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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FROM: MSA Safety Incorporated
Ticker: MSA (NYSE)
Media Relations Contact: Mark Deasy (724) 741 - 8570
Investor Relations Contact: Elyse Lorenzato (724) 741 - 8525

MSA Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Results
Record revenue driven by momentum of new products; MSA delivers mid-single digit revenue growth and strong operating margin expansion for the full year of 2019

PITTSBURGH, February 19, 2020 - Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE: MSA) today reported results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2019.

Quarterly Highlights

Revenue was $375 million, increasing 4 percent from a year ago on a reported basis and 5 percent on a constant currency basis.

GAAP operating income was $40 million or 10.7 percent of sales, compared to $42 million or 11.7 percent of sales in the same period a year ago. Adjusted operating income was $65 million or 17.3 percent of sales, compared to $65 million or 18.0 percent of sales in the same period a year ago. The company recognized a non-cash LIFO inventory charge of $2 million as well as a $3 million or 26 percent increase in research and development expense in the quarter, primarily impacting its Americas business segment.

GAAP earnings were $31 million or $0.79 per diluted share, compared to $25 million or $0.64 per diluted share in the same period a year ago. Adjusted earnings were $51 million or $1.29 per diluted share, compared to $50 million or $1.27 per diluted share in the same period a year ago.

Operating cash flow was $77 million compared to $78 million a year ago. Free cash flow conversion exceeded 100 percent of net income, driven by a 170 basis point decline in working capital from the third quarter of 2019.

Annual Highlights

Revenue was $1.4 billion, increasing 3 percent from a year ago on a reported basis and 5 percent on a constant currency basis.

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GAAP operating income was $186 million or 13.3 percent of sales, compared to $173 million or 12.8 percent of sales in the same period a year ago. Adjusted operating income was $251 million or 17.9 percent of sales, compared to $235 million or 17.3 percent of sales in the same period a year ago on product margin improvements and strong leverage over operating costs.

GAAP earnings were $136 million or $3.48 per diluted share, compared to $124 million or $3.18 per diluted share in the same period a year ago. Adjusted earnings were $188 million or $4.80 per diluted share, compared to $175 million or $4.50 per diluted share in the same period a year ago.

Operating cash flow was $165 million compared to $264 million a year ago, reflecting higher collections of insurance receivables in 2018. In 2019, the company invested more than $57 million in research and development, deployed $33 million for the Sierra Monitor acquisition and funded $64 million of dividends to shareholders. Dividend payments increased 11 percent from a year ago, continuing the company's long history of raising its dividend annually for more than 50 consecutive years.

Comments from Management
“MSA delivered record revenue in the fourth quarter, realized strong returns on previously completed restructuring programs, and drove substantial improvements in working capital,” commented Nish Vartanian, MSA President and CEO. “For the full year, we achieved mid-single digit revenue growth, incremental margins of more than 35 percent, and healthy levels of cash flow while continuing to invest heavily in our business.” Mr. Vartanian added that MSA's book-to-bill ratio exceeded 100 percent in the fourth quarter, providing a healthy backlog to start 2020.

The company's fourth quarter results include a $3 million or 26 percent increase in R&D expense as it continued to invest in and launch a significant number of new products. Among these was the launch of the company’s ALTAIR io 360 gas detector earlier this month. Combining many of the capabilities of a fixed gas monitoring system with the wireless convenience of a hand-held detector, the ALTAIR io 360 enables connected work-sites while expanding MSA’s addressable market into the area monitoring space.


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MSA also continues to advance the development of its connected firefighter platform powered by LUNAR, a wireless, hand-held device that provides thermal imaging capability, firefighter ranging, and motionless alarm through the use of cloud technology. LUNAR is expected to launch in the second half of 2020. Mr. Vartanian noted that for the quarter, more than 40 percent of MSA’s total sales were from products introduced within the past five years.

The company continues to make progress against its goal to improve profitability in its International business segment. “Our team has been highly focused on driving growth in select markets, optimizing our go-to-market strategy, and rationalizing our cost structure. It is encouraging to see the returns of these strategic programs coming through in the quarter," Mr. Vartanian commented. The company's International segment adjusted operating margin increased by 160 basis points in the fourth quarter of 2019.

“With a robust new product development pipeline and a strong balance sheet, we remain well positioned to continue investing in the growth programs, talent and technologies that create value for our shareholders and advance our mission of protecting workers' lives around the world," Mr. Vartanian concluded.

