Airgas, Inc., the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases, welding, safety and related products, reported strong growth in sales and earnings, for its fourth quarter ended March 31, 2006. Airgas released its earnings statement May 1.

Airgas said its fourth quarter profit was $36 million, 45 cents per share, on sales of $747 million. Profit was 51 percent higher and sales were 16 percent higher than in the same quarter a year ago. The company said the recent fourth quarter results included an after-tax charge of $3 million, 3 cents per share, because of an accounting change.

Airgas said its increase in sales reflects broad demand from industrial, energy and non-residential construction market segments.

"Our business momentum continues to be very strong. Our emphasis on profitable growth is showing results, as evidenced by a 180 basis point improvement in operating margins, to 9.9% in the fourth quarter," said Peter McCausland, the company's chairman and chief executive officer. Business was particularly strong in the company's gas operation units and in its distribution companies along the Gulf Coast and in the Western half of the U.S, McCausland said.

Airgas saw net profit for its fiscal 2006 of $124 million, $1.57 per share, on sales of $2.8 billion. Income increased 35 percent, and sales for the year increased 20 percent over fiscal 2005.