UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (date of earliest event reported):
May 7, 2003
AIRGAS, INC.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 1-9344 56-0732648
_______________ _______________________ _____________
(State or other (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction of Identification No.)
incorporation)
259 North Radnor-Chester Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087-5283
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(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (610) 687-5253
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Item 12. Disclosure of Results of Operations and Financial Condition
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On May 7, 2003, Airgas, Inc. reported its earnings for its fourth
quarter and year ended March 31, 2003, as described in the press
release attached as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.
Non-GAAP Measures:
The press release attached as Exhibit 99.1 contains certain financial
measures that are not defined under generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP). The Company uses Adjusted Debt Reduction to provide
investors with a more accurate and meaningful measure of the Company's
ability to repay debt by adjusting for changes in the debt reported on
the balance sheet for non-cash items and funds received under the trade
receivables securitization program. Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP measure
of the Company's ability to generate cash from continuing operations, which
can be used at management's discretion for acquisitions, the repayment of
debt or to support other investing and financing activities. The Company
believes that Free Cash Flow provides investors with meaningful insight
into the ability of the Company to generate cash flow in excess of the
cash required to maintain the Company's existing operations.
Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits
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(a) None
(b) None
(c) Exhibits.
99.1 - Press Release dated May 7, 2003
Signatures
__________
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
AIRGAS, INC.
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(Registrant)
BY: /s/ Robert M. McLaughlin
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Robert M. McLaughlin
Vice President & Controller
DATED: May 7, 2003