MSA Announces Third Quarter Results

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE: MSA) today reported results for the third quarter of 2017.

Quarterly Highlights

    --  Revenue was $296 million, increasing 6 percent from a year ago on a
        reported basis and 5 percent on a constant currency basis.
    --  GAAP earnings from continuing operations increased 26 percent to $32
        million, or $0.83 per diluted share, from $25 million, or $0.67 per
        diluted share in the same period a year ago.
    --  Adjusted earnings increased 29 percent to $35 million, or $0.92 per
        diluted share, from $27 million, or $0.72 per diluted share a year ago.
    --  The recent acquisition of firefighter turnout gear manufacturer Globe
        was accretive to GAAP earnings by $0.05 per share, or $0.07 per share
        excluding transaction costs and purchase accounting amortization.
    --  Cash flow from operating activities was $43 million, compared to $19
        million in the same period a year ago. In the quarter, the company
        deployed $215 million to complete the Globe acquisition, paid $13
        million of dividends to shareholders, and repurchased $12 million of
        common stock.

Comments from Management

"Our third quarter results reflect our investments in strategic acquisitions and transformational restructuring programs that have streamlined our cost structure and driven earnings growth," said William M. Lambert, MSA Chairman and CEO. "We were able to generate non-GAAP earnings of $0.07 per share from our recent acquisition of Globe, and we have already exceeded our full-year cost savings target from previously announced restructuring activities."

Mr. Lambert explained that restructuring programs executed earlier this year have driven a $6 million reduction in reported selling, general and administrative expenses, or $11 million of cost savings in organic constant currency terms. "While we are highly focused on managing our cost structure, we are committed to strategically deploying capital for investments that drive profitable growth," Mr. Lambert said. He noted that the acquisition of Globe, cost reduction programs and the lower tax rate drove a 26 percent increase in earnings in the quarter on the 6 percent increase in revenue.

"Our incoming order book continues to show strength in industrial products, and we've recently seen an improvement in demand from the fire service. Our industry leading safety solutions and inorganic investments further our ability to capture share in our key end markets," Mr. Lambert said. "Overall, we are carrying a healthy backlog heading into the fourth quarter. This pipeline of business - combined with the solid returns we are seeing from strategic investments - positions us well to continue enhancing shareholder value in the final months of 2017 and beyond," Mr. Lambert concluded.


    MSA Safety Incorporated

    Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income (Unaudited)

    (In thousands, except per share amounts)


                                                           Three Months Ended September 30,          Nine Months Ended September 30,

                                                                2017                            2016                          2017             2016
                                                                ----                            ----                          ----             ----


    Net sales                                                           $296,129                             $278,233                     $850,669    $853,499

    Cost of products sold                                    163,630                         149,471                       464,842          468,177
                                                             -------                         -------                       -------          -------

    Gross profit                                             132,499                         128,762                       385,827          385,322


    Selling, general and administrative                       72,409                          72,945                       222,334          227,856

    Research and development                                  12,351                          13,116                        35,282           34,623

    Restructuring charges                                      3,214                           1,889                        16,920            3,697

    Currency exchange losses, net                                562                             790                         3,994            2,498

    Other operating expense (a)                                3,346                               -                       32,956                -

    Operating income                                          40,617                          40,022                        74,341          116,648


    Interest expense                                           3,961                           4,412                        10,566           12,515

    Other income, net                                          (981)                        (2,041)                      (2,061)         (3,704)




    Total other expense, net                                   2,980                           2,371                         8,505            8,811


    Income from continuing operations before income           37,637                          37,651                        65,836          107,837
    taxes

    Provision for income taxes                                 5,411                          11,329                         6,306           38,866
                                                               -----                          ------                         -----           ------

    Income from continuing operations                         32,226                          26,322                        59,530           68,971

    (Loss) income from discontinued operations                     -                        (1,300)                            -              55
                                                                 ---                         ------                           ---             ---

    Net income                                                32,226                          25,022                        59,530           69,026

    Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests        (160)                          (836)                        (519)         (2,006)
                                                                ----                            ----                          ----           ------

    Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated        32,066                          24,186                        59,011           67,020
                                                              ======                          ======                        ======           ======


    Amounts attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated
    common shareholders:

    Income from continuing operations                         32,066                          25,486                        59,011           67,475

    Loss from discontinued operations                              -                        (1,300)                            -           (455)
                                                                 ---                         ------                           ---            ----

      Net income                                              32,066                          24,186                        59,011           67,020
                                                              ======                          ======                        ======           ======


    Earnings per share attributable to MSA Safety
    Incorporated common shareholders:

    Basic

    Income from continuing operations                                      $0.84                                $0.68                        $1.55       $1.80

    Loss from discontinued operations                              $           -                             $(0.04)                  $        -    $(0.01)
                                                                 ---         ---                              ------                 ---      ---     ------

      Net income                                                           $0.84                                $0.64                        $1.55       $1.79
                                                                           =====                                =====                        =====       =====


    Diluted

    Income from continuing operations                                      $0.83                                $0.67                        $1.52       $1.77

    Loss from discontinued operations                              $           -                             $(0.04)                  $        -    $(0.01)
                                                                 ---         ---                              ------                 ---      ---     ------

      Net income                                                           $0.83                                $0.63                        $1.52       $1.76
                                                                           =====                                =====                        =====       =====


    Basic shares outstanding                                  38,074                          37,487                        37,970           37,407

    Diluted shares outstanding                                38,702                          38,112                        38,692           37,908


    MSA Safety Incorporated

    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited)

    (In thousands)


                                                             September 30, 2017            December 31, 2016
                                                             ------------------            -----------------

    Assets

    Cash and cash equivalents                                                     $112,185                      $113,759

    Trade receivables, net                                              226,780                       209,514

    Inventories                                                         160,280                       103,066

    Notes receivable, insurance companies                                19,295                         4,180

    Other current assets                                                 57,999                        42,287
                                                                         ------                        ------

        Total current assets                                            576,539                       472,806


    Property, net                                                       152,475                       148,678

    Prepaid pension cost                                                 58,954                        62,916

    Goodwill                                                            417,949                       333,276

    Notes receivable, insurance companies, noncurrent                    59,151                        63,147

    Insurance receivable, noncurrent                                     98,219                       157,929

    Other noncurrent assets                                             231,930                       115,168
                                                                        -------                       -------

       Total assets                                                             $1,595,217                    $1,353,920
                                                                                ==========                    ==========


    Liabilities and shareholders' equity

    Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt, net                       $26,667                       $26,666

    Accounts payable                                                     65,589                        62,734

    Other current liabilities                                           180,832                       132,010
                                                                        -------                       -------

       Total current liabilities                                        273,088                       221,410


    Long-term debt, net                                                 445,717                       363,836

    Pensions and other employee benefits                                172,851                       157,927

    Deferred tax liabilities                                             37,347                        34,044

    Other noncurrent liabilities                                         45,007                        15,491

    Total shareholders' equity                                          621,207                       561,212
                                                                        -------                       -------

       Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                               $1,595,217                    $1,353,920
                                                                                ==========                    ==========


    MSA Safety Incorporated

    Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

    (In thousands)


                                                                       Three Months Ended                                  Nine Months Ended
                                                                          September 30,                                      September 30,

                                                                    2017                      2016                     2017                              2016
                                                                    ----                      ----                     ----                              ----


    Net income                                                              $32,226                     $25,022                         $59,530               $69,026

    Depreciation and amortization                                  9,929                     8,919                        27,665                     26,651

    Change in working capital and other operating                    809                   (15,026)                      102,051                    (64,240)

      Cash flow from operating activities                         42,964                    18,915                       189,246                     31,437
                                                                  ------                    ------                       -------                     ------


    Capital expenditures                                         (5,603)                             (5,551)     (11,730)                          (16,146)

