, net		197,674			(3,480	)		194,194
Goodwill		22,208			4,306			26,514
Intangible assets		3,786			—			3,786
Current liabilities		(8,635	)		(676	)		(9,311	)
Long-term liabilities		(812	)		812			—
Total	$	241,270		$	(321	)	$	240,949

(b) Divestitures

        In May 2002, the Company completed the sale of Kendeco, an industrial tool business in the Distribution segment, for cash proceeds of $3.2 million. Kendeco had sales of approximately $18 million and operating income of approximately $200 thousand during fiscal 2002. During the quarter ended June 30, 2002, the Company also resolved an indemnity claim related to a prior period divestiture. Other income (expense), net, in the quarter ended June 30, 2002 includes a $241 thousand net loss from these divestiture-related transactions.

(4)  SPECIAL CHARGES

        During the quarter ended June 30, 2002, the Company recorded special charges of $2.7 million consisting of a restructuring charge related to the integration of the business acquired from Air Products during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002 and costs related to the consolidation of the Company's procurement function. The special charges include facility exit costs associated with the closure of certain facilities and severance for approximately 130 employees. The facilities to be exited and the affected employees were part of the Company's existing operations prior to the acquisition of the Air Products business.

(5)  EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

        Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of the Company's common stock outstanding during the period. Outstanding shares consist of issued shares less treasury stock and common stock held by the Employee Benefits Trust. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average common shares outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents related to stock options and warrants.

7

        The table below reconciles basic weighted average common shares outstanding to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the three months ended June 30, 2002 and 2001:

			Three Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands)
			2002	2001
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
	Basic		69,900	67,400
		Stock options and warrants	2,100	1,000
	Diluted		72,000	68,400

(6)  TRADE RECEIVABLES SECURITIZATION

        The Company participates in a securitization agreement with two commercial banks to sell up to $175 million of qualifying trade receivables. The agreement expires in December 2003, but the initial term is subject to renewal provisions contained in the agreement. During the quarter ended June 30, 2002, the Company sold, net of its retained interest, $538.9 million of trade receivables and remitted to bank conduits, pursuant to a servicing agreement, $398.5 million in collections on those receivables. The amount of outstanding receivables under the agreement was $140.4 million at June 30, 2002 and $134 million at March 31, 2002. Net proceeds received by the Company pursuant to the securitization agreement were used to reduce borrowings on its revolving credit facilities.

        The transaction has been accounted for as a sale under the provisions of SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities. Under the securitization agreement, eligible trade receivables are sold to bank conduits through a bankruptcy-remote special purpose entity, which is consolidated for financial reporting purposes. The difference between the proceeds from the sale and the carrying value of the receivables is recognized as "Discount on securitization of trade receivables" in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings and varies on a monthly basis depending on the amount of receivables sold and market rates. The Company retains a subordinated interest in the receivables sold, which is recorded at the receivables' previous carrying value. A subordinated retained interest of approximately $45 million and $41 million are included in "Trade receivables" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002, respectively. In accordance with a servicing agreement, the Company will continue to service, administer and collect the trade receivables on behalf of the bank conduits. The servicing fees charged to the bank conduits approximate the costs of collections. The Company also maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts on trade receivables that it retains.

(7)  INVENTORIES, NET

        Inventories, net, consist of:

(In thousands)	(Unaudited) June 30, 2002		March 31, 2002
Hardgoods	$	136,615	$	139,034
Gases		15,357		15,011
	$	151,972	$	154,045

        Net inventories determined by the LIFO inventory method totaled $14.6 million and $15.2 million at June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002, respectively. If the FIFO inventory method had been used for these inventories, they would have been $1.3 million higher at both June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002, respectively. Substantially all of the inventories are finished goods.

8

(8)  ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

        Accrued expenses and other current liabilities include:

(In thousands)	(Unaudited) June 30, 2002		March 31, 2002
Cash overdraft	$	2,917	$	7,419
Accrued payroll and employee benefits		23,311		32,443
Business insurance reserves		14,327		13,266
Health insurance reserves		9,529		7,628
Accrued interest expense		10,715		17,255
Litigation reserves		1,265		11,292
Taxes other than income taxes		11,616		10,441
Other accrued expenses and current liabilities		34,714		36,646
	$	108,394	$	136,390

        The cash overdraft is attributable to the float of the Company's outstanding checks. Accrued payroll and employee expenses decreased primarily due to the payment of prior year bonuses. The decrease in accrued interest expense resulted from interest paid during the quarter related to the senior subordinated notes. Litigation reserves decreased due to the payment of the prior year Praxair, Inc. litigation settlement.

(9)  DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

        The Company's involvement with derivative instruments is limited to highly effective fixed and floating interest rate swap agreements used to manage well-defined interest rate risk exposures. Interest rate swap agreements are not entered into for trading purposes.

        At June 30, 2002, the Company had a notional amount of $164 million in fixed interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert a corresponding amount of variable interest rate borrowings under the revolving credit facilities and operating leases to fixed interest rate instruments. During the quarter ended June 30, 2002, the Company recorded a net change in the fair value of the fixed interest rate swap agreements of $664 thousand as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The net additional interest payments made under these swap agreements during the quarter were recognized in interest expense. Over the next 12 months, the Company expects to reclassify approximately $1.4 million of the deferred loss from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense as swap agreements mature.

        At June 30, 2002, the Company also had a notional amount of $155 million in variable interest rate swap agreements that effectively converts a corresponding amount of fixed rate medium-term and senior subordinated notes to variable rate debt. The fair value of these variable interest rate swap agreements and the increased carrying value of the hedged portions of the medium-term and senior subordinated notes at June 30, 2002 was $10.7 million. The changes in the fair value of the swap agreements are offset by changes in the fair value of the hedged portions of the medium-term and senior subordinated notes.

9

(10) GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

        Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended June 30, 2002, were as follows:

(In thousands)		Distribution Segment			Gas Operations Segment		Total
Balance at March 31, 2002		$	332,325		$	74,223	$	406,548
	Acquisitions—adjustments		3,881			425		4,306
	Divestitures		(1,531	)		—		(1,531	)
	Other adjustments		375			43		418
Balance at June 30, 2002		$	335,050		$	74,691	$	409,741

        Other intangible assets amounted to $23.7 million (net of accumulated amortization of $79.3 million) and $25.7 million (net of accumulated amortization of $77.6 million) at June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002, respectively. These intangible assets primarily consist of non-compete agreements entered into in connection with business combinations and are amortized over the term of the agreements, principally five years. There are no expected residual values related to these intangible assets. Estimated remaining fiscal year amortization expense in millions is as follows: 2003—$4.6; 2004—$6.2; 2005—$4.3; 2006—$3.7; and $4.9 thereafter.

(11) STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

        Changes in stockholders' equity were as follows:

(In thousands of shares)		Shares of Common Stock $.01 Par Value	Treasury Stock	Employee Benefits Trust
Balance—March 31, 2002		75,193	547	4,331
	Common stock issuance (a)	728	—	—
	Reissuance of stock from Trust (b)	—	—	(198	)
Balance—June 30, 2002		75,921	547	4,133

(In thousands of dollars)	Common Stock		Capital in Excess of Par Value		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Treasury Stock			Employee Benefits Trust			Comprehensive Income
Balance—March 31, 2002	$	752	$	198,500	$	345,181	$	(4,401	)	$	(4,289	)	$	(32,657	)	$	—
Net earnings		—		—		14,044		—			—			—			14,044
Common stock issuance (a)		7		4,324		—		—			—			—			—
Foreign currency translation adjustments		—		—		—		444			—			—			444
Net change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements		—		—		—		664			—			—			664
Reissuance of common stock from Trust (b)		—		734		—		—			—			1,493			—
Net tax benefit of comprehensive income items		—		—		—		(232	)		—			—			(232	)
Tax benefit from stock option exercises		—		3,383		—		—			—			—			—
Balance—June 30, 2002	$	759	$	206,941	$	359,225	$	(3,525	)	$	(4,289	)	$	(31,164	)	$	14,920

(a)

Issuance of common stock for stock option exercises.

(b)

Reissuance of common stock from the Employee Benefits Trust for employee benefit programs.

10

Amendment to 1997 Stock Option Plan

        On July 31, 2002, the Company's stockholders approved an amendment to the 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "1997 Plan"). The amendment increased the total number of shares of Company common stock reserved for sale upon exercise of options and restricted stock awards granted under the 1997 Plan from 8 million to 11.2 million.

(12) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Litigation

        The Company is involved in various legal and regulatory proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of its business and have not been fully adjudicated. These actions, when ultimately concluded and determined, will not, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect upon the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

(13) SUMMARY BY BUSINESS SEGMENT

        Information related to the Company's operations by business segment for the three months ended June 30, 2002 and 2001 is as follows:

		Three Months Ended June 30, 2002									Three Months Ended June 30, 2001
(In thousands)		Distribution			Gas Operations			Combined			Distribution			Gas Operations			Combined
Gas and rent		$	216,957		$	34,826		$	251,783		$	173,475		$	36,806		$	210,281
Hardgoods			205,098			787			205,885			204,839			555			205,394
	Total net sales		422,055			35,613			457,668			378,314			37,361			415,675
Intersegment sales			—			9,353			9,353			—			8,867			8,867
Gross profit, excluding depreciation expense			210,606			24,796			235,402			179,411			24,041			203,452
Gross profit margin			49.9	%		69.6	%		51.4	%		47.4	%		64.3	%		48.9	%
Depreciation and amortization expense			17,291			2,908			20,199			15,080			2,869			17,949
Operating income, excluding special charges			32,700			6,204			38,904			26,571			6,213			32,784
Special charges			(2,694	)		—			(2,694	)		—			—			—
Operating income			30,006			6,204			36,210			26,571			6,213			32,784
Goodwill			335,050			74,691			409,741			306,339			75,147			381,486
Total Assets			1,466,180			233,295			1,699,475			1,287,935			176,332			1,464,267

(14) SUPPLEMENTARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS

        The obligations of the Company under its senior subordinated notes ("the Notes") are guaranteed by the Company's domestic subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"). The Company's joint venture operations, foreign holdings and bankruptcy remote special purpose entity (the "Non-guarantors") are not guarantors of the Notes. The guarantees are made on a joint and several basis. The claims of creditors of Non-guarantor subsidiaries have priority over the rights of the Company to receive dividends or distributions from such subsidiaries. Presented below is supplementary condensed consolidating financial information for the Company, the Guarantors and the Non-guarantors as of June 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002 and for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2002 and 2001.

