Airgas fiscal 1st-qtr earnings climb

NEW YORK, July 23 (Reuters) - Airgas Inc (ARG.N), which distributes packaged gases, welding and safety products, said on Wednesday its fiscal first-quarter earnings rose, driven by acquisitions and organic growth in key end-markets.

Net income in the quarter ended June 30 was $68.9 million, or 81 cents a share, compared with a year-ago net income of $51.7 million, or 63 cents a share. (Reporting by Euan Rocha)