0000066570 2020 FY FALSE us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesCurrent 0000066570 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 iso4217:USD 0000066570 2020-06-30 xbrli:shares 0000066570 2021-02-12 0000066570 us-gaap:CommonStockMember msa:ShareRepurchaseProgramMay2015Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 iso4217:USD xbrli:shares 0000066570 2020-12-31 0000066570 2019-12-31 xbrli:pure 0000066570 2018-12-31 0000066570 2017-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:CumulativeEffectPeriodofAdoptionAdjustmentMember us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:CumulativeEffectPeriodofAdoptionAdjustmentMember us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 srt:MinimumMember us-gaap:BuildingMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 srt:MaximumMember us-gaap:BuildingMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 srt:MinimumMember us-gaap:MachineryAndEquipmentMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 srt:MaximumMember us-gaap:MachineryAndEquipmentMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SoftwareDevelopmentMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:EmployeeSeveranceMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalSegmentMember us-gaap:EmployeeSeveranceMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CorporateMember us-gaap:EmployeeSeveranceMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 msa:position 0000066570 us-gaap:EmployeeSeveranceMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:EmployeeSeveranceMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalSegmentMember us-gaap:EmployeeSeveranceMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CorporateMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EmployeeSeveranceMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:EmployeeSeveranceMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalSegmentMember us-gaap:EmployeeSeveranceMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CorporateMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EmployeeSeveranceMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CorporateMember us-gaap:EmployeeSeveranceMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalSegmentMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CorporateMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalSegmentMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalSegmentMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CorporateMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalSegmentMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalSegmentMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CorporateMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalSegmentMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CorporateMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalSegmentMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CorporateMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:LandMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:LandMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:BuildingMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:BuildingMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:MachineryAndEquipmentMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:MachineryAndEquipmentMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:ConstructionInProgressMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:ConstructionInProgressMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetGainLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetGainLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetGainLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetInvestmentGainLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetInvestmentGainLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetInvestmentGainLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetInvestmentGainLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetInvestmentGainLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetInvestmentGainLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedNetInvestmentGainLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CumulativePreferredStockMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CumulativePreferredStockMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CumulativePreferredStockMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CumulativePreferredStockMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:SecondCumulativePreferredVotingStockMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:SecondCumulativePreferredVotingStockMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember msa:ShareRepurchaseProgramMay2015Member 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember msa:ShareRepurchaseProgramMay2015Member 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember msa:ShareRepurchaseProgramMay2015Member 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CommonStockMember us-gaap:RestrictedStockMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:RestrictedStockMember us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CommonStockMember us-gaap:PerformanceSharesMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PerformanceSharesMember us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CommonStockMember us-gaap:EmployeeStockMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EmployeeStockMember us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:StockCompensationPlanMember us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:StockCompensationPlanMember us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CommonStockMember us-gaap:RestrictedStockMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:RestrictedStockMember us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CommonStockMember us-gaap:PerformanceSharesMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PerformanceSharesMember us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CommonStockMember us-gaap:EmployeeStockMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EmployeeStockMember us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:StockCompensationPlanMember us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:StockCompensationPlanMember us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CommonStockMember msa:ShareRepurchaseProgramMay2015Member 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember msa:ShareRepurchaseProgramMay2015Member 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CommonStockMember us-gaap:RestrictedStockMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:RestrictedStockMember us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CommonStockMember us-gaap:PerformanceSharesMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PerformanceSharesMember us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CommonStockMember us-gaap:EmployeeStockMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EmployeeStockMember us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:StockCompensationPlanMember us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:StockCompensationPlanMember us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CommonStockMember msa:ShareRepurchaseProgramMay2015Member 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember msa:ShareRepurchaseProgramMay2015Member 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember 2020-12-31 msa:Segment 0000066570 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember msa:AmericaMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember msa:InternationalSegmentMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:MaterialReconcilingItemsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember msa:AmericaMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember msa:InternationalSegmentMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:MaterialReconcilingItemsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember msa:AmericaMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember msa:InternationalSegmentMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:MaterialReconcilingItemsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember msa:AmericaMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember msa:InternationalSegmentMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:MaterialReconcilingItemsMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember msa:AmericaMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember msa:InternationalSegmentMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:MaterialReconcilingItemsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember msa:AmericaMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OperatingSegmentsMember msa:InternationalSegmentMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:MaterialReconcilingItemsMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 country:US 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 country:US 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 country:US 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:OtherCountryMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:OtherCountryMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:OtherCountryMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 country:US 2020-12-31 0000066570 country:US 2019-12-31 0000066570 country:US 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:OtherCountryMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:OtherCountryMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:OtherCountryMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:BreathingApparatusMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:BreathingApparatusMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember msa:BreathingApparatusMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:BreathingApparatusMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:BreathingApparatusMember msa:InternationalMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:BreathingApparatusMember msa:InternationalMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalMember msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember us-gaap:SalesMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember msa:AmericaMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember msa:InternationalMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalMember msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember us-gaap:SalesMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember msa:AmericaMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember msa:InternationalMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:FallProtectionMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:FallProtectionMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember msa:FallProtectionMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:FallProtectionMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalMember msa:FallProtectionMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember msa:FallProtectionMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:OtherProductsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:OtherProductsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember msa:OtherProductsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:OtherProductsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:OtherProductsMember msa:InternationalMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:OtherProductsMember msa:InternationalMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:BreathingApparatusMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:BreathingApparatusMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember msa:BreathingApparatusMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:BreathingApparatusMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:BreathingApparatusMember msa:InternationalMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:BreathingApparatusMember msa:InternationalMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalMember msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember us-gaap:SalesMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember msa:AmericaMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember msa:InternationalMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalMember msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember us-gaap:SalesMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember msa:AmericaMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember msa:InternationalMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:FallProtectionMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:FallProtectionMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember msa:FallProtectionMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:FallProtectionMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalMember msa:FallProtectionMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember msa:FallProtectionMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:OtherProductsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:OtherProductsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember msa:OtherProductsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:OtherProductsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:OtherProductsMember msa:InternationalMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:OtherProductsMember msa:InternationalMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:BreathingApparatusMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:BreathingApparatusMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember msa:BreathingApparatusMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:BreathingApparatusMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:BreathingApparatusMember msa:InternationalMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:BreathingApparatusMember msa:InternationalMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalMember msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember msa:FixGasFlameDetectionInstrumentsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember us-gaap:SalesMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember msa:AmericaMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember msa:InternationalMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:FirefighterHelmetsandProtectiveApparelMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalMember msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember msa:PortableInstrumentsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember us-gaap:SalesMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember msa:AmericaMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember msa:InternationalMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:HeadProtectionMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:FallProtectionMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:FallProtectionMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember msa:FallProtectionMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:FallProtectionMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalMember msa:FallProtectionMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember msa:FallProtectionMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:OtherProductsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:OtherProductsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember msa:OtherProductsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember msa:OtherProductsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:OtherProductsMember msa:InternationalMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:OtherProductsMember msa:InternationalMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember us-gaap:SalesMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:SalesMember msa:InternationalMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 2019-10-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 srt:MinimumMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 srt:MaximumMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 srt:ManagementMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:NonEmployeeDirectorsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:ExercisePriceRange3301To4500Member 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:ExercisePriceRange3301To45001111Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:ExercisePriceRange3301To45001111Member 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:ExercisePriceRange4501To5793Member 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:ExercisePriceRange4501To5793Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:ExercisePriceRange3301To5793Member 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:ExercisePriceRange3301To5793Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EmployeeStockOptionMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:RestrictedStockActivityMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 msa:RestrictedStockActivityMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:RestrictedStockActivityMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:RestrictedStockActivityMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:RestrictedStockActivityMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:RestrictedStockActivityMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:RestrictedStockActivityMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:PerformanceStockUnitMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 msa:PerformanceStockUnitMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:PerformanceStockUnitMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:PerformanceStockUnitMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:PerformanceStockUnitMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:PerformanceStockUnitMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:PerformanceStockUnitMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:PerformanceStockUnitMember 2020-01-01 2020-03-31 0000066570 msa:SeniorNotesPayableThroughTwoThousandTwentyOneFourPointZeroZeroPercentageMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:SeniorNotesPayableThroughTwoThousandTwentyOneFourPointZeroZeroPercentageMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:SeniorNotesPayableThroughTwoThousandThirtyOneThreePointFourPercentageMemberMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:SeniorNotesPayableThroughTwoThousandThirtyOneThreePointFourPercentageMemberMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember us-gaap:FederalFundsEffectiveSwapRateMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:SeniorRevolvingCreditFacilityMaturingin2023Member msa:OvernightBankFundingRateMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember us-gaap:LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember srt:MinimumMember msa:BASEOrLIBORMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember srt:MaximumMember msa:BASEOrLIBORMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 iso4217:GBP 0000066570 msa:MulticurrencyNotesDuein2031Member 2016-01-22 0000066570 msa:MulticurrencyNotesDuein2031Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:MulticurrencyNotesDuein2031Member 2016-01-22 2016-01-22 0000066570 msa:MulticurrencyNotesDuein2031Member 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:MulticurrencyNotesDuein2031Member us-gaap:NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember msa:MasterNoteFacilityDuein2022Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:InternationalMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CustomerRelationshipsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CustomerRelationshipsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CustomerRelationshipsMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:DistributionRightsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:DistributionRightsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:DistributionRightsMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:TechnologyBasedIntangibleAssetsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:TechnologyBasedIntangibleAssetsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:TechnologyBasedIntangibleAssetsMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:IntellectualPropertyMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:IntellectualPropertyMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:IntellectualPropertyMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:LicensingAgreementsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:LicensingAgreementsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:LicensingAgreementsMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OtherIntangibleAssetsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OtherIntangibleAssetsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OtherIntangibleAssetsMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:GlobeHoldingCompanyLLCMember us-gaap:TradeNamesMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:IntangibleAssetsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:SierraMonitorCorporationMember 2019-05-20 0000066570 msa:SierraMonitorCorporationMember 2019-05-20 2019-05-20 0000066570 msa:SierraMonitorCorporationMember msa:StockOptionsAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember 2019-05-20 0000066570 msa:SierraMonitorCorporationMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CustomerRelationshipsMember msa:SierraMonitorCorporationMember 2019-05-20 0000066570 us-gaap:TechnologyBasedIntangibleAssetsMember msa:SierraMonitorCorporationMember 2019-05-20 0000066570 us-gaap:CustomerRelatedIntangibleAssetsMember msa:SierraMonitorCorporationMember 2019-05-20 2019-05-20 0000066570 us-gaap:TechnologyBasedIntangibleAssetsMember msa:SierraMonitorCorporationMember 2019-05-20 2019-05-20 0000066570 msa:SierraMonitorCorporationMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:AmericaMember msa:SierraMonitorCorporationMember 2019-05-20 0000066570 msa:GlobeHoldingCompanyLLCMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:SierraMonitorCorporationMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:SierraMonitorCorporationMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PerformanceSharesMember msa:SierraMonitorCorporationMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EquitySecuritiesMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:EquitySecuritiesMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:PooledInvestmentFundsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:PooledInvestmentFundsMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:InsuranceContractsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:InsuranceContractsMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:EquitySecuritiesMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:EquitySecuritiesMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:EquitySecuritiesMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:EquitySecuritiesMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember msa:PooledInvestmentFundsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember msa:PooledInvestmentFundsMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember msa:PooledInvestmentFundsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember msa:PooledInvestmentFundsMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:InsuranceContractsMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:InsuranceContractsMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:InsuranceContractsMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:InsuranceContractsMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:EquitySecuritiesMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:EquitySecuritiesMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:EquitySecuritiesMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:EquitySecuritiesMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember msa:PooledInvestmentFundsMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember msa:PooledInvestmentFundsMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember msa:PooledInvestmentFundsMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember msa:PooledInvestmentFundsMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:InsuranceContractsMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:InsuranceContractsMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:InsuranceContractsMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:InsuranceContractsMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsMember us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Member 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:InsuranceContractsMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:InsuranceContractsMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:InsuranceContractsMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:InsuranceContractsMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:InsuranceContractsMember us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Member 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member 2019-01-01 0000066570 us-gaap:ForeignExchangeForwardMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:ForeignExchangeContractMember us-gaap:OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:ForeignExchangeContractMember us-gaap:OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OtherCurrentAssetsMember us-gaap:ForeignExchangeContractMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OtherCurrentAssetsMember us-gaap:ForeignExchangeContractMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:ForeignExchangeContractMember us-gaap:NondesignatedMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:ForeignExchangeContractMember us-gaap:NondesignatedMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:SingleIncidentMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:SingleIncidentMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:SingleIncidentMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:SingleIncidentMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:SingleIncidentMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 msa:lawsuit 0000066570 msa:LawsuitMember 2020-12-31 msa:trauma_claim 0000066570 us-gaap:InsuranceClaimsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:LawsuitMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:LawsuitMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:LawsuitMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 msa:LawsuitMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:LawsuitMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:LawsuitMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:InsuranceClaimsMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:InsuranceClaimsMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:InsuranceClaimsMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:InsuranceClaimsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:InsuranceClaimsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:InsuranceClaimsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:ClaimsSettledButNotYetPaidMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:ClaimsSettledButNotYetPaidMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:CumulativeTraumaReportedClaimsMember us-gaap:OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember msa:CumulativeTraumaReportedClaimsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:CumulativeTraumaReportedClaimsMember us-gaap:OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember msa:CumulativeTraumaReportedClaimsMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:CumulativeTraumaReportedClaimsMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:CumulativeTraumaReportedClaimsMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:CumulativeTraumaReportedClaimsMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:UninsuredCumulativeTraumaMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:UninsuredCumulativeTraumaMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:UninsuredCumulativeTraumaMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 2020-01-01 2020-03-31 0000066570 2020-04-01 2020-06-30 0000066570 2020-07-01 2020-09-30 0000066570 2020-10-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 2019-01-01 2019-03-31 0000066570 2019-04-01 2019-06-30 0000066570 2019-07-01 2019-09-30 0000066570 us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember msa:BTQLimitedMember 2021-01-25 0000066570 us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember msa:BTQLimitedMember 2021-01-25 2021-01-25 0000066570 msa:BTQLimitedMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 us-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:IncomeTaxValuationAllowanceMember 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:IncomeTaxValuationAllowanceMember 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:IncomeTaxValuationAllowanceMember 2017-12-31 0000066570 msa:IncomeTaxValuationAllowanceMember 2020-01-01 2020-12-31 0000066570 msa:IncomeTaxValuationAllowanceMember 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 0000066570 msa:IncomeTaxValuationAllowanceMember 2018-01-01 2018-12-31 0000066570 msa:IncomeTaxValuationAllowanceMember 2020-12-31
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
Commission File No. 1-15579
MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Pennsylvania |  | 46-4914539
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |  | (IRS Employer Identification No.)
1000 Cranberry Woods Drive |  |
Cranberry Township, | Pennsylvania |  | 16066-5207
(Address of principal executive offices) |  | (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (724) 776-8600

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock, no par value | MSA | New York Stock Exchange
(Title of each class) | (Trading symbol(s)) | (Name of each exchange on which registered)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer | x | Accelerated filer | ☐ | Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐
|  |  |  |  |  | Emerging growth company | ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. Yes ☒ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No x
The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2020 was approximately $4.1 billion. As of February 12, 2021, there were outstanding 39,089,206 shares of common stock, no par value.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the May 19, 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.
1

Table of Contents
Table of Contents

Item No. |  | Page
Part I |  |
1. | Business | 4
1A. | Risk Factors | 10
1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments | 17
2. | Properties | 17
3. | Legal Proceedings | 17
4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 17
| Executive Officers of the Registrant | 18
Part II |  |
5. | Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | 19
6. | Selected Financial Data | 20
7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 21
7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 31
8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | 32
9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | 77
9A. | Controls and Procedures | 77
9B. | Other Information | 77
Part III |  |
10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | 78
11. | Executive Compensation | 78
12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | 78
13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence | 78
14. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services | 78
Part IV |  |
15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules | 79
16. | Form 10-K Summary | 81
| Signatures | 82

2

Table of Contents
Forward-Looking Statements
This report may contain (and verbal statements made by MSA® Safety Incorporated (MSA) may contain) forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and other factors include, but are not limited to, those listed in this report under “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and elsewhere in this report. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or other comparable words. Actual results, performance or outcomes may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We are under no duty to update publicly any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
3

Table of Contents
PART I
Item 1. Business
Overview—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. Recognized for their market leading innovation, 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, which is governed by rigorous safety standards across highly regulated industries, is used by workers around the world in a broad range of markets, including fire service, the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, construction, industrial manufacturing applications, utilities, mining and the military. The Company's core products include breathing apparatus where self-contained breathing apparatus ("SCBA") is the principal product, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection products, firefighter helmets and protective apparel and fall protection devices.
The Company’s leading market positions across nearly all of its core products are supported and enabled by a strong commitment to investing in new product development that continually raises the bar for safety equipment performance, all while upholding an unwavering commitment to integrity. We dedicate significant resources to research and development, which allows us to produce innovative safety products that are often first to market. Our global product development teams include cross-functional associates throughout the Company, including research and development, marketing, sales, operations and quality management. Our engineers and technical associates work closely with the safety industry’s leading standards-setting groups and trade associations to develop industry specific product standards and to anticipate their impact on our product lines.
Segments—We tailor our product offerings and distribution strategy to satisfy distinct customer preferences that vary across geographic regions. To best serve these customer preferences, we have organized our business into four geographic operating segments that are aggregated into three reportable geographic segments: Americas, International and Corporate. Segment information is presented in Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Because our financial statements are stated in U.S. dollars and much of our business is conducted outside the U.S., currency fluctuations may affect our results of operations and financial position and may affect the comparability of our results between financial periods.
Products—We manufacture and sell a comprehensive line of safety products to protect the health and safety of workers and facility infrastructures around the world in the fire service, the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, construction, industrial manufacturing applications, utilities, mining and the military. Our products protect people against a wide variety of hazardous or life-threatening situations.
The following is a brief description of each of our product categories:
Core products. MSA's corporate strategy includes a focus on driving sales of core products, where we have leading market positions and a distinct competitive advantage. Core products, as mentioned above, include breathing apparatus where SCBA is the principal product, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection products, firefighter helmets and protective apparel and fall protection devices. Core products comprised approximately 85% and 88% of sales in 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The following is a brief description of our core product offerings:
Breathing apparatus products. The primary breathing apparatus product is the SCBA. SCBA are used by first responders, petrochemical plant workers and anyone entering an environment deemed immediately dangerous to life and health. Our primary breathing apparatus product in the Americas segment, the MSA G1 SCBA, is a revolutionary platform that offers many customizable and differentiated features. Our newest breathing apparatus product, the MSA M1 SCBA, represents the most advanced and ergonomic SCBA we have ever launched for our International markets. We sell breathing apparatus across both the Americas and International segments.
4

Table of Contents
Fixed gas and flame detection instruments ("FGFD"). Our permanently installed fixed gas and flame detection instruments are used in oil, gas and petrochemical applications, wastewater, HVAC and general industrial production facilities to detect the presence or absence of various gases in the air. Typical applications of these instruments include the detection of an oxygen deficiency in confined spaces or the presence of combustible or toxic gases. FGFD product lines generate a meaningful portion of overall revenue from recurring business including replacement components and related service. We sell these instruments in both our Americas and International segments. Key products include:
•Permanently installed gas detection monitoring systems. This product line is used to monitor for combustible and toxic gases and oxygen deficiency in virtually any application where continuous monitoring is required. Our systems are used for gas detection in the oil and gas industry, petrochemical, pulp and paper, wastewater, refrigerant monitoring, pharmaceutical production and general industrial applications. Our Ultima®X5000 and S5000 gas monitors enhance facility and worker safety while lowering overall cost of ownership for our customers through differentiated sensor technology. These systems utilize a wide array of sensor technologies including electrochemical, catalytic, infrared and ultrasonic.
•Flame detectors and open-path infrared gas detectors. These instruments are used for plant-wide monitoring of toxic gases and for detecting the presence of flames. These systems use infrared optics to detect potentially hazardous conditions across long distances, making them suitable for use in such applications as offshore oil rigs, storage vessels, refineries, pipelines and ventilation ducts.
Portable gas detection instruments. Our hand-held portable gas detection instruments are used to detect the presence or absence of various gases in the air. The product line is used by oil, gas and petrochemical workers, general industrial workers, miners, utility workers, first responders or anyone working in a confined space environment. Typical applications of these instruments include the detection of an oxygen deficiency in confined spaces or the presence of combustible or toxic gases. Our single- and multi-gas detectors provide portable solutions for detecting the presence of oxygen, combustible gases and various toxic gases, including hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, ammonia and chlorine, either singularly or up to six gases at once. Our ALTAIR® 2X, ALTAIR 4XR and ALTAIR 5X Multigas Detectors, with our internally developed XCell® sensor technology, provide faster response times and unsurpassed durability. During 2020, we launched the ALTAIR® io360 Gas Detector, which combines the simple set-up of a smart home device, while allowing local or remote monitoring of hazardous areas. The ultra-long battery life keeps the focus on safety and less on maintenance. We sell portable gas detection instruments in both our Americas and International segments.
The 2019 acquisition of Sierra Monitor Corporation ("SMC"), a leading provider of fixed gas and flame detection instruments and Industrial Internet of Things solutions that connect and help protect high-value infrastructure assets, enables MSA to accelerate its strategy to enhance worker safety and accountability through the use of cloud technology and wireless connectivity. This acquisition enhances a key focus of the Company's Safety io® subsidiary, launched in 2018 primarily to leverage the capabilities of its portable gas detection portfolio as it relates to cloud connectivity. Our Safety io Grid product offers fleet management and live monitoring capabilities that interface with MSA's portable gas detection instruments.
Industrial head protection. We offer a complete line of industrial head protection and accessories that includes the iconic V-Gard® helmet brand, a bellwether product in MSA's portfolio for over 50 years. We offer customers a wide range of color choices and we are a world leader in the application of customized logos. Our industrial head protection products have a wide user base, including oil, gas and petrochemical workers, steel and construction workers, miners and industrial workers. Our Fas-Trac® III Suspension system was designed to provide enhanced comfort without sacrificing safety. Our strongest sales of head protection products have historically been in the Americas segment.
Firefighter helmets and protective apparel. We offer a complete line of fire helmets that includes our Cairns® and Gallet® helmet brands. Our Cairns helmets are primarily used by firefighters in North America while the Gallet helmets are primarily used by firefighters across our International segment. The acquisition of Globe® Holding Company, LLC ("Globe") and the recently announced acquisition of Bristol Uniforms, both leading innovators and providers of firefighter protective clothing and boots, strengthened our position as a leader in both the North American and International markets for firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE). MSA's firefighter safety PPE offering in the Americas segment protects firefighters from head to toe, with Cairns Helmets, our industry leading G1 SCBA, and Globe turnout gear and boots. MSA's firefighter safety PPE offering in the International segment includes the XF1 Gallet Helmet, the M1 SCBA and Bristol Uniforms turnout gear.
5