11

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
June 30, 2002

(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination Entries			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current Assets
Trade receivables, net	$	—		$	18,756		$	73,304		$	—		$	92,060
Intercompany receivable/(payable)		—			(5,544	)		5,544			—			—
Inventories, net		—			148,930			3,042			—			151,972
Deferred income tax asset, net		7,850			5,360			—			—			13,210
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		10,523			14,446			3,091			—			28,060
Total current assets		18,373			181,948			84,981			—			285,302
Plant and equipment, net		16,777			846,533			21,930			—			885,240
Goodwill		—			399,237			10,504			—			409,741
Other intangible assets, net		728			22,752			210			—			23,690
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates		59,458			5,845			—			—			65,303
Investments in subsidiaries		1,341,911			—			—			(1,341,911	)		—
Intercompany receivable/(payable)		(152,268	)		178,052			(25,784	)		—			—
Other non-current assets		27,318			2,203			678			—			30,199
Total assets	$	1,312,297		$	1,636,570		$	92,519		$	(1,341,911	)	$	1,699,475
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable, trade	$	290		$	72,521		$	2,184		$	—		$	74,995
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		39,874			63,651			4,869			—			108,394
Current portion of long-term debt		—			1,242			85			—			1,327
Total current liabilities		40,164			137,414			7,138			—			184,716
Long-term debt		736,711			8,895			22,041			—			767,647
Deferred income tax liability, net		951			179,894			6,430			—			187,275
Other non-current liabilities		6,524			25,366			—			—			31,890
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, no par value		—			—			—			—			—
Common stock, par value $.01 per share		759			—			—			—			759
Capital in excess of par value		206,941			913,445			8,224			(921,669	)		206,941
Retained earnings		359,225			371,698			49,253			(420,951	)		359,225
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(3,525	)		(142	)		(567	)		709			(3,525	)
Treasury stock		(4,289	)		—			—			—			(4,289	)
Employee benefits trust		(31,164	)		—			—			—			(31,164	)
Total stockholders' equity		527,947			1,285,001			56,910			(1,341,911	)		527,947
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,312,297		$	1,636,570		$	92,519		$	(1,341,911	)	$	1,699,475

12

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
March 31, 2002

(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination Entries			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current Assets
Trade receivables, net	$	—		$	25,088		$	63,546		$	—		$	88,634
Intercompany receivable/(payable)		—			(6,174	)		6,174			—			—
Inventories, net		—			151,334			2,711			—			154,045
Deferred income tax asset, net		7,850			5,360			—			—			13,210
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		31,137			16,321			196			—			47,654
Total current assets		38,987			191,929			72,627			—			303,543
Plant and equipment, net		15,924			856,978			20,113			—			893,015
Goodwill		—			396,242			10,306			—			406,548
Other intangible assets, net		997			24,721			—			—			25,718
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates		58,578			6,048			—			—			64,626
Investments in subsidiaries		1,314,314			—			—			(1,314,314	)		—
Intercompany receivable/(payable)		(141,785	)		168,176			(26,391	)		—			—
Other non-current assets		19,765			2,921			921			—			23,607
Total assets	$	1,306,780		$	1,647,015		$	77,576		$	(1,314,314	)	$	1,717,057
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable, trade	$	5,047		$	74,968		$	2,470		$	—		$	82,485
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		60,385			75,582			423			—			136,390
Current portion of long-term debt		—			2,375			81			—			2,456
Total current liabilities		65,432			152,925			2,974			—			221,331
Long-term debt		732,544			9,828			21,752			—			764,124
Deferred income tax liability, net		951			192,004			5,218			—			198,173
Other non-current liabilities		4,767			25,268			308			—			30,343
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, no par value		—			—			—			—			—
Common stock, par value $.01 per share		752			—			—			—			752
Capital in excess of par value		198,500			907,765			8,224			(915,989	)		198,500
Retained earnings		345,181			359,442			40,037			(399,479	)		345,181
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(4,401	)		(217	)		(937	)		1,154			(4,401	)
Treasury stock		(4,289	)		—			—			—			(4,289	)
Employee benefits trust		(32,657	)		—			—			—			(32,657	)
Total stockholders' equity		503,086			1,266,990			47,324			(1,314,314	)		503,086
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,306,780		$	1,647,015		$	77,576		$	(1,314,314	)	$	1,717,057

13

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Earnings
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2002

(In thousands)			Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination Entries			Consolidated
Net sales			$	—		$	452,845		$	4,823		$	—		$	457,668
Costs and Expenses
Costs of products sold (excluding depreciation)				—			221,143			1,123			—			222,266
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses				13,187			158,462			4,650			—			176,299
Depreciation				687			17,211			561			—			18,459
Amortization				16			1,724			—			—			1,740
Special charges				145			2,549			—			—			2,694
		Operating Income (Loss)		(14,035	)		51,756			(1,511	)		—			36,210
Interest (expense) income, net				(13,330	)		455			(246	)		—			(13,121	)
(Discount) gain on securitization of trade receivables				—			(16,713	)		15,862			—			(851	)
Other income (expense), net				15,166			(15,597	)		308			—			(123	)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates				684			248			—			—			932
Earnings (losses) before income taxes				(11,515	)		20,149			14,413			—			23,047
Income taxes				(4,087	)		7,893			5,197			—			9,003
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries				21,472			—			—			(21,472	)		—
	Net Earnings		$	14,044		$	12,256		$	9,216		$	(21,472	)	$	14,044

14

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Earnings
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2001

(In thousands)		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination Entries		Consolidated
Net sales		$	—		$	410,522		$	5,153		$	—	$	415,675
Costs and Expenses
Costs of products sold (excluding depreciation)			—			210,928			1,295			—		212,223
Selling, distribution and administrative expenses			13,625			134,407			4,687			—		152,719
Depreciation			690			14,440			542			—		15,672
Amortization			110			2,071			96			—		2,277
	Operating Income (Loss)		(14,425	)		48,676			(1,467	)		—		32,784
Interest (expense) income, net			(12,211	)		805			493			—		(10,913	)
(Discount) gain on securitization of trade receivables			—			(16,260	)		14,768			—		(1,492	)
Other income (expense), net			17,166			(17,339	)		(20	)		—		(193	)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates			562			351			—			—		913
Earnings (losses) before income taxes			(8,908	)		16,233			13,774			—		21,099
Income taxes			(3,118	)		5,728			5,038			—		7,648
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle			—			(59,000	)		—			—		(59,000	)
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries			(39,759	)		—			—			39,759		—
	Net Earnings	$	(45,549	)	$	(48,495	)	$	8,736		$	39,759	$	(45,549	)

15

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2002

(In thousands)	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination Entries		Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(17,809	)	$	31,641		$	1,574		$	—	$	15,406
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures		(1,538	)		(10,283	)		(2,606	)		—		(14,427	)
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment		—			1,102			—			—		1,102
Proceeds from divestitures		—			3,167			—			—		3,167
Business acquisitions, liability settlements		—			(4,342	)		—			—		(4,342	)
Dividends and fees from unconsolidated affiliates		234			450			—			—		684
Other, net		6,198			(6,264	)		1,347			—		1,281
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		4,894			(16,170	)		(1,259	)		—		(12,535	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from borrowings		93,023			—			377			—		93,400
Repayment of debt		(88,856	)		(7,160	)		(84	)		—		(96,100	)
Exercise of stock options		4,331			—			—			—		4,331
Cash overdraft		—			(4,502	)		—			—		(4,502	)
Inter-company		4,417			(3,809	)		(608	)		—		—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		12,915			(15,471	)		(315	)		—		(2,871	)
CHANGE IN CASH	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—
Cash—Beginning of year		—			—			—			—		—
Cash—End of year	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—

16

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2001

(In thousands)	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Elimination Entries		Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	4,326		$	135,255		$	(40,492	)	$	—	$	99,089
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures		(641	)		(15,681	)		(669	)		—		(16,991	)
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment		—			309			—			—		309
Dividends and fees from unconsolidated affiliates		562			222			—			—		784
Other, net		1,398			1,749			(819	)		—		2,328
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		1,319			(13,401	)		(1,488	)		—		(13,570	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from borrowings		54,857			—			2,514			—		57,371
Repayment of debt		(127,780	)		(9,950	)		(126	)		—		(137,856	)
Purchase of treasury stock		—			—			—			—		—
Exercise of stock options		826			—			—			—		826
Cash overdraft		—			(5,860	)		—			—		(5,860	)
Inter-company		66,452			(106,044	)		39,592			—		—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing Activities		(5,645	)		(121,854	)		41,980			—		(85,519	)
CHANGE IN CASH	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—
Cash—Beginning of year		—			—			—			—		—
Cash—End of year	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—

17

AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2002 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001

INCOME STATEMENT COMMENTARY

Net Sales

        Net sales increased 10.1% in the quarter ended June 30, 2002 ("current quarter") compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2001 ("prior year quarter"). The sales growth is attributable to the fourth quarter fiscal 2002 acquisition of the Air Products packaged gas business (the "Air Products acquisition"). On a same-store basis, however, sales decreased 2.2% versus the prior year quarter. The Company calculates same-store sales based on a comparison of current period sales to prior period sales, adjusted for acquisitions and divestitures.

