MSA
IndustrialsMSA Safety Incorporated · Security & Protection Services · $7B
What is MSA Safety Incorporated?
MSA Safety Incorporated is a global manufacturer of safety products designed to protect workers and facility infrastructure across some of the world's most hazardous industries. Founded in 1914 and headquartered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, the company has built a century-long track record in industrial safety.
MSA Safety generates revenue by developing, manufacturing, and selling protective equipment to industries including oil and gas, fire service, construction, mining, and utilities. Products are sold through both direct and indirect distribution channels across North America, Latin America, and international markets. The company serves end-users and distributors, offering branded product lines under names such as V-Gard, Cairns, and Gallet — spanning everything from gas detection systems to fall protection gear.
MSA Safety was founded in 1914 and operates from its headquarters in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.
- Fixed gas and flame detection monitoring systems
- Self-contained breathing apparatus and air-purifying respirators
- Industrial head protection and firefighter helmets
- Fall protection equipment including harnesses and self-retracting lifelines
- Portable gas detection instruments and engineered safety systems
Is MSA a Good Stock to Buy?
UQS Score rates MSA as Good overall, reflecting a balanced profile across its five analytical pillars.
MSA's strongest attributes lie in its Quality and Risk pillars, both rated Strong. The company demonstrates financial resilience and operational consistency that stand out within the industrials sector. Its Valuation pillar is rated Good, suggesting the stock is not excessively priced relative to its fundamentals.
The Moat and Growth pillars both register as Neutral, indicating that competitive differentiation and near-term expansion opportunities are more moderate compared to higher-rated peers.
Pro members can view the complete pillar breakdown and underlying financial metrics behind MSA's UQS Score. Sign up free →
Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.
Does MSA pay dividends?
Yes — MSA Safety Incorporated pays a dividend.
MSA Safety pays a regular dividend, reflecting the company's long operating history and commitment to returning capital to shareholders. This is consistent with mature industrial manufacturers that generate steady cash flows. Income-oriented investors may find MSA's dividend cadence appealing, though the full yield context is available within the Pro analysis view.
When does MSA report earnings?
MSA Safety reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, typical for US-listed equities.
The company's Quality and Risk pillar ratings suggest a pattern of consistent operational execution without significant financial stress. Revenue and profitability trends appear stable relative to the broader industrials sector, though specific figures are reserved for the full analysis.
For the most recent quarter's results, visit MSA Safety's investor relations page directly.
MSA Price History
+8.4% over 5Y
Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.
What if I invested in MSA Safety Incorporated?
Based on MSA Safety Incorporated's historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.
MSA Long-term Outlook
MSA Safety's Growth pillar is rated Neutral, pointing to a measured rather than accelerating expansion trajectory. The Strong Risk rating suggests the business is well-positioned to navigate sector headwinds without significant balance sheet strain. Long-term demand for industrial safety products — driven by regulatory requirements and workplace safety standards — provides a structural tailwind, even if near-term growth is not outsized.
Growth drivers
- Ongoing regulatory requirements for workplace safety across industrial sectors
- International market expansion in Latin America and emerging industrial regions
- Product innovation in gas detection and connected safety technology
Key risks
- Cyclical exposure to oil, gas, and construction end markets
- Moderate competitive moat leaving pricing power vulnerable to rivals
- Valuation sensitivity if industrial sector sentiment shifts
MSA vs Peers
MSA Safety operates in a competitive landscape alongside companies that address overlapping safety, security, and monitoring needs.
Resideo focuses on home comfort and security products, giving it a more consumer-facing orientation compared to MSA's industrial and hazardous-environment specialization.
ADT concentrates on monitored security services for residential and commercial customers, a recurring-revenue model that differs from MSA's product-centric industrial safety business.
Brink's delivers cash management and secure logistics services, competing in the broader safety and security space but through a service-delivery model rather than manufactured protective equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MSA Safety do?
MSA Safety develops and manufactures protective equipment for workers in hazardous industries such as oil and gas, mining, fire service, and construction. Its products range from gas detection systems and breathing apparatus to fall protection gear and industrial helmets, sold globally through direct and distributor channels.
Does MSA pay dividends?
Yes, MSA Safety pays a regular dividend. The company's long operating history and stable cash generation support a consistent dividend program, making it relevant for income-focused investors. For current yield and payout details, the full metrics are available to Pro members on UQS Score.
When does MSA report earnings?
MSA Safety reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, in line with standard practice for US-listed companies. For the exact schedule and most recent results, check MSA Safety's official investor relations page.
Is MSA a good stock to buy?