Table of Contents
Fall protection. Our broad line of fall protection equipment includes harnesses, lanyards, self-retracting lifelines, engineered systems and confined space equipment. Fall protection equipment is used by workers in the construction industry, oil, gas and petrochemical market, utilities industry, aerospace industry, general industrial applications and anyone working at height. MSA’s new V-Series fall protection equipment has transformed the Company’s harness and self-retracting lanyard portfolio, with approximately 50 new fall protection products launched over the past several years. The V-Series brand of fall protection equipment is inspired by MSA's iconic V-Gard hard hat, which is used by millions of workers around the world. Additionally, we recently launched a patent-pending Personal Fall Limiter with a smart hook connector that using radio -frequency identification ("RFID") technology alerts wearers when they are not secured to an anchorage point.
We have patents and pending patents across substantially all of our products.
Non-core products. MSA maintains a portfolio of non-core products. Non-core products reinforce and extend the core offerings, drawing upon our customer relationships, distribution channels, geographical presence and technical experience. These products are complementary to the core offerings and sometimes reflect more episodic or contract-driven growth patterns. Key non-core products include air-purifying respirators ("APR"), eye and face protection, ballistic helmets and gas masks. Ballistic helmet and gas mask sales are the primary sales to our military customers and were approximately $46 million globally in 2020 compared to $41 million in 2019.
MSA does not produce disposable respirators of any type; however, Mine Safety Appliances Company, LLC ("MSA LLC"), one of the Company's subsidiaries, does produce advanced elastomeric APR, including half-mask respirators, full-facepiece respirators and powered air purifying respirators, each with replaceable filters providing a minimum of N-95 filtration capability. These products have historically been used in many industrial and first responder applications. APR products represented 8% of our consolidated sales for the year ended December 31, 2020 with over 75% of this business being in our Americas segment. In the first quarter of 2020, Emergency Use Authorizations ("EUA") were issued by the FDA to expand the types of respiratory protection available to the medical community in response to COVID-19. Those include an EUA that continues to temporarily permit the use of NIOSH-approved respirators in healthcare settings, including elastomeric APR products that are part of MSA LLC's existing portfolio. In 2020, MSA LLC introduced its next-generation Advantage 290 LS Air-Purifying Respirator. An elastomeric half-mask (EHMR) device which received approval from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ("NIOSH"), the Advantage 290 LS Respirator covers a wearer's nose and mouth and utilizes twin filters to provide respiratory protection. The Advantage 290 Respirator is the first EHMR to function without an exhalation valve, making it a new respiratory protection option that provides both personal protection and source control. In addition, the new respirator gives healthcare facilities greater optionality and flexibility in developing their respiratory protection programs in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. MSA LLC is committed to increasing production of masks within the existing portfolio to support our customer base and other response efforts.
Customers—Our customers generally fall into two categories: distributors and end-users. In our Americas segment, the majority of our sales are made through distribution. In our International segment, sales are made through both indirect and direct sales channels. For the year ended December 31, 2020, no individual customer represented more than 10% of our sales.
Sales and Distribution—Our sales and distribution team consists of marketing, field sales and customer service organizations. In most geographic areas, our field sales organizations work jointly with select distributors to call on end-users and educate them about hazards, exposure limits, safety requirements and product applications, as well as the specific performance attributes of our products. We believe that understanding end-user requirements is critical to increasing MSA's market share.
The in-depth customer training and education provided by our sales associates to our customers is critical to ensuring proper use of many of our products, such as SCBA and gas detection instruments. As a result of our sales associates working closely with end-users, they gain valuable insight into customer preferences and needs. To better serve our customers and to ensure that our sales associates are among the most knowledgeable and professional in the industry, we place significant emphasis on training our sales associates in product application, industry standards and regulations.
We believe our sales and distribution strategy allows us to deliver a customer value proposition that differentiates our products and services from those of our competitors, resulting in increased customer loyalty and demand.
In areas where we use indirect selling, we promote, distribute and service our products to general industry through authorized national, regional and local distributors. Some of our key distributors include W.W. Grainger Inc., Airgas, Casco Industries, Witmer Public Safety Group, Vallen Distribution, Ten-8 Fire Equipment, Essendant and Fastenal. We distribute fire service products primarily through specially trained local and regional distributors who provide advanced training and service capabilities to volunteer and paid municipal fire departments. Because of our broad and diverse product line and our desire to reach as many markets and market segments as possible, we have over 2,700 authorized distributor locations worldwide.
6

Table of Contents
MSA maintains a diversified portfolio of safety products that protect workers and facility infrastructure across a broad array of end markets. While the Company sells its products through distribution, which can limit end-user visibility, the Company provides estimated ranges of end market exposure to facilitate understanding of its growth drivers. The Company estimates that approximately 35%-40% of its overall revenue is derived from the fire service market and 25%-30% of its revenue is derived from the energy market. The remaining 30%-40% is split among construction, utilities, general industrial applications, military and mining.
Competition—The global safety products market is broad and highly fragmented with few participants offering a comprehensive line of safety products. The sophisticated safety products market in which we compete is comprised of both core and non-core offerings and is a subset of the larger safety market. We maintain leading positions in nearly all of our core products. Over the long-term, we believe global demand for safety products will continue to grow. Purchases of these products are non-discretionary, protecting workers' health in hazardous and life-threatening work environments. Their use is often mandated by government and industry regulations, which are increasingly enforced on a global basis.
The safety products market is highly competitive, with participants ranging in size from small companies focusing on a single type of PPE to several large multinational corporations that manufacture and supply many types of sophisticated safety products. Our main competitors vary by region and product. We believe that participants in this industry compete primarily on the basis of product characteristics (such as functional performance, technology, cost of ownership, comfort, design and style), brand name recognition and after-market service support.
We believe we compete favorably within each of our operating segments as a result of our high quality, innovative offerings and strong brand trust and recognition.
Research and Development—To achieve and maintain our market leading positions, we operate several sophisticated research and development facilities. We believe our dedication and commitment to innovation and research and development allows us to produce state-of-the-art safety products that are often first to market and exceed industry standards. Our primary engineering groups are located in the United States, Germany and China. Our global product development teams include cross-geographic and cross-functional members from various areas throughout the Company, including research and development, marketing, sales, operations and quality management. These teams are responsible for setting product line strategies based on their understanding of customers' needs and available technology, as well as the opportunities and challenges they foresee in each product area. We believe our team-based, cross-geographical and cross-functional approach to new product development is a source of competitive advantage. Our approach to the new product development process allows us to tailor our product offerings and product line strategies to satisfy distinct customer preferences and industry regulations that vary across our operating segments.
We believe another important aspect of our approach to new product development is that our engineers and technical associates work closely with the safety industry’s leading standards-setting groups and trade associations. These organizations include NIOSH, the National Fire Protection Association ("NFPA"), American National Standards Institute ("ANSI"), International Safety Equipment Association ("ISEA") and their overseas counterparts. Key members of our management team understand the impact that these standard-setting organizations have on our new product development pipeline. As such, management devotes significant time and attention to anticipating a new standard’s impact on our sales and operating results. Because of our understanding of customer needs, membership on global standards-setting bodies, investment in research and development and our unique new product development process, we believe we are well positioned to anticipate and adapt to changing product standards. While the length of the approval process can be unpredictable, we believe that we are well positioned to gain the approvals and certifications necessary to meet new government and multinational product regulations.
Patents and Intellectual Property—We own significant intellectual property, including a number of domestic and foreign patents, patent applications and trademarks related to our products, processes and business. Although our intellectual property plays an important role in maintaining our competitive position in a number of markets that we serve, no single patent, or patent application, trademark or license is, in our opinion, of such value to us that our business would be materially affected by the expiration or termination thereof, other than the “MSA” trademark. Our patents expire at various times in the future not exceeding 20 years. Our general policy is to apply for patents on an ongoing basis in the United States and other countries, as appropriate, to perfect our patent development. In addition to our patents, we have also developed or acquired a substantial body of manufacturing know-how that we believe provides a significant competitive advantage over our competitors.
7

Table of Contents
Raw Materials and Suppliers—Many of the components of our products are formulated, machined, tooled or molded in-house from raw materials, which comprise approximately two-thirds of our cost of sales. For example, we rely on integrated manufacturing capabilities for breathing apparatus, gas masks, ballistic helmets, hard hats and circuit boards. The primary raw materials that we source from third parties include electronic components, rubber, high density polyethylene, chemical filter media, eye and face protective lenses, air cylinders, certain metals and ballistic resistant, flame resistant and non-ballistic fabrics. We purchase these materials both domestically and internationally, and we believe our supply sources are both well established and reliable. We have close vendor relationship programs with the majority of our key raw material suppliers. Although we generally do not have long-term supply contracts, thus far we have not experienced any significant problems in obtaining adequate raw materials. Please refer to MSA's Form SD filed on May 29, 2020 for further information on our conflict minerals analysis. Form SD may be obtained free of charge at www.sec.gov.
Human Capital—As of December 31, 2020, the Company employed approximately 4,800 people worldwide, of which approximately 2,100 were employed in the United States and 2,700 were employed outside of the United States. Approximately 28% of our global workforce is covered by collective bargaining agreements or works councils. Overall, we consider our employee relations to be good. Our culture is important to our success. To that end, we maintain seven core values that define our culture. They are Integrity, Customer Focus, Diversity and Inclusion, Innovation and Change, Engagement, Teamwork and Speed and Agility. Our core values are encircled by “A Culture of Safety.”
Workpla ce Health & Safety—As a company whose mission is dedicated to worker safety, MSA places great emphasis on the health and safety of our own associates. To that end, the Company maintains a global Environmental, Health and Safety (“EHS”) Management System, deploys a variety of programs to reduce and eliminate injuries and promote safety and regularly measures progress against those programs. These programs promote personal responsibility for workplace safety and encourage associates to set a meaningful example as safety ambassadors.
Response to COVID-19—Through the efforts of a cross-functional COVID-19 response team, MSA has responded to numerous people-related challenges resulting from the pandemic. The Company addressed various country, state, and local restrictions, mandates and guidelines and provided compliance programs at all MSA locations designed to operate facilities in a safe manner. Among other efforts, this included implementing various associate work and safety protocols.
In addition, to support mental health and emotional well-being, all associates and their dependents worldwide have access to an Employee Assistance Program ("EAP"), at no cost to them. This includes access to visits with mental health care providers through the EAP.
Diversity & Inclusion—Diversity & Inclusion is a Core Value at MSA, and the Company seeks a wide variety of people, thoughts, perspectives, and ideas.
MSA strives to provide a diverse and inclusive work environment, paired with a culture of excellence in which associates feel comfortable openly sharing thoughts and ideas. Creating an inclusive environment helps to recruit and retain talent, promoting engagement, fostering innovation, and achieving MSA’s business objectives.
The Company maintains several Employee Resource Business Groups ("ERBGs") designed to foster a culture that is both engaged and inclusive. These ERBGs are voluntary, associate-driven communities that capitalize on the wide variety of people and perspectives at MSA, driving our core value of Diversity and Inclusion.
MSA also partners with a number of non-profit and community-based organizations to help to build a pipeline of future talent with differing backgrounds, thoughts, experiences, and perspectives.
Approximately 51% of our U.S. workforce self-identify as diverse. This includes women who comprise approximately 42% of our U.S. workforce. Among associates within executive pay grades, 34% self-identify as diverse. We determine race and gender diversity based on our employees’ self-identification or other information compiled to meet the requirements of the U.S. government, compiled as of December 31, 2020. We count a female minority employee as one individual.
Leadership and Development—MSA provides programs to enable continuous learning, growth and development opportunities.
First, the MOVE Performance Management philosophy is a core element of associate engagement. Meaningful, Ongoing, Vital Exchanges ("MOVE") between associates and supervisors provide a flexible, ongoing feedback loop to drive and enhance the engagement of associates, while facilitating the achievement of our strategic goals.
Second, the MSA Leader model sets the expectations of MSA people leaders. Grounded in core principles that define MSA’s high performance culture of excellence, the MSA Leader model guides the development of current
8

Table of Contents
and aspiring leaders. It outlines the traits, knowledge, competencies, and experiences that MSA requires for successful leadership while encouraging leaders to remain true to their personal styles. The model is the foundation of leadership development at MSA. By combining leadership development, culture, and business acumen, leaders are better prepared to drive a high-performance culture while maintaining an engaged workforce with opportunities for development and growth.
Beyond these core programs, MSA designs and delivers a variety of associate leadership and development programs to further enhance the associate experience and opportunities for growth. Associates are empowered to own their career development through business-aligned resources, tools and programs.
Compensation and Rewards—MSA’s Global Compensation Philosophy strives to provide total compensation for all associates at the market median, utilizing base salary, cash incentives and, in some cases, equity grants to achieve this goal. We further strive to provide above-market compensation opportunities for associates who exceed goals and expectations. This approach to Total Rewards is designed to help MSA attract, retain and motivate high-performing individuals who foster an innovative culture and drive business results.
Environmental Matters—Our facilities and operations are subject to laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and human health and safety. In the opinion of management, compliance with current environmental protection laws will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. See Item 1A, Risk Factors, for further information regarding our environmental risks which could impact the Company.
Seasonality—Our operating results are not significantly affected by seasonal factors. Sales are generally higher during the second and fourth quarters. During periods of economic expansion or contraction and following significant catastrophes, our sales by quarter have varied from this seasonal pattern. Government-related sales tend to increase in the fourth quarter. Americas sales tend to be strong during the oil and gas market turnaround seasons late in the first quarter, early in the second quarter and then again at the end of the third quarter and beginning of the fourth quarter. International segment sales are typically weaker for the Europe region in the summer holiday months of July and August and seasonality can be affected by the timing of delivery of larger orders. Invoicing and the delivery of larger orders can affect sales patterns variably across all reporting segments.
Available Information—Our Internet address is www.MSAsafety.com. We make the following filings available free of charge on the Investor Relations page on our website as soon as they have been electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"): our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as our proxy statement. Information contained on our website is not part of this annual report on Form 10-K or our other filings with the SEC. The SEC maintains an Internet site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers like us who file electronically with the SEC.
9

Table of Contents
Item 1A. Risk Factors
RISKS RELATED TO ECONOMIC, MARKET AND COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS
Unfavorable economic and market conditions could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to risks arising from adverse changes in global economic conditions. We have significant operations in a number of countries outside the U.S., including some in emerging markets. Long-term economic uncertainty in some of the regions of the world in which we operate, such as Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe, could result in declines in revenue, profitability and cash flow due to reduced orders, payment delays, supply chain disruptions or other factors caused by the economic challenges faced by our customers and suppliers.
A portion of MSA's sales are made to customers in the oil, gas and petrochemical market. We estimate that between 25% - 30% of our global business is sold into the energy market vertical with the most significant exposure in industrial head protection, portable gas detection and FGFD. Approximately 10% - 15% of consolidated revenue, primarily in industrial head protection and portable gas detection, is more exposed to a pullback in employment trends across the energy market. Another 5% - 10% of consolidated revenue, primarily in FGFD is more exposed to a pullback in capital equipment spending within the energy market. It is possible that the volatility in the oil, gas and petrochemical industry could negatively impact our business and could result in declines in our consolidated results of operations and cash flow.
Pandemics or disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19, may cause unfavorable economic or market conditions which could impact demand patterns and/or disrupt global supply chains and manufacturing operations. Collectively, these outcomes could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Pandemics or disease outbreaks such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies of developed and emerging markets, potentially resulting in an economic downturn that could affect customers’ demand for our products in certain industrial-based end-markets. The spread of pandemics or disease outbreaks may also disrupt the Company’s manufacturing operations, supply chain, or logistics necessary to import, export and deliver products to our customers. During a pandemic or crisis, applicable laws and response directives could, in some circumstances, adversely affect our ability to operate our plants, or to deliver our products in a timely manner. Some laws and directives may also hinder our ability to move certain products across borders. Economic conditions can also influence order patterns. These factors could negatively impact our consolidated results of operations and cash flow.
A reduction in the spending patterns of government agencies or delays in obtaining government approval for our products could materially and adversely affect our net sales, earnings and cash flow.
The demand for our products sold to the fire service market, the homeland security market and other government agencies is, in large part, driven by available government funding. Government budgets are set annually and we cannot assure that government funding will be sustained at the same level in the future. A significant reduction in available government funding could result in declines in our consolidated results of operations and cash flow.
The markets in which we compete are highly competitive, and some of our competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do. The competitive pressures faced by us could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The safety products market is highly competitive, with participants ranging in size from small companies focusing on single types of safety products, to large multinational corporations that manufacture and supply many types of safety products. Our main competitors vary by region and product. We believe that participants in this industry compete primarily on the basis of product characteristics (such as functional performance, technology, cost of ownership, comfort, design and style), price, service and delivery, customer support, the ability to meet the special requirements of customers, brand name trust and recognition, and e-business capabilities. Some of our competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do and our business could be adversely affected by competitors’ new product innovations, technological advances made to competing products and pricing changes made by us in response to competition from existing or new competitors. We may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors and the competitive pressures faced by us could have a material adverse effect our business, consolidated results of operations and financial condition. In addition, e-business is a rapidly developing area, and the execution of a successful e-business strategy involves significant time, investment and resources. If we are unable to successfully expand e-business capabilities in support of our customer needs, our brands may lose market share, which could negatively impact revenue and profitability.
10

Table of Contents
RISKS RELATED TO LEGAL AND REGULATORY CHALLENGES
Claims of injuries from products, product defects or recalls of products against our various subsidiaries could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity.
MSA and its subsidiaries face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability claims. In the event the parties using our products are injured or any of our products prove to be defective, we could be subject to claims with respect to such injuries. In addition, we may be required to or may voluntarily recall or redesign certain products that could potentially be harmful to end users. Any claim or product recall that results in significant expense or negative publicity against us could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity, including any successful claim brought against us in excess or outside of available insurance coverage.
Our subsidiaries, including Mine Safety Appliances Company, LLC, may experience losses from product liability claims. Losses from product liability claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results; financial condition and liquidity, which could introduce volatility from period-to-period in our financial results.
From time to time, product liability claims are made against our various subsidiaries for current or historical products. In most instances the products at issue were manufactured many years ago and are not currently offered for sale.
One subsidiary, Mine Safety Appliances Company, LLC (“MSA LLC”) was named as a defendant in 1,622 cumulative trauma lawsuits comprised of 2,878 claims at December 31, 2020. Cumulative trauma product liability claims involve exposures to harmful substances (e.g., silica, asbestos and coal dust) that occurred years ago and may have developed over long periods of time into diseases such as silicosis, asbestosis, mesothelioma or coal worker’s pneumoconiosis. A reserve has been established with respect to estimated amounts for cumulative trauma product liability claims currently asserted and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) cumulative trauma product liability claims. Because our cumulative trauma product liability risk is subject to inherent uncertainties, and since MSA LLC is largely self-insured, there can be no certainty that MSA LLC may not ultimately incur losses in excess of presently recorded liabilities. These factors may develop over time or may be the result of sudden unfavorable events within a single reporting period. Associated losses could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity, or could result in volatility from period to period.
We will adjust the reserve from time to time based on developments in MSA LLC's actual claims experience, the claims environment or other significant changes in the factors underlying the assumptions used in establishing the reserve. Each of these factors may increase or decrease significantly within an individual period depending on, among other things, the timing of claims filings or settlements, or litigation outcomes during a particular period that are especially favorable or unfavorable to MSA LLC. We accordingly consider MSA LLC’s claims experience over multiple periods and/or whether there are changes in MSA LLC’s claims experience and trends that are likely to continue for a significant time into the future in determining whether to make an adjustment to the reserve, rather than evaluating such factors solely in the short term. Any future adjustments to the reserve may be material and could materially impact future periods in which the reserve is adjusted.
In the normal course of business, MSA LLC makes payments to settle these types of cumulative trauma product liability claims and for related defense costs, and records receivables for the amounts believed to be recoverable under insurance. MSA LLC has recorded insurance receivables totaling $97.0 million and notes receivables of $52.3 million at December 31, 2020. Since MSA LLC is now largely self-insured for cumulative trauma claims, additional amounts recorded as insurance receivables will be limited. Amounts recorded as insurance receivables are based on the amount of future losses presently recorded in the cumulative trauma product liability reserve. These projected future losses are used to calculate contingent reimbursements deemed probable of collection under negotiated Coverage-in-Place Agreements. Reimbursements are calculated based on modeled assumptions, including claims composition, claims characteristics, and timing (each of which are relevant to calculating reimbursement under the terms of Coverage-In-Place Agreements). These factors, and the potential for future insurer insolvencies, could affect the timing and amount of receivables actually collected in any given period or in total.
11