	Three Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands) Net Sales					Increase (Decrease)
	2002		2001
Distribution	$	422,055	$	378,314	$	43,741		11.6	%
Gas Operations		35,613		37,361		(1,748	)	(4.7	%)
	$	457,668	$	415,675	$	41,993		10.1	%

        The Distribution segment's principal products and services include industrial, medical and specialty gases; equipment rental; and hardgoods. Industrial gases consist of packaged and small bulk gases. Equipment rental fees are generally charged on cylinders, cryogenic liquid containers, bulk tanks and welding equipment. Hardgoods consist of welding supplies and equipment, safety products, and industrial tools and supplies. Distribution sales increased $43.7 million (11.6%) as prior year net acquisitions, principally the Air Products acquisition, contributed sales of $54 million during the current quarter. The Distribution segment's sales growth from acquisitions was offset by a $10.3 million (-2.2%) decline in same-store sales. The Distribution same-store sales decline resulted from lower hardgoods sales of $11.3 million (-5.1%), partially offset by gas and rent sales growth of $1 million (0.7%). Lower welding supplies and equipment and industrial tool sales drove the decline in hardgoods sales, which was correlated with the decline in the Federal Reserve's non-tech industrial production index during the current quarter. Sales of safety products were flat compared to the prior year quarter. Gas and rent sales growth was driven by pricing initiatives designed to increase prices to customers with below market margins and to reduce product discounting. In addition, medical gas and rental welder revenues showed continued growth in the quarter, which helped to offset a decline in industrial gas volumes.

        The Gas Operations segment's sales primarily include dry ice and carbon dioxide that are used for cooling and for the production of food, beverages and chemical products. In addition, the segment includes businesses that produce and distribute specialty gases and nitrous oxide. Gas Operations' sales decreased $1.7 million (-4.7%) compared to the prior year quarter resulting from a decline in same-store sales and net acquisition and divestiture activity. Same-store sales decreased $1 million (-2.9%) primarily from lower sales volumes of dry ice and liquid carbon dioxide attributable to competitive pressures and unusually cool temperatures in various regions. Cooler weather tends to reduce the demand for dry ice and liquid carbon dioxide used in cooling applications.

18

Although volumes were lower compared to the prior year quarter, pricing was slightly higher and helped to mitigate the impact of volume declines. Net acquisition and divestiture activity reduced Gas Operations' sales by $700 thousand in the current quarter. Sales of high-end specialty gases from the business acquired from Air Products were more than offset by the divestiture of two nitrous oxide plants sold in the third quarter of fiscal 2002.

Gross Profits

        Gross profits, excluding depreciation, increased 15.7% and the gross profit margin increased 250 basis points to 51.4% during the current quarter compared to 48.9% in the prior year quarter.

	Three Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands) Gross Profits					Increase
	2002		2001
Distribution	$	210,606	$	179,411	$	31,195	17.4	%
Gas Operations		24,796		24,041		755	3.1	%
	$	235,402	$	203,452	$	31,950	15.7	%

        The increase in Distribution gross profits of $31.2 million primarily resulted from the Air Products acquisition. The Distribution segment's gross profit margin of 49.9% in the current quarter increased 250 basis points from 47.4% in the prior year quarter. The improved gross margin reflects a shift in sales mix towards higher margin gas and rent sales as well as selected price increases. The shift in sales mix was primarily attributable to the Air Products acquisition, which had a sales mix consisting of 76% gas and rent. Gas and rent sales comprised 51.4% of the Distribution segment's sales compared to 45.9% in the prior year quarter.

        The increase in Gas Operations' gross profits of $755 thousand was driven by higher average selling prices of dry ice and liquid carbon dioxide and net acquisition and divestiture activity. Net acquisition and divestiture activity improved gross profits as gross profits attributable to high margin specialty gas business acquired from Air Products more than compensated for the divestiture of two nitrous oxide plants during fiscal 2002. The addition of higher margin specialty gases coupled with the divestiture of lower margin nitrous oxide increased Gas Operations' gross profit margin by 530 basis points to 69.6% from 64.3% in the prior year quarter.

Operating Expenses

        Selling, distribution and administrative expenses ("SD&A") consist of personnel and related costs, distribution and warehouse costs, occupancy expenses and other selling, general and administrative expenses. SD&A expenses increased $23.6 million (15.4%) compared to the prior year quarter primarily from the addition of the Air Products operations and integration costs. Costs associated with the integration of the Air Products acquisition were approximately $1 million during the current quarter. The Company estimates that integration costs of $3.5 to $4.5 million will be recognized as incurred in operating expenses throughout fiscal 2003. On a same-store basis, operating expenses increased $1.2 million (0.8%) driven by higher personnel related costs. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses increased 180 basis points to 38.5% compared to 36.7% in the prior year quarter. The increase in operating expenses as a percentage of sales reflects the addition of the Air Products business, a majority of which is comprised of the distribution of packaged gas. Packaged gas distribution typically carries higher operating expenses than the hardgoods portion of the business. Additionally, operating expenses reflect costs associated with the Company's continuing infrastructure efficiency projects.

        Depreciation expense of $18.5 million increased $2.8 million (17.8%) compared to $15.7 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in depreciation expense was primarily due to the addition of the

19

business acquired from Air Products. Amortization expense of $1.7 million in the current quarter decreased $537 thousand (-23.6%) compared to the prior year quarter primarily from the expiration of certain non-compete agreements.

Operating Income

        Operating income increased 10.5% in the current quarter compared to the prior year quarter. Excluding special charges, operating income increased 18.7%.

	Three Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands) Operating Income						Increase (Decrease)
	2002			2001
Distribution	$	32,700		$	26,571	$	6,129		23.1	%
Gas Operations		6,204			6,213		(9	)	(0.1	%)
Special charges		(2,694	)		—		(2,694	)	—	%
	$	36,210		$	32,784	$	3,426		10.5	%

        The Distribution segment's operating income margin, excluding special charges, increased 70 basis points to 7.7% compared to 7.0% in the prior year quarter. The operating income margin increase reflected the higher gross profit margin partially offset by the increase in operating expenses as a percentage of sales.

        The Gas Operations segment's operating income margin increased 80 basis points to 17.4% in the current quarter compared to 16.6% in the prior year quarter. The improved operating income margin reflects the higher gross profit margin partially offset by the increase in operating expenses as a percentage of sales.

        Special charges of $2.7 million in the current quarter consist of a restructuring charge related to the integration of the business acquired from Air Products and costs related to the consolidation of the Company's procurement function. The special charges include facility exit costs associated with the closure of certain facilities and severance for approximately 130 employees. The facilities to be exited included in the special charges existed as part of the Company's operations prior to the acquisition of the Air Products business.

Interest Expense and Discount on Securitization of Trade Receivables

        Interest expense, net, and the discount on securitization of trade receivables totaled $14 million representing an increase of $1.6 million (12.6%) compared to the prior year quarter. The increase in interest expense resulted from higher average debt levels partially offset by lower weighted-average interest rates related to the Company's variable rate debt. The increase in average debt levels was attributable to indebtedness associated with the Air Products acquisition.

        The Company participates in a securitization agreement with two commercial banks to sell up to $175 million of qualifying trade receivables. The amount of outstanding receivables under the agreement was $140.4 million at June 30, 2002. Net proceeds from the sale of trade receivables were used to reduce borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facilities. The discount on the securitization of trade receivables represents the difference between the carrying value of the receivables and the proceeds from their sale. The amount of the discount varies on a monthly basis depending on the amount of receivables sold and market rates.

        As discussed in "Liquidity and Capital Resources" and in Item 3, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk," the Company manages its exposure to interest rate risk of certain borrowings through participation in interest rate swap agreements. Including the effect of the interest rate swap agreements, the Company's ratio of fixed to variable interest rates at June 30, 2002 was 45% fixed to 55% variable.

20

Other income (expense), net

        Other income (expense), net, in the current quarter included a $241 thousand net loss from the sale of Kendeco, an industrial tool business in the Distribution segment, and the resolution of an indemnity claim related to a prior period divestiture.

Income Tax Expense

        The effective income tax rate was 39.1% of pre-tax earnings in the current quarter compared to 36.2% in the prior year quarter. The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to the net divestiture loss discussed above, which provided minimal tax benefits. Excluding the impact of the divestitures, the effective income tax rate was 37.5%.

        Pursuant to an accelerated depreciation provision of a fiscal 2002 change in the tax law, the Company anticipated receiving a tax refund of approximately $19 million during fiscal 2003 related to the assets acquired in the Air Products acquisition. After further review, it was concluded that the Company would not be eligible for the refund in fiscal 2003, but instead would receive the cash benefit over the next four years. As a result, an adjustment was made in the current quarter that resulted in approximately a $19 million reclassification between current and deferred income taxes. The adjustment did not impact net earnings or operating cash flows in the current quarter or in fiscal 2002.

Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle

        In connection with the adoption of SFAS 142 on April 1, 2001, the Company performed an evaluation of goodwill, which indicated that goodwill of one reporting unit, its tool business, was impaired. The prior year quarter includes a $59 million non-cash charge as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle for the write-down of goodwill to its fair value. The impaired goodwill was not deductible for taxes, and consequently, no tax benefit was recorded in relation to the charge.

Net Earnings

        Net earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 were $14.0 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $45.5 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. Excluding the current quarter's special charges and the prior year quarter's change in accounting principle, net earnings were $0.23 per diluted share versus $0.20 per diluted share for the quarters ended June 30, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

21

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flows

        Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $15.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002 compared to $99.1 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease in cash flows from operations was driven primarily by the trade receivables securitization program and changes in working capital. The sale of trade receivables under the trade receivables securitization program provided cash of $6.4 million in the current quarter compared to $64.1 million in the prior year quarter. The prior year quarter included a significant amount of receivables sold under the second tranche of the securitization program. Working capital and other assets and liabilities, net, used cash of $15.6 million compared to a use of cash of $366 thousand in the prior year quarter. Working capital components that used cash in the current quarter included trade receivables, accounts payable, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Trade receivables increased in conjunction with the higher sales levels associated with the prior year Air Products acquisition. Accounts payable decreased resulting from the timing of payments to vendors. Accrued expenses and other current liabilities decreased primarily due to the payment of the prior year settlement associated with the Praxair, Inc. litigation, accrued interest related to the senior subordinated notes, and prior year bonuses. Prepaid expenses and other current assets and deferred income taxes reflect the reversal of a $19 million tax refund related to a revised interpretation of a recent tax law change. There was no impact on operating cash flows from the deferred tax adjustment. Cash flows provided by operating activities were primarily used to fund capital expenditures.

        Cash used in investing activities totaled $12.5 million during the current quarter and primarily consisted of capital expenditures and the payment of business acquisition liabilities, offset by proceeds from a divestiture. Business acquisition liability settlements of $4.3 million represent payments made during the current quarter for transaction and other fees associated with the Air Products acquisition. The divestiture of Kendeco, an industrial tool business, during the current quarter provided cash of $3.2 million. Financing activities used cash of $2.9 million primarily for the net repayment of debt of $2.7 million. Financing activities also included proceeds received from the exercise of stock options of $4.3 million and a reduction of the cash overdraft of $4.5 million. The cash overdraft represents the balance of outstanding checks.

        Cash on hand at the end of each period presented was zero. On a daily basis, depository accounts are swept of all available funds. The funds are deposited into a concentration account through which all cash on hand is used to repay debt under the Company's revolving credit facilities.

        The Company will continue to look for appropriate acquisitions of distributors to complement its distribution network and improve its geographic coverage. Capital expenditures, current debt maturities and any future acquisitions are expected to be funded through the use of cash flow from operations, revolving credit facilities, and other financing alternatives. The Company believes that its sources of financing are adequate for its anticipated needs and that it could arrange additional sources of financing for unanticipated requirements. The cost and terms of any future financing arrangement depend on the market conditions and the Company's financial position at that time.

        The Company does not currently pay dividends.

Financial Instruments

Revolving Credit Facilities

        At June 30, 2002, the Company had unsecured revolving credit facilities totaling $367.5 million and $50 million Canadian (U.S. $32 million) under a credit agreement with a maturity date of July 30, 2006. At June 30, 2002, the Company had borrowings under the credit agreement of approximately $228 million and $35 million Canadian (U.S. $22 million). The

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Company also had commitments under letters of credit supported by the credit agreement of approximately $29 million at June 30, 2002. The credit agreement contains covenants that include the maintenance of certain leverage ratios, a fixed charge ratio, and potential restrictions on certain additional borrowing, the payment of dividends and the repurchase of common stock. Based on restrictions related to certain leverage ratios, the Company had additional borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facilities of approximately $100 million at June 30, 2002. The variable interest rates of the U.S. and Canadian revolving credit facilities are based on the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and Canadian Bankers' Acceptance Rates, respectively. At June 30, 2002, the effective interest rates on borrowings under the revolving credit facilities were 3.94% on U.S. borrowings and 2.64% on Canadian borrowings.

        Borrowings under the revolving credit facilities are guaranteed by certain of the Company's domestic subsidiaries and Canadian borrowings are guaranteed by foreign subsidiaries. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company's credit rating as determined by third-party credit agencies was lowered in response to additional indebtedness related to the Air Products acquisition. If the Company's credit rating is further reduced, the Company will be required to grant a security interest in substantially all of the tangible and intangible assets of the Company for the benefit of the syndicate of lenders.

Term Loan

        At June 30, 2002, the Company had $97.5 million outstanding under a term loan, which was obtained during fiscal 2002 in conjunction with the Air Products acquisition. The term loan is due in quarterly installments with a final payment due July 30, 2006. The term loan is unsecured and bears a variable interest rate based on LIBOR plus a spread related to the Company's credit rating. At June 30, 2002, the effective interest rate of the term loan was 3.86%.

Senior Subordinated Notes

        At June 30, 2002, the Company had $225 million of senior subordinated notes (the "Notes") with a maturity date of October 1, 2011. The Notes bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 9.125%, payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The notes contain covenants that could restrict the payment of dividends, the issuance of preferred stock, and the incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens. The notes are guaranteed on a subordinated basis by each of the domestic guarantors under the revolving credit facilities.

Medium-Term Notes and Other Debt

        The Company had the following medium-term notes outstanding at June 30, 2002: $75 million of unsecured notes due March 2004 bearing interest at a fixed rate of 7.14% and $100 million of unsecured notes due September 2006 bearing interest at a fixed rate of 7.75%. The Company's long-term debt also included acquisition notes and other long-term debt instruments. During the quarter ended June 30, 2002, the Company refinanced $20 million of acquisition notes with borrowings under its revolving credit facilities. At June 30, 2002, the Company's outstanding acquisition notes and other long-term debt instruments totaled approximately $11 million and had interest rates ranging from 7.00% to 9.00%.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

        The Company manages its exposure to changes in market interest rates through the use of interest rate swap agreements with major financial institutions. At June 30, 2002, the Company was party to a total of 11 interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate $319 million in notional principal amount. Six swap agreements with approximately $164 million in notional principal amount require the Company to make fixed interest payments based on an average effective rate of 6.61% and receive variable interest payments from its counterparties based on three-month LIBOR (average rate of 1.81%

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at June 30, 2002). The remaining terms of these swap agreements range from between one and 27 months. Five swap agreements with approximately $155 million in notional principal amount require the Company to make variable interest payments primarily based on six-month LIBOR (average rate of 3.58% at June 30, 2002) and receive fixed interest payments from its counterparties based on an average effective rate of 8.05% at June 30, 2002. The remaining terms of these swap agreements range from between one and nine years. The Company monitors its positions and the credit ratings of its counterparties, and does not anticipate non-performance by the counterparties. After considering the effect of interest rate swap agreements, the Company's ratio of fixed to variable interest rates was 45% fixed to 55% variable at June 30, 2002.

        A majority of the Company's variable rate debt is based on a spread over LIBOR. Based on the Company's outstanding variable rate debt and credit rating at June 30, 2002, for every increase in LIBOR of 25 basis points, it is estimated that the Company's annual interest expense would increase approximately $1 million.

Trade Receivables Securitization

        The Company participates in a securitization agreement with two commercial banks to sell up to $175 million of qualifying trade receivables. The agreement expires in December 2003, but the initial term is subject to renewal provisions contained in the agreement. During the quarter ended June 30, 2002, the Company sold, net of its retained interest, $538.9 million of trade receivables and remitted to bank conduits, pursuant to a servicing agreement, $398.5 million in collections on those receivables. The net proceeds were used to reduce borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facilities. The amount of outstanding receivables under the agreement was $140.4 million at June 30, 2002 and $134 million at March 31, 2002. See Note 6 to the Financial Statements for additional disclosures.

OTHER

New Accounting Pronouncements

        In June 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. SFAS 146 addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring). SFAS 146 requires that a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized and measured at fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred rather than at the date of commitment to an exit or disposal plan. The Statement is effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. The Company is evaluating SFAS 146 and has not yet determined the impact that the adoption of this Statement may have on earnings, financial position or liquidity.

        In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS 143 requires the recognition of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. A retirement obligation is defined as one in which a legal obligation exists in the future resulting from existing laws, statutes or contracts. The Company is required to adopt SFAS 143 on April 1, 2003. The Company has evaluated SFAS 143 and does not believe its adoption will have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Forward-looking Statements

        This report contains statements that are forward looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Company's strategy of focusing on strategic product sales, including medical gases and welder rentals, to drive sales growth; the success of pricing initiatives in improving margins and

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eliminating product discounting; targeted strategic account sales growth of 10% in fiscal 2003; the estimate of integration costs in fiscal 2003 of $3.5 to $4.5 million related to the Air Products acquisition; the ability of the Company to successfully integrate the business acquired from Air Products; the identification of acquisition candidates; the funding of capital expenditures, current debt maturities and future acquisitions through the use of cash flow from operations, revolving credit facilities and other financing alternatives; the ability of the Company to arrange additional sources of financing for unanticipated requirements; the Company's estimate that for every increase in LIBOR of 25 basis points, interest expense will increase approximately $1 million; and the performance of counterparties under interest rate swap agreements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to: adverse customer response to the Company's strategic product sales initiatives and resulting inability to drive sales growth; underlying market conditions; the market acceptance of price increases and the inability of price increases and sales growth to improve margins and offset any increases in costs; adverse changes in customer buying patterns; an economic downturn (including adverse changes in the specific markets for the Company's products); higher than estimated interest expense resulting from increases in LIBOR; higher than estimated costs to integrate the business acquired from Air Products; potential disruption to the Company's business from integration problems associated with the business acquired from Air Products; the inability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or other sources to fund future acquisitions, capital expenditures, and current debt maturities; the inability to identify and successfully integrate acquisition candidates; changes in the Company's debt levels and/or credit rating which prevent the Company from arranging additional financing; the inability to manage interest rate exposure; the effects of competition from independent distributors and vertically integrated gas producers on products, pricing and sales growth; changes in product prices from gas producers and name-brand manufacturers and suppliers of hardgoods; and the effects of, and changes in, the economy, monetary and fiscal policies, laws and regulations, inflation and monetary fluctuations and fluctuations in interest rates, both on a national and international basis. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement made herein or that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company.

