S&P says the industrial-gas company will benefit from strong demand and strategic acquisitions, and ranks the shares strong buy

From Standard&Poor’s Equity Research, it believes that Airgas will continue to experience improved results due to above-average sales growth resulting from the company’s leading market share of the U.S. gas distribution market, as well as continued demand from customers in energy, infrastructure, medical, and other markets. In addition, we think Airgas will continue to consolidate, and expect targeted acquisitions in the U.S. and internationally to help boost both revenue and earnings. S&P also believes Airgas, with more than 800,000 customers, will continue to experience growth despite a slowing economy, due to its fairly broad and diversified revenue base and its exposure to growing end markets, including the energy, infrastructure, and medical industries.

S&P views Airgas’ valuation as compelling relative to historical trading multiples, its peer group, and growth prospects. The stock