Table of Contents
Our ability to market and sell our products is subject to existing government laws, regulations and standards. Changes in such laws, regulations and standards or our failure to comply with them could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
Most of our products are required to meet performance and test standards designed to protect the safety of people and infrastructures around the world. Our inability to comply with these standards could result in declines in revenue, profitability and cash flow. Changes in laws and regulations could reduce the demand for our products or require us to re-engineer our products, thereby creating opportunities for our competitors. Regulatory approvals for our products may be delayed or denied for a variety of reasons that are outside of our control. Additionally, market anticipation of significant new standards can cause customers to accelerate or delay buying decisions.
We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations across our global organization and any violation of these laws and regulations could adversely affect our results of operations.
We are subject to numerous, and sometimes conflicting, laws and regulations on matters as diverse as anti-corruption, import/export controls, product content requirements, trade restrictions, tariffs, taxation, sanctions, internal and disclosure control obligations, securities regulation, anti-competition, data privacy, Brexit changes and labor relations, among others. This includes laws and regulations in emerging markets where legal systems may be less developed or familiar to us. Compliance with diverse legal requirements is costly, time consuming and requires significant resources. Violations of one or more of these laws or regulations in the conduct of our business could result in significant fines, criminal sanctions against us or our officers, prohibitions on doing business and damage to our reputation. These actions could result in liability for significant monetary damages, fines and/or criminal prosecution, unfavorable publicity and other reputational damage and have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to various environmental laws and any violation of these laws could adversely affect our results of operations.
Included in the extensive laws, regulations and ordinances, to which we are subject, are those relating to the protection of the environment. Examples include those governing discharges to air and water, handling and disposal practices for solid and hazardous wastes and the maintenance of a safe workplace. These laws impose penalties for noncompliance and liability for response costs and certain damages resulting from past and current spills, disposals, or other releases of hazardous materials. We could incur substantial costs as a result of noncompliance with or liability for cleanup pursuant to these environmental laws. Such laws continue to change, and we may be subject to more stringent environmental laws in the future. If more stringent environmental laws are enacted, these future laws could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to various U.S and foreign tax laws and any changes in these laws related to the taxation of businesses and resolutions of tax disputes could adversely affect our results of operations.
The U.S. Congress, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (or, OECD) and other government agencies in jurisdictions in which we and our affiliates invest or do business have maintained a focus on issues related to the taxation of multinational companies. The OECD has changed numerous long-standing tax principles through its base erosion and profit shifting (“BEPS”) project which could adversely impact our effective tax rate.
We are subject to regular review and audit by both foreign and domestic tax authorities. While we believe our tax positions will be sustained, the final outcome of tax audits and related litigation may differ materially from the tax amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
RISKS RELATED TO SUPPLY AND MANUFACTURING
Our future results are subject to the risk that purchased components and materials are unavailable or available at excessive cost due to material shortages, excessive demand, currency fluctuation, inflationary pressure and other factors.
We depend on various components and materials to manufacture our products. Although we have not experienced any substantial difficulty in obtaining components and materials, it is possible that any of our supplier relationships could be terminated or otherwise disrupted. Any sustained interruption in our receipt of adequate supplies could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our inability to successfully manage price fluctuations due to market demand, currency risks or material shortages, or future price fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on our business and our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
12

Table of Contents
Our plans to continue to improve productivity and reduce complexity may not be successful, which could adversely affect our ability to compete.
MSA has integrated parts of its European operating segment that have historically been individually managed entities, into a centrally managed organization model. We have begun to and plan to continue to leverage the benefits of scale created from this approach and are in the process of implementing a more efficient and cost-effective enterprise resource planning system in additional locations across the International Segment. MSA runs the risk that these and similar initiatives may not be completed substantially as planned, may be more costly to implement than expected, or may not result in the efficiencies or cost savings anticipated. In addition, these various initiatives require MSA to implement a significant amount of organizational change which could divert management’s attention from other concerns, and if not properly managed, could cause disruptions in our day-to-day operations and have a negative impact on MSA's financial results. It is also possible that other major productivity and streamlining programs may be required in the future.
RISKS RELATED TO NEW AND ADJACENT INITIATIVES
Our plans to improve future profitability through restructuring programs may not be successful and could lead to unintended consequences.
We have incurred and may incur restructuring charges primarily related to severance costs for staff reductions associated with our ongoing initiatives to drive profitable growth and right size our operations as well as programs to adjust our operations in response to current business conditions. For example, in 2020, 121 positions were eliminated in response to the changing business environment. Our cost structure in future periods is somewhat dependent upon our ability to maintain increased productivity without backfilling certain positions. If our programs are not successful, there could be a material adverse effect on our business and consolidated results of operations.
Our inability to successfully identify, consummate and integrate current and future acquisitions or to realize anticipated cost savings and other benefits could adversely affect our business.
One of our operating strategies is to selectively pursue acquisitions. For example, on January 25, 2021, we completed the acquisition of B T Q Limited, which is a leading innovator and provider of protective apparel to the fire and rescue services sector. Please refer to Note 21 of the consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details. Any future acquisitions will depend on our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates and successfully consummate such acquisitions. Acquisitions involve a number of risks including:
•failure of the acquired businesses to achieve the results we expect;
•diversion of our management’s attention from operational matters;
•our inability to retain key personnel of the acquired businesses;
•risks associated with unanticipated events or liabilities;
•potential disruption of our existing business; and
•customer dissatisfaction or performance problems at the acquired businesses.
If we are unable to integrate or successfully manage businesses that we have recently acquired, including Bristol, or may acquire in the future, we may not realize anticipated cost savings, improved manufacturing efficiencies and increased revenue, which may result in material adverse short and long-term effects on our consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity. Even if we are able to integrate the operations of our acquired businesses into our operations, we may not realize the full benefits of the cost savings, revenue enhancements or other benefits that we may have expected at the time of acquisition. In addition, even if we achieve the expected benefits, we may not be able to achieve them within the anticipated time frame, and such benefits may be offset by costs incurred in integrating the acquired companies and increases in other expenses.
13

Table of Contents
If we fail to introduce successful new products or extend our existing product lines, we could lose our market position and our financial performance could be materially and adversely affected.
In the safety products market, there are frequent introductions of new products and product line extensions. If we are unable to identify emerging customer and technological trends, maintain and improve the competitiveness of our products and introduce new products, we may lose our market position, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We continue to invest significant resources in research and development and market research. However, continued product development and marketing efforts are subject to the risks inherent in the development process. These risks include delays, the failure of new products and product line extensions to achieve anticipated levels of market acceptance and the risk of failed product introductions.
RISKS RELATED TO CYBERSECURITY OR MISAPPROPRIATION OF OUR CRITICAL INFORMATION
A failure of our information systems or a cybersecurity breach could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The proper functioning and security of our information systems is critical to the operation and reputation of our business. Our information systems may be vulnerable to damage or disruption from natural or man-made disasters, computer viruses, power losses or other system or network failures. In addition, hackers, cyber-criminals and other persons could attempt to gain unauthorized access to our information systems with the intent of harming the Company, harming our information systems or obtaining sensitive information such as intellectual property, trade secrets, financial and business development information, and customer and vendor related information. If our information systems or security fail, or if there is any compromise or breach of our security, it could result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, legal and financial exposure, remediation costs, negative impacts on our customers' willingness to transact business with us, or a loss of confidence in our security measures, which could have an adverse effect on our business, our reputation and our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
Like many companies, from time to time, we have experienced attempts on our computer systems by unauthorized outside parties. Because the techniques used by computer hackers and others to access or sabotage networks continually evolve and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate, prevent or detect these attacks. As a result, the impact of any future incident cannot be predicted, including the failure of our information systems or misappropriation of our technologies and/or processes. Any such system failure or loss of such information could harm our competitive position or cause us to incur significant costs to remedy the damages caused by the incident. We routinely implement improvements to our network security safeguards as well as cybersecurity initiatives. We also maintain a robust cyber response plan, including an assessment of triggers for internal and external reporting of cyber incidents, along with ongoing employee awareness and training activities. We expect to continue devoting substantial resources to the security of our information technology systems. We cannot assure that such system improvements will be sufficient to prevent or limit the damage from any future cyber-attack or disruption to our information systems.
Our continued success depends on our ability to protect our intellectual property. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, our business could be materially and adversely affected.
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to obtain and enforce patents, maintain trade secret protection and operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of third parties. We have been issued patents and have registered trademarks with respect to many of our products, but our competitors could independently develop similar or superior products or technologies, duplicate any of our designs, trademarks, processes or other intellectual property or design around any processes or designs on which we have or may obtain patents or trademark protection. In addition, it is possible that third parties may have, or will acquire, licenses for patents or trademarks that we may use or desire to use, so that we may need to acquire licenses to, or to contest the validity of, such patents or trademarks of third parties. Such licenses may not be made available to us on acceptable terms, if at all, and we may not prevail in contesting the validity of third party rights.
We also protect trade secrets, know-how and other confidential information against unauthorized use by others or disclosure by persons who have access to them, such as our employees, through contractual arrangements. These agreements may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information in the event of any unauthorized use, misappropriation or disclosure of such trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information. Our inability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technologies could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
14

Table of Contents
RISKS RELATED TO HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
If we lose any of our key personnel or are unable to attract, train and/or retain qualified personnel or plan the succession of senior management, our ability to manage our business and continue our growth could be negatively impacted.
Our success depends in large part on the continued contributions of our key management, engineering and sales and marketing personnel, many of whom are highly skilled and would be difficult to replace. Our success also depends on the abilities of new personnel to function effectively, both individually and as a group. If we are unable to attract, effectively integrate and retain management, engineering or sales and marketing personnel, then the execution of our growth strategy and our ability to react to changing market requirements may be impeded, and our business could suffer as a result.
In addition, hiring, training, and successfully integrating replacement critical personnel could be time consuming, may cause additional disruptions to our operations, and may be unsuccessful, which could negatively impact future revenues. Competition for personnel is intense, and we cannot assure that we will be successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel. The hiring of new personnel may also result in increased costs and we do not currently maintain key person life insurance.
Our success also depends on effective succession planning. Failure to ensure effective transfer of knowledge and smooth transitions involving senior management could hinder our strategic planning and execution. From time to time, senior management or other key employees may leave the Company. While we strive to reduce the negative impact of such changes, the loss of any key employee could result in significant disruptions to our operations, including adversely affecting the timeliness of product releases, the successful implementation and completion of company initiatives, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting, and the results of our operations.
RISKS RELATED TO DOING BUSINESS INTERNATIONALLY
We have significant international operations and are subject to the risks of doing business in foreign countries.
We have business operations in approximately 40 foreign countries. In 2020, approximately half of our net sales were made by operations located outside the United States. Those operations are subject to various political, economic and other risks and uncertainties, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. These risks include the following:
•unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;
•changes in trade policy or tariff regulations;
•changes in tax laws and regulations;
•unintended consequences due to changes to the Company's legal structure;
•additional valuation allowances on deferred tax assets due to an inability to generate sufficient profit in certain foreign jurisdictions;
•intellectual property protection difficulties or intellectual property theft;
•difficulty in collecting accounts receivable;
•complications in complying with a variety of foreign laws and regulations, some of which may conflict with U.S. laws;
•foreign privacy laws and regulations;
•trade protection measures and price controls;
•trade sanctions and embargoes;
•nationalization and expropriation;
•increased international instability or potential instability of foreign governments;
•effectiveness of worldwide compliance with MSA's anti-bribery policy, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and similar local laws;
•difficulty in hiring and retaining qualified employees;
15

Table of Contents
•the ability to effectively negotiate with labor unions in foreign countries;
•the need to take extra security precautions for our international operations;
•costs and difficulties in managing culturally and geographically diverse international operations;
•pandemics and similar disasters; and
•risks associated with the United Kingdom's decision to exit the European Union, including disruptions to trade and free movement of goods, services and people to and from the United Kingdom; increased foreign exchange volatility with respect to the British pound; and additional legal and economic uncertainty.
Any one or more of these risks could have a negative impact on the success of our international operations and, thereby, have a material adverse effect our business, consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
Because we derive a significant portion of our sales from the operations of our foreign subsidiaries, future currency exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, and could affect the comparability of our results between financial periods.
In 2020, our operations outside of the United States accounted for approximately one-half of our net sales. The results of our foreign operations are generally reported in local currency and then translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable exchange rates for inclusion in our consolidated financial statements. The exchange rates between some of these currencies and the U.S. dollar have fluctuated significantly in recent years and may continue to do so in the future. A weakening of the currencies in which sales are generated relative to the currencies in which costs are denominated would decrease our results of operations and cash flow. Although the Company uses instruments to hedge certain foreign currency risks, these hedges only offset a portion of the Company’s exposure to foreign currency fluctuations.
In addition, because our consolidated financial statements are stated in U.S. dollars, such fluctuations may affect our consolidated results of operations and financial position, and may affect the comparability of our results between financial periods. Our inability to effectively manage our exchange rate risks or any volatility in currency exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
We benefit from free trade laws and regulations, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and any changes to these laws and regulations could adversely affect our results of operations.
Existing free trade laws and regulations, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, provide certain beneficial duties and tariffs for qualifying imports and exports, subject to compliance with the applicable classification and other requirements. Changes in laws or policies governing the terms of foreign trade, and in particular increased trade restrictions, tariffs or taxes on imports from countries where we manufacture products, such as China and Mexico, could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
GENERAL RISK FACTORS
Damage to the reputation of MSA or to one or more of our product brands could adversely affect our business.
Developing and maintaining our reputation, as well as the reputation of our brands, is a critical factor in our relationship with customers, distributors and others. Our inability to address negative publicity or other issues, including concerns about product safety or quality, real or perceived, could negatively impact our business which could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
If our goodwill, other intangible assets and long-lived assets become impaired, we may be required to record significant charges to earnings.
We review our long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are required to be assessed for impairment at least annually. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances, indicating that the carrying amount of our goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets or long-lived assets may not be recoverable, include slower growth rates in our markets, reduced expected future cash flows, increased country risk premiums as a result of political uncertainty and a decline in stock price and market capitalization. We consider available current information when calculating our impairment charge. If there are indicators of impairment, our long-term cash flow forecasts for our operations deteriorate or discount rates increase, we may be required to recognize additional impairment charges in later periods. See Note 12 of the consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for the carrying amounts of goodwill in each of our reporting segments and details on indefinite-lived intangible assets that we hold.
16

Table of Contents
Risks related to our defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flow.
Significant changes in actual investment return on pension assets, discount rates, and other factors could adversely affect our results of operations and pension contributions in future periods. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require that we calculate income or expense for the plans using actuarial valuations. These valuations reflect assumptions about financial markets and interest rates, which may change based on economic conditions. Funding requirements for our pension plans may become more significant. However, the ultimate amounts to be contributed are dependent upon, among other things, interest rates, underlying asset returns and the impact of legislative or regulatory changes related to pension funding obligations. For further information regarding our pension plans, refer to "Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits" in Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
If we fail to meet our debt service requirements or the restrictive covenants in our debt agreements or if interest rates increase, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
We have a substantial amount of debt upon which we are required to make scheduled interest and principal payments and we may incur additional debt in the future. A significant portion of our debt bears interest at variable rates that may increase in the future.
The potential discontinuance of LIBOR is one such risk that could cause market volatility or disruption. In July 2017, the chief executive of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced that the FCA intends to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. It is unknown whether any banks will continue to voluntarily submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021 or whether LIBOR will continue to be published by its administrator based on these submissions or on any other basis. It is not possible to predict the effect of these changes, other reforms, or the establishment of alternative reference rates, but the potential discontinuance of LIBOR could adversely affect our access to the debt and its cost of funding.
Our debt agreements require us to comply with certain restrictive covenants. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash to service our debt or if interest rates increase, our consolidated results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, a failure to comply with the restrictive covenants contained in our debt agreements could result in a default, which if not waived by our lenders, could substantially increase borrowing costs and require accelerated repayment of our debt. Please refer to Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for commentary on our compliance with the restrictive covenants.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
Our principal executive offices are located at 1000 Cranberry Woods Drive, Cranberry Township, PA, United States. We own or lease our primary facilities. Our primary manufacturing locations in the Americas segment are located in Cranberry Township, PA; Murrysville, PA; and Jacksonville, NC, and our primary distribution center is located in New Galilee, PA. The primary manufacturing locations in the International segment are located in Berlin,Germany; Suzhou, China; Galway, Ireland; Devizes, United Kingdom; and Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, France. Our primary research and development centers are located in Cranberry Township, PA; Berlin, Germany; and Suzhou, China.
We believe that all of our facilities, including the manufacturing facilities, are in good repair and in suitable condition for the purposes for which they are used.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Please refer to Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
17

Table of Contents
Information about our Executive Officers
The following sets forth the names and ages of our executive officers as of February 19, 2021:

Name |  | Age |  | Title
Nishan J. Vartanian(a) |  | 61 |  |  | Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer since May 2020.
Steven C. Blanco(b) |  | 54 |  |  | Vice President and President, MSA Americas segment since August 2017.
Kenneth D. Krause(c) |  | 46 |  |  | Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since February 2018.
Bob Leenen(d) |  | 47 |  |  | Vice President and President, MSA International segment since September 2017.
Stephanie L. Sciullo(e) |  | 36 |  |  | Vice President and Chief Legal Officer since January 2020.

(a)Prior to his present position, Mr. Vartanian was President and Chief Executive Officer since May 2018; President and Chief Operating Officer since June 2017; Senior Vice President and President, MSA Americas since July 2015; and prior thereto served as Vice President and President, MSA North America.
(b)Prior to his present position, Mr. Blanco served as Vice President and General Manager, Northern North America since August 2015 and prior thereto was Vice President, Global Operational Excellence.
(c)Prior to his present position, Mr. Krause was Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since December 2015; Vice President, Strategic Finance since August 2015; and prior thereto served as Treasurer and Executive Director, Global Finance and Assistant Treasurer.
(d)Prior to his present position, Mr. Leenen was Regional Chief Financial Officer, MSA International and Finance Director, Europe.
(e)Prior to her present position, Ms. Sciullo served as Deputy General Counsel since 2016 and prior thereto was Associate General Counsel.
18

Table of Contents
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MSA.” On February 12, 2021, there were 168 registered holders of our shares of common stock.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased |  | Average Price Paid Per Share |  | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs |  | Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
October 1 — October 31, 2020 | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | — |  |  | 438,373 |
November 1 — November 30, 2020 | 1,428 |  |  | 140.91 |  |  | — |  |  | 385,806 |
December 1 — December 31, 2020 | 1,652 |  |  | 152.50 |  |  | — |  |  | 385,935 |

The share repurchase program authorizes up to $100.0 million in repurchases of MSA common stock in the open market and in private transactions. The share purchase program has no expiration date. The maximum number of shares that may be purchased is calculated based on the dollars remaining under the program and the respective month-end closing share price. We have purchased a total of 527,406 shares, or $42.3 million, since this program's inception.
The above shares purchased during the quarter relate to stock-based compensation transactions.
We do not have any other share repurchase programs.
19

Table of Contents
Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return
The following paragraph compares the most recent five-year performance of MSA stock with (1) the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index and (2) the Russell 2000 Index. Because our competitors are principally privately held concerns or subsidiaries or divisions of corporations engaged in multiple lines of business, we do not believe it feasible to construct a peer group comparison on an industry or line-of-business basis. The Russell 2000 Index, while including corporations both larger and smaller than MSA in terms of market capitalization, is composed of corporations with an average market capitalization similar to us.
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
ASSUMES INITIAL INVESTMENT OF $100
Among MSA Safety Incorporated, the S&P 500 Index, and the Russell 2000 Index
Assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2015 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending December 31.

| Value at December 31,
| 2015 |  | 2016 |  | 2017 |  | 2018 |  | 2019 |  | 2020
MSA Safety Incorporated | $ | 100.00 |  |  | $ | 163.80 |  |  | $ | 186.64 |  |  | $ | 230.65 |  |  | $ | 313.89 |  |  | $ | 375.97 |
S&P 500 Index | 100.00 |  |  | 111.96 |  |  | 136.40 |  |  | 130.42 |  |  | 171.49 |  |  | 203.04 |
Russell 2000 Index | 100.00 |  |  | 121.31 |  |  | 139.08 |  |  | 123.76 |  |  | 155.35 |  |  | 186.36 |

Prepared by Zacks Investment Research, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright 1980-2021.
Index Data: Copyright Standard and Poor’s, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Index Data: Copyright Russell Investments. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Not applicable.
20

Table of Contents
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and other financial information included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry, business and future financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in the sections of this annual report entitled “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors.”
MSA Safety Incorporated ("MSA") is organized into four geographical operating segments that are aggregated into three reportable geographic segments: Americas, International and Corporate. The Americas segment is comprised of our operations in North America and Latin America geographies. The International segment is comprised of our operations of 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. Please refer to Note 7—Segment Information of the consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information.
On May 20, 2019, the Company acquired 100% of the common stock of Sierra Monitor Corporation ("SMC") in an all-cash transaction valued at $33.2 million, net of cash acquired. Based in Milpitas, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, SMC is a leading provider of fixed gas and flame detection instruments and Industrial Internet of Things solutions that connect and help protect high-value infrastructure assets. The acquisition enables MSA to accelerate its strategy to enhance worker safety and accountability through the use of cloud technology and wireless connectivity. This acquisition enhances a key focus of the Company's Safety io subsidiary, launched in 2018 primarily to leverage the capabilities of its portable gas detection portfolio as it relates to cloud connectivity. The transaction was funded through borrowings on our unsecured senior revolving credit facility. Please refer to Note 13—Acquisitions of the consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information.
Subsequent Event
On January 25, 2021, we acquired 100% of the common stock of B T Q Limited, including Bristol Uniforms and Bell Apparel ("Bristol") in an all-cash transaction valued at $62.4 million, net of cash acquired. There is no contingent consideration. Bristol, which is headquartered in the United Kingdom (U.K.), is a leading innovator and provider of protective apparel to the fire, rescue services, and utility sectors. The acquisition strengthens MSA's position as a global leader in fire service PPE products while providing an avenue to expand its business in the U.K. and key International markets.
Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018
Discussion of our results, liquidity and capital resources, and cumulative translation adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 can be found under Part II Item 7 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the SEC.
21