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Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

        The Company manages its exposure to changes in market interest rates. The interest rate exposure arises primarily from the interest payment terms of the Company's borrowing agreements. Interest rate swap agreements are used to adjust the interest rate risk exposures that are inherent in its portfolio of funding sources. The Company has not, and will not establish any interest rate risk positions for purposes other than managing the risk associated with its portfolio of funding sources. The Company maintains the ratio of fixed to variable rate debt within parameters established by management under policies approved by the Board of Directors. After the effect of interest rate swap agreements, the ratio of fixed to variable rate debt was 45% fixed to 55% variable at June 30, 2002. Counterparties to interest rate swap agreements are major financial institutions. The Company has established counterparty credit guidelines and only enters into transactions with financial institutions with long-term credit ratings of "A" or better. In addition, the Company monitors its position and the credit ratings of its counterparties, thereby minimizing the risk of non-performance by the counterparties.

        The table below summarizes the Company's market risks associated with long-term debt obligations, interest rate swaps and LIBOR-based agreements as of June 30, 2002. For long-term debt obligations, the table presents cash flows related to payments of principal and interest by fiscal year of maturity. For interest rate swaps and LIBOR-based agreements, the table presents the notional amounts underlying the agreements by year of maturity. The notional amounts are used to calculate contractual payments to be exchanged and are not actually paid or received. Fair values were computed using market quotes, if available, or based on discounted cash flows using market interest rates as of the end of the period.

        A majority of the Company's variable rate debt is based on a spread over LIBOR. Based on the Company's outstanding variable rate debt and credit rating at June 30, 2002, for every increase in LIBOR of 25 basis points, it is estimated that the Company's annual interest expense would increase approximately $1 million.

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		Fiscal Year of Maturity
(In millions)		2003(a)			2004			2005			2006			2007			2008			Thereafter			Total		Fair Value
Fixed Rate Debt:
Medium-term notes		$	—		$	75		$	—		$	—		$	100		$	—		$	—		$	175	$	175
	Interest expense	$	10		$	13		$	8		$	8		$	4		$	—		$	—		$	43
	Average interest rate		7.49	%		7.49	%		7.75	%		7.75	%		7.75	%
Acquisition and other notes		$	1		$	2		$	1		$	6		$	1		$	—		$	—		$	11	$	11
	Interest expense	$	1		$	1		$	1		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	3
	Average interest rate		7.65	%		7.57	%		7.74	%		7.82	%		8.50	%
Senior subordinated notes		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	225		$	225	$	235
	Interest expense	$	15		$	21		$	21		$	21		$	21		$	21		$	71		$	191
	Interest rate		9.125	%		9.125	%		9.125	%		9.125	%		9.125	%		9.125	%		9.125	%
Variable Rate Debt:
Revolving credit facilities		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	250		$	—		$	—		$	250	$	250
	Interest expense	$	7		$	9		$	9		$	9		$	6		$	—		$	—		$	40
	Interest rate (b)		3.77	%		3.77	%		3.77	%		3.77	%		3.77	%
Term loan		$	10		$	18		$	22		$	30		$	18		$	—		$	—		$	98	$	98
	Interest expense	$	3		$	3		$	2		$	1		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	9
	Interest rate (b)		3.86	%		3.86	%		3.86	%		3.86	%		3.86	%

		Fiscal Year of Maturity
(In millions)		2003(a)			2004			2005			2006			2007			2008			Thereafter			Total			Fair Value
Interest Rate Swaps:
US $ denominated Swaps:
6 Swaps Receive Variable/Pay Fixed
	Notional amounts	$	124		$	—		$	40		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	164		$	5
	Swap payments/(receipts)	$	3		$	2		$	1		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	6
	Variable receive rate = 1.81% (3 month LIBOR)
	Weighted average pay rate = 6.61%
5 Swaps Receive Fixed/Pay Variable
	Notional amounts	$	—		$	30		$	—		$	—		$	50		$	—		$	75		$	155		$	(11	)
	Swap payments/(receipts)	$	(5	)	$	(7	)	$	(6	)	$	(6	)	$	(4	)	$	(3	)	$	(12	)	$	(43	)
	Weighted average receive rate = 8.05%
	Variable pay rate = 3.58% (6 month LIBOR)
Other Off-Balance Sheet LIBOR-based agreements:
Operating leases with trust (c)		$	1		$	1		$	41		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	43		$	43
	Lease expense	$	1		$	2		$	1		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	4
Trade receivables securitization (d)		$	—		$	140		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	140		$	140
	Discount on securitization	$	2		$	2		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	4

(a)

Fiscal 2003 financial instrument maturities and interest expense relate to the period July 1, 2002 through March 31, 2003.

(b)

The variable rate of U.S. revolving credit facilities and term loan is based on LIBOR as of June 30, 2002. The variable rate of the Canadian dollar portion of the revolving credit facilities is the rate on Canadian Bankers' acceptances as of June 30, 2002.

(c)

The operating lease terminates October 8, 2004, but may be renewed subject to provisions of the lease agreement.

(d)

The three-year agreement expires on December 19, 2003, but the initial term is subject to renewal provisions of the trade receivables securitization agreement.

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Limitations of the tabular presentation

        As the table incorporates only those interest rate risk exposures that exist as of June 30, 2002, it does not consider those exposures or positions that could arise after that date. In addition, actual cash flows of financial instruments in future periods may differ materially from prospective cash flows presented in the table due to future fluctuations in variable interest rates, debt levels and the Company's credit rating.

Foreign Currency Rate Risk

        Canadian subsidiaries of the Company are funded in part with local currency debt. The Company does not otherwise hedge its exposure to translation gains and losses relating to foreign currency net asset exposures. The Company considers its exposure to foreign currency exchange fluctuations to be immaterial to its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

        The Company is involved in various legal and regulatory proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of its business and have not been fully adjudicated. These actions, when ultimately concluded and determined, will not, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect upon the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

a.

Exhibits

        The following exhibits are being filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

Exhibit No.	Description
10.1	1997 Stock Option Plan, as amended on May 7, 2002.
10.2	Promissory Note dated October 25, 2000 between Glenn & Helene Fischer and Airgas, Inc.
11	Calculation of earnings per share.
99	Certification of Periodic Financial Report, dated August 13, 2002, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

b.

Reports on Form 8-K

        On April 23, 2002, the Company filed a Form 8-K pursuant to Item 5, announcing a settlement agreement entered into with Praxair, Inc. resolving a suit filed against the Company by Praxair in July 1996.

        On May 9, 2002, the Company filed a Form 8-K pursuant to Item 5, reporting its earnings for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2002.

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Signatures

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant and Co-Registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

AIRGAS, INC. (Registrant) BY: /s/ ROBERT M. MCLAUGHLIN Robert M. McLaughlin Vice President & Controller	AIRGAS EAST, INC. AIRGAS GREAT LAKES, INC. AIRGAS MID AMERICA, INC. AIRGAS NORTH CENTRAL, INC. AIRGAS SOUTH, INC. AIRGAS GULF STATES, INC. AIRGAS MID SOUTH, INC. AIRGAS INTERMOUNTAIN, INC. AIRGAS NORPAC, INC. AIRGAS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA & NEVADA, INC. AIRGAS SOUTHWEST, INC. AIRGAS WEST, INC. AIRGAS SAFETY, INC. RUTLAND TOOL & SUPPLY CO., INC. AIRGAS CARBONIC, INC. AIRGAS SPECIALTY GASES, INC. NITROUS OXIDE CORP. PURITAN MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC. RED-D-ARC, INC. AIRGAS REALTY, INC. AIRGAS DATA, LLC
	(Co-Registrants)
	By:	/s/  ROBERT M. MCLAUGHLIN Robert M. McLaughlin Vice President
	ATNL, INC. (Co-Registrant)
	By:	/s/  CONNIE S. LINHART Connie S. Linhart President and Treasurer (Principal Executive Officer/ Principal Financial Officer/ Principal Accounting Officer)

DATED: August 13, 2002

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QuickLinks

INDEX
AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share amounts)
AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except per share amounts)
AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)
AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet June 30, 2002
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet March 31, 2002
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Earnings Three Months Ended June 30, 2002
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Earnings Three Months Ended June 30, 2001
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Three Months Ended June 30, 2002
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Three Months Ended June 30, 2001
AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Signatures

EX-10.1

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EXHIBIT 10.1

AIRGAS, INC.
1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN, AS AMENDED
(Effective May 15, 1997, and as amended through May 7, 2002)

        1.    Purpose.    AIRGAS, INC. (the "Company") hereby adopts the Airgas, Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan effective May 15, 1997 (the "Plan") as an additional incentive to eligible employees and eligible independent contractors (as determined under Section 3) to enter into or remain in the employ or service of the Company or any Affiliate (as defined below) and to devote themselves to the Company's success by providing them with an opportunity to acquire or increase their proprietary interest in the Company through receipt of (a) rights (the "Options") to purchase the Company's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock") or (b) Common Stock subject to conditions of forfeiture (the "Restricted Stock Awards"). Each Option granted under the Plan shall specify whether or not it is intended to be an incentive stock option ("ISO") within the meaning of section 422(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") or a nonstatutory stock option ("NSO") for federal income tax purposes. For purposes of the Plan, the term "Affiliate" shall mean a corporation which is a parent corporation or a subsidiary corporation with respect to the Company within the meaning of section 424(e) or (f) of the Code.