    Acquisition, net of cash acquired                          (213,990)                            (18,261)    (213,990)                           (18,261)

    Property disposals and other investing                            52                                  967           729                     17,932

      Cash flow used in investing activities                   (219,541)                  (22,845)                     (224,991)                   (16,475)
                                                                --------                   -------                      --------                    -------


    Change in debt                                               200,540                    19,459                        75,900                     16,083

    Cash dividends paid                                         (13,376)                  (12,391)                      (39,200)                   (36,675)

    Company stock purchases under repurchase program            (11,781)                        -                      (11,781)                         -

    Other financing                                                (263)                    1,177                         7,681                      4,338

      Cash flow from (used in) financing activities              175,120                     8,245                        32,600                    (16,254)
                                                                 -------                     -----                        ------                    -------


    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash             (1,719)                   (1,431)                        1,571                      1,400
    equivalents



    (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents             (3,176)                    2,884                        (1,574)                       108
                                                                  ======                     =====                        ======                        ===


    MSA Safety Incorporated

    Segment Information (Unaudited)

    (In thousands)


                                          Americas            International         Corporate          Consolidated
                                          --------            -------------         ---------          ------------

    Three months ended September 30, 2017

    Sales to external customers                      $186,898                                 $109,231                      -          $296,129

    Operating income                                                                                       40,617

    Operating margin %                                                                                    13.7%

    Restructuring charges                                                                                   3,214

    Currency exchange losses, net                                                                             562

    Other operating expense                                                                                 3,346

    Adjusted operating income (loss)          47,256                          9,077                           (8,594)          $47,739

    Adjusted operating margin %              25.3%                          8.3%                                      16.1%


    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

    Sales to external customers                      $528,426                                 $322,243                      -          $850,669

    Operating income                                                                                       74,341

    Operating margin %                                                                                     8.7%

    Restructuring charges                                                                                  16,920

    Currency exchange losses, net                                                                           3,994

    Other operating expense                                                                                32,956

    Adjusted operating income (loss)         130,887                         26,691                          (29,367)         $128,211

    Adjusted operating margin %              24.8%                          8.3%                                      15.1%


                                          Americas            International         Corporate          Consolidated
                                          --------            -------------         ---------          ------------

    Three months ended September 30, 2016

    Sales to external customers                      $165,359                                 $112,874                      -          $278,233

    Operating income                                                                                         40,022

    Operating margin %                                                                                      14.4%

    Restructuring charges                                                                                     1,889

    Currency exchange losses, net                                                                               790

    Other operating expense                                                                                       -

    Adjusted operating income (loss)          41,458                         10,511                           (9,268)          $42,701

    Adjusted operating margin %              25.1%                          9.3%                                      15.3%


    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

    Sales to external customers                      $510,324                                 $343,175                      -          $853,499

    Operating income                                                                                        116,648

    Operating margin %                                                                                      13.7%

    Restructuring charges                                                                                     3,697

    Currency exchange losses, net                                                                             2,498

    Other operating expense                                                                                       -

    Adjusted operating income (loss)         117,475                         31,659                          (26,291)         $122,843

    Adjusted operating margin %              23.0%                          9.2%                                      14.4%

The Americas and International segments were established on January 1, 2016. The Americas segment is comprised of our operations in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. The International segment is comprised of our operations in all other parts of the world including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India, China, South East Asia and Australia. Certain global expenses are allocated to each segment in a manner consistent with where the benefits from the expenses are derived.

Adjusted operating income (loss) and adjusted operating margin are the measures used by the chief operating decision maker to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources. As such, management believes that adjusted operating income (loss) and adjusted operating margin are useful metrics for investors. Adjusted operating income (loss) is defined as operating income excluding restructuring, currency exchange gains (losses) and other operating expense. Adjusted operating margin is defined as adjusted operating income (loss) divided by segment sales to external customers. Adjusted operating income (loss) and adjusted operating margin are not recognized terms under GAAP and therefore do not purport to be alternatives to operating income or operating margin as a measure of operating performance. The Company's definition of adjusted operating income (loss) and adjusted operating margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. As such, management believes that it is appropriate to consider operating income determined on a GAAP basis in addition to these non-GAAP measures.