UQS Score rates MSA as Good overall. Its Strong Quality and Risk pillars reflect financial consistency and resilience, while Neutral Moat and Growth ratings suggest more moderate competitive positioning. Whether it fits your portfolio depends on your investment criteria — the full pillar breakdown is available to Pro members.
Is MSA overvalued?
MSA's Valuation pillar is rated Good, suggesting the stock is reasonably priced relative to its fundamentals rather than stretched. Investors seeking a more precise view of valuation metrics can access the complete analysis through a UQS Score Pro membership.
How does MSA compare to its competitors?
MSA Safety's focus on manufactured industrial safety products distinguishes it from peers like ADT, which runs a monitored-services model, and Brink's, which operates in secure logistics. Resideo targets more consumer-oriented markets. MSA's niche in hazardous-environment protection gives it a distinct end-market profile.
What is MSA's market cap bracket?
MSA Safety is classified as a mid-cap company. This places it in a segment that typically balances growth potential with greater operational maturity than smaller peers, while remaining more nimble than large-cap industrial conglomerates.
Who founded MSA Safety?
MSA Safety was founded in 1914, making it one of the oldest dedicated safety equipment companies in the world. Founding details are widely available through the company's official history and public records.
Is MSA a long-term quality stock?
As a long-term quality indicator, MSA's Strong ratings in Quality and Risk suggest durable financial characteristics. The Neutral Growth and Moat ratings indicate the company may not be a high-velocity compounder, but its stability profile may appeal to investors prioritizing consistency over rapid expansion.
What is the main competitive advantage of MSA Safety?
MSA Safety's century-long brand heritage — including recognized names like V-Gard, Cairns, and Gallet — provides meaningful recognition in regulated industrial markets. However, the UQS Moat pillar rates this advantage as Neutral, reflecting competitive pressure from other safety equipment providers.
What sector does MSA belong to?
MSA Safety is classified in the Industrials sector. It serves end markets including oil and gas, construction, mining, fire service, and utilities — industries where safety compliance and worker protection are non-negotiable operational requirements.
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Pro Analysis
MSA — Score History
| Date | UQS | Quality | Moat | Growth | Risk | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 22, 2026 | 65.4 | 86.2 | 42.0 | 50.5 | 82.2 | 73.0 | -0.1 |
| May 21, 2026 | 65.5 | 86.2 | 42.0 | 50.5 | 82.2 | 73.3 | +0.1 |
| May 9, 2026 | 65.4 | 86.2 | 42.0 | 50.1 | 82.2 | 73.1 | +1.2 |
| May 7, 2026 | 64.2 | 84.5 | 42.0 | 47.5 | 82.2 | 71.3 | -0.2 |
| May 3, 2026 | 64.4 | 84.5 | 42.0 | 47.5 | 82.2 | 72.9 | +0.1 |
| Apr 26, 2026 | 64.3 | 84.5 | 42.0 | 47.5 | 82.2 | 72.1 | +0.2 |
| Apr 22, 2026 | 64.1 | 84.5 | 42.0 | 47.5 | 82.2 | 71.1 | 0.0 |
| Apr 19, 2026 | 64.1 | 84.5 | 42.0 | 47.6 | 82.2 | 71.1 | -0.1 |
| Apr 18, 2026 | 64.2 | 84.6 | 42.0 | 47.6 | 82.2 | 71.5 | -0.6 |
| Apr 12, 2026 | 64.7 | 84.6 | 42.0 | 47.6 | 82.2 | 75.0 | -0.3 |
MSA — Pillar Breakdown
Quality
— 86.1/100 (25%)MSA Safety Incorporated demonstrates outstanding capital efficiency and profitability, placing it among the highest-quality businesses in the market.
How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.
Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.
Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.
Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.
Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.
Free cash flow relative to market value.
Growth
— 50.5/100 (20%)MSA Safety Incorporated shows steady but unspectacular growth, typical for mature companies.
Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.
Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.
Year-over-year earnings per share growth.
Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.
Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.
Risk
— 82.2/100 (15%)MSA Safety Incorporated carries minimal financial risk with conservative leverage and strong solvency.
Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.
Total debt relative to shareholder equity.
Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.
Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.
Valuation
— 73.0/100 (15%)MSA Safety Incorporated trades at a reasonable valuation with decent earnings yield and FCF multiples.
Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.
How many years of FCF the market cap represents.
P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.
Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.
Moat
— 42/100 (25%)MSA Safety Incorporated possesses some competitive advantages but faces meaningful competition. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for MSA.
Score Composition
Financial Data
More Stock Analysis
How is the MSA UQS Score Calculated?
The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for MSA Safety Incorporated is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.
Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.
Moat (25%) assesses MSA Safety Incorporated's competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.
Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.
Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.
Valuation (15%) measures whether MSA Safety Incorporated is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.
Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.