Table of Contents
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
We are a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Recognized for their market leading innovation, 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, which is governed by rigorous safety standards across highly regulated industries, is used by workers around the world in a broad range of markets, including fire service, the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, construction, industrial manufacturing applications, utilities, mining and the military. MSA's core products include breathing apparatus where self-contained breathing apparatus ("SCBA") is the principal product, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection products, firefighter helmets and protective apparel, and fall protection devices. We are committed to providing our customers with service unmatched in the safety industry and, in the process, enhancing our ability to provide a growing line of safety solutions for customers in key global markets.
MSA provides safety equipment to a broad range of customers who must continue to work in times of global pandemic as is now the case with COVID-19. Our customers include first responders tasked with keeping citizens safe, and industrial and utility workers tasked with maintaining critical infrastructure. For this reason, in order to successfully fulfill our mission as The Safety Company, MSA is an essential business and has continued operating its manufacturing facilities, to the extent practicable, while protecting the health and safety of our workforce, and complying with all applicable laws. In January 2020, the Company established a special advisory committee to evaluate ongoing concerns, risks and challenges with respect to COVID-19 across its operations and corporate headquarters. The Company's pandemic response plan includes four key priorities: protecting the health and safety of MSA associates, enabling business continuity, expanding manufacturing capacity of MSA’s existing air-purifying respirator portfolio, and managing its operating expenses and capital structure.
The Company has developed a thoughtful, phased approach to begin reconnecting segments of our workforce that had converted to remote working conditions due to COVID-19. This process includes returning elements of our salesforce to in-person customer interactions on a limited basis, with additional employees scheduled to begin returning to the office, once deemed appropriate under the circumstances for each business location. A phased approach to reconnect employees while adjusting the characteristics of their physical working environments, providing training and executing enhanced safety and cleaning protocols, will promote workplace safety in a manner consistent with the mission and values of MSA. The process and timing to reconnect our workforce will continue to evolve due to the changing nature of COVID-19. The Company expects to modify plans as necessary to respond to such changes.
We tailor our product offerings and distribution strategy to satisfy distinct customer preferences that vary across geographic regions. To best serve these customer preferences, we have organized our business into four geographical operating segments that are aggregated into three reportable geographic segments: Americas, International and Corporate. In 2020, 65% and 35% of our net sales were made by our Americas and International segments, respectively.
Americas. Our largest manufacturing and research and development facilities are located in the United States. We serve our markets across the Americas with manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Mexico and Brazil. Operations in the other countries within the Americas segment focus primarily on sales and distribution in their respective home country markets.
International. Our International segment includes companies in Europe, Middle East & Africa ("EMEA") and the Asia Pacific region. In our largest International affiliates (in China, France, Germany, Ireland and the U.K), we develop, manufacture and sell a wide variety of products. In China, the products manufactured are sold primarily in China as well as regional markets. Operations in other International segment countries focus primarily on sales and distribution in their respective home country markets. Although some of these companies may perform limited production, most of their sales are of products manufactured in our plants in Germany, France, the U.S., U.K., Ireland and China or are purchased from third party vendors.
Corporate. The Corporate segment primarily consists of general and administrative expenses incurred in our corporate headquarters, costs associated with corporate development initiatives, legal expense, interest expense, foreign exchange gains or losses, and other centrally-managed costs. Corporate general and administrative costs comprise the majority of the expense in the Corporate segment. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 corporate general and administrative costs were $28.5 million, $37.3 million, and $31.2 million, respectively.
22

Table of Contents
Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019

Net Sales | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | Dollar Increase (Decrease) |  | Percent Increase (Decrease)
(In millions)
Consolidated | $1,348.2 |  | $1,402.0 |  | $(53.8) |  | (3.8)%
Americas | 874.3 |  | 915.1 |  | (40.8) |  | (4.5)%
International | 473.9 |  | 486.9 |  | (13.0) |  | (2.7)%

Net Sales. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2020, were $1.35 billion, a decrease of $53.8 million, from $1.40 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019. Constant currency sales decreased by 3% for the year ended December 31, 2020. Please refer to the Net Sales table below for a reconciliation of the year over year sales change.

Net Sales | Year Ended December 31, 2020 versus December 31, 2019
(Percent Change) | Americas | International | Consolidated
GAAP reported sales change | (4.5)% | (2.7)% | (3.8)%
Currency translation effects | 1.8% | (0.9)% | 0.8%
Constant currency sales change | (2.7)% | (3.6)% | (3.0)%

Note: Constant currency sales change is a non-GAAP financial measure provided by the Company to give a better understanding of the Company's underlying business performance. Constant currency sales change is calculated by removing the percentage impact from currency translation effects from the overall percentage change in net sales.
Net sales for the Americas segment were $874.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, a decrease of $40.8 million, or 5%, compared to $915.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. During 2020, constant currency sales in the Americas segment decreased 3% compared to the prior year period, driven by weakness in oil and gas and commercial construction markets due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was partially offset by increases in Breathing Apparatus in fire service markets and APR in a broad range of end markets related primarily to pandemic response.
Net sales for the International segment were $473.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, a decrease of $13.0 million, or 3%, compared to $486.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Constant currency sales in the International segment decreased 4% during 2020, compared to the prior year period, driven by weakness in oil and gas and commercial construction markets due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was partially offset by increases in industrial head protection and Breathing Apparatus in fire service markets.
Refer to Note 7—Segment Information to the consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for information regarding sales by product group.
There are a number of evolving factors that will have an impact on our revenue in 2021. These factors include, among other things, the effectiveness of the vaccine rollout, risk of additional COVID lockdowns, the pace of economic recovery as well as the potential for government stimulus. While the outcome is difficult to predict, the steps we are taking to improve our business model position us to return to growth and emerge a much stronger company, as conditions improve. We are approaching the first half of 2021 cautiously, and are positioned for a stronger second half of 2021 as compared to the first half. Our investments in organic and inorganic growth programs are driving an improved market position and that will be beneficial as we see business conditions improve.
Gross profit. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $590.4 million, a decrease of $46.2 million, or 7.3%, compared to $636.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The ratio of gross profit to net sales was 43.8% in 2020 compared to 45.4% in 2019. The lower gross profit ratio during 2020 is primarily attributable to costs related to lower throughput in our factories and higher inventory related charges. During 2020, we invested in inventory to enable delivery on a meaningful pandemic-response order, which did not materialize. As a result, we incurred $13 million of inventory-related charges and one-time costs associated with the manufacturing process in the Americas Segment. We do not expect the inventory-related charges to repeat in 2021.
23

Table of Contents
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $290.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, a decrease of $40.2 million, or 12.2%, compared to $330.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 21.5% of net sales in 2020 compared to 23.6% of net sales in 2019. The decrease was the result of returns from previously executed restructuring programs and discretionary cost controls implemented earlier in the year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and slowdown in certain end markets. Discretionary cost controls provided approximately $15 million of cost savings in 2020. Additionally, a decrease in variable compensation expense provided approximately $15 million of cost savings. While we expect variable compensation expense to reset and increase in 2021 as compared to 2020, we intend on closely managing discretionary spend to ensure our investments are aligned with economic and business conditions. The following table presents a reconciliation of the year-over-year expense change for selling, general, and administrative expenses.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses | Year Ended December 31, 2020 versus December 31, 2019
(Percent Change) | Consolidated
GAAP reported change | (12.2)%
Currency translation effects | 0.7%
Constant currency change | (11.5)%

Note: Constant currency change is a non-GAAP financial measure provided by the Company to give a better understanding of the Company's underlying business performance. Constant currency change in selling, general, and administrative expenses is calculated by deducting the percentage impact of currency translation effects from the overall percentage change in selling, general, and administrative expense. Management believes excluding currency translation effects provide investors with a greater level of clarity into spending levels on a year-over-year basis.
Research and development expense. Research and development ("R&D") expense was $58.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $0.5 million, or 0.7%, compared to $57.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Research and development expense was 4.3% of net sales in 2020, compared to 4.1% of net sales in 2019. During 2020, we launched the Altair io 360 Gas Detector, an area monitor that operates with the simplicity of a smart-home device; a Personal Fall Limiter with a smart hook connector that using RFID technology alerts wearers when they are not secured to an anchorage point; and an innovative reusable Elastomeric Half-Mask Respirator designed for healthcare environments. MSA plans to launch its connected firefighter ecosystem powered by LUNAR in the first half of 2021. We capitalized approximately $8.2 million and $5.0 million of software development costs during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Restructuring charges. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $27.4 million, primarily due to severance costs related to a plan which addresses weakened global economic conditions and is designed to improve our business model during the downturn. Included as part of restructuring charges in 2020, we recognized a non-cash settlement charge of $1.5 million for the termination of our pension plan in the Netherlands. We expect the restructuring programs to collectively deliver $15 million of savings throughout the income statement in 2021, and annual savings of $20 million thereafter. This compared to charges of $13.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily related to footprint rationalization and other restructuring programs associated with our ongoing initiatives to drive profitable growth in our International segment. Included as part of restructuring charges in 2019, we recognized a non-cash settlement charge of $2.5 million for the termination of our pension plan in the United Kingdom.
Currency exchange. Currency exchange losses were $8.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $19.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in currency exchange losses was primarily due to the recognition of non-cash cumulative translation losses of approximately $15.3 million as a result of the approval of our plan to close our South Africa affiliates during the first quarter of 2019. This charge is related to the historical translation of the elements of the financial statements for the business from the functional currency to the U.S. Dollar. The translation impact has been historically recorded as currency translation adjustment, a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within the shareholders' equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remaining currency exchange losses in both periods were related to foreign currency exposure on unsettled inter-company balances. Refer to Note 17—Derivative Financial Instruments of the consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for information regarding our currency exchange rate risk management strategy.
Product liability and other operating expense. Product liability and other operating expense during the year ended December 31, 2020 was $39.0 million compared to $28.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The expense in both periods primarily relates to an increase in MSA LLC's reserve for cumulative trauma product liability claims resulting from the Company’s revision of estimates of potential liability for cumulative trauma product liability claims as part of its annual review process, and to a far lesser extent, defense costs incurred for uninsured asserted cumulative trauma product liability claims. The increase in MSA LLC's reserve for cumulative trauma product liability claims is largely attributable to an increase in the number of claims alleging injuries from exposure to coal mine dust. Please refer to Note 19—Contingencies of the
24

Table of Contents
consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
GAAP operating income. Consolidated operating income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $166.9 million compared to $186.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in operating results was driven by lower sales volumes and higher product liability expense partially offset by lower currency exchange losses and improved SG&A leverage. On a consolidated basis, SG&A expenses declined by 12% while sales declined 4%.
Adjusted operating income. Americas adjusted operating income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $200.5 million, a decrease of $26.1 million, or 12%, compared to $226.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease was related to the lower level of sales, higher costs related to lower throughput in our factories, and higher inventory-related charges, partially offset by improved SG&A leverage.
International adjusted operating income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $70.9 million, an increase of $11.0 million, or 18%, compared to adjusted operating income of $59.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in adjusted operating income is primarily attributable to improved gross profit associated with strategic pricing improvements and benefits we continue to realize from restructuring programs executed over the past 12 to 18 months, which more than offset the 3% decrease in sales. The most significant improvement in adjusted operating income was attributable to our EMEA operating segment.
Corporate segment adjusted operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $28.1 million, an improvement of $7.5 million, or 21%, compared to an adjusted operating loss of $35.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, due primarily to lower variable compensation expense as well as lower professional service and other expenses related to cost control initiatives.
The following tables represent a reconciliation from GAAP operating income to adjusted operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted operating margin % is calculated as adjusted operating income (loss) divided by net sales and adjusted EBITDA margin % is calculated as adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales.

| Year Ended December 31, 2020
(In thousands) | Americas | International | Corporate | Consolidated
Net sales | $ | 874,305 |  | $ | 473,918 |  | $ | — |  | $ | 1,348,223 |
GAAP operating income |  |  |  | 166,851 |
Restructuring charges (Note 2) |  |  |  | 27,381 |
Currency exchange losses, net (Note 5) |  |  |  | 8,578 |
Product liability expense (Note 19) |  |  |  | 39,036 |
Strategic transaction costs (Note 13) |  |  |  | 717 |
COVID-19 related costs |  |  |  | 757 |
Adjusted operating income (loss) | 200,536 |  | 70,864 |  | (28,080) |  | 243,320 |
Adjusted operating margin % | 22.9 | % | 15.0 | % |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 26,762 |  | 12,521 |  | 391 |  | 39,674 |
Adjusted EBITDA | 227,298 |  | 83,385 |  | (27,689) |  | 282,994 |
Adjusted EBITDA % | 26.0 | % | 17.6 | % |  |

25

Table of Contents

| Year Ended December 31, 2019
(In thousands) | Americas | International | Corporate | Consolidated
Net sales | $ | 915,118 |  | $ | 486,863 |  | $ | — |  | $ | 1,401,981 |
GAAP operating income |  |  |  | 186,230 |
Restructuring charges (Note 2) |  |  |  | 13,846 |
Currency exchange losses, net (Note 5) |  |  |  | 19,814 |
Product liability expense (Note 19) |  |  |  | 26,619 |
Strategic transaction costs (Note 13) |  |  |  | 4,400 |
Adjusted operating income (loss) | 226,596 |  | 59,910 |  | (35,597) |  | 250,909 |
Adjusted operating margin % | 24.8 | % | 12.3 | % |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 24,691 |  | 12,938 |  | 391 |  | 38,020 |
Adjusted EBITDA | 251,287 |  | 72,848 |  | (35,206) |  | 288,929 |
Adjusted EBITDA % | 27.5 | % | 15.0 | % |  |

Note: Adjusted operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA are a non-GAAP financial measures used by the chief operating decision maker to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources. Adjusted operating income (loss) is reconciled above to the nearest GAAP financial measure, Operating income (loss), and excludes restructuring, currency exchange, product liability expense and strategic transaction costs. Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled above to the nearest GAAP financial measure, Operating income (loss) and excludes depreciation and amortization expense.
Total other expense, net. Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $3.7 million, an increase of $1.3 million, or 50.2%, compared to $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to lower pension income driven by lower discount rates and lower expected rate of return partially offset by lower interest expense. Improved return on plan assets is expected to drive a $4 million to $5 million favorable comparison in nonoperating pension income in 2021, compared to 2020.
Income taxes. The reported effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 25.7%, which included a benefit of 3.9% for share-based payments, an expense of 3.4% due to nondeductible compensation, and expense of 1.5% related to a foreign audit. This compared to a reported effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2019 of 25.1%, which included a benefit of 2.6% for share-based payments, an expense of 1.8% due to non-deductible foreign currency exchange losses on entity closures, an expense of 1.9% due to nondeductible compensation and expense related to an increase in profitability in higher tax jurisdictions.
We are subject to regular review and audit by both foreign and domestic tax authorities. While we believe our tax positions will be sustained, the final outcome of tax audits and related litigation may differ materially from the tax amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements.
Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated. Net income was $120.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, or $3.05 per diluted share, compared to $136.4 million, or $3.48 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as a result of the factors described above.
Non-GAAP Financial Information
We may provide information regarding financial measures such as financial measures excluding the impact of acquisitions and related strategic transaction costs, COVID-19 related costs, consisting of a one-time bonus for essential manufacturing employees, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin percentage, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin percentage, which are not recognized terms under U.S. GAAP and do not purport to be alternatives to net sales, selling, general and administrative expense, operating income or net income as a measure of operating performance. We believe that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with additional useful information and provide a more complete understanding of the underlying results. Because not all companies use identical calculations, these presentations may not be comparable to similarly titled measures from other companies. For more information about these non-GAAP measures and a reconciliation to the nearest U.S. GAAP measure, please refer to the reconciliations referenced above in Management's Discussion & Analysis section and in Note 7—Segment Information of the consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
26

Table of Contents
We may also provide financial information on a constant currency basis, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. These references to a constant currency basis do not include operational impacts that could result from fluctuations in foreign currency rates, which are outside of management's control. To provide information on a constant currency basis, the applicable financial results are adjusted by translating current and prior period results in local currency to a fixed foreign exchange rate. This approach is used for countries where the functional currency is the local country currency. This information is provided so that certain financial results can be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency rates, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons of business performance. Constant currency information is not recognized under U.S. GAAP and it is not intended as an alternative to U.S. GAAP measures.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our main source of liquidity is operating cash flows, supplemented by borrowings. Our principal liquidity requirements are for working capital, capital expenditures, principal and interest payments on debt, declared dividend payments, and as applicable, acquisitions. At December 31, 2020, approximately 31% of our long-term debt is at fixed interest rates with repayment schedules through 2031. The remainder of our long-term debt is at variable rates on an unsecured revolving credit facility that is due in 2023. At December 31, 2020, approximately 74% of our borrowings are denominated in US dollars, which limits our exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations. In January 2021, we borrowed on our U.K. credit facility in connection with the Bristol acquisition.
At December 31, 2020, we had cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash totaling $161.0 million, which included $150.1 million of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash held by our foreign subsidiaries. Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased $8.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to an increase of $11.9 million during 2019. We continue to employ a balanced capital allocation strategy that prioritizes growth investments, funding our dividend and servicing debt obligations.
Our unsecured senior revolving credit facility provides for borrowings up to $600.0 million through 2023 and is subject to certain commitment fees. This credit facility has sub-limits for the issuance of letters of credit, swingline borrowings and foreign currency denominated borrowings; and may be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, permitted acquisitions, capital expenditures and repayment of existing indebtedness. Loans under the revolving facility will bear interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR or the federal funds rate at the Company's option. Our weighted average interest rate was 1.15% in 2020. At December 31, 2020, $385.5 million of the $600.0 million senior revolving credit facility was unused, including letters of credit. Refer to Note 11—Short and Long-Term Debt to the consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Operating activities. Operating activities provided cash of $206.6 million in 2020, compared to providing cash of $165.0 million in 2019. The improved operating cash flows during the period was primarily attributable to improved working capital performance primarily related to accounts receivable and inventory as well as lower net payments related to MSA LLC's cumulative trauma product liability. Our subsidiary MSA LLC made product liability payments of $12.9 million, net of collections on insurance receivables, in the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to payments of $33.5 million, net of collections on insurance receivables, in the same period of 2019. MSA LLC funds its operating expenses and legal liabilities from its own operating cash flow and other investments, as well as insurance reimbursements, and not from borrowings under the Company’s credit facility, to which it is not a party. We have established cash flow streams that have allowed us to fund these liabilities without a material impact on our capital allocation priorities but the timing of such cash flows can and does vary from quarter to quarter. Please refer to Note 19—Contingencies of the consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
Investing activities. Investing activities used cash of $72.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to using $64.2 million in 2019. Capital expenditures and purchase of short-term investments, net of proceeds from maturities drove cash outflows from investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2020. The acquisition of Sierra Monitor Corporation capital expenditures drove cash outflows from investing in the same period in 2019. During 2020 we spent $48.9 million on capital expenditures including approximately $8.2 million associated with software development, which was a $3.2 million increase compared to 2019. We expect to invest 2.5% to 3.5% of sales in capital expenditures in 2021.
Financing activities. Financing activities used cash of $126.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to using cash of $84.6 million in 2019. During 2020, we had net payments on long-term debt of $44.0 million compared to net payments of $16.5 million in the same period in 2019.
We made dividend payments of $66.6 million during 2020, compared to $63.5 million during 2019. Dividends paid on our common stock during 2020 were $1.71 per share. Dividends paid on our common stock in 2019 were $1.64 per share.
In January 2021, we used $62.4 million of cash to fund the acquisition of Bristol.
27

Table of Contents
Restricted cash balances were $0.4 million at December 31, 2020 compared to $0.3 million at December 31, 2019, and were primarily used to support letter of credit balances.
The MSA Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase up to $100.0 million in shares of MSA common stock. We used $29.1 million during 2020 to repurchase shares, including $20.1 million related to purchases under our 2015 stock repurchase program, compared to $12.6 million during 2019 to repurchase shares, including $3.3 million related to purchases under our 2015 stock repurchase program.
CUMULATIVE TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENTS
The year-end position of the U.S. dollar relative to international currencies resulted in a translation gain of $22.3 million being recorded to cumulative translation adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to a loss of $1.7 million in 2019. The translation gain during 2020 was primarily related to the weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro. The translation loss during 2019 was primarily related to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized approximately $8.6 million of currency exchange losses, net, in our Consolidated Statements of Income. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized approximately $19.8 million of currency exchange losses, net, in our Consolidated Statement of Income of which $15.3 million relates to non-cash currency exchange losses due primarily to an approved plan to close our South Africa affiliates. This charge is related to the historical translation of the elements of the financial statements for the business from the functional currency to the U.S. Dollar. The translation impact has been historically recorded as currency translation adjustment, a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within the shareholders' equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We are obligated to make future payments under various contracts, including debt and lease agreements. Our significant cash obligations as of December 31, 2020, are as follows:

(In millions) |  | Total |  | 2021 |  | 2022 |  | 2023 |  | 2024 |  | 2025 |  | Thereafter
Long-term debt |  | $ | 308.3 |  |  | $ | 20.0 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 221.6 |  |  | $ | 8.3 |  |  | $ | 8.3 |  |  | $ | 50.1 |
Operating leases |  | 66.5 |  |  | 11.4 |  |  | 7.9 |  |  | 6.3 |  |  | 4.5 |  |  | 4.7 |  |  | 31.7 |
Transition tax |  | 6.6 |  |  | 0.8 |  |  | 1.5 |  |  | 1.9 |  |  | 2.4 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Totals |  | $ | 381.4 |  |  | $ | 32.2 |  |  | $ | 9.4 |  |  | $ | 229.8 |  |  | $ | 15.2 |  |  | $ | 13.0 |  |  | $ | 81.8 |