    MSA Safety Incorporated

    Reconciliation of As Reported Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Constant currency revenue growth (Unaudited)

    Organic constant currency revenue growth (Unaudited)

    Consolidated


                                                                                                                       Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

                                                                                 Breathing  Firefighter   Industrial    Portable     Fixed Gas       Fall    Core Sales         Non-Core          Net
                                                                                 Apparatus  Helmets and      Head         Gas        and Flame    Protection                      Sales          Sales
                                                                                           Protective   Protection   Detection     Detection
                                                                                           Apparel(b)

    GAAP reported sales change                                                          1%                      187%                        9%                       1%               1%            2%      12%     (17)%        6%

    Plus: Currency translation effects                                                (1)%                         - %                    (1)%                     (1)%             (1)%             -   % (2)%      (2)%      (1)%

    Constant currency sales change                                                       -  %                   187%                        8%                        -   %            -   %        2%      10%     (19)%        5%
                                                                                       ---  ---                  ---                        ---                       ---   ---        ---   ---     ---       ---       ----       ---

    Less: Acquisitions                                                                   -  %                   181%                         -   %                    -   %           2%             -   %   9%         -   %    8%

    Organic constant currency change                                                     -  %                     6%                        8%                        -   %         (2)%            2%       1%     (19)%      (3)%
                                                                                       ===  ===                  ===                        ===                       ===   ===        ===            ===       ===       ====       ===


                                                                                                                               Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

                                                                                 Breathing     Firefighter     Industrial
                                                                                                  Helmets         Head        Portable Gas     Fixed Gas         Fall    Core Sales    Non-Core      Net
                                                                                 Apparatus   and Protective   Protection       Detection       and Flame      Protection                 Sales      Sales
                                                                                             Apparel(b)                                      Detection

    GAAP reported sales change                                                        (8)%                            52%                            14%                         1%          1%            -  %    2%     (13)%          -  %

    Plus: Currency translation effects                                                  -%                            1%                           (1)%                          -   %       -   %       3%       1%      (1)%          -  %

    Constant currency sales change                                                    (8)%                            53%                            13%                         1%          1%           3%       3%     (14)%          -  %
                                                                                       ---                             ---                             ---                         ---          ---          ---      ---        ----         --- ---

    Less: Acquisitions                                                                  -%                           51%                              -   %                      -   %      2%            -  %    4%         -  %      3%

    Organic constant currency change                                                  (8)%                             2%                            13%                         1%        (1)%           3%     (1)%      (14)       (3)%
                                                                                       ===                             ===                             ===                         ===          ===          ===      ===         ===         ===


    (b)  Firefighter helmets and protective apparel includes the impact of the Globe acquisition, completed on July 31, 2017.

Management believes that constant currency revenue growth is a useful metric for investors, as foreign currency translation can have a material impact on revenue growth trends. Constant currency revenue growth highlights ongoing business performance excluding the impact of fluctuating foreign currencies, which is outside of management's control. Organic constant currency revenue growth is defined as constant currency revenue growth excluding acquisitions. Management believes that organic constant currency revenue growth is a useful measure for investors to provide an understanding of MSA's standalone results. There can be no assurances that MSA's definition of constant currency revenue growth or organic constant currency revenue growth is consistent with that of other companies. As such, management believes that it is appropriate to consider revenue growth determined on a GAAP basis in addition to these non-GAAP financial measures.


