Airgas (NYSE:ARG) traded today at a new 52-week high of $96.00. Approximately 74,000 shares have changed hands today, as compared to an average 30-day volume of 519,000 shares.

Airgas, Inc. distributes industrial, medical, and specialty gases and related equipment. The Company also produces and distributes liquid carbon dioxide and dry ice in the United States. Airgas' integrated distribution network consists of branch locations, distribution centers, and outbound telemarketing operations.

Potential upside of 5.5% exists for Airgas, based on a current level of $95.86 and analysts' average consensus price target of $101.15. The stock should find initial support at its 50-day moving average (MA) of $91.53 and further support at its 200-day MA of $86.45.

Over the past year, Airgas has traded in a range of $75.78 to $96.00 and is now at $95.86, 26% above that low. The 200-day and 50-day moving averages have moved 0.15% higher and 0.68% higher over the past week, respectively.

SmarTrend recommended that subscribers consider buying shares of Airgas on October 24th, 2012 as our proprietary SmarTrend analytics indicated a new Uptrend was in progress when shares hit $84.66. Since that recommendation, shares of Airgas have risen 12.5%. We continue to monitor ARG for any potential shift so investors can protect gains and will alert SmarTrend subscribers immediately.