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MSA Safety Incorporated
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
375,255

 
$
361,784

 
$
1,401,981

 
$
1,358,104

Cost of products sold
208,410

 
199,397

 
765,369

 
746,241

Gross profit
166,845

 
162,387

 
636,612

 
611,863

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
85,165

 
84,558

 
330,502

 
324,784

Research and development
16,366

 
12,944

 
57,848

 
52,696

Restructuring charges
2,643

 
3,024

 
13,846

 
13,247

Currency exchange losses (gains), net (a)
2,476

 
(241
)
 
19,814

 
2,330

Product liability and other operating expense
20,217

 
19,858

 
28,372

 
45,327

Operating income
39,978

 
42,244

 
186,230

 
173,479

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
2,500

 
4,427

 
13,589

 
18,881

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 
1,494

Other income, net
(2,244
)
 
(939
)
 
(11,094
)
 
(9,231
)
Total other expense, net
256

 
3,488

 
2,495

 
11,144

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
39,722

 
38,756

 
183,735

 
162,335

Provision for income taxes
8,173

 
13,614

 
46,086

 
37,220

Net income
31,549

 
25,142

 
137,649

 
125,115

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(387
)
 
(259
)
 
(1,209
)
 
(965
)
Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated
$
31,162

 
$
24,883

 
$
136,440

 
$
124,150

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated common shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.80

 
$
0.65

 
$
3.52

 
$
3.23

Diluted
$
0.79

 
$
0.64

 
$
3.48

 
$
3.18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic shares outstanding
38,762

 
38,465

 
38,653

 
38,362

Diluted shares outstanding
39,366

 
39,104

 
39,189

 
38,961

(a) Year-to-date currency exchange losses includes a $15.4 million non-cash charge related to the recognition of currency translation adjustments associated with the closure of MSA's South Africa affiliates.


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MSA Safety Incorporated
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
December 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
152,195

 
$
140,095

Trade receivables, net
255,082

 
245,032

Inventories
185,027

 
156,602

Notes receivable, insurance companies
3,676

 
3,555

Other current assets
97,383

 
111,339

    Total current assets
693,363

 
656,623

 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
167,038

 
157,940

Operating lease assets, net
51,675

 

Prepaid pension cost
75,066

 
57,568

Goodwill
436,679

 
413,640

Notes receivable, insurance companies, noncurrent
52,336

 
56,012

Insurance receivable, noncurrent
56,169

 
56,866

Other noncurrent assets
207,367

 
209,363

   Total assets
$
1,739,693

 
$
1,608,012

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
 
 
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt, net
$
20,000

 
$
20,063

Accounts payable
89,120

 
78,367

Other current liabilities
168,389

 
183,630

   Total current liabilities
277,509

 
282,060

 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, net
328,394

 
341,311

Pensions and other employee benefits
186,697

 
166,101

Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
42,632

 

Deferred tax liabilities
9,787

 
7,164

Product liability and other noncurrent liabilities
162,101

 
171,857

Total shareholders' equity
732,573

 
639,519

   Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
1,739,693

 
$
1,608,012









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MSA Safety Incorporated
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
31,549

 
$
25,142

 
$
137,649

 
$
125,115

Depreciation and amortization
9,681

 
9,267

 
38,020

 
37,852

Change in working capital and other operating
35,482

 
43,281

 
(10,707
)
 
100,920

  Cash flow from operating activities
76,712

 
77,690

 
164,962

 
263,887

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(13,081
)
 
(15,340
)
 
(36,604
)
 
(33,960
)
Acquisition, net of cash acquired

 

 
(33,196
)
 

Change in short-term investments
22,614

 
2,068

 
5,425

 
(55,022
)
Property disposals
95

 
586

 
218

 
4,587

  Cash flow from (used in) investing activities
9,628

 
(12,686
)
 
(64,157
)
 
(84,395
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in debt
(29,502
)
 
(26,941
)
 
(16,565
)
 
(107,616
)
Cash dividends paid
(16,308
)
 
(14,643
)
 
(63,523
)
 
(57,248
)
Other financing
2,019

 
2,170

 
(4,536
)
 
1,595

  Cash flow used in financing activities
(43,791
)
 
(39,414
)
 
(84,624
)
 
(163,269
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash,
cash equivalents and restricted cash
1,136