        2.    Administration.

        (a)    Committee.    The Plan shall be administered by the Governance and Compensation Committee designated by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Committee") which shall consist of at least two persons, each of whom is a "non-employee director" as defined under Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), and an "outside director" as defined under section 162(m) of the Code (the "Non-Employee Director"). If any Committee member does not qualify as a Non-Employee Director, then such member shall not participate in any way with respect to Committee action under the Plan and shall not be treated as a member of the Committee for purposes of the Plan.

        (b)    Meetings.    The Committee shall hold meetings at such times and places as it may determine. Acts approved at a meeting by a majority of the directors who are members of the Committee and present at a meeting at which there is a quorum or acts approved in writing by the unanimous consent of the directors who are members of the Committee (not counting any director who is an employee for either purpose) shall be the valid acts of the Committee.

        (c)    Grants.    The Committee shall from time to time at its discretion direct the Company to grant Options or Restricted Stock Awards pursuant to the terms of the Plan. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have plenary authority to determine the persons to whom and the times at which Options or Restricted Stock Awards shall be granted, the number of shares of Common Stock to be granted under an Option or Restricted Stock Award and the price and other terms and conditions thereof, including a specification with respect to whether or not an Option is intended to be an ISO. In making such determinations the Committee may take into account the nature of the person's services and responsibilities, the person's present and potential contribution to the Company's success and such other factors as it may deem relevant. The Committee's interpretation of any provision of the Plan or of any Option or Restricted Stock Award granted under it shall be final, binding and conclusive.

        (d)    Exculpation.    Each Committee member shall be acting in the capacity of a director of the Company for the purpose of Article VI of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation in connection with the administration of the Plan or the granting of Options or Restricted Stock Awards under the Plan.

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        (e)    Indemnification.    Each Committee member shall be entitled to indemnification by the Company in accordance with the provisions and limitations of Article VII of the Company's Bylaws, as the same may be amended from time to time, in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding with respect to the administration of the Plan or the granting of Options or Restricted Stock Awards under the Plan in which he may be involved by reason of his being or having been a Committee member, whether or not he continues to be a Committee member at the time of the action, suit or proceeding.

        3.    Eligibility.    All persons the Company or its Affiliates employ as employees or retain as independent contractors (other than directors who are not employees) who, in the Committee's judgment, hold positions of responsibility or whose performance can have a significant or material effect on the Company's long-term success or achievement of specific objectives shall be eligible to participate (the "Participants"). The Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine whether an individual qualifies as a Participant. Subject to the Plan's terms and restrictions, a Participant may receive more than one Option or Restricted Stock Award; provided, however, a Participant may not receive Options and Restricted Stock Awards in any one calendar year for more than an aggregate of 1,000,000 Shares. A Participant who is an independent contractor may not receive an Option which is intended to be an ISO.

        4.    Available Shares.    The aggregate maximum number of shares of the Common Stock for which the Committee may issue Options or Restricted Stock Awards under the Plan is 11,200,000 shares, adjusted as provided in Section 9 (the "Plan Shares" or "Shares"); provided, however, the Committee may not issue more than 1,000,000 Shares as Restricted Stock Awards in the aggregate, and Restricted Stock Awards under this Plan and the Company's 1997 Directors' Stock Option Plan in any calendar year may not exceed 0.5% of the shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on any date of grant. Plan Shares shall be issued from authorized and unissued Common Stock or Common Stock held in or hereafter acquired for the Company's treasury. If any outstanding Option or Restricted Stock Award granted under the Plan expires, lapses or is terminated for any reason, the Plan Shares allocable to the unexercised portion of such Option or forfeited portion of such Restricted Stock Award may again be the subject of grant pursuant to the Plan.

        5.    Term of Plan.    The Plan is effective as of May 15, 1997, the date on which it was adopted by the Company's Board of Directors. No Option or Restricted Stock Award granted under the Plan shall be exercisable or nonforfeitable unless the Plan is approved by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting stock of the Company on or before May 15, 1998. No Option or Restricted Stock Award may be granted under the Plan after May 15, 2007.

        6.    Terms and Conditions of Options.    Options granted pursuant to the Plan shall be evidenced by written documents (the "Option Documents") in such form or forms as the Committee shall from time to time approve. Option Documents shall comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions set forth below and such other terms and conditions which the Committee shall from time to time specify with respect to a particular Option or Options provided they are not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan. The applicable terms need not be uniform between or among Options.

        (a)    Number of Shares.    Each Option Document shall state the number of Shares to which it pertains.

        (b)    Option Price.    Each Option Document shall state the price at which Shares under Option may be purchased (the "Option Price"), which shall be at least 100% of the Common Stock's closing price on the New York Stock Exchange (or such other exchange as the Committee selects) on the date the Option is granted; provided, however, if an ISO is granted to a Participant who then owns, directly or by attribution under section 424(d) of the Code, shares possessing more than ten percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or an

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Affiliate, then the Option Price for such ISO shall be at least 110% of the Common Stock's closing price on the date the Option is granted.

        (c)    Exercisability.

        (i)    General Rule.    Unless the Committee provides otherwise in an Option Document, each Option granted under the Plan shall be exercisable in cumulative equal installments of 25% of the Shares under Option on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant provided the Participant remains an employee of the Company or an Affiliate on such date(s). Further, if a Participant terminates employment due to death, disability, or retirement (as defined below) prior to the date an Option is 100% exercisable, the installment which would become exercisable on the next anniversary shall become exercisable. For the purposes of this Plan, a Participant's employment will be deemed to terminate due to "retirement" if, on his termination date, the Participant is at least age 65 or the sum of the Participant's age and completed years of employment with the Company or an Affiliate measured from his date of hire is at least 75. Except to the limited extent provided in the preceding sentence, the portion of an Option which is exercisable shall be fixed on the Participant's employment termination date. No Option shall be exercisable after its term expires pursuant to subsection 6(e), 6(f) or 6(g).

        (ii)    Change in Control.    If a Change in Control of the Company (as defined below) occurs, then all Options which both were not exercisable and have not terminated as of the date of such "Change in Control" shall as of such date become immediately exercisable except to the extent the Participant waives such accelerated right to exercise. A "Change in Control" shall be deemed to have taken place upon the date when (A) as a result of a tender offer, stock purchase, other stock acquisition, merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reverse split, sale or transfer of any asset or other transaction any person or group (as such terms are used in and under Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) other than the Company, any Affiliate, or any employee benefit plan of the Company or an Affiliate, shall become the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13-d under the Exchange Act) directly or indirectly of securities of the Company representing more than 20% of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities; providing, however, that this provision shall not apply to Peter McCausland ("McCausland"), unless and until McCausland, together with all affiliates and associates, becomes the beneficial owner of 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities; (B) stockholders approve the consummation of any merger of the Company or any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets, if the Company's stockholders immediately before such transaction own, immediately after consummation of such transaction, equity securities (other than options and other rights to acquire equity securities) possessing less than 50% of the voting power of the surviving or acquiring corporation; or (C) a change in the majority of the individuals who constitute the Company's Board of Directors occurs during any period of two years for any reason without the approval of at least a majority of directors in office at the beginning of such period.

        (d)    Medium of Payment.    A Participant shall pay for Shares under Option (i) in cash, (ii) by certified check payable to the order of the Company, (iii) in shares of the Common Stock held by the Participant for at least six months as of the exercise date, (iv) by a combination of the foregoing, (v) by delivery to the Company of a properly executed notice of exercise together with irrevocable instructions to a broker to deliver to the Company promptly the amount of the proceeds of the sale of all or a portion of the Shares or of a loan from the broker to the Participant necessary to pay the aggregate exercise price payable for the purchased Shares plus all applicable federal, state and local income and employment taxes required to be withheld by the Company by reason of such exercise or (vi) by such other mode of payment as the Committee may approve. If payment is made in whole or in part in shares of the Common Stock, then the

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Participant shall deliver to the Company certificates registered in the name of such Participant representing shares of Common Stock owned by such Participant, free of all liens, claims and encumbrances of every kind and having a fair market value on the date of delivery that is not greater than the Option Price of the Shares with respect to which such Option is to be exercised, accompanied by stock powers duly endorsed in blank by the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may impose such limitations and prohibitions on the use of shares of the Common Stock to exercise an Option as it deems appropriate.