The significant obligations table does not include obligations to taxing authorities due to uncertainty surrounding the ultimate settlement of amounts and timing of these obligations.
We expect to meet our 2021 and 2022 debt service obligations through cash provided by operations. Approximately $213.2 million of debt payable in 2023 relates to our unsecured senior revolving credit facility. We expect to generate sufficient operating cash flow to make payments against this amount each year. To the extent that a balance remains when the facility matures in 2023, we expect to refinance the remaining balance through new borrowing facilities. Interest expense on fixed rate debt over the next five years is expected to be approximately $3.2 million in 2021, $2.6 million in 2022, $2.3 million in 2023, $2.1 million in 2024, and $1.8 million in 2025. We expect total interest expense for 2021 to be between $8 million and $9 million.
The Company had outstanding bank guarantees and standby letters of credit with banks as of December 31, 2020 totaling $9.0 million, of which $1.3 million relate to the senior revolving credit facility. These letters of credit serve to cover customer requirements in connection with certain sales orders and insurance companies. The Company is also required to provide cash collateral in connection with certain arrangements. At December 31, 2020, the Company has $0.4 million of restricted cash in support of these arrangements.
We expect to make net contributions of $7.7 million to our pension plans in 2021 which are primarily associated with our International segment. We have not been required to make contributions to our U.S. based qualified defined benefit pension plan in many years.
We have purchase commitments for materials, supplies, services and property, plant and equipment as part of our ordinary conduct of business.
Please refer to Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion on the Company's product liabilities.
28

Table of Contents
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the related disclosures. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an on-going basis based on historical experience and various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. However, different amounts could be reported if we had used different assumptions and in light of different facts and circumstances. Actual amounts could differ from the estimates and judgments reflected in our consolidated financial statements. A summary of the Company's significant accounting policies is included in Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
We believe that the following are the more critical judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Cumulative trauma product liability. We face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability claims arising from the alleged failure of our products to prevent the types of personal injury or death against which they are designed to protect. Product liability claims are categorized as either single incident or cumulative trauma.
Single incident product liability claims involve incidents of short duration that are typically known when they occur and involve observable injuries, which provide an objective basis for quantifying damages. The Company estimates its liability for single incident product liability claims based on expected settlement costs for asserted single incident product liability claims and an estimate of costs for single incident product liability claims incurred but not reported ("IBNR"). Single incident product liability exposures are evaluated on an annual basis, or more frequently if changing circumstances warrant. Adjustments are made to the reserve as appropriate.
Cumulative trauma product liability claims involve exposures to harmful substances (e.g., silica, asbestos and coal dust) that occurred years ago and may have developed over long periods of time into diseases such as silicosis, asbestosis, mesothelioma, or coal worker’s pneumoconiosis. MSA LLC's combined cumulative trauma product liability reserve is based upon estimates of its liability for asserted cumulative trauma product liability claims not yet resolved and for IBNR cumulative trauma product liability claims. In addition, in connection with finalizing and reporting the Company's results of operations, management works annually (unless significant changes in trends or new developments warrant an earlier review) with an outside valuation consultant and outside legal counsel to review MSA LLC's potential exposure to all cumulative trauma product liability claims, including asserted cumulative trauma product liability claims not yet resolved and IBNR cumulative trauma product liability claims. The process for estimating asserted cumulative trauma product liability claims not yet resolved takes into account available facts for those claims including the number and composition of such claims, outcomes of matters resolved during current and prior periods, and variances associated with different groups of claims, plaintiffs' counsel, and venues, as well as any other relevant information. The process for estimating IBNR claims involves a number of key judgments and assumptions, including as to the number and types of claims that may be asserted, the period in which claims may be asserted and resolved, the percentage of claims that may be dismissed without payment, the average cost to resolve claims on which a payment is made, the manner in which MSA LLC will defend claims, and the medical and legal environments that will be applicable to the assertion, evaluation, and resolution of claims in the future. Each of these factors may increase or decrease significantly within an individual period depending on, among other things, the timing of claims filings or settlements, or litigation outcomes during a particular period that are especially favorable or unfavorable to MSA LLC. We accordingly consider MSA LLC’s claims experience over multiple periods and/or whether there are changes in MSA LLC’s claims experience and trends that are likely to continue for a significant time into the future in determining whether to make an adjustment to the reserve, rather than evaluating such factors solely in the short term.
Income taxes. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates to record the tax effect of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. We record valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that we estimate are probable to be realized. When assessing the need for valuation allowances, we consider projected future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Should a change in circumstances lead to a change in our judgments about the realizability of deferred tax assets in future years, we adjust the related valuation allowances in the period that the change in circumstances occurs.
We record an estimated income tax liability based on our best judgment of the amounts likely to be paid in the various tax jurisdictions in which we operate. We record tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return when such benefits meet a more likely than not threshold. We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. The tax liabilities ultimately paid are dependent on a number of factors, including the resolution of tax audits, and may differ from the amounts recorded. Tax liabilities are adjusted through income when it becomes probable that the actual liability differs from the amount recorded.
29

Table of Contents
Pensions and other post-retirement benefits. We sponsor certain pension and other post-retirement benefit plans. Accounting for the net periodic benefit costs and credits for these plans requires us to estimate the cost of benefits to be provided well into the future and to attribute these costs over the expected work life of the employees participating in these plans. These estimates require our judgment about discount rates used to determine these obligations, expected returns on plan assets, rates of future compensation increases, rates of increase in future health care costs, participant withdrawal and mortality rates and participant retirement ages. Differences between our estimates and actual results may significantly affect the cost of our obligations under these plans and could cause net periodic benefit costs and credits to change materially from year-to-year. Discount rates and plan asset valuations are point-in-time measures. The discount rate assumptions used in determining projected benefit obligations for our U.S. and foreign plans were based on the spot rate method at December 31, 2020.
Expected returns on plan assets are based on capital market expectations by asset class.
The following table summarizes the impact of changes in significant actuarial assumptions on our December 31, 2020 actuarial valuations.

| Impact of Changes in Actuarial Assumptions
| Change in Discount Rate |  | Change in Expected Return |  | Change in Market Value of Assets
(In thousands) | 1% |  | (1)% |  | 1% |  | (1)% |  | 5% |  | (5)%
(Decrease) increase in net benefit cost | $ | (6,941) |  |  | $ | 8,939 |  |  | $ | (4,826) |  |  | $ | 4,826 |  |  | $ | (982) |  |  | $ | 1,040 |
(Decrease) increase in projected benefit obligation | (88,742) |  |  | 115,339 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Increase (decrease) in funded status | 88,742 |  |  | (115,339) |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 29,341 |  |  | (29,341) |

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets. On October 1st of each year, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist or if a decision is made to sell a business, we evaluate goodwill for impairment. Such indicators may include a decline in expected cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, unanticipated competition, slower growth rates, or negative developments in equity and credit markets, among others.
All goodwill is assigned to and evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. The evaluation of impairment involves using either a qualitative or quantitative approach as outlined in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 350. In 2020, we performed a two-step quantitative test at October 1, 2020. Quantitative testing involves comparing the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. We estimate reporting unit fair value using a weighted average of fair values determined by discounted cash flow (DCF) and market approach methodologies, as we believe both are important indicators of fair value. A number of assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the DCF model, including sales volumes and prices, costs to produce, tax rates, capital spending, discount rates, and working capital changes. Cash flow forecasts are generally based on approved business unit operating plans for the early years and historical relationships in later years. The market approach methodology measures value through an analysis of peer companies. The analysis entails measuring the multiples of EBITDA at which peer companies are trading.
In the event the carrying value is in excess of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit per the weighted average of the DCF and market approach models, an impairment loss equal to such excess would be recognized, which could materially and adversely affect reported consolidated results of operations and shareholders’ equity. At October 1, 2020, based on our quantitative test, the fair values of each of our reporting units exceeded their carrying value by at least 109%.
The intangible asset with an indefinite life is also subject to impairment testing on October 1st of each year, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The impairment test compares the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. We perform a quantitative assessment of the indefinite lived trade name intangible asset as outlined in ASC 350 by comparing the estimated fair value of the trade name intangible asset to its carrying value. We estimate the fair value using the relief from royalty income approach. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the relief from royalty model, including sales volumes and prices, royalty rates and tax rates. Forecasts are based on sales generated by the underlying trade name assets and are generally based on approved business unit operating plans for the early years and historical relationships in later years. At October 1, 2020, based on our quantitative test, the fair value of the trade name asset exceeded its carrying value by approximately 22%.
RECENTLY ADOPTED AND RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
See Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies of the consolidated financial statements in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
30

Table of Contents
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk represents the risk of adverse changes in the value of a financial instrument caused by changes in currency exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices. We are exposed to market risks related to currency exchange rates and interest rates.
Currency exchange rates. We are subject to the effects of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on various transactions and on the translation of the reported financial position and operating results of our non-U.S. companies from local currencies to U.S. dollars. A hypothetical 10% strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar would increase or decrease our reported sales and net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 by approximately $57.3 million and $5.0 million, or 4.3% and 4.1%, respectively.
When appropriate, we may attempt to limit our transactional exposure to changes in currency exchange rates through forward contracts or other actions intended to reduce existing exposures by creating offsetting currency exposures. At December 31, 2020, we had open foreign currency forward contracts with a U.S. dollar notional value of $96.0 million. A hypothetical 10% increase in December 31, 2020 forward exchange rates would result in a $9.6 million increase in the fair value of these contracts.
Interest rates. We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of borrowing and investing activities used to maintain liquidity and fund business operations. Because of the relatively short maturities of temporary investments and the variable rate nature of our revolving credit facility, these financial instruments are reported at carrying values which approximate fair values.
At December 31, 2020, we had $95.1 million of fixed rate debt which matures at various dates through 2031. The incremental increase in the fair value of fixed rate long-term debt resulting from a hypothetical 10% decrease in interest rates would be approximately $8 million. However, our sensitivity to interest rate declines and the corresponding increase in the fair value of our debt portfolio would unfavorably affect earnings and cash flows only to the extent that we elected to repurchase or retire all or a portion of our fixed rate debt portfolio at prices above carrying values.
At December 31, 2020, we had $213.2 million of variable rate borrowings under our revolving credit facility. A 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates could have an impact on future earnings under our current capital structure.
31

Table of Contents
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Management’s Reports to Shareholders
Management’s Report on Responsibility for Financial Reporting
Management of MSA Safety Incorporated (the Company) is responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include amounts that are based on the best estimates and judgments of management. The other financial information contained in this annual report is consistent with the consolidated financial statements.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on our assessment and those criteria, management has concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020.
The Company's independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report issued an attestation report on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ NISHAN J. VARTANIAN
Nishan J. Vartanian Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ KENNETH D. KRAUSE
Kenneth D. Krause Sr. Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

February 19, 2021
32

Table of Contents
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of MSA Safety Incorporated
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited MSA Safety Incorporated’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, MSA Safety Incorporated (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in retained earnings, accumulated other comprehensive loss and noncontrolling interests for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) 2. and our report dated February 19, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
February 19, 2021
33

Table of Contents
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of MSA Safety Incorporated
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MSA Safety Incorporated (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in retained earnings, accumulated other comprehensive loss and noncontrolling interests for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) 2. (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 19, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
34

Table of Contents

Valuation of cumulative trauma product liability claims
Description of the Matter |  | As more fully described in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements, MSA LLC is named as a defendant in lawsuits comprised of cumulative trauma product liability claims involving exposures to harmful substances (e.g., silica, asbestos, and coal dust) that occurred years ago and may have developed over long periods of time into diseases such as silicosis, asbestosis, mesothelioma, or coal worker’s pneumoconiosis. The Company believes it is probable that it will incur losses related to asserted and incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims and that the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. At December 31, 2020, the Company’s accrual for asserted and IBNR claims was $221.5 million, representing its best estimate of the expected losses related to these claims. Auditing management’s accounting for and disclosure of loss contingencies arising from cumulative trauma product liability claims was especially challenging, as the estimate of probable loss is highly subjective. In particular, the estimate was sensitive to significant assumptions that included, among others, the number of claims asserted against MSA LLC and the counsel asserting those claims, the percentage of claims resolved through settlement and the values of settlements paid to claimants.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit |  | We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of relevant internal controls over the Company’s assessment and measurement of its estimate of probable loss for cumulative trauma product liability claims. Our audit procedures included testing controls over the Company’s assessment and measurement of the best estimate of the expected losses related to cumulative trauma product liability claims. To test the Company’s assessment of cumulative trauma product liability claims, we performed audit procedures which included, among others: reading the minutes of the meetings of the committees of the board of directors, requesting and receiving internal and external legal counsel letters, meeting with internal and external counsel to discuss the claims, meeting with management’s valuation consultant, testing the completeness and accuracy of data from underlying systems that are used in the Company’s assessment, performing a historical lookback analysis on claims data, performing a search for new or contrary evidence affecting the assessment, and obtaining a representation letter from the Company. Additional audit procedures to test the Company’s valuation of the expected losses related to cumulative trauma product liability claims included: evaluating significant assumptions underlying the estimate, including the number of claims asserted against MSA LLC and the counsel asserting those claims, and the percentage of claims resolved through settlement and the values of settlements paid to claimants. We engaged our actuarial specialists to assist in the analysis of the significant assumptions and methodology used by management. Our procedures also included evaluating the sufficiency of the Company’s disclosures with respect to cumulative trauma product liability claims described in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
February 19, 2021
35

Table of Contents
MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

| Year ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Net sales | $ | 1,348,223 |  |  | $ | 1,401,981 |  |  | $ | 1,358,104 |
Cost of products sold | 757,775 |  |  | 765,369 |  |  | 746,241 |
Gross profit | 590,448 |  |  | 636,612 |  |  | 611,863 |
Selling, general and administrative | 290,334 |  |  | 330,502 |  |  | 324,784 |
Research and development | 58,268 |  |  | 57,848 |  |  | 52,696 |
Restructuring charges (Note 2) | 27,381 |  |  | 13,846 |  |  | 13,247 |
Currency exchange losses, net (Note 5) | 8,578 |  |  | 19,814 |  |  | 2,330 |
Product liability (Note 19) and other operating expense | 39,036 |  |  | 28,372 |  |  | 45,327 |
Operating income | 166,851 |  |  | 186,230 |  |  | 173,479 |
Interest expense | 9,432 |  |  | 13,589 |  |  | 18,881 |
Loss on extinguishment of debt (Note 11) | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,494 |
Other income, net (Note 15) | (5,684) |  |  | (11,094) |  |  | (9,231) |
Total other expense, net | 3,748 |  |  | 2,495 |  |  | 11,144 |
Income before income taxes | 163,103 |  |  | 183,735 |  |  | 162,335 |
Provision for income taxes (Note 9) | 41,941 |  |  | 46,086 |  |  | 37,220 |
Net income | 121,162 |  |  | 137,649 |  |  | 125,115 |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | $ | (1,061) |  |  | $ | (1,209) |  |  | $ | (965) |
Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated | $ | 120,101 |  |  | $ | 136,440 |  |  | $ | 124,150 |
Earnings per share attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated common shareholders (Note 8): |  |  |  |  |
Basic | $ | 3.09 |  |  | $ | 3.52 |  |  | $ | 3.23 |
Diluted | $ | 3.05 |  |  | $ | 3.48 |  |  | $ | 3.18 |
Dividends per common share | $ | 1.71 |  |  | $ | 1.64 |  |  | $ | 1.49 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
36

Table of Contents
MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

| Year ended December 31,
(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Net income | $ | 121,162 |  |  | $ | 137,649 |  |  | $ | 125,115 |
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency translation adjustments (Note 5) | 22,260 |  |  | (1,657) |  |  | (30,103) |
Pension and post-retirement plan actuarial gains (losses), net of tax (Note 5) | 9,296 |  |  | (5,559) |  |  | (17,569) |
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities (Note 5) | (7) |  |  | 578 |  |  | (572) |
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) into net income (Note 5) | 216 |  |  | 15,261 |  |  | 774 |
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 31,765 |  |  | 8,623 |  |  | (47,470) |
Comprehensive income | 152,927 |  |  | 146,272 |  |  | 77,645 |
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (1,220) |  |  | (1,136) |  |  | (660) |
Comprehensive income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated | $ | 151,707 |  |  | $ | 145,136 |  |  | $ | 76,985 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
37

Table of Contents
MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

| December 31,
(In thousands, except share amounts) | 2020 |  | 2019
Assets |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 160,672 |  |  | $ | 152,195 |
Trade receivables, less allowance for credit loss of $5,344 and $4,860 | 252,283 |  |  | 255,082 |
Inventories (Note 3) | 197,819 |  |  | 185,027 |
Investments, short-term (Note 18) | 74,982 |  |  | 49,892 |
Prepaid income taxes | 26,185 |  |  | 13,072 |
Notes receivable, insurance companies (Note 19) | 3,796 |  |  | 3,676 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 38,541 |  |  | 34,419 |
Total current assets | 754,278 |  |  | 693,363 |
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 4) | 189,620 |  |  | 167,038 |
Operating lease assets, net (Note 16) | 53,451 |  |  | 51,675 |
Prepaid pension cost (Note 14) | 97,545 |  |  | 75,066 |
Deferred tax assets (Note 9) | 35,665 |  |  | 32,596 |
Goodwill (Note 12) | 443,272 |  |  | 436,679 |
Intangible assets, net (Note 12) | 161,051 |  |  | 171,326 |
Notes receivable, insurance companies, noncurrent (Note 19) | 48,540 |  |  | 52,336 |
Insurance receivable (Note 19) and other noncurrent assets | 89,062 |  |  | 59,614 |
Total assets | $ | 1,872,484 |  |  | $ | 1,739,693 |
Liabilities |  |  |
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt (Note 11) | $ | 20,000 |  |  | $ | 20,000 |
Accounts payable | 86,854 |  |  | 89,120 |
Employees’ compensation | 40,277 |  |  | 41,882 |
Insurance and product liability (Note 19) | 43,706 |  |  | 25,870 |
Income taxes payable (Note 9) | 3,580 |  |  | 6,739 |
Accrued restructuring (Note 2) and other current liabilities | 116,128 |  |  | 93,898 |
Total current liabilities | 310,545 |  |  | 277,509 |
Long-term debt, net (Note 11) | 287,157 |  |  | 328,394 |
Pensions and other employee benefits (Note 14) | 208,068 |  |  | 186,697 |
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities (Note 16) | 44,639 |  |  | 42,632 |
Deferred tax liabilities (Note 9) | 10,916 |  |  | 9,787 |
Product liability (Note 19) and other noncurrent liabilities | 201,268 |  |  | 162,101 |
Total liabilities | $ | 1,062,593 |  |  | $ | 1,007,120 |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19) |  |  |
Shareholders' Equity |  |  |
Preferred stock, 4.5% cumulative, $50 par value (Note 6) | 3,569 |  |  | 3,569 |
Common stock, no par value (180,000,000 shares authorized; 62,081,391 shares issued; 39,067,902 and 38,841,194 shares outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively) | 242,693 |  |  | 229,127 |
Treasury shares, at cost (Note 6) | (327,756) |  |  | (305,159) |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 5) | (182,397) |  |  | (214,003) |
Retained earnings | 1,065,789 |  |  | 1,012,266 |
Total MSA Safety Incorporated shareholders’ equity | 801,898 |  |  | 725,800 |
Noncontrolling interests | 7,993 |  |  | 6,773 |
Total shareholders’ equity | 809,891 |  |  | 732,573 |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 1,872,484 |  |  | $ | 1,739,693 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
38

Table of Contents
MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

| Year ended December 31,
(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Operating Activities |  |  |  |  |
Net income | $ | 121,162 |  |  | $ | 137,649 |  |  | $ | 125,115 |
Depreciation and amortization | 39,674 |  |  | 38,020 |  |  | 37,852 |
Stock-based compensation (Note 10) | 6,920 |  |  | 13,760 |  |  | 12,239 |
Pension expense (Note 14) and other charges | 10,082 |  |  | 3,382 |  |  | 5,901 |
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision (Note 9) | (3,322) |  |  | 1,272 |  |  | (4,065) |
Losses on asset dispositions, net | 236 |  |  | 371 |  |  | 484 |
Pension contributions (Note 14) | (5,596) |  |  | (5,537) |  |  | (4,718) |
Currency exchange losses, net (Note 5) | 8,578 |  |  | 19,814 |  |  | 2,330 |
Product liability expense (Note 19) | 39,036 |  |  | 26,619 |  |  | 45,327 |
Collections on insurance receivable and notes receivable, insurance companies (Note 19) | 10,853 |  |  | 21,035 |  |  | 101,552 |
Product liability payments (Note 19) | (23,727) |  |  | (54,504) |  |  | (61,500) |
Loss on extinguishment of debt (Note 11) | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,494 |
Changes in: |  |  |  |  |
Trade receivables | 7,677 |  |  | (8,855) |  |  | (10,075) |
Inventories (Note 3) | (8,601) |  |  | (23,246) |  |  | (11,122) |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (8,861) |  |  | (822) |  |  | 10,866 |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 13,541 |  |  | 5,801 |  |  | 17,985 |
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities | (1,097) |  |  | (9,797) |  |  | (5,778) |
Cash Flow From Operating Activities | 206,555 |  |  | 164,962 |  |  | 263,887 |
Investing Activities |  |  |  |  |
Capital expenditures | (48,905) |  |  | (36,604) |  |  | (33,960) |
Purchase of short-term investments (Note 18) | (199,318) |  |  | (169,245) |  |  | (73,022) |
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments (Note 18) | 175,000 |  |  | 174,670 |  |  | 18,000 |
Acquisition, net of cash acquired (Note 13) | — |  |  | (33,196) |  |  | — |
Property disposals and other investing | 454 |  |  | 218 |  |  | 4,587 |
Cash Flow Used In Investing Activities | (72,769) |  |  | (64,157) |  |  | (84,395) |
Financing Activities |  |  |  |  |
(Payments on) proceeds from short-term debt, net (Note 11) | — |  |  | (65) |  |  | 51 |
Payments on long-term debt (Note 11) | (1,031,000) |  |  | (880,500) |  |  | (570,167) |
Proceeds from long-term debt (Note 11) | 987,000 |  |  | 864,000 |  |  | 462,500 |
Debt issuance costs | — |  |  | — |  |  | (1,216) |
Cash dividends paid | (66,578) |  |  | (63,523) |  |  | (57,248) |
Company stock purchases (Note 6) | (29,144) |  |  | (12,648) |  |  | (4,824) |
Exercise of stock options (Note 6) | 12,446 |  |  | 7,471 |  |  | 8,573 |
Employee stock purchase plan (Note 6) | 747 |  |  | 641 |  |  | 556 |
Other, net | — |  |  | — |  |  | (1,494) |
Cash Flow Used In Financing Activities | (126,529) |  |  | (84,624) |  |  | (163,269) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 1,234 |  |  | (4,242) |  |  | (13,508) |
Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 8,491 |  |  | 11,939 |  |  | 2,715 |
Beginning cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 152,543 |  |  | 140,604 |  |  | 137,889 |
Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 161,034 |  |  | $ | 152,543 |  |  | $ | 140,604 |
Supplemental cash flow information: |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 160,672 |  |  | $ | 152,195 |  |  | $ | 140,095 |
Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets | 362 |  |  | 348 |  |  | 509 |
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 161,034 |  |  | 152,543 |  |  | 140,604 |
Interest paid in cash | $ | 9,856 |  |  | $ | 14,490 |  |  | $ | 20,408 |
Income tax paid in cash | 61,072 |  |  | 48,673 |  |  | 40,587 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
39