    MSA Safety Incorporated

    Reconciliation of As Reported Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Constant currency revenue growth (Unaudited)

    Organic constant currency revenue growth (Unaudited)


    Americas Segment


                                                                                                                Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

                                                                                  Breathing     Firefighter Industrial        Portable Gas
                                                                                  Apparatus                    Head            Detection        Fixed Gas and        Fall     Core           Non-Core      Net
                                                                                              Helmets and                                         Flame
                                                                                                                                                   Detection      Protection Sales             Sales      Sales
                                                                                               Protective
                                                                                                 Apparel(b) Protection

    GAAP reported sales change                                                           1%                       437%                                     5%                      -   %         (2)%       26%      18%     (12)%      13%

    Plus: Currency translation effects                                                    - %                     (1)%                                   (1)%                      -   %            -   %  (1)%     (1)%      (1)%        - %

    Constant currency sales change                                                       1%                       436%                                     4%                      -   %         (2)%       25%      17%     (13)%      13%
                                                                                        ---                         ---                                     ---                     ---  ---         ---        ---      ---       ----      ---

    Less: Acquisitions                                                                    - %                     421%                                      -   %                  -   %            -   %     -   %  14%         -  %   12%

    Organic constant currency change                                                     1%                        15%                                     4%                      -   %         (2)%       25%       3%     (13)%       1%
                                                                                        ===                         ===                                     ===                     ===  ===         ===        ===      ===       ====      ===


                                                                                                                                 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

                                                                                  Breathing    Firefighter Helmets    Industrial
                                                                                  Apparatus            and               Head           Portable Gas       Fixed Gas and      Fall     Core     Non-Core      Net
                                                                                                                                          Detection              Flame
                                                                                                                                                              Detection    Protection Sales                  Sales
                                                                                                     Protective
                                                                                                    Apparel(b)        Protection                                                                  Sales

    GAAP reported sales change                                                         (9)%                                 117%                                     12%                  7%        (4)%       23%         6%      (8)%         4%

    Plus: Currency translation effects                                                   -%                                   -   %                                (1)%                   -   %      1%         -   %   (1)%      (1)%       (1)%

    Constant currency sales change                                                     (9)%                                 117%                                     11%                  7%        (3)%       23%         5%      (9)%         3%
                                                                                        ---                                   ---                                      ---                  ---          ---        ---       ---       ---        ---

    Less: Acquisitions                                                                   -%                                116%                                      -%                  -   %      -%        -   %     4%        -%        4%

    Organic constant currency change                                                   (9)%                                   1%                                     11%                  7%        (3)%       23%         1%      (9)%       (1)%
                                                                                        ===                                   ===                                      ===                  ===          ===        ===       ===       ===        ===



    (b)  Firefighter helmets and protective apparel includes the impact of the Globe acquisition, completed on July 31, 2017.

Management believes that constant currency revenue growth is a useful metric for investors, as foreign currency translation can have a material impact on revenue growth trends. Constant currency revenue growth highlights ongoing business performance excluding the impact of fluctuating foreign currencies, which is outside of management's control. Organic constant currency revenue growth is defined as constant currency revenue growth excluding acquisitions. Management believes that organic constant currency revenue growth is a useful measure for investors to provide an understanding of MSA's standalone results. There can be no assurances that MSA's definition of constant currency revenue growth or organic constant currency revenue growth is consistent with that of other companies. As such, management believes that it is appropriate to consider revenue growth determined on a GAAP basis in addition to these non-GAAP financial measures.


    MSA Safety Incorporated

    Reconciliation of As Reported Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Constant currency revenue growth (Unaudited)

    Organic constant currency revenue growth (Unaudited)

    International Segment


                                                                                                                                 Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

                                                                                 Breathing   Firefighter   Industrial       Portable Gas       Fixed Gas and          Fall
                                                                                                Helmets       Head                                                 Protection Core Sales   Non-Core     Net
                                                                                 Apparatus and Protective Protection          Detection            Flame
                                                                                                                                                  Detection                                 Sales      Sales
                                                                                             Apparel

    GAAP reported sales change                                                          2%                         3%                                    31%                          2%         5%     (17)%        2%     (22)%        (3)%

    Plus: Currency translation effects                                                (5)%                       (3)%                                   (5)%                        (3)%       (3)%        -%     (3)%      (4)%        (4)%