        (e)    Termination of ISOs.    Unless the Committee provides otherwise in an Option Document, an ISO shall not be exercisable after the first to occur of the following:

        (i)    Term Expiration.    Expiration of the term specified in the Option Document, which shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant or five years from the date of grant if the Participant on the date of grant owns, directly or by attribution under section 424(d) of the Code, shares possessing more than ten percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of an Affiliate;

        (ii)    Employment Termination.    Expiration of 90 days from the date the Participant's employment with the Company or its Affiliates terminates unless any of subsection 6(e)(iii) - 6(e)(vi) applies;

        (iii)    Retirement.    Expiration of 90 days from the date the Participant's employment with the Company or its Affiliates terminates due to "retirement";

        (iv)    Disability.    Expiration of one year from the date the Participant's employment with the Company or its Affiliates terminates if the Participant terminates due to disability (within the meaning of section 22(e)(3) of the Code);

        (v)    Death.    Expiration of the Option term if the Participant's employment terminates due to death; or

        (vi)    Forfeiture.    The date on which forfeiture occurs under subsection 6(g).

        (f)    Termination of NSOs.    Unless the Committee provides otherwise in an Option Document, an NSO shall not be exercisable after the first to occur of the following:

        (i)    Term Expiration.    Expiration of the term specified in the Option Document, which shall not exceed ten years from the date of grant;

        (ii)    Employment Termination Before Death, Disability or Retirement.    Expiration of 90 days from the date the Participant's employment with the Company or its Affiliates terminates for reasons other than death, disability (within the meaning of section 22(e)(3) of the Code) or "retirement"; or

        (iii)    Forfeiture.    The date on which forfeiture occurs under subsection 6(g).

        (g)    Forfeiture.    An Option shall terminate immediately upon a finding by the Committee, after full consideration of the facts presented on behalf of both the Company and the Participant, that the Participant has engaged in any sort of disloyalty to the Company or an Affiliate, including, without limitation, fraud, embezzlement, theft, commission of a felony or proven dishonesty in the course of his employment or service or has disclosed trade secrets or confidential information of the Company or an Affiliate or engaged in competition with the Company or an Affiliate. In such event, in addition to immediate termination of the Option, the Participant, upon a determination by the Committee, shall automatically forfeit all Shares for which the Company has not yet delivered the share certificates upon the Company's refund of the Option Price.

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        (h)    Transfers.    Generally, a Participant may not transfer any Option granted under the Plan, except that (i) during his lifetime, a Participant may transfer an NSO to a spouse or a lineal ascendant or descendant or a trust for the benefit of such a person or persons or a partnership in which such persons are the only partners, provided the Participant receives no consideration for any such transfer and (ii) at the Participant's death, a Participant may transfer an Option by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. If a transfer occurs under this subsection, the transferred Option shall remain subject to all Plan provisions. A transferee shall be required to furnish proof satisfactory to the Committee of the transfer to him by gift or by will or laws of descent and distribution.

        (i)    Limits on ISOs.    Each ISO shall provide that to the extent the aggregate fair market value of Plan Shares with respect to which a Participant may exercise an ISO for the first time during any calendar year under any Company plan exceeds $100,000, then such Option shall be treated as an NSO rather than as an ISO.

        (j)    Other Provisions.    The Option Documents shall contain such other provisions including, without limitation, additional restrictions upon the exercise of the Option or additional limitations upon the term of the Option, as the Committee shall deem advisable.

        (k)    Amendment.    The Committee shall have the right to amend Option Documents issued to a Participant subject to the Participant's consent.

        7.    Method of Option Exercise.

        (a)    Notice.    No Option shall be deemed to have been exercised prior to the Company's receipt of written notice of such exercise and of payment in full of the Option Price for the Shares to be purchased. Each such notice shall specify the number of Shares to be purchased.

        (b)    Securities Laws.    Each notice of exercise shall (unless the Shares are covered by a then current registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act")), contain the Participant's acknowledgment in form and substance satisfactory to the Company that (i) such Option Shares are being purchased for investment and not for distribution or resale (other than a distribution or resale which, in the opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company, may be made without violating the registration provisions of the Act), (ii) the Participant has been advised and understands that (A) the Option Shares may not be registered under the Act and may be "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Act and may be subject to restrictions on transfer and (B) the Company is under no obligation to register the Option Shares under the Act or to take any action which would make available to the Participant any exemption from such registration, and (iii) such Option Shares may not be transferred without compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, should the Company be advised by counsel that issuance of Shares should be delayed pending (iv) registration under federal or state securities laws or (v) the receipt of an opinion that an appropriate exemption therefrom is available, the Company may defer exercise of any Option granted hereunder until either such event in (iv) or (v) has occurred.

        (c)    Brokerage Account.    Each notice of exercise may instruct the Company, in such form as the Committee shall prescribe, to deliver Shares upon Option exercise to any registered broker or dealer which the Company approves in lieu of delivery to the Participant.

        8.    Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Awards.    Restricted Stock Awards made pursuant to the Plan shall be evidenced by written documents (the "Award Documents") in such form or forms as the Committee shall from time to time approve.

        (a)    Number of Shares.    Subject to Section 4, each Award Document shall state the number of Shares to which it pertains.

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        (b)    Restrictions and Limitations.    Each grant shall be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may impose. The applicable restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such time or times, or in such installments, as the Committee may deem appropriate. In addition, the Committee may impose limits on the Participant's right to vote Shares or receive dividends or distributions on Shares under a Restricted Stock Award until such Shares become nonforfeitable. Each Award Document shall provide that the Participant shall forfeit all forfeitable Shares upon a finding by the Committee that the Participant has engaged in conduct which violates subsection 6(g) and that all forfeitable Shares shall become nonforfeitable upon the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined in subsection 6(c)(ii)).

        (c)    Legend.    Any certificate issued in respect of a Restricted Stock Award shall be registered in the Participant's name and shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable under the Plan and Award Document to the covered Shares. In addition, until such time as all restrictions applicable to the Shares lapse, the Committee may provide for the certificate to be held in escrow by an escrow agent which the Committee selects and the Company compensates.

        (d)    Forfeiture.

        (i)    General Rule.    If a Participant terminates employment during any restriction period under circumstances which result in a forfeiture of Shares covered by the Restricted Stock Award or any event occurs or fails to occur which results in a forfeiture, the restricted Shares shall revert to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may waive any restriction applicable to any Restricted Stock Award whenever the Committee determines that such waiver is in the Company's best interests.

        (ii)    Forfeiture for Cause.    A Participant shall forfeit all forfeitable Shares covered by a Restricted Stock Award immediately upon a finding by the Committee, after full consideration of the facts presented on behalf of both the Company and the Participant, that the Participant has engaged in any sort of disloyalty to the Company or an Affiliate, including, without limitation, fraud, embezzlement, theft, commission of a felony or proven dishonesty in the course of his employment or service or has disclosed trade secrets or confidential information of the Company or an Affiliate or engaged in competition with the Company or an Affiliate.

        (e)    Transfers.    Generally, a Participant may not transfer, assign, alienate, sell, encumber, or pledge Shares under a Restricted Stock Award until they are nonforfeitable and any purported transfer, assignment, alienation, sale, encumbrance or pledge shall be void and unenforceable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) a Participant may transfer forfeitable Shares under a Restricted Stock Award to a spouse or a lineal ascendant or descendant or a trust for the benefit of such a person or persons or a partnership in which such persons are the only partners, provided the Participant receives no consideration for any such transfer and (ii) at the Participant's death, a Participant may transfer forfeitable Shares under a Restricted Stock Award by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. If a permitted transfer occurs under this subsection, the transferred Shares shall remain subject to all Plan provisions and all applicable conditions and restrictions under the Award Document. A transferee shall be required to furnish proof satisfactory to the Committee of the transfer to him by gift or by will or laws of descent and distribution.

        (f)    Securities Laws.    Upon the advice of counsel, the Committee may require a Participant to take or defer any action with respect to Shares covered under a Restricted Stock Award which counsel determines is necessary to comply with federal or state securities laws.

        9.    Adjustments on Changes in Common Stock.    The aggregate number of shares and class of shares as to which Options or Restricted Stock Awards may be granted hereunder, the number of Shares covered by each outstanding Option and the Option Price thereof and each Restricted Stock Award shall be appropriately adjusted in the event of a stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or

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other change in the number or class of issued and outstanding equity securities of the Company resulting from a subdivision or consolidation of the Common Stock and/or other outstanding equity security or a recapitalization or other capital adjustment (not including the issuance of Common Stock upon the conversion of other securities of the Company which are convertible into Common Stock) affecting the Common Stock which is effected without receipt of consideration by the Company. The Committee shall have authority to determine the adjustments to be made under this Section and any such determination by the Committee shall be final, binding and conclusive; provided, however, that no adjustment shall be made which causes an ISO to lose its status as such without the consent of the Participant.

        10.    Amendment of the Plan.    The Board of Directors of the Company may amend the Plan from time to time in such manner as it may deem advisable or terminate the Plan in full. Nevertheless, the Board of Directors of the Company may not, without obtaining approval by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting stock of the Company within twelve months before or after such action, change the class of individuals eligible to receive grants under the Plan or increase the maximum number of shares of Common Stock as to which Options or Restricted Stock Awards may be granted, except as provided in Section 9 hereof.

        11.    Continued Employment.    The grant of an Option or a Restricted Stock Award pursuant to the Plan shall not be construed to imply or to constitute evidence of any agreement, express or implied, on the part of the Company or any Affiliate to retain the Participant in the employ of the Company or an Affiliate or as a member of the Company's or an Affiliate's Board of Directors or in any other capacity.