Table of Contents
MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN RETAINED EARNINGS,
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

(In thousands) | Retained Earnings |  | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |  | Noncontrolling Interests
Balances January 1, 2018 | $ | 868,675 |  |  | $ | (171,762) |  |  | $ | 4,977 |
Net income | 125,115 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | — |  |  | (30,103) |  |  | — |
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, net of tax of $(6,325) | — |  |  | (17,569) |  |  | — |
Unrecognized net losses on available-for-sale securities (Note 18) | — |  |  | (572) |  |  | — |
Reclassification of currency translation from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) into net income (Note 5) | — |  |  | 774 |  |  | — |
(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (965) |  |  | 305 |  |  | 660 |
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests | — |  |  |  |  | — |
Common dividends | (57,206) |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Preferred dividends ($0.5625 per share) | (42) |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Balances December 31, 2018 | 935,577 |  |  | (218,927) |  |  | 5,637 |
Net income | 137,649 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | — |  |  | (1,657) |  |  | — |
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, net of tax of $(3,072) | — |  |  | (5,559) |  |  | — |
Unrecognized net gains on available-for-sale securities (Note 18) | — |  |  | 578 |  |  | — |
Reclassification of currency translation from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) into net income (Note 5) | — |  |  | 15,261 |  |  | — |
(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (1,209) |  |  | 73 |  |  | 1,136 |
Common dividends | (63,481) |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Preferred dividends ($0.5625 per share) | (42) |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Cumulative effect of the adoption of ASU 2016-16 (Note 1) | 3,772 |  |  | (3,772) |  |  | — |
Balances December 31, 2019 | 1,012,266 |  |  | (214,003) |  |  | 6,773 |
Net income | 121,162 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | — |  |  | 22,260 |  |  | — |
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, net of tax of $2,245 | — |  |  | 9,296 |  |  | — |
Unrecognized net losses on available-for-sale securities (Note 18) | — |  |  | (7) |  |  | — |
Reclassification of currency translation from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) into net income (Note 5) | — |  |  | 216 |  |  | — |
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (1,061) |  |  | (159) |  |  | 1,220 |
Common dividends | (66,537) |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Preferred dividends ($0.5625 per share) | (41) |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Balances December 31, 2020 | $ | 1,065,789 |  |  | $ | (182,397) |  |  | $ | 7,993 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
40

Table of Contents
MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation—The consolidated financial statements of MSA Safety Incorporated ("MSA" or "the Company") are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) and require management to make certain judgments, estimates, and assumptions. These may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. They also may affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates upon subsequent resolution of identified matters.
Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
Noncontrolling Interests—Noncontrolling interests reflect noncontrolling shareholders’ investments in certain consolidated subsidiaries and their proportionate share of the income and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of those subsidiaries.
Currency Translation—The functional currency of all significant non-U.S. subsidiaries is the local country currency. Assets and liabilities of these operations are translated at year-end exchange rates. Income statement accounts are translated using the average exchange rates for the reporting period. Translation adjustments for these companies are reported as a component of shareholders’ equity and are not included in income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in net income for the reporting period.
Cash Equivalents—Cash equivalents include temporary deposits with financial institutions and highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Other highly liquid investments consist of money market funds and balances were $0.6 million and $17.9 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. These funds are valued at net asset value (“NAV”). The money market funds are required to price and transact at a NAV per share that fluctuates based upon the pricing of the underlying portfolio of securities and this requirement may impact the value of those fund shares.
Restricted Cash—Restricted cash, which is designated for use other than current operations, is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Restricted cash balances were $0.4 million and $0.3 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. These balances were used to support letter of credit balances.
Inventories—Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The majority of U.S. inventories are valued on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost method which is used since this method provides better matching of costs and revenues. Other inventories are valued at standard costs which approximate actual costs. It is the Company's general policy to write-down any inventory identified as obsolete. Additionally, it will write-down any inventory balance in excess of the last twenty-four months of consumption.
Investment securities—The Company’s investment securities, primarily fixed income, are classified as available-for-sale. The securities are recorded at fair market value and reported in “Investments, short-term” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes in fair market value recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax. The purchases and sales of these investments are classified as investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Property and Depreciation—Property is recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally as follows: buildings 20 to 40 years and machinery and equipment 3 to 10 years. Expenditures for significant renewals and improvements are capitalized. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Gains or losses on property dispositions are included in other income, net and the cost and related depreciation are removed from the accounts. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $27.7 million, $26.5 million and $26.9 million, respectively. Properties, plants, and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets or asset groups may not be recoverable.
41

Table of Contents
Software Development Costs—Software development costs consist primarily of costs incurred in software development and related personnel compensation to create, enhance and deploy the Company’s broad range of wireless technology and cloud-based computing safety services. Software development costs, other than software development costs qualifying for capitalization, are expensed as incurred. Costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use that are incurred in the preliminary project and post implementation stages are expensed as incurred. Certain costs incurred during the application and development stage, which primarily include compensation and related expenses, are capitalized. Additionally, costs of upgrades and enhancements are capitalized when it is probable that the upgrades and enhancements will result in added functionality. Capitalized costs are amortized through Cost of products sold using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life, which is normally three years, beginning in the period in which the software is ready for its intended use or when the upgrade or enhancement is deployed. During 2020, 2019, and 2018 there was approximately $8.2 million, $5.0 million and $1.6 million, respectively, of software development costs capitalized.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—Intangible assets with a finite useful life are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. Indefinite lived intangible assets are assessed for possible impairment annually on October 1st or whenever circumstances change such that the recorded value of the asset may not be recoverable. We performed a quantitative assessment of the indefinite lived trade name intangible asset as outlined in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350 by comparing the estimated fair value of the trade name intangible asset to its carrying value. We estimate the fair value using the relief from royalty income approach. A number of assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the relief from royalty model, including sales volumes and prices, royalty rates and tax rates. Forecasts are based on sales generated by the underlying trade name assets and are generally based on approved business unit operating plans for the early years and historical relationships in later years. Based on these assessments, no impairments were identified during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 or 2018.
Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to impairment assessments. On October 1st of each year, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist or if a decision is made to sell a business, we evaluate goodwill for impairment. Judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include a decline in expected cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, unanticipated competition, slower growth rates, or negative developments in equity and credit markets, among others.
All goodwill is assigned to and evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. The evaluation of impairment involves using either a qualitative or quantitative approach as outlined in ASC Topic 350. In 2020, we performed a two-step quantitative test at October 1, 2020. Step 1 of the quantitative testing involves comparing the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. We estimate reporting unit fair value using a weighted average of fair values determined by discounted cash flow (DCF) and market approach methodologies, as we believe both are important indicators of fair value. A number of assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the DCF model, including sales volumes and prices, costs to produce, tax rates, capital spending, discount rates, and working capital changes. Cash flow forecasts are generally based on approved reporting unit operating plans for the early years and historical relationships in later years. The market approach methodology measures value through an analysis of peer companies. The analysis entails measuring the multiples of EBITDA at which peer companies are trading.
There has been no impairment of our goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 or 2018.
Revenue Recognition—We account for revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which we adopted on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method. Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement and control passes to the customer, which generally occurs either when product is shipped to the customer or, in the case of most U.S. distributor customers, when product is delivered to the distributor's delivery site. We establish our shipping terms according to local practice and market characteristics. We do not ship product unless we have an order or other documentation authorizing shipment to our customers. Our payment terms vary by the type and location of our customer and the products offered. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant.
42

Table of Contents
Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Amounts billed and due from our customers are classified as receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We make appropriate provisions for credit losses which have historically been insignificant in relation to our net sales. Certain contracts with customers, primarily distributor customers, have an element of variable consideration that is estimated when revenue is recognized under the contract to the extent that it is material to the individual contract. Variable consideration includes volume incentive rebates, performance guarantees, price concessions and returns. Rebates are based on achieving a certain level of purchases and other performance criteria that are documented in established distributor programs. These rebates are estimated based on projected sales to the customer and accrued as a reduction of net sales as they are earned by the customer. The rebate accrual is reviewed monthly and adjustments are made as the estimate of projected sales changes. Product returns, including an adjustment for restocking fees if it is material, are estimated based on historical return experience and revenue is adjusted. Sales, value add and other taxes collected with revenue-producing activities and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from revenue.
Depending on the terms of the arrangement, we may defer revenue for which we have a future obligation, including training and extended warranty and technical services, until such time that the obligation has been satisfied. We use an observable price, or a cost plus margin approach when one is not available, to determine the stand-alone selling price for separate performance obligations. We have elected to recognize the cost for shipping and handling as an expense when control of the product has passed to the customer. These costs are included within the Cost of products sold line on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales.
Product Warranties—Estimated expenses related to product warranties and additional service actions are charged to Cost of products sold in the period in which the related revenue is recognized or when significant product quality issues are identified.
Research and Development—Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes—Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized. We record tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return when such benefits meet a more likely than not threshold. We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. Deferred taxes are booked for available cash in excess of working capital for non-U.S. subsidiaries as these earnings are not considered to be permanently reinvested.
Stock-Based Compensation—We recognize expense for employee and non-employee director stock-based compensation based on the grant date fair value of the awards. Except for retirement-eligible participants, for whom there is no requisite service period, this expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service periods following the date of grant. For retirement-eligible participants, this expense is recognized over an accelerated period of at least one year.
Derivative Instruments—We may use derivative instruments to minimize the effects of changes in currency exchange rates. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes and do not hold derivative instruments for trading purposes. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges are recorded in the balance sheet as adjustments to the underlying hedged asset or liability. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as Currency exchange losses, net in the current period.
Commitments and Contingencies—For asserted claims and assessments, liabilities are recorded when a loss is deemed to be probable and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. Management assesses the probability of an unfavorable outcome with respect to asserted claims or assessments based on many factors such as the nature of the matter, available defenses and case strategy, progress of the matter, views and opinions of legal counsel and other advisors, applicability and success of appeals processes, and the outcome of similar historical matters, among others. Once an unfavorable outcome is assessed to be probable, management evaluates estimates of the potential loss, and the most reasonable loss estimate is recorded (or, if the estimate of the loss is a range, and no amount within the range is considered to be a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount in the range is recorded). If a loss is deemed to be reasonably possible but less than probable and/or such loss cannot be reasonably estimated, then the matter is disclosed and no liability is recorded.
43

Table of Contents
With respect to unasserted claims or assessments, management first determines whether it is probable that a claim or assessment may be asserted and then, if so, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome. If an unfavorable outcome is probable, management assesses whether the amount of potential loss can be reasonably estimated and, if so, accrues the most reasonable estimate of the loss (or, if the estimate of the loss is a range, and not amount within the range is considered to be a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount in the range is recorded). If an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible but less than probable, or the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated, then the matter is disclosed and no liability is recorded. Legal matters are reviewed on a continuous basis to determine if there has been a change in management’s judgment regarding the likelihood and/or estimate of a potential loss. Please refer to Note 19 for further details on product liability related matters.
Concentration of credit and business risks - We are exposed to credit risk in the event of nonpayment by customers, principally in the oil, gas and petrochemical, fire service, construction, utilities, and mining industries. Changes in these industries or other developments may significantly affect our financial performance and management's estimates. We mitigate our exposure to credit risk by performing ongoing credit evaluations and, when deemed necessary, requiring letters of credit, credit insurance, prepayments, guarantees or other collateral. No individual customer represented more than 10% of our sales or receivables.
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards— In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. This ASU introduces an approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including loans, held-to-maturity debt securities, loan commitments, financial guarantees and net investments in leases, as well as reinsurance and trade receivables. This ASU was adopted on January 1, 2020, which did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI"), which gives entities the option to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects resulting from the new tax reform legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Act") related to items in AOCI that the FASB refers to as having been stranded in AOCI. The new guidance may be applied retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the Act is recognized in the period of adoption. ASU2018-02 requires new disclosures regarding the Company’s accounting policy for releasing the tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive loss and allows the Company to reclassify the effect of remeasuring deferred tax liabilities and assets related to items within accumulated other comprehensive loss using the then newly enacted 21% federal corporate income tax rate. The Company adopted ASU 2018-02 on January 1, 2019, and this adoption resulted in a reclassification that increased retained earnings by $3.8 million, with an offsetting increase to accumulated other comprehensive loss for the same amount.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which improves fair value disclosure requirements by removing disclosures that are not cost beneficial, clarifying disclosures’ specific requirements and adding relevant disclosure requirements. This ASU was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, and was adopted in 2020. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The Company's adoption of ASU 2018-13 did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements, but did change our disclosures.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which improves defined benefit disclosure requirements by removing disclosures that are not cost beneficial, clarifying disclosures’ specific requirements and adding relevant disclosure requirements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, and early adoption is permitted. The amendments in this ASU are required to be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. The Company adopted ASU 2018-14 on December 31, 2020, which did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements, but did change our disclosures.
44

Table of Contents
Note 2—Restructuring Charges
During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded restructuring charges of $27.4 million, $13.8 million and $13.2 million, respectively. These charges were primarily related to our ongoing initiatives to drive profitable growth and right size our operations.
Americas segment restructuring charges of $4.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, were primarily related to costs associated with our global Fixed Gas & Flame Detection manufacturing footprint optimization as well as programs to adjust our operations in response to current business conditions. International segment restructuring charges of $21.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, were primarily related to severance costs for staff reductions and footprint optimization associated with our ongoing initiatives to drive profitable growth. Corporate segment restructuring charges of $0.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, were primarily related to programs to adjust our operations in response to current business conditions.
A total of 121 positions were eliminated in 2020. There were 42 positions eliminated in the Americas segment, 76 in the International segment and 3 in the Corporate segment.
Americas segment restructuring charges of $0.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2019, were related to severance costs for staff reductions in our Latin America Region. International segment restructuring charges of $12.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2019, were primarily related to severance costs for staff reductions associated with our ongoing initiatives to drive profitable growth and a non-cash settlement charge for the termination of our pension plan in the United Kingdom. Corporate segment restructuring charges of $0.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2019, related primarily to the legal and operational realignment of our U.S. and Canadian operations.
A total of 99 positions were eliminated in 2019. There were 12 positions eliminated in the Americas segment and 87 in the International segment.
Americas segment restructuring charges of $2.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2018, were related to severance costs for staff reductions in our Northern North America and Latin America Regions. International segment restructuring charges of $5.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2018, were primarily related to severance costs for staff reductions associated with our ongoing initiatives to drive profitable growth in Europe. Corporate segment restructuring charges of $5.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2018, related primarily to the legal and operational realignment of our U.S. and Canadian operations.
A total of 45 positions were eliminated in 2018. There were 8 positions were eliminated in the Americas segment, 34 in the International segment and 3 in the Corporate segment.
Activity and reserve balances for restructuring charges by segment were as follows:

(in millions) | Americas |  | International |  | Corporate |  | Total
Reserve balances at January 1, 2018 | $ | 0.5 |  |  | $ | 3.6 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 4.1 |
Restructuring charges | 2.3 |  |  | 5.6 |  |  | 5.3 |  |  | 13.2 |
Currency translation and other adjustments | (0.3) |  |  | (0.3) |  |  | — |  |  | (0.6) |
Cash payments | (2.0) |  |  | (4.9) |  |  | (5.3) |  |  | (12.2) |
Reserve balances at December 31, 2018 | $ | 0.5 |  |  | $ | 4.0 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 4.5 |
Restructuring charges | 0.5 |  |  | 12.7 |  |  | 0.6 |  |  | 13.8 |
Currency translation and other adjustments | (0.1) |  |  | (0.6) |  |  | — |  |  | (0.7) |
Cash payments / utilization | (0.6) |  |  | (10.2) |  |  | (0.6) |  |  | (11.4) |
Reserve balances at December 31, 2019 | $ | 0.3 |  |  | $ | 5.9 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 6.2 |
Restructuring charges | 4.7 |  |  | 21.9 |  |  | 0.8 |  |  | 27.4 |
Currency translation and other adjustments | (0.1) |  |  | 0.1 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Cash payments / utilization | (2.1) |  |  | (8.6) |  |  | (0.4) |  |  | (11.1) |
Reserve balances at December 31, 2020 | $ | 2.8 |  |  | $ | 19.3 |  |  | $ | 0.4 |  |  | $ | 22.5 |

45

Table of Contents
Note 3—Inventories
The following table sets forth the components of inventory:

| December 31,
(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019
Finished products | $ | 81,048 |  |  | $ | 71,918 |
Work in process | 2,618 |  |  | 4,083 |
Raw materials and supplies | 161,300 |  |  | 151,129 |
Inventories at current cost | 244,966 |  |  | 227,130 |
Less: LIFO valuation | (47,147) |  |  | (42,103) |
Total inventories | $ | 197,819 |  |  | $ | 185,027 |

Inventories stated on the LIFO basis represent 48% and 43% of total inventories at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We did not have any LIFO liquidations during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Note 4—Property, Plant, and Equipment
The following table sets forth the components of property, plant and equipment:

| December 31,
(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019
Land | $ | 4,275 |  |  | $ | 4,194 |
Buildings | 128,887 |  |  | 125,223 |
Machinery and equipment | 422,333 |  |  | 397,287 |
Construction in progress | 38,753 |  |  | 24,759 |
Total | 594,249 |  |  | 551,463 |
Less accumulated depreciation | (404,629) |  |  | (384,425) |
Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | 189,620 |  |  | $ | 167,038 |

The Company has unamortized computer software costs of $12.6 million and $6.2 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, included in property, plant and equipment, net.
46

Table of Contents
Note 5—Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

| MSA Safety Incorporated |  | Noncontrolling Interests
(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018 |  | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Pension and other post-retirement benefits(a) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period | $ | (124,848) |  |  | $ | (115,517) |  |  | $ | (97,948) |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Unrecognized net actuarial losses | (6,322) |  |  | (19,479) |  |  | (37,977) |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Tax benefit | 1,997 |  |  | 5,847 |  |  | 9,936 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Total other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax | (4,325) |  |  | (13,632) |  |  | (28,041) |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Amortization of prior service credit (Note 14) | (216) |  |  | (180) |  |  | (424) |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Recognized net actuarial losses (Note 14) | 18,079 |  |  | 11,028 |  |  | 14,507 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Tax benefit | (4,242) |  |  | (2,775) |  |  | (3,611) |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Total amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, into net income | 13,621 |  |  | 8,073 |  |  | 10,472 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Reclassification to retained earnings due to the adoption of ASU 2018-02 (Note 1) | — |  |  | (3,772) |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 9,296 |  |  | $ | (9,331) |  |  | $ | (17,569) |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Balance at end of period | $ | (115,552) |  |  | $ | (124,848) |  |  | $ | (115,517) |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Available-for-sale securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 6 |  |  | $ | (572) |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities (Note 18) | (7) |  |  | 578 |  |  | (572) |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Balance at end of period | $ | (1) |  |  | $ | 6 |  |  | $ | (572) |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Foreign currency translation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at beginning of period | $ | (89,161) |  |  | $ | (102,838) |  |  | $ | (73,814) |  |  | $ | 423 |  |  | $ | 496 |  |  | $ | 801 |
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income | 216 |  | (c) | 15,261 |  | (b) | 774 |  | (c) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | 22,101 |  |  | (1,584) |  |  | (29,798) |  |  | 159 |  |  | (73) |  |  | (305) |
Balance at end of period | $ | (66,844) |  |  | $ | (89,161) |  |  | $ | (102,838) |  |  | $ | 582 |  |  | $ | 423 |  |  | $ | 496 |

(a)Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and into net income are included in the computation of net
periodic pension and other post-retirement benefit costs (refer to Note 14—Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits).
(b)Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and into net income relate primarily to the approval of our
plan to close our South Africa affiliates and are included in Currency exchange losses, net, within the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(c)Included in Currency exchange losses, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
47

Table of Contents
Note 6—Capital Stock
Preferred Stock - The Company has authorized 100,000 shares of $50 par value 4.5% cumulative preferred nonvoting stock which is callable at $52.50. There are 71,340 shares issued at both December 31, 2020 and 2019 and 52,998 and 52,878 shares held in treasury at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Treasury shares at cost line of the Consolidated Balance Sheet includes $1.8 million related to preferred stock. There were 120 shares of preferred stock purchased and subsequently held in treasury during the year ended December 31, 2020, and no treasury purchases of preferred stock during the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company has also authorized 1,000,000 shares of $10 par value second cumulative preferred voting stock. No shares have been issued as of December 31, 2020 or 2019.
Common Stock - The Company has authorized 180,000,000 shares of no par value common stock. There were 62,081,391 shares issued as of both December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. There were 39,067,902 and 38,841,194 shares outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Treasury Shares - The Company's stock repurchase program authorizes up to $100.0 million to repurchase MSA common stock in the open market and in private transactions. The share repurchase program has no expiration date. The maximum number of shares that may be purchased is calculated based on the dollars remaining under the program and the respective month-end closing share price. There were 175,000 shares repurchased during 2020 and 33,465 shares repurchased during 2019. No shares were repurchased during 2018. We do not have any other share repurchase programs. There were 23,013,489 and 23,240,197 Treasury Shares at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The Company issues Treasury Shares for all stock based benefit plans. Shares are issued from Treasury at the average Treasury Share cost on the date of the transaction. There were 471,681 and 436,549 Treasury Shares issued for these purposes during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
48