    Constant currency sales change                                                    (3)%                          -   %                                26%                        (1)%         2%     (17)%      (1)%     (26)%        (7)%
                                                                                       ---                         ---   ---                              ---                          ---         ---       ----       ---       ----        ---

    Less: Acquisitions                                                                  -%                         -   %                                  -   %                      -%        4%        -%       1%        -%         -%

    Organic constant currency change                                                  (3)%                          -   %                                26%                        (1)%       (2)%     (17)%      (2)%     (26)%        (7)%
                                                                                       ===                         ===   ===                              ===                          ===         ===       ====       ===       ====        ===


                                                          Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

                    Breathing Firefighter Industrial    Portable      Fixed Gas        Fall                  Non-Core
                    Apparatus   Helmets      Head          Gas           and        Protection                 Sales
                                  and                   Detection       Flame
                                                                      Detection                Core Sales                 Net Sales

                              Protective
                                Apparel   Protection

    GAAP reported
     sales change        (7)%                     3%                        23%                      (9)%          6%         (19)%       (3)%     (19)%        (6)%

    Plus: Currency
     translation
     effects             (1)%                     1%                          -   %                  (1)%           -   %        6%         1%        -%         -%

    Constant
     currency sales
     change              (8)%                     4%                        23%                     (10)%          6%         (13)%       (2)%     (19)%        (6)%
                          ---                     ---                         ---                       ----          ---           ----       ---       ----        ---

    Less:
     Acquisitions          -%                     -   %                      -   %                    -%         4%            -%        1%        -%         1%

    Organic
     constant
     currency
     change              (8)%                     4%                        23%                     (10)%          2%         (13)%       (3)%     (19)%        (7)%
                          ===                     ===                         ===                       ====          ===           ====       ===       ====        ===

Management believes that constant currency revenue growth is a useful metric for investors, as foreign currency translation can have a material impact on revenue growth trends. Constant currency revenue growth highlights ongoing business performance excluding the impact of fluctuating foreign currencies, which is outside of management's control. Organic constant currency revenue growth is defined as constant currency revenue growth excluding acquisitions. Management believes that organic constant currency revenue growth is a useful measure for investors to provide an understanding of MSA's standalone results. There can be no assurances that MSA's definition of constant currency revenue growth or organic constant currency revenue growth is consistent with that of other companies. As such, management believes that it is appropriate to consider revenue growth determined on a GAAP basis in addition to these non-GAAP financial measures.


    MSA Safety Incorporated

    Supplemental Segment Information (Unaudited)

    Summary of constant currency revenue growth by segment and product group



                                                                                     Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

                                                                             Consolidated       Americas           International
                                                                             ------------       --------           -------------

    Firefighter Helmets and Protective Apparel(b)                                    187%                   436%                    -%

    Industrial Head Protection                                                         8%                     4%                   26%

    Fall Protection                                                                    2%                    25%                 (17)%

    Fixed Gas and Flame Detection                                                       -   %               (2)%                    2%

    Portable Gas Detection                                                              -   %                  -   %              (1)%

    Breathing Apparatus                                                                 -   %                 1%                  (3)%

    Core Sales                                                                        10%                    17%                  (1)%
                                                                                      ---                     ---                    ---

    Core sales excluding acquisitions                                                  1%                     3%                  (2)%


    Non-Core Sales                                                                  (19)%                  (13)%                 (26)%


    Net Sales                                                                          5%                    13%                  (7)%
                                                                                      ===                     ===                    ===

    Net sales excluding acquisitions                                                 (3)%                     1%                  (7)%


                                                                                                       Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

                                                                                                   Consolidated                    Americas       International
                                                                                                   ------------                    --------       -----------

    Firefighter Helmets and Protective Apparel(b)                                                           53%                             117%                   4%

    Industrial Head Protection                                                                              13%                              11%                  23%

    Fall Protection                                                                                          3%                              23%                (13)%