        12.    Withholding of Taxes.

        (a)    General Rule.    As a condition for the receipt of an Option or Restricted Stock Award, the Participant agrees that the Company (or the Affiliate employing him) may deduct from wages or other amounts payable to him or that he will pay over to the Company any amount necessary to satisfy any federal, state and/or local withholding tax requirements and that the Company shall have the right to take whatever action it deems necessary to protect its interests with respect to tax liabilities resulting from any act or event in connection with the Plan.

        (b)    Payment in Shares.    The Participant may elect that the Company satisfy any applicable minimum federal, state and/or local withholding tax requirement by retaining Shares the Company would otherwise transfer to him upon his exercise of an Option or satisfaction of all vesting conditions under a Restricted Stock Award which have a fair market value equal to such withholding requirement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may impose such limitations and prohibitions on the use of shares of the Common Stock to satisfy withholding tax requirements as it deems appropriate.

        13.    Rules of Interpretation.    Regardless of the number and gender specifically used, words used in the Plan shall be deemed and construed to include any other number (singular or plural) and any other gender (masculine, feminine or neuter) as the context indicates is appropriate. Section headings are for convenience only; they form no part of the Plan.

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EXHIBIT 10.1

AIRGAS, INC. 1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN, AS AMENDED (Effective May 15, 1997, and as amended through May 7, 2002)

EX-10.2

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Exhibit 10.2

TERM NOTE

$150,000.00

Date: October 25, 2000

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, without defalcation, GLENN and HELENE FISCHER, husband and wife (collectively, "Makers"), in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below, hereby jointly and severally promise to pay to the order of AIRGAS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Payee"), the principal sum of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00), in lawful money of the United States of America, together with interest thereon at an annual rate of six and one-quarter percent (6.25%), subject to the terms of this Note.

        (a)  The principal balance of this Note, plus accrued interest thereon, shall be due and payable on the earlier to occur of (i) an Event of Default (as defined herein), or (ii) June 15, 2003; provided, however, that Makers shall have the right to prepay this Note, in whole or in part, at any time without premium or penalty.

        (b)  Interest shall accrue on the principal balance of this Note commencing on the date hereof and shall be computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed between the date hereof and the date on which the principal balance of this Note, and all accrued interest thereon, are paid in full.

        (c)  All payments of principal and accrued interest with regard to this Note shall be made to Payee in lawful money of the United States of America in immediately available funds at: Airgas, Inc., Radnor Court, 259 North Radnor-Chester Road, Suite 100, Radnor, Pennsylvania 19087-5240.

        (d)  Each of the following shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default"):

          (i)  Failure by Makers to pay the principal of, and accrued interest on, this Note within fifteen (15) days after such amounts become due;

        (ii)  Filing by Makers (or any one of them) of a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or a voluntary petition or any answer seeking arrangement or readjustment of his, her or their debts or for any other relief under the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1994, as amended ("Bankruptcy Code"), or under any other existing or future federal or state insolvency act or law, or any formal written consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any such petition or proceeding by Makers (or any one of them), the application by Makers (or any one of them) for, or the appointment by consent or acquiescence of, a receiver or trustee of

Makers (or any one of them) or for all or a substantial part of his, her or their property; the making by Makers (or any one of them) of an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or

        (iii)  Filing of any involuntary petition against Makers (or any one of them) in bankruptcy or seeking arrangement or readjustment of his, her or their debts or for any other relief under the Bankruptcy Code, or under any other existing or future federal or state insolvency act or law; or the involuntary appointment of a receiver or trustee of Makers (or any one of them), or for all or a substantial part of the property of Makers (or any one of them); and the continuance of any of such events for a period of sixty (60) days undismissed, unbonded or undischarged.

        (e)  Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, then, and in such event, Payee may declare this Note to be due and payable, whereupon the entire unpaid balance of principal, together with all accrued interest thereon, shall become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding.

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        (f)    THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH SETS FORTH A WARRANT OF AUTHORITY FOR AN ATTORNEY TO CONFESS JUDGMENT AGAINST MAKERS (OR ANY ONE OF THEM). IN GRANTING THIS WARRANT OF AUTHORITY TO CONFESS JUDGMENT AGAINST THEM, EACH MAKER HEREBY KNOWINGLY, INTENTIONALLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT EACH MAKER HAS OR MAY HAVE TO PRIOR NOTICE AND AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A HEARING UNDER THE RESPECTIVE CONSTITUTIONS AND LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA AND ALL OTHER JURISDICTIONS.

        UPON THE OCCURRENCE OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED HEREIN, EACH MAKER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AUTHORIZES AND EMPOWERS ANY ATTORNEY OF ANY COURT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA OR ELSEWHERE TO APPEAR AT ANY TIME FOR SUCH MAKER IN ANY ACTION BROUGHT AGAINST SUCH MAKER ON THIS NOTE AT THE SUIT OF PAYEE, WITH OR WITHOUT DECLARATION FILED, AS OF ANY TERM, AND THEREIN TO CONFESS OR ENTER JUDGMENT AGAINST SUCH MAKER FOR THE ENTIRE UNPAID PRINCIPAL OF THIS NOTE AND ALL OTHER SUMS PAYABLE BY OR ON BEHALF OF SUCH MAKER PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THIS NOTE, AND ALL ARREARAGES OF INTEREST THEREON, TOGETHER WITH COSTS OF SUIT, ATTORNEY'S COMMISSION FOR COLLECTION OF FIVE PERCENT (5%) OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT THEN DUE BY SUCH MAKER TO PAYEE (BUT IN ANY EVENT NOT LESS THAN ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000.00)), AND FOR SO DOING THIS NOTE OR A COPY HEREOF VERIFIED BY AFFIDAVIT SHALL BE A SUFFICIENT WARRANT. THE AUTHORITY GRANTED HEREIN TO CONFESS JUDGMENT SHALL NOT BE EXHAUSTED BY ANY EXERCISE THEREOF BUT SHALL CONTINUE FROM TIME TO TIME AND AT ALL TIMES UNTIL PAYMENT IN FULL OF ALL THE AMOUNTS DUE HEREUNDER.

        (g)  The remedies of Payee as provided herein, and the warranties contained herein, shall be cumulative and concurrent, and may be pursued singly, successively, or together at the sole discretion of Payee, and may be exercised as often as occasion therefor shall occur; and the failure to exercise any such right or remedy shall in no event be construed as a waiver or release thereof.

        (h)  Each Maker hereby waives and releases all errors, defects and imperfections in any proceedings instituted by Payee under the terms of this Note, as well as all benefit that might accrue to each Maker by virtue of any present or future laws exempting any property, real or personal, or any part of the proceeds arising from any sale of any such property, from attachment, levy, or sale under execution, or providing for any stay of execution, exemption from civil process, or extension of time for payment; and each Maker agrees that any real estate that may be levied upon pursuant to a judgment obtained by virtue hereof, on any writ of execution issued thereon, may be sold upon any such writ in whole or in part in any order desired by Payee.

        (i)    Each Maker and all endorsers, sureties and guarantors hereby jointly and severally waive presentment for payment, demand, notice of demand, protest and notice of protest of this Note, and all other notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default, or enforcement of the payment of this Note, and they agree that the liability of each of them shall be unconditional, without regard to the liability of any other party, and shall not be affected in any manner by any indulgence, extension of time, renewal, waiver or modification granted or consent to any and all extensions of time, renewals, waivers, or payment or other provisions of this Note, and to the release of the collateral or any part thereof, with or without substitution, and agree that additional makers, endorsers, guarantors, or sureties may become parties hereto without notice to them or affecting their liability hereunder.

        (j)    Payee shall not be deemed, by any act of omission or commission, to have waived any of its rights or remedies hereunder unless such waiver is in writing and signed by Payee, and then only to the

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extent specifically set forth in the writing. A waiver on one event shall not be construed as continuing or as a bar to or waiver of any right or remedy to a subsequent event.

        (k)  This instrument shall be governed by and construed according to the domestic, internal law (but not the law of conflict of laws) of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

        (l)    Whenever used, the singular number shall include the plural, the plural the singular, the use of any gender shall be applicable to all genders, and the words "Payee" and "Makers" shall be deemed to include the respective heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of Payee and Makers.

        (m)  This Note may not be assigned by Makers without the prior written consent of Payee.

        (n)  Any provision contained in this Note which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability, without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Maker, intending to be legally bound hereby, has executed this Note on the day and year first above written.

/s/  JEFF CORNWELL Witness	/s/  GLENN FISCHER Glenn Fischer
/s/  GLENN FISCHER Witness	/s/  HELENE FISCHER Helene Fischer

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Exhibit 10.2

TERM NOTE

EX-11

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EXHIBIT 11

AIRGAS, INC.

EARNINGS PER SHARE CALCULATIONS

		Three Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
		2002		2001
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
	Basic shares outstanding		69,900		67,400
	Stock options and warrants — incremental shares		2,100		1,000
	Diluted shares outstanding		72,000		68,400
Net earnings		$	14,044	$	(45,549	)
Basic earnings per share		$	..20	$	(.68	)
Diluted earnings per share		$	..20	$	(.67	)

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EXHIBIT 11

AIRGAS, INC. EARNINGS PER SHARE CALCULATIONS

EX-99.1

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Exhibit 99.1

Airgas, Inc.

Certification of Periodic Financial Report
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

        Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, each of the undersigned officers of Airgas, Inc. (the "Company") certifies that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in that Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: August 13, 2002	/s/  PETER MCCAUSLAND Peter McCausland Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Dated: August 13, 2002	/s/  ROGER F. MILLAY Roger F. Millay Senior Vice President—Finance and Chief Financial Officer

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Exhibit 99.1

Airgas, Inc.
Certification of Periodic Financial Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002