Airgas 1Q Earnings Pregame Scorecard

Last quarter Airgas (NYSE:ARG) topped estimates by 4 cents per share, and it is scheduled to report again on Wednesday.

Expectations

Analysts currently expect Airgas to come in with earnings of $1.15 per share on revenues of $1.27 billion. Estimates from analysts range from earnings per share to earnings per share. Over the past three months, the average estimate has moved down from $1.17.

Stock Movement

Recently, the stock price has been rising Since July 12, 2012 business days the stock has risen $1.74 per share. Looking at change over the last three months, April 23, 2012 and July 18, 2012, the stock price fell $6.28 (-7%), from $89.66 to $83.38.

Company Fundamental Trends With double-digit revenue growth the past four quarters, this earnings release is a chance to keep that positive trend going. The company has averaged year-over-year revenue growth of 11.6% over the last four quarters. The impending earnings announcement offers the opportunity expand on positive earnings momentum gained over last three quarters. Net income rose 16.7% in the second quarter of the last fiscal year and 29.5% in the third quarter of the last fiscal year before increasing again in the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year.

Stock Ratings

Analysts are bullish on the stock as 11 analysts rate it as a buy and there are no sell ratings. The average analyst rating of the stock has stayed steadfast from three months prior.

Last Quarter's Results

In the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year, profit rose 41.5% to $88.5 million ($1.13 a share) from $62.6 million (74 cents a share) the year earlier, exceeding analyst expectations. Revenue rose 12.6% to $1.24 billion from $1.1 billion.

Summary

Reporting Period: 1Q

Date of Release: Wednesday, July 25, 2012 before market open

EPS: $1.15

Revenue Estimate: $1.27 billion

(Company fundamentals by Xignite Financials. Earnings estimates provided by Zacks)