    Fixed Gas and Flame Detection                                                                            1%                             (3)%                   6%

    Portable Gas Detection                                                                                   1%                               7%                (10)%

    Breathing Apparatus                                                                                    (8)%                             (9)%                 (8)%

    Core Sales                                                                                               3%                               5%                 (2)%
                                                                                                            ---                               ---                   ---

    Core sales excluding acquisitions                                                                      (1)%                               1%                 (3)%


    Non-Core Sales                                                                                        (14)%                             (9)%                (19)%


    Net Sales                                                                                                 -   %                           3%                 (6)%
                                                                                                            ===   ===                        ===                   ===

    Net sales excluding acquisitions                                                                       (3)%                             (1)%                 (7)%


    (b)  Firefighter helmets and protective apparel includes the impact of the Globe acquisition, completed on July 31, 2017.


    MSA Safety Incorporated

    Reconciliation of As Reported Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Organic constant currency SG&A expense (Unaudited)

    (In thousands)


                                                                                        Three Months Ended                                         Nine Months Ended
                                                                                        September 30,                                          September 30,

                                                                                      2017                     2016               %         2017                           2016            %

                                                                                                                           Change                                                 Change



    GAAP reported SG&A expense                                                                 $72,409                              $72,945                         (1)%           $222,334           $227,856 (2)%

    Plus: currency translation effects                                                                     1,140                                                                (55)

    Constant currency SG&A expense                                                  72,409                          74,085                  (2)%                 222,334             227,801     (2)%

    Less: Acquisitions and strategic                                                 2,801                             310                                               6,826               821
    transaction costs

    Organic constant currency SG&A                                                  69,608                          73,775                  (6)%                 215,508             226,980     (5)%
    expense

Management believes that organic constant currency SG&A expense is a useful metric for investors to measure the effectiveness of the company's cost reduction programs. Constant currency SG&A expense highlights spending patterns excluding fluctuating foreign currencies. Organic constant currency SG&A expense highlights the impact of acquisitions and strategic transaction costs. These metrics provide investors with a greater level of clarity into spending levels on a year-over-year basis. There can be no assurances that MSA's definition of organic constant currency SG&A expense is consistent with that of other companies. As such, management believes that it is appropriate to consider SG&A expense determined on a GAAP basis in addition to this non-GAAP financial measure.


    MSA Safety Incorporated

    Reconciliation of As Reported Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Adjusted earnings (Unaudited)

    Adjusted earnings per diluted share (Unaudited)

    (In thousands, except per share amounts)


                                                                                                                        Three Months Ended                                                                             Nine Months Ended
                                                                                                                           September 30,                                                                                 September 30,

                                                                                                                        2017                       2016                           %                                           2017                         2016                        %

                                                                                                                                                                            Change                                                                                              Change



    Income from continuing operations attributable to                                                                            $32,066                                                $25,486                                    26%                                 $59,011                 $67,475 (13)%
    MSA Safety Inc.

    Tax (benefit) associated with ASU 2016-09:                                                                          (98)                                      -                                                          (6,910)                                       -
    Improvements to employee share-based
    payment accounting

    Tax (benefits) charges associated with European                                                                  (2,474)                                      -                                                          (2,474)                                   3,600
    reorganization

    Subtotal                                                                                                          29,494                                  25,486                                       16%                  49,627                                   71,075          (30)%
                                                                                                                      ------                                  ------                                                            ------                                   ------


    Self-insured legal settlements and defense costs(a)                                                                3,359                                      20                                                            33,044                                      315

    Restructuring charges                                                                                              3,214                                   1,889                                                            16,920                                    3,697

    Currency exchange losses, net                                                                                        562                                     790                                                             3,994                                    2,498

    Strategic transaction costs                                                                                          386                                     310                                                             3,365                                      821

    Asset related losses (gains), net                                                                                     17                                   (256)                                                              186                                    (815)

    Income tax expense on adjustments                                                                                (1,598)                                  (829)                                                         (16,367)                                  (2,123)