 
(3,556
)
 
(4,242
)
 
(13,508
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
43,685

 
$
22,034

 
$
11,939

 
$
2,715





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MSA Safety Incorporated
Segment Information (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except percentage amounts)

 
Americas
 
International
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
Three Months Ended December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales to external customers
$
235,419

 
$
139,836

 
$

 
$
375,255

Operating income
 
 
 
 
 
 
39,978

Operating margin %
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.7
%
Restructuring charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,643

Currency exchange losses, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,476

Product liability expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
18,464

Strategic transaction costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,463

Adjusted operating income (loss)
55,133

 
20,022

 
(10,131
)
 
65,024

Adjusted operating margin %
23.4
%
 
14.3
%
 
 
 
17.3
%
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
9,681

Adjusted EBITDA
61,203

 
23,535

 
(10,033
)
 
74,705

Adjusted EBITDA %
26.0
%
 
16.8
%
 
 
 
19.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales to external customers
$
220,475

 
$
141,309

 
$

 
$
361,784

Operating income
 
 
 
 
 
 
42,244

Operating margin %
 
 
 
 
 
 
11.7
%
Restructuring charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,024

Currency exchange gains, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
(241
)
Product liability expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
19,858

Strategic transaction costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
213

Adjusted operating income (loss)
55,383

 
17,906

 
(8,191
)
 
65,098

Adjusted operating margin %
25.1
%
 
12.7
%
 
 
 
18.0
%
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
9,267

Adjusted EBITDA
61,291

 
21,168

 
(8,094
)
 
74,365

Adjusted EBITDA %
27.8
%
 
15.0
%
 
 
 
20.6
%


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Americas
 
International
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales to external customers
$
915,118

 
$
486,863

 
$

 
$
1,401,981

Operating income
 
 
 
 
 
 
186,230

Operating margin %
 
 
 
 
 
 
13.3
%
Restructuring charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
13,846

Currency exchange losses, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
19,814

Product liability expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
26,619

Strategic transaction costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
4,400

Adjusted operating income (loss)
226,596

 
59,910

 
(35,597
)
 
250,909

Adjusted operating margin %
24.8
%
 
12.3
%
 
 
 
17.9
%
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
38,020

Adjusted EBITDA
251,287

 
72,848

 
(35,206
)
 
288,929

Adjusted EBITDA %
27.5
%
 
15.0
%
 
 
 
20.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales to external customers
$
854,287

 
$
503,817

 
$

 
$
1,358,104

Operating income
 
 
 
 
 
 
173,479

Operating margin %
 
 
 
 
 
 
12.8
%
Restructuring charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
13,247

Currency exchange losses, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,330

Product liability expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
45,327

Strategic transaction costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
421

Adjusted operating income (loss)
206,839

 
59,866

 
(31,901
)
 
234,804

Adjusted operating margin %
24.2
%
 
11.9
%
 
 
 
17.3
%
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
37,852

Adjusted EBITDA
230,982

 
73,169

 
(31,495
)
 
272,656

Adjusted EBITDA %
27.0
%
 
14.5
%
 
 
 
20.1
%
The Americas segment is comprised of our operations in North America and Latin America geographies. The International segment is comprised of our operations in all geographies outside of the Americas. 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), adjusted operating margin, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and adjusted EBITDA 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), adjusted operating margin, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin are useful metrics for investors. Adjusted operating income (loss) is defined as operating income excluding restructuring charges, currency exchange gains / losses, product liability expense and strategic transaction costs and adjusted operating margin is defined as adjusted operating income (loss) divided by segment sales to external customers. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as adjusted operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization and adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as adjusted EBITDA divided by segment sales to external customers. Adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted operating margin, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA 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), adjusted operating margin, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA 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.