Table of Contents
Common stock activity is summarized as follows:

|  | Shares |  | Dollars
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Issued |  | Treasury |  | Common Stock |  | Treasury Cost
Balances January 1, 2018 |  | 62,081,391 |  |  | (23,858,463) |  |  | $ | 194,953 |  |  | $ | (296,081) |
Restricted stock awards |  | — |  |  | 92,401 |  |  | (1,079) |  |  | 1,079 |
Restricted stock expense |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 6,504 |  |  | — |
Restricted stock forfeitures |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (283) |  |  |
Stock options exercised |  | — |  |  | 215,724 |  |  | 5,738 |  |  | 2,835 |
Stock option expense |  |  |  | — |  |  | 272 |  |  | — |
Stock option forfeitures |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (55) |  |  | — |
Performance stock issued |  | — |  |  | 41,660 |  |  | (523) |  |  | 523 |
Performance stock expense |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 6,186 |  |  | — |
Performance stock forfeitures |  |  |  | — |  |  | (385) |  |  | — |
Employee stock purchase plan |  | — |  |  | 7,725 |  |  | 478 |  |  | 78 |
Treasury shares purchased for stock compensation programs |  | — |  |  | (53,915) |  |  | — |  |  | (4,824) |
Balances December 31, 2018 |  | 62,081,391 |  |  | (23,554,868) |  |  | $ | 211,806 |  |  | $ | (296,390) |
Restricted stock awards |  | — |  |  | 96,893 |  |  | (1,253) |  |  | 1,253 |
Restricted stock expense |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 7,397 |  |  | — |
Restricted stock forfeitures |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (483) |  |  | — |
Stock options exercised |  | — |  |  | 193,681 |  |  | 5,107 |  |  | 2,364 |
Stock option expense |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 492 |  |  | — |
Stock option forfeitures |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (5) |  |  | — |
Performance stock issued |  | — |  |  | 139,478 |  |  | (1,778) |  |  | 1,778 |
Performance stock expense |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 6,574 |  |  | — |
Performance stock forfeitures |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (215) |  |  | — |
Stock consideration in acquisition |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 921 |  |  | — |
Employee stock purchase plan |  | — |  |  | 5,895 |  |  | 564 |  |  | 77 |
Treasury shares purchased for stock compensation programs |  | — |  |  | (87,811) |  |  | — |  |  | (9,301) |
Share repurchase program |  | — |  |  | (33,465) |  |  | — |  |  | (3,347) |
Balances December 31, 2019 |  | 62,081,391 |  |  | (23,240,197) |  |  | $ | 229,127 |  |  | $ | (303,566) |
Restricted stock awards |  | — |  |  | 55,691 |  |  | (773) |  |  | 773 |
Restricted stock expense |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 7,065 |  |  | — |
Restricted stock forfeitures |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (807) |  |  | — |
Stock options exercised |  | — |  |  | 274,672 |  |  | 8,590 |  |  | 3,856 |
Stock option expense |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 153 |  |  | — |
Stock option forfeitures |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (40) |  |  | — |
Performance stock issued |  | — |  |  | 134,824 |  |  | (1,826) |  |  | 1,826 |
Performance stock expense |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,305 |  |  | — |
Performance stock forfeitures |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (755) |  |  | — |
Employee stock purchase plan |  | — |  |  | 6,494 |  |  | 654 |  |  | 93 |
Treasury shares purchased for stock compensation programs |  | — |  |  | (69,973) |  |  | — |  |  | (9,025) |
Share repurchase program |  | — |  |  | (175,000) |  |  | — |  |  | (20,113) |
Balances December 31, 2020 |  | 62,081,391 |  |  | (23,013,489) |  |  | $ | 242,693 |  |  | $ | (326,156) |

49

Table of Contents
Note 7—Segment Information
On January 1, 2020, we restructured our business from six geographical operating segments into four geographical operating segments that are based on management responsibilities: Northern North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa ("EMEA"), and Asia Pacific ("APAC") to better serve customer needs. The operating segments have been aggregated (based on economic similarities, the nature of their products, end-user markets and methods of distribution) into three reportable segments: Americas, International, and Corporate. The operating segment change did not impact reportable segments as all changes were within the International reportable segment.
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.
The Company's sales are allocated to each segment based primarily on the country destination of the end-customer.
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. Adjusted operating income (loss) is defined as operating income excluding restructuring charges, currency exchange gains (losses), product liability expense, strategic transaction costs and COVID-19 related costs, consisting of a one-time bonus for essential manufacturing employees 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 U.S. GAAP, and therefore, do not purport to be alternatives to operating income or operating margin as a measure of operating performance. Further, the Company's measure 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. Adjusted operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis is presented in the following table to reconcile the segment operating performance measure to operating income as presented on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The accounting principles applied at the operating segment level in determining operating income (loss) are generally the same as those applied at the consolidated financial statement level. Sales and transfers between operating segments are accounted for at market-based transaction prices and are eliminated in consolidation.
50

Table of Contents
Reportable segment information is presented in the following table:

(In thousands) | Americas |  | International |  | Corporate |  | Reconciling Items(1) |  | Consolidated Totals
2020 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales to external customers | $ | 874,305 |  |  | $ | 473,918 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,348,223 |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 166,851 |
Restructuring charges (Note 2) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 27,381 |
Currency exchange losses, net (Note 5) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8,578 |
Product liability expense (Note 19) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 39,036 |
Strategic transaction costs (Note 13) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 717 |
COVID-19 related costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 757 |
Adjusted operating income (loss) | 200,536 |  |  | 70,864 |  |  | (28,080) |  |  | — |  |  | 243,320 |
Adjusted operating margin % | 22.9 | % |  | 15.0 | % |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 26,762 |  |  | 12,521 |  |  | 391 |  |  | — |  |  | 39,674 |
Adjusted EBITDA | 227,298 |  |  | 83,385 |  |  | (27,689) |  |  | — |  |  | 282,994 |
Adjusted EBITDA % | 26.0 | % |  | 17.6 | % |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncash items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Pension expense | 910 |  |  | 8,113 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 9,023 |
Total Assets | 1,228,739 |  |  | 615,114 |  |  | 29,761 |  |  | (1,130) |  |  | 1,872,484 |
Capital expenditures | 43,181 |  |  | 5,724 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 48,905 |
2019 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales to external customers | $ | 915,118 |  |  | $ | 486,863 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,401,981 |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 186,230 |
Restructuring charges (Note 2) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 13,846 |
Currency exchange losses, net (Note 5) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 19,814 |
Product liability expense (Note 19) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 26,619 |
Strategic transaction costs (Note 13) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,400 |
Adjusted operating income (loss) | 226,596 |  |  | 59,910 |  |  | (35,597) |  |  | — |  |  | 250,909 |
Adjusted operating margin % | 24.8 | % |  | 12.3 | % |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 24,691 |  |  | 12,938 |  |  | 391 |  |  | — |  |  | 38,020 |
Adjusted EBITDA | 251,287 |  |  | 72,848 |  |  | (35,206) |  |  | — |  |  | 288,929 |
Adjusted EBITDA % | 27.5 | % |  | 15.0 | % |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncash items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Pension (income) expense | (6,111) |  |  | 7,044 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 933 |
Total Assets | 1,131,911 |  |  | 584,195 |  |  | 22,367 |  |  | 1,220 |  |  | 1,739,693 |
Capital expenditures | 26,823 |  |  | 9,781 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 36,604 |
2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales to external customers | $ | 854,287 |  |  | $ | 503,817 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,358,104 |
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 173,479 |
Restructuring charges (Note 2) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 13,247 |
Currency exchange losses, net (Note 5) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,330 |
Product liability expense (Note 19) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 45,327 |
Strategic transaction costs (Note 13) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 421 |
Adjusted operating income (loss) | 206,839 |  |  | 59,866 |  |  | (31,901) |  |  | — |  |  | 234,804 |
Adjusted operating margin % | 24.2 | % |  | 11.9 | % |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 24,143 |  |  | 13,303 |  |  | 406 |  |  | — |  |  | 37,852 |
Adjusted EBITDA | 230,982 |  |  | 73,169 |  |  | (31,495) |  |  | — |  |  | 272,656 |
Adjusted EBITDA % | 27.0 | % |  | 14.5 | % |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncash items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Pension (income) expense | (1,201) |  |  | 7,102 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 5,901 |
Total Assets | 1,077,938 |  |  | 522,042 |  |  | 10,842 |  |  | (2,810) |  |  | 1,608,012 |
Capital expenditures | 25,001 |  |  | 8,959 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 33,960 |

(1)Reconciling items consist primarily of intercompany eliminations and items not directly attributable to operating segments.
51

Table of Contents
Geographic information on Net sales to external customers, based on country of origin:

(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
United States | $ | 750,315 |  |  | $ | 785,155 |  |  | $ | 734,033 |
Other | 597,908 |  |  | 616,826 |  |  | 624,071 |
Total | $ | 1,348,223 |  |  | $ | 1,401,981 |  |  | $ | 1,358,104 |

Geographic information on tangible long-lived assets, net based on country of origin:

(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
United States | $ | 134,234 |  |  | $ | 113,528 |  |  | $ | 92,511 |
Other | 108,837 |  |  | 105,185 |  |  | 65,429 |
Total | $ | 243,071 |  |  | $ | 218,713 |  |  | $ | 157,940 |

Total Net sales by product group was as follows:

2020 | Consolidated |  | Americas |  | International
(In thousands) | Dollars | Percent |  | Dollars | Percent |  | Dollars | Percent
Breathing Apparatus | $ | 329,179 |  | 24% |  | $ | 220,650 |  | 25% |  | $ | 108,529 |  | 23%
Fixed Gas & Flame Detection | 287,414 |  | 21% |  | 158,924 |  | 18% |  | 128,490 |  | 27%
Firefighter Helmets & Protective Apparel | 162,207 |  | 12% |  | 133,653 |  | 15% |  | 28,554 |  | 6%
Portable Gas Detection | 142,581 |  | 11% |  | 90,545 |  | 10% |  | 52,036 |  | 11%
Industrial Head Protection | 125,921 |  | 9% |  | 92,075 |  | 11% |  | 33,846 |  | 7%
Fall Protection | 103,075 |  | 8% |  | 58,060 |  | 7% |  | 45,015 |  | 10%
Other (a) | 197,846 |  | 15% |  | 120,398 |  | 14% |  | 77,448 |  | 16%
Total | $ | 1,348,223 |  | 100% |  | $ | 874,305 |  | 100% |  | $ | 473,918 |  | 100%
2019 | Consolidated |  | Americas |  | International
(In thousands) | Dollars | Percent |  | Dollars | Percent |  | Dollars | Percent
Breathing Apparatus | $ | 317,678 |  | 23% |  | $ | 212,463 |  | 23% |  | $ | 105,215 |  | 22%
Fixed Gas & Flame Detection | 292,988 |  | 21% |  | 159,892 |  | 17% |  | 133,096 |  | 27%
Firefighter Helmets & Protective Apparel | 178,012 |  | 13% |  | 142,043 |  | 16% |  | 35,969 |  | 7%
Portable Gas Detection | 169,479 |  | 12% |  | 113,914 |  | 12% |  | 55,565 |  | 11%
Industrial Head Protection | 145,403 |  | 10% |  | 112,673 |  | 12% |  | 32,730 |  | 7%
Fall Protection | 125,869 |  | 9% |  | 78,054 |  | 9% |  | 47,815 |  | 10%
Other (a) | 172,552 |  | 12% |  | 96,079 |  | 11% |  | 76,473 |  | 16%
Total | $ | 1,401,981 |  | 100% |  | $ | 915,118 |  | 100% |  | $ | 486,863 |  | 100%
2018 | Consolidated |  | Americas |  | International
(In thousands) | Dollars | Percent |  | Dollars | Percent |  | Dollars | Percent
Breathing Apparatus | $ | 324,672 |  | 24% |  | $ | 205,100 |  | 24% |  | $ | 119,572 |  | 24%
Fixed Gas & Flame Detection | 262,432 |  | 19% |  | 135,922 |  | 16% |  | 126,510 |  | 25%
Firefighter Helmets & Protective Apparel | 169,679 |  | 13% |  | 136,794 |  | 16% |  | 32,885 |  | 6%
Portable Gas Detection | 163,716 |  | 12% |  | 109,401 |  | 13% |  | 54,315 |  | 11%
Industrial Head Protection | 146,388 |  | 11% |  | 114,465 |  | 13% |  | 31,923 |  | 6%
Fall Protection | 109,472 |  | 8% |  | 61,289 |  | 7% |  | 48,183 |  | 10%
Other (a) | 181,745 |  | 13% |  | 91,316 |  | 11% |  | 90,429 |  | 18%
Total | $ | 1,358,104 |  | 100% |  | $ | 854,287 |  | 100% |  | $ | 503,817 |  | 100%

(a) Other products include sales of Air Purifying Respirators ("APR").
52

Table of Contents
Note 8—Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income, after the deduction of preferred stock dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share assumes the issuance of common stock for all potentially dilutive share equivalents outstanding not classified as participating securities. Participating securities are defined as unvested stock-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends.

Amounts attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated common shareholders: |  |  |  |  |
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Net income | $ | 120,101 |  |  | $ | 136,440 |  |  | $ | 124,150 |
Preferred stock dividends | (41) |  |  | (42) |  |  | (42) |
Net income available to common equity | 120,060 |  |  | 136,398 |  |  | 124,108 |
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities | (84) |  |  | (183) |  |  | (117) |
Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 119,976 |  |  | $ | 136,215 |  |  | $ | 123,991 |
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding | 38,885 |  |  | 38,653 |  |  | 38,362 |
Stock options and other stock compensation | 401 |  |  | 536 |  |  | 599 |
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding | 39,286 |  |  | 39,189 |  |  | 38,961 |
Earnings per share: |  |  |  |  |
Basic | $ | 3.09 |  |  | $ | 3.52 |  |  | $ | 3.23 |
Diluted | $ | 3.05 |  |  | $ | 3.48 |  |  | $ | 3.18 |

Note 9—Income Taxes

(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Components of income before income taxes |  |  |  |  |
U.S. income | $ | 104,682 |  |  | $ | 126,552 |  |  | $ | 85,234 |
Non-U.S. income | 58,421 |  |  | 57,183 |  |  | 77,101 |
Income before income taxes | $ | 163,103 |  |  | $ | 183,735 |  |  | $ | 162,335 |
Provision for income taxes |  |  |  |  |
Current |  |  |  |  |
Federal | $ | 23,587 |  |  | $ | 13,770 |  |  | $ | 13,574 |
State | 4,896 |  |  | 5,436 |  |  | 4,265 |
Non-U.S. | 16,780 |  |  | 25,608 |  |  | 23,446 |
Total current provision | $ | 45,263 |  |  | $ | 44,814 |  |  | $ | 41,285 |
Deferred |  |  |  |  |
Federal | $ | (1,493) |  |  | $ | 5,744 |  |  | $ | 291 |
State | (727) |  |  | 1,346 |  |  | (1,604) |
Non-U.S. | (1,102) |  |  | (5,818) |  |  | (2,752) |
Total deferred provision (benefit) | (3,322) |  |  | 1,272 |  |  | (4,065) |
Provision for income taxes | $ | 41,941 |  |  | $ | 46,086 |  |  | $ | 37,220 |

The Company elected to treat Global Intangible Low Taxed Income, which was effective in 2018 for the Company, as a period cost.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("the Act"), which was signed into law on December 22, 2017, has resulted in significant changes to the U.S. corporate income tax system including reducing the U.S. corporate rate to 21% starting in 2018. The Act also creates a territorial tax system with a one-time mandatory tax on previously deferred foreign earnings of U.S. subsidiaries.
53

Table of Contents
On December 22, 2017, SAB 118 was issued to address the application of US GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act. In accordance with SAB 118, the Company calculated its best estimate of the impact of the Act and recorded income tax expense of $19.8 million during the fourth quarter of 2017, the period in which the legislation was enacted. Of this amount, $18.0 million related to the one-time transition tax and the remaining $1.8 million was related to the revaluation of U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company previously considered the earnings in non-U.S. subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, recorded no deferred income taxes. As as result of the Act, among other things, the Company determined it will repatriate earnings for all non-U.S. subsidiaries with cash in excess of working capital needs. The Company has estimated the associated tax to be $1.9 million, offset partially by $0.7 million of foreign tax credits. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had completed its accounting for all of the enactment-date income tax effects of the Act. Accordingly, we reduced our estimate for the one-time transition tax by $2.0 million and increased our estimate for the revaluation of U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities by $2.5 million and a $2.0 million increase associated with prepaid taxes for updated regulations related to the Act.
During 2018, the Company recorded $1.8 million of foreign income tax reserves related to the legal and operational realignment of our U.S., Canadian and European operations. During 2020, an additional reserve of $1.1 million was recorded related to the operating realignment of our European operations.
Reconciliation of the U.S. federal income tax rates to our effective tax rate:

| 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
U.S. federal income tax rate | 21.0 | % |  | 21.0 | % |  | 21.0 | %
Nondeductible compensation | 3.4 | % |  | 1.9 | % |  | 1.0 | %
Taxes on non-U.S. income | 2.6 | % |  | (0.5) | % |  | 0.4 | %
State income taxes—U.S. | 2.0 | % |  | 2.9 | % |  | 1.3 | %
Valuation allowances | 0.8 | % |  | 0.4 | % |  | 0.5 | %
Taxes on non-U.S. income - U.S., Canadian & European reorganization | 0.7 | % |  | 0.3 | % |  | 1.1 | %
Foreign exchange on entity closures | — | % |  | 1.8 | % |  | — | %
U.S. tax reform | — | % |  | — | % |  | 1.6 | %
Manufacturing deduction credit | — | % |  | — | % |  | (1.0) | %
Employee share-based payments | (3.9) | % |  | (2.6) | % |  | (1.6) | %
Research and development credit | (1.2) | % |  | (0.6) | % |  | (0.9) | %
Other | 0.3 | % |  | 0.5 | % |  | (0.5) | %
Effective income tax rate | 25.7 | % |  | 25.1 | % |  | 22.9 | %

54

Table of Contents
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities:

| December 31,
(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019
Deferred tax assets |  |  |
Product liability | $ | 33,689 |  |  | $ | 29,405 |
Capitalized research and development | 22,915 |  |  | 17,886 |
Employee benefits | 10,539 |  |  | 12,009 |
Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards | 6,310 |  |  | 6,026 |
Accrued expenses and other reserves | 5,195 |  |  | 4,384 |
Share-based compensation | 3,588 |  |  | 5,396 |
Other | 5,287 |  |  | 3,828 |
Total deferred tax assets | 87,523 |  |  | 78,934 |
Valuation allowances | (7,188) |  |  | (5,937) |
Net deferred tax assets | 80,335 |  |  | 72,997 |
Deferred tax liabilities |  |  |
Goodwill and intangibles | (39,040) |  |  | (35,999) |
Property, plant and equipment | (14,649) |  |  | (11,714) |
Other | (1,897) |  |  | (2,475) |
Total deferred tax liabilities | (55,586) |  |  | (50,188) |
Net deferred taxes | $ | 24,749 |  |  | $ | 22,809 |

At December 31, 2020, we had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $31.0 million, all of which are in non-U.S. tax jurisdictions. All net operating loss carryforwards without a valuation allowance may be carried forward for a period of at least six years.
A reconciliation of the change in the tax liability for unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:

(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019
Beginning balance | $ | 5,119 |  |  | $ | 16,155 |
Adjustments for tax positions related to the current year | 425 |  |  | — |
Adjustments for tax positions related to prior years | 2,950 |  |  | (7,740) |
Statute expiration | (402) |  |  | (3,296) |
Ending balance | $ | 8,092 |  |  | $ | 5,119 |

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would reduce our future effective tax rate. We have recognized tax benefits associated with these liabilities in the amount of $2.7 million and $2.2 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. Our liability for accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions was $1.0 million and $0.5 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
We are subject to regular review and audit by both foreign and domestic tax authorities. While we believe our tax positions will be sustained, the final outcome of tax audits and related litigation may differ materially from the tax amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements.
We file a U.S. federal income tax return along with various state and foreign income tax returns. Examinations of our U.S. federal returns have been completed through 2013, with the 2014, 2015 and 2016 tax years closed by statute. Various state and foreign income tax returns may be subject to tax audits for periods after 2014.
55

Table of Contents
Note 10—Stock Plans
The 2016 Management Equity Incentive Plan provides for various forms of stock-based compensation for eligible key employees through May 2026. Management stock-based compensation includes stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance stock units. Additionally, 2019 amounts granted include outstanding Sierra Monitor Corporation awards converted into MSA awards after the acquisition. See Note 13—Acquisitions for more information. The 2017 Non-Employee Directors’ Equity Incentive Plan provides for grants of stock options and restricted stock to non-employee directors through May 2027. Stock options are granted at market prices and expire after ten years. Stock options are exercisable beginning three years after the grant date. Restricted stock and restricted stock units are granted without payment to the Company and generally vest three years after the grant date. Restricted stock and restricted stock units are valued at the market value of the stock on the grant date. Performance stock units with a market condition are valued at an estimated fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The final number of shares to be issued for performance stock units may range from zero to 200% of the target award based on achieving the specified performance targets over the performance period and further range based upon the achieved market metric over the performance period. In general, unvested stock options, restricted stock and performance stock units are forfeited if the participant’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason other than retirement, death or disability. We issue Treasury shares for stock option exercises and grants of restricted stock and performance stock. Please refer to Note 6 for further information regarding stock compensation share issuance. As of December 31, 2020, there were 802,439 and 94,020 shares, respectively, reserved for future grants under the management and non-employee directors’ equity incentive plans.
Stock-based compensation expense was as follows:

