** Argus Research raises PT on paint supplier Air Products APD.N to $316 from $265

** The new PT represents a premium of 10.4% to the stock's last close

** Brokerage says that while the near-term environment has been challenging with industrial demand weakness and high input costs, it expects conditions to improve through the next year

** "We think the shares still offer value and like the combination of improving fundamentals and higher earnings potential," adds brokerage

** 14 of 25 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher and 11 "hold"; median PT is $314.54 - data compiled by LSEG

** As of last close, APD up ~16% YTD

(Reporting by Dharna Bafna in Bengaluru)

((dharna.bafna@thomsonreuters.com))