    Adjusted earnings                                                                                                 35,434                                  27,410                                       29%                  90,769                                   75,468            20%
                                                                                                                      ------                                  ------                                                            ------                                   ------


    Adjusted earnings per diluted share                                                                                            $0.92                                                  $0.72                                    28%                                   $2.35                   $1.99   18%
                                                                                                                                   =====                                                  =====                                                                          =====                   =====


    (a)  Year to date amount primarily represents a charge related to product liability settlements reached in August 2017 and estimated indemnity for all other asserted cumulative trauma product liability claims. We are now largely self-insured for cumulative trauma claims.

Management believes that adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per diluted share are useful measures for investors, as management uses these measures to internally assess the company's performance and ongoing operating trends. There can be no assurances that additional special items will not occur in future periods, nor that MSA's definition of adjusted earnings is consistent with that of other companies. As such, management believes that it is appropriate to consider both net income determined on a GAAP basis as well as adjusted earnings.


    MSA Safety Incorporated

    Reconciliation of As Reported Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Globe earnings per diluted share excluding transaction costs and purchase accounting amortization (Unaudited)

    (In thousands, except per share amounts)


                                                                                                           Three Months Ended

                                                                                                           September 30, 2017

                                                                                                 Reconciliation              Reconciliation
                                                                                                                                   of
                                                                                                       of                     Earnings Per
                                                                                                    Earnings                 Diluted Share
                                                                                                    --------                 -------------


    Globe GAAP earnings                                                                                            $2,072                            $0.05

    Transaction costs                                                                                       496                                $0.01

    Purchase accounting amortization                                                                        684                                $0.02

    Income tax expense on adjustments                                                                     (413)                             $(0.01)

    Globe earnings excluding transaction costs                                                                     $2,839                            $0.07
    and purchase accounting amortization

Management believes that Globe earnings per diluted share excluding transaction costs and purchase accounting amortization is a useful measure for investors, as management uses this measure to assess the profitability of MSA's recent acquisition of firefighter turnout gear manufacturer Globe. There can be no assurances that MSA's metrics are consistent with that of other companies. As such, management believes that it is appropriate to consider both Globe net income determined on a GAAP basis as well as Globe earnings per diluted share excluding transaction costs and purchase accounting amortization.

About MSA:

Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company's comprehensive product line is used by workers around the world in a broad range of markets, including the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, the fire service, the construction industry, mining and the military. MSA's core products include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection products, firefighter helmets and protective apparel, and fall protection devices. With 2016 revenues of $1.15 billion, MSA employs approximately 4,600 people worldwide. The company is headquartered north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pa., and has manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. With more than 40 international locations, MSA realizes approximately half of its revenue from outside North America. For more information visit MSA's web site at www.MSAsafety.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Except for historical information, certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include but are not limited to all projections and anticipated levels of future performance. Forward looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those discussed herein. Any number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from projections or forward looking statements, including without limitation global economic conditions, spending patterns of government agencies, competitive pressures, the impact of acquisitions and related integration activities, product liability claims, the success of new product introductions, currency exchange rate fluctuations and the risks of doing business in foreign countries. A full listing of these risks, uncertainties and other factors are detailed from time-to-time in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including our most recent Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2017. You are strongly urged to review all such filings for a more detailed discussion of such risks and uncertainties. MSA's SEC filings are readily obtainable at no charge at www.sec.gov, as well as on its own investor relations website at http://investors.MSAsafety.com. MSA undertakes no duty to publicly update any forward looking statements contained herein, except as required by law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures:

This earnings release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures. These financial measures include constant currency revenue growth, organic constant currency growth, organic constant currency SG&A expense, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted earnings, adjusted earnings per diluted share and Globe earnings per diluted share excluding transaction costs and purchase accounting amortization. The presentation of these financial measures does not comply with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). For an explanation of these measures, together with a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see the Reconciliation of As Reported Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in the financial tables section above.

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