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MSA Safety Incorporated
Reconciliation of As Reported Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Constant currency revenue growth (Unaudited)


Consolidated
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2019
 
Breathing Apparatus
Firefighter Helmets and Protective Apparel
Industrial Head Protection
Portable Gas Detection
Fixed Gas and Flame Detection
Fall Protection
Core Sales
 
Non-Core Sales
 
Net Sales
GAAP reported sales change
1
%
%
(5
)%
3
%
18
%
(1
)%
4
%
 
%
 
4
%
Plus: Currency translation effects
%
1
%
1
 %
1
%
1
%
 %
1
%

1
%
 
1
%
Constant currency sales change
1
%
1
%
(4
)%
4
%
19
%
(1
)%
5
%
 
1
%
 
5
%



 
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
 
Breathing Apparatus
Firefighter Helmets and Protective Apparel
Industrial Head Protection
Portable Gas Detection
Fixed Gas and Flame Detection
Fall Protection
Core Sales
 
Non-Core Sales
 
Net Sales
GAAP reported sales change
(2
)%
5
%
(1
)%
4
%
12
%
15
%
4
%
 
(5
)%
 
3
%
Plus: Currency translation effects
1
 %
1
%
2
 %
2
%
2
%
3
%
2
%
 
3
 %
 
2
%
Constant currency sales change
(1
)%
6
%
1
 %
6
%
14
%
18
%
6
%
 
(2
)%
 
5
%



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. There can be no assurances that MSA's definition of 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 this non-GAAP financial measure.

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MSA Safety Incorporated
Reconciliation of As Reported Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Constant currency revenue growth (Unaudited)


Americas Segment
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2019
 
Breathing Apparatus
Firefighter Helmets and Protective Apparel
Industrial Head Protection
Portable Gas Detection
Fixed Gas and Flame Detection
Fall Protection
Core Sales
 
Non-Core Sales
 
Net Sales
GAAP reported sales change
8
%
(3
)%
(5
)%
5
%
23
%
18
%
8
%
 
(1
)%
 
7
%
Plus: Currency translation effects
%
 %
1
 %
1
%
%
1
%
%
 
 %
 
%
Constant currency sales change
8
%
(3
)%
(4
)%
6
%
23
%
19
%
8
%
 
(1
)%
 
7
%



 
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
 
Breathing Apparatus
Firefighter Helmets and Protective Apparel
Industrial Head Protection
Portable Gas Detection
Fixed Gas and Flame Detection
Fall Protection
Core Sales
 
Non-Core Sales
 
Net Sales
GAAP reported sales change
3
%
4
%
(2
)%
4
%
18
%
27
%
7
%
 
6
%
 
7
%
Plus: Currency translation effects
%
%
2
 %
1
%
%
2
%
1
%
 
1
%
 
1
%
Constant currency sales change
3
%
4
%
 %
5
%
18
%
29
%
8
%
 
7
%
 
8
%


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. There can be no assurances that MSA's definition of 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 this non-GAAP financial measure.


(more)


11

MSA Safety Incorporated
Reconciliation of As Reported Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Constant currency revenue growth (Unaudited)


International Segment
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2019
 
Breathing Apparatus
Firefighter Helmets and Protective Apparel
Industrial Head Protection
Portable Gas Detection
Fixed Gas and Flame Detection
Fall Protection
Core Sales
 
Non-Core Sales
 
Net Sales
GAAP reported sales change
(12
)%
13
%
(6
)%
%
14
%
(22
)%
(1
)%
 
%
 
(1
)%
Plus: Currency translation effects
1
 %
4
%
1
 %
1
%
2
%
 %
1
 %
 
3
%
 
2
 %
Constant currency sales change
(11
)%
17
%
(5
)%
1
%
16
%
(22
)%
 %
 
3
%
 
1
 %



 
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
 
Breathing Apparatus
Firefighter Helmets and Protective Apparel
Industrial Head Protection
Portable Gas Detection
Fixed Gas and Flame Detection
Fall Protection
Core Sales
 
Non-Core Sales
 
Net Sales
GAAP reported sales change
(12
)%
9
%
3
%
2
%
5
%
(1
)%
(1
)%
 
(15
)%
 
(3
)%
Plus: Currency translation effects
4
 %
6
%
4
%
5
%
5
%
4
 %
4
 %
 
4
 %
 
4
 %
Constant currency sales change
(8
)%
15
%
7
%
7
%
10
%
3
 %
3
 %
 
(11
)%
 
1
 %



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. There can be no assurances that MSA's definition of 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 this non-GAAP financial measure.


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MSA Safety Incorporated
Supplemental Segment Information (Unaudited)
Summary of constant currency revenue growth by segment and product group

 
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2019
 
Consolidated
 
Americas
 
International
Fixed Gas and Flame Detection
19
 %
 
23
 %
 
16
 %
Portable Gas Detection
4
 %
 
6
 %
 
1
 %
Breathing Apparatus
1
 %
 
8
 %
 
(11
)%
Firefighter Helmets and Protective Apparel
1
 %
 
(3
)%
 
17
 %
Fall Protection
(1
)%
 
19
 %
 
(22
)%
Industrial Head Protection
(4
)%
 
(4
)%
 
(5
)%
Core Sales
5
 %
 
8
 %
 
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-Core Sales
1
 %
 
(1
)%
 
3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
5
 %
 
7
 %
 
1
 %

 
 
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
 
Consolidated
 
Americas
 
International
Fixed Gas and Flame Detection
14
 %
 
18
%
 
10
 %
Portable Gas Detection
6
 %
 
5
%
 
7
 %
Breathing Apparatus
(1
)%
 
3
%
 
(8
)%
Firefighter Helmets and Protective Apparel
6
 %
 
4
%
 
15
 %
Fall Protection
18
 %
 
29
%
 
3
 %
Industrial Head Protection
1
 %
 
%
 
7
 %
Core Sales
6
 %
 
8
%
 
3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-Core Sales
(2
)%
 
7
%
 
(11
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
5
 %
 
8
%
 
1
 %








(more)


13

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 December 31,
 
 
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
%
Change
 
2019
 
2018
 
%
Change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated
$
31,162

 
$
24,883

 
25%
 
$
136,440

 
$
124,150

 
10%
Tax charges associated with U.S. Tax Reform

 
4,475

 
 
 

 
2,518

 
 
Non-deductible non-cash charge related to the recognition of currency translation adjustments (a)

 

 
 
 
15,359

 

 
 
Tax charges associated with restructuring activities
584

 
1,794

 
 
 
584

 
1,794

 
 
Tax benefit associated with ASU 2016-09: Improvements to employee share-based payment accounting
(98
)
 
(225
)
 
 
 
(2,278
)
 
(2,531
)
 
 
Subtotal
31,648

 
30,927

 
2%
 
150,105

 
125,931

 
19%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product liability expense
18,464

 
19,858

 
 
 
26,619

 
45,327

 
 
Restructuring charges
2,643

 
3,024

 
 
 
13,846

 
13,247

 
 
Strategic transaction costs
1,463

 
213

 
 
 
4,400

 
421

 
 
Currency exchange losses (gains), net
2,476

 
(241
)
 
 
 
4,455

 
2,330

 
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 
 
 

 
1,494

 
 
Asset related losses, net
100

 
68

 
 
 
371

 
484

 
 
Income tax expense on adjustments
(5,914
)
 
(4,155
)
 
 
 
(11,826
)
 
(13,800
)
 
 
Adjusted earnings
$
50,880

 
$
49,694

 
2%
 
$
187,970

 
$
175,434

 
7%
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted earnings per diluted share
$
1.29

 
$
1.27

 
2%
 
$
4.80

 
$
4.50

 
7%
(a) Included in Currency exchange losses (gains), net on the Statement of Income.

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.



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14

MSA Safety Incorporated
Reconciliation of As Reported Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Free cash flow (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except percentages)

 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow from operating activities
$
76,712

 
$
77,690

 
$
164,962

 
$
263,887

Capital expenditures
(13,081
)
 
(15,340
)
 
(36,604
)
 
(33,960
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Free cash flow
$
63,631

 
$
62,350

 
$
128,358

 
$
229,927

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated
$
31,162

 
$
24,883

 
$
136,440

 
$
124,150

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Free cash flow conversion
204%
 
251%
 
94%
 
185%


Management believes that free cash flow is a meaningful measure for investors. Management reviews cash from operations after deducting capital expenditures because these expenditures are necessary to promote growth of MSA’s business and are likely to produce cash from operations in future periods. It is important to note that free cash flow does not reflect the residual cash balance of the company for discretionary spending since other items, including debt and dividend payments, are deducted from free cash flow before arriving at the company’s ending cash balance. Management defines free cash flow conversion as free cash flow divided by net income attributable to MSA. There can be no assurances that MSA's definition of free cash flow is consistent with that of other companies. As such, management believes that it is appropriate to consider cash from operating activities determined on a GAAP basis as well as free cash flow.


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15

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 2019 revenues of $1.40 billion, MSA employs approximately 4,800 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 20, 2019. 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 press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures. These financial measures include constant currency revenue growth, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted earnings, adjusted earnings per diluted share and free cash flow. 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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