(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Restricted stock units | $ | 6,258 |  |  | $ | 6,914 |  |  | $ | 6,221 |
Stock options | 113 |  |  | 487 |  |  | 217 |
Performance stock units | 549 |  |  | 6,359 |  |  | 5,801 |
Total stock-compensation expense before income taxes | 6,920 |  |  | 13,760 |  |  | 12,239 |
Income tax benefit | 1,668 |  |  | 3,357 |  |  | 2,974 |
Total stock-compensation expense, net of income tax benefit | $ | 5,252 |  |  | $ | 10,403 |  |  | $ | 9,265 |

We did not capitalize any stock-based compensation expense, and all expense is recorded in selling, general and administrative expense in 2020, 2019, and 2018.
The Company utilized the Black-Scholes valuation model for estimating the fair value of stock option expense with the following weighted average assumptions. There were no stock options granted in 2020 or 2018.

| 2019
Fair value per option | $ | 59.07 |
Risk-free interest rate | 2.3 | %
Expected dividend yield | 1.7 | %
Expected volatility | 31 | %
Expected life (years) | 6.4

The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve. Expected dividend yield is based on the most recent annualized dividend divided by the one year average closing share price. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility using daily stock prices. Expected life is based on historical stock option exercise data.
56

Table of Contents
A summary of option activity follows:

| Shares |  | Weighted Average Exercise Price |  | Exercisable at Year-end
Outstanding January 1, 2018 | 955,446 |  |  | $ | 42.75 |  |  |
Exercised | (215,724) |  |  | 39.25 |  |  |
Forfeited | (4,721) |  |  | 44.50 |  |  |
Outstanding December 31, 2018 | 735,001 |  |  | 43.79 |  |  | 638,673 |
Granted | 23,285 |  |  | 43.54 |  |  |
Exercised | (198,535) |  |  | 38.16 |  |  |
Forfeited | (95) |  |  | 49.19 |  |  |
Outstanding December 31, 2019 | 559,656 |  |  | 45.78 |  |  | 552,682 |
Exercised | (274,704) |  |  | 45.31 |  |  |
Forfeited | (954) |  |  | 42.00 |  |  |
Outstanding December 31, 2020 | 283,998 |  |  | $ | 46.23 |  |  | 281,593 |

For various exercise price ranges, characteristics of outstanding and exercisable stock options at December 31, 2020 were as follows:

| Stock Options Outstanding
Range of Exercise Prices | Shares |  | Weighted-Average
Exercise Price |  | Remaining Life
$33.01 – $45.00 | 158,836 |  |  | 43.88 |  |  | 3.06
$45.01 – $57.93 | 125,162 |  |  | 49.22 |  |  | 2.93
$33.01 – $57.93 | 283,998 |  |  | $ | 46.23 |  |  | 3.00

| Stock Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices | Shares |  | Weighted-Average
Exercise Price |  | Remaining Life
$33.01 – $45.00 | 158,208 |  |  | 43.90 |  |  | 3.05
$45.01 – $57.93 | 123,385 |  |  | 49.22 |  |  | 2.87
$33.01 – $57.93 | 281,593 |  |  | $ | 46.23 |  |  | 2.97

Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $12.4 million, $7.5 million and $8.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The tax benefit we realized from these exercises was $6.4 million, $4.8 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Stock options become exercisable when they are vested. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable at December 31, 2020 was $29.0 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of all stock options outstanding at December 31, 2020 was $29.3 million.
57

Table of Contents
A summary of restricted stock unit activity follows:

| Shares |  | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested January 1, 2017 | 227,161 |  |  | $ | 57.50 |
Granted | 75,430 |  |  | 87.36 |
Vested | (92,401) |  |  | 58.10 |
Forfeited | (4,741) |  |  | 59.61 |
Unvested at December 31, 2018 | 205,449 |  |  | 68.97 |
Granted | 70,160 |  |  | 104.53 |
Vested | (97,253) |  |  | 56.47 |
Forfeited | (5,655) |  |  | 85.48 |
Unvested at December 31, 2019 | 172,701 |  |  | 90.38 |
Granted | 51,468 |  |  | 124.61 |
Vested | (70,399) |  |  | 81.58 |
Forfeited | (7,579) |  |  | 106.54 |
Unvested at December 31, 2020 | 146,191 |  |  | $ | 105.83 |

A summary of performance stock unit activity follows:

| Shares |  | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2017 | 242,186 |  |  | $ | 55.06 |
Granted | 62,775 |  |  | 84.79 |
Vested | (41,660) |  |  | 40.23 |
Performance adjustments | (35,756) |  |  | 45.21 |
Forfeited | (8,659) |  |  | 44.53 |
Unvested at December 31, 2018 | 218,886 |  |  | 68.43 |
Granted | 83,819 |  |  | 101.03 |
Vested | (139,478) |  |  | 44.75 |
Performance adjustments | 76,960 |  |  | 44.24 |
Forfeited | (2,152) |  |  | 99.82 |
Unvested at December 31, 2019 | 238,035 |  |  | 85.39 |
Granted | 67,479 |  |  | 127.48 |
Vested | (132,036) |  |  | 73.00 |
Performance adjustments | 33,499 |  |  | 72.36 |
Forfeited | (6,765) |  |  | 111.60 |
Unvested at December 31, 2020 | 200,212 |  |  | $ | 104.69 |

The 2020 performance adjustments relate to to awards that exceeded the performance targets when vested during 2020, including the final number of shares issued, which were 135.7% of the target award based on actual results during the three year performance period.
During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised (the difference between the market price on the date of exercise and the option price paid to exercise the option) was $24.6 million, $14.6 million and $12.2 million, respectively. The fair values of restricted stock vested during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $5.7 million, $5.5 million and $5.4 million, respectively. The fair value of performance stock units vested during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $9.6 million, $6.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
On December 31, 2020, there was $8.3 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense. The weighted average period over which this expense is expected to be recognized was approximately 1.7 years.
58

Table of Contents
Note 11—Long-Term Debt
Long-Term Debt

| December 31,
(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019
2010 Senior Notes payable through 2021, 4.00%, net of debt issuance costs | $ | 20,000 |  |  | $ | 40,000 |
2016 Senior Notes payable through 2031, 3.40%, net of debt issuance costs | 74,926 |  |  | 72,708 |
Senior revolving credit facility maturing in 2023, net of debt issuance costs | 212,231 |  |  | 235,686 |
Total | 307,157 |  |  | 348,394 |
Short-term debt | 20,000 |  |  | 20,000 |
Long-term debt | $ | 287,157 |  |  | $ | 328,394 |

On September 7, 2018, the Company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement associated with our senior revolving credit facility which extended the term of the revolving credit facility through September 2023 and increased the capacity to $600.0 million. Under this 2018 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the Company may elect either a Base rate of interest (“BASE”) or an interest rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). The BASE is a daily fluctuating per annum rate equal to the highest of (i) 0.0%, (ii) the Prime Rate, (ii) the Federal Funds Open Rate plus one half of one percent (0.5%), (iii) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate, plus one half of one percent (0.5%), or (iv) the Daily LIBOR Rate plus one percent (1.00%). The Company pays a credit spread of 0 to 175 basis points based on the Company’s net EBITDA leverage ratio and the elected rate (BASE or LIBOR). The facility contemplates the discontinuance of LIBOR and includes an option to replace LIBOR with a comparable rate, or if a comparable rate cannot be found, the base rate would be utilized. The Company has a weighted average revolver interest rate of 1.15% as of December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2020, $385.5 million of the existing $600.0 million senior revolving credit facility was unused, including letters of credit.
On January 22, 2016, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Multi-Currency Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement (the "Notes"), pursuant to which MSA issued notes in an aggregate original principal amount of £54.9 million (approximately $75.1 million at December 31, 2020). The Notes are repayable in annual installments of £6.1 million (approximately $8.3 million at December 31, 2020), commencing January 22, 2023, with a final payment of any remaining amount outstanding on January 22, 2031. The interest rate on these Notes is fixed at 3.4%. On September 7, 2018, the Company entered into a first amendment of such amended and restated agreement associated with these Notes. Under the Second Amended and Restated Multi-Currency Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, as amended ("Amended Note Purchase Agreement"), the Company may request from time to time during a three-year period ending September 7, 2021, the issuance of up to $150 million of additional senior notes.
On January 4, 2019, the Company entered into an amended and restated agreement associated with the New York Life master note facility dated June 2, 2014. Under this Amended and Restated Master Note Facility ("Amended Note Facility"), the Company may request from time to time during a three-year period ending January 4, 2022, the issuance of up to $150 million of additional senior promissory notes. As of the Form 10-K filing date, there are no promissory notes outstanding.
Both the Amended Note Purchase Agreement and Amended Note Facility require MSA to comply with specified financial covenants, including a requirement to maintain a minimum fixed charges coverage ratio of not less than 1.50 to 1.00 and a consolidated net leverage ratio not to exceed 3.50 to 1.00, except during an acquisition period in which case the consolidated net leverage ratio shall not exceed 4.00 to 1.00; in each case calculated on the basis of the trailing four fiscal quarters. In addition, the Amended Note Purchase Agreement and Amended Note Facility both contain negative covenants limiting the ability of MSA and its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness or issue guarantees, create or incur liens, make loans and investments, make acquisitions, transfer or sell assets, enter into transactions with affiliated parties, make changes in its organizational documents that are materially adverse to lenders or modify the nature of MSA's or its subsidiaries' business. However, the covenants contained in the Amended Note Facility do not apply until promissory notes are issued.
The revolving credit facilities require the Company to comply with specified financial covenants. In addition, the revolving credit facilities contain negative covenants limiting the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to enter into specified transactions. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2020.
59

Table of Contents
Approximate maturities on our long-term debt over the next five years are $20.0 million in 2021, none in 2022, $221.6 million in 2023, $8.3 million in 2024, $8.3 million in 2025 and $50.1 million thereafter.
The Company had outstanding bank guarantees and standby letters of credit with banks as of December 31, 2020, totaling $9.0 million, of which $1.3 million relate to the senior revolving credit facility. The letters of credit serve to cover customer requirements in connection with certain sales orders and insurance companies. The Company is also required to provide cash collateral in connection with certain arrangements. At December 31, 2020, the Company has $0.4 million of restricted cash in support of these arrangements.
Note 12—Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Changes in goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:

(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019
Net balance at January 1 | $ | 436,679 |  |  | $ | 413,640 |
Additions (Note 13) | — |  |  | 19,917 |
Currency translation | 6,593 |  |  | 3,122 |
Net balance at December 31 | $ | 443,272 |  |  | $ | 436,679 |

At December 31, 2020, goodwill of $293.2 million and $150.1 million related to the Americas and International reporting segments, respectively.
Changes in intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:

(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019
Net balance at January 1 | $ | 171,326 |  |  | $ | 169,515 |
Additions and measurement period adjustments (Note 13) | 121 |  |  | 11,100 |
Amortization expense | (11,570) |  |  | (11,119) |
Currency translation | 1,174 |  |  | 1,830 |
Net balance at December 31 | $ | 161,051 |  |  | $ | 171,326 |

(In millions) |  | December 31, 2020 |  | December 31, 2019
Intangible Assets: | Weighted Average Useful Life (years) | Gross Carrying Amount |  | Accumulated Amortization and Reserves |  | Net Carrying Amount |  | Gross Carrying Amount |  | Accumulated Amortization and Reserves |  | Net Carrying Amount
Customer relationships | 14 | $ | 59.7 |  |  | $ | (20.4) |  |  | $ | 39.3 |  |  | $ | 58.3 |  |  | $ | (15.3) |  |  | $ | 43.0 |
Distribution agreements | 20 | 66.4 |  |  | (20.7) |  |  | 45.7 |  |  | 66.0 |  |  | (17.3) |  |  | 48.7 |
Technology related assets | 8 | 30.2 |  |  | (21.3) |  |  | 8.9 |  |  | 30.0 |  |  | (18.3) |  |  | 11.7 |
Patents, trademarks and copyrights | 12 | 19.4 |  |  | (12.5) |  |  | 6.9 |  |  | 19.0 |  |  | (11.3) |  |  | 7.7 |
License agreements | 5 | 5.4 |  |  | (5.3) |  |  | 0.1 |  |  | 5.3 |  |  | (5.3) |  |  | — |
Other | 2 | 3.0 |  |  | (2.8) |  |  | 0.2 |  |  | 3.0 |  |  | (2.8) |  |  | 0.2 |
Total | 14 | $ | 184.1 |  |  | $ | (83.0) |  |  | $ | 101.1 |  |  | $ | 181.6 |  |  | $ | (70.3) |  |  | $ | 111.3 |

At December 31, 2020, the above intangible assets balance includes a trade name related to the Globe acquisition with an indefinite life totaling $60.0 million.
Intangible asset amortization expense over the next five years is expected to be approximately $12 million in 2021, $10 million in 2022 and $9 million in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
60

Table of Contents
Note 13—Acquisitions
Acquisition of Sierra Monitor Corporation
On May 20, 2019, we acquired 100% of the common stock in Sierra Monitor Corporation ("SMC") in an all-cash transaction valued at $33.2 million, net of cash acquired. Additionally, we converted outstanding stock options and restricted stock units into MSA stock options and restricted stock units which resulted in additional goodwill of approximately $0.9 million based on the fair value of the awards identified as transaction consideration.
Based in Milpitas, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, SMC is a leading provider of fixed gas and flame detection instruments and Industrial Internet of Things solutions that connect and help protect high-value infrastructure assets. The acquisition enables MSA to accelerate its strategy to enhance worker safety and accountability through the use of cloud technology and wireless connectivity. This acquisition enhances a key focus of the Company's recently established Safety io subsidiary, launched in 2018 primarily to leverage the capabilities of its portable gas detection portfolio as it relates to cloud connectivity. The transaction was funded through borrowings on our unsecured senior revolving credit facility.
SMC operating results are included in our consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date as part of the Americas reportable segment. The acquisition qualifies as a business combination and was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting.
We finalized the purchase price allocation as of December 31, 2019. The following table summarizes the fair values of the SMC assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

(In millions) | May 20, 2019
Current assets (including cash of $2.1 million) | $ | 10.5 |
Property, plant and equipment and other noncurrent assets | 1.3 |
Customer relationships | 9.6 |
Acquired technology | 1.4 |
Goodwill | 19.9 |
Total assets acquired | 42.7 |
Total liabilities assumed | 6.5 |
Net assets acquired | $ | 36.2 |

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the acquisition have been recorded at their fair values. Fair values were determined by management, based, in part on an independent valuation performed by a third-party valuation specialist. The valuation methods used to determine the fair value of intangible assets included the relief from royalty method for technology related intangible assets; the excess earnings approach for customer relationships using customer inputs and contributory charges; and the cost method for assembled workforce which is included in goodwill. A number of significant assumptions and estimates were involved in the application of these valuation methods, including sales volumes and prices, royalty rates, costs to produce, tax rates, capital spending, discount rates, and working capital changes. Cash flow forecasts were generally based on SMC pre-acquisition forecasts coupled with estimated MSA sales synergies. Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are subject to amortization over their estimated useful lives. The customer relationships acquired in the SMC transaction will be amortized over a period of 10 years and the technology will be amortized over 5 years. Estimated future amortization expense related to the identifiable intangible assets is approximately $1.0 million in each of the next five years. The step up to fair value of acquired inventory as part of the purchase price allocation totaled $1.6 million which was fully recognized as amortization expense during the year ended December 31, 2019.
Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Among the factors that contributed to a purchase price in excess of the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired were the acquisition of an assembled workforce, the expected synergies and other benefits that we believe will result from combining the operations of SMC with our operations. Goodwill of $19.9 million related to the SMC acquisition has been recorded in the Americas reportable segment and is non-deductible for tax purposes.
61

Table of Contents
Our results for the year ended December 31, 2020, include SMC sales and net income of $21.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively. Excluding purchase accounting amortization for intangible assets of $1.2 million, adjusted earnings for SMC for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $3.8 million. Our operating results for the year ended December 31, 2019 include SMC sales and net loss of $13.5 million and $3.3 million, respectively. Excluding purchase accounting amortization for intangible assets and inventory step up of $2.6 million, transaction costs of $2.2 million, and stock compensation cost related to converted options and excess performance on PSUs related to the acquisition of $1.5 million, adjusted earnings for SMC for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $1.5 million.
The following unaudited pro forma information presents our combined results as if the SMC acquisition had occurred at the beginning of 2018. The unaudited pro forma financial information was prepared to give effect to events that are (1) directly attributable to the acquisition; (2) factually supportable; and (3) expected to have a continuing impact on the combined company’s results. There were no material transactions between MSA and SMC during the periods presented that are required to be eliminated. Intercompany transactions between SMC companies during the periods presented have been eliminated in the unaudited pro forma combined financial information. The unaudited pro forma financial information does not reflect any cost savings, operating synergies or revenue enhancements that the combined companies may achieve as a result of the acquisitions or the costs to integrate the operations or the costs necessary to achieve cost savings, operating synergies or revenue enhancements.
Pro forma financial information (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share amounts) |  | 2019 | 2018
Net sales |  | $ | 1,410 |  | $ | 1,380 |
Net Income |  | 131 |  | 124 |
Basic earnings per share |  | 3.40 |  | 3.24 |
Diluted earnings per share |  | 3.35 |  | 3.19 |

The unaudited pro forma combined financial information is presented for information purposes only and is not intended to represent or be indicative of the combined results of operations or financial position that we would have reported had the acquisitions been completed as of the date and for the periods presented, and should not be taken as representative of our consolidated results of operations or financial condition following the acquisitions. In addition, the unaudited pro forma combined financial information is not intended to project the future financial position or results of operations of the combined company.
The unaudited pro forma financial information was prepared using the acquisition method of accounting for both acquisitions under existing U.S. GAAP. MSA has been treated as the acquirer.
Our results include strategic transaction costs of $0.7 million, $4.4 million, and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018. These costs are reported in Selling, general and administrative expenses.
Note 14—Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits
We maintain various defined benefit and defined contribution plans covering the majority of our employees. Our principal U.S. plan is funded in compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). It is our general policy to fund current costs for the international plans, except in Germany and Mexico, where it is common practice and permissible under tax laws to maintain an unfunded liability.
We provide health care benefits and limited life insurance for certain retired employees who are covered by our principal U.S. defined benefit pension plan until they become Medicare-eligible.
Information pertaining to defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefits plans is provided in the following tables:
62

Table of Contents

| Pension Benefits |  | Other Benefits
(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2020 |  | 2019
Change in Benefit Obligations |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Benefit obligations at January 1 | $ | 603,551 |  |  | $ | 525,520 |  |  | $ | 28,151 |  |  | $ | 28,477 |
Service cost | 12,094 |  |  | 10,342 |  |  | 396 |  |  | 354 |
Interest cost | 14,905 |  |  | 18,803 |  |  | 716 |  |  | 996 |
Participant contributions | 396 |  |  | 470 |  |  | 370 |  |  | 380 |
Plan amendments | (430) |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Actuarial losses(a) | 54,606 |  |  | 81,132 |  |  | 5,284 |  |  | 1,319 |
Benefits paid | (24,496) |  |  | (24,452) |  |  | (2,692) |  |  | (3,375) |
Curtailments | (1,559) |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Settlements | (506) |  |  | (7,265) |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Currency translation | 12,296 |  |  | (999) |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Benefit obligations at December 31 | $ | 670,857 |  |  | $ | 603,551 |  |  | $ | 32,225 |  |  | $ | 28,151 |
Change in Plan Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of plan assets at January 1 | $ | 515,858 |  |  | $ | 443,112 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Actual return on plan assets | 87,769 |  |  | 98,210 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Employer contributions | 5,596 |  |  | 5,537 |  |  | 2,322 |  |  | 2,995 |
Participant contributions | 396 |  |  | 470 |  |  | 370 |  |  | 380 |
Settlements | (506) |  |  | (7,265) |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Benefits paid | (24,496) |  |  | (24,452) |  |  | (2,692) |  |  | (3,375) |
Administrative expenses paid | (172) |  |  | (297) |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Currency translation | 2,377 |  |  | 543 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Fair value of plan assets at December 31 | $ | 586,822 |  |  | $ | 515,858 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Funded Status |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Funded status at December 31 | $ | (84,035) |  |  | $ | (87,693) |  |  | $ | (32,225) |  |  | $ | (28,151) |
Unrecognized transition losses | 4 |  |  | 4 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Unrecognized prior service credit | 1,717 |  |  | 1,572 |  |  | (1,125) |  |  | (1,519) |
Unrecognized net actuarial losses | 169,028 |  |  | 183,733 |  |  | 16,686 |  |  | 12,547 |
Net amount recognized | $ | 86,714 |  |  | $ | 97,616 |  |  | $ | (16,664) |  |  | $ | (17,123) |
Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheets |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncurrent assets | $ | 97,545 |  |  | $ | 75,066 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Current liabilities | (6,600) |  |  | (5,944) |  |  | (2,849) |  |  | (2,406) |
Noncurrent liabilities | (174,980) |  |  | (156,815) |  |  | (29,376) |  |  | (25,745) |
Net amount recognized | $ | (84,035) |  |  | $ | (87,693) |  |  | $ | (32,225) |  |  | $ | (28,151) |
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net actuarial losses | $ | 169,028 |  |  | $ | 183,733 |  |  | $ | 16,686 |  |  | $ | 12,547 |
Prior service cost (credit) | 1,717 |  |  | 1,572 |  |  | (1,125) |  |  | (1,519) |
Unrecognized net initial obligation | 4 |  |  | 4 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Total (before tax effects) | $ | 170,749 |  |  | $ | 185,309 |  |  | $ | 15,561 |  |  | $ | 11,028 |
Accumulated Benefit Obligations for all Defined Benefit Plans | $ | 619,167 |  |  | $ | 558,183 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |

(a)Actuarial losses for both periods relate primarily to the decrease in discount rates used in measuring plan obligations as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
63

Table of Contents

| Pension Benefits |  | Other Benefits
(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018 |  | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Service cost | $ | 12,094 |  |  | $ | 10,342 |  |  | $ | 11,125 |  |  | $ | 396 |  |  | $ | 354 |  |  | $ | 369 |
Interest cost | 14,905 |  |  | 18,803 |  |  | 17,214 |  |  | 716 |  |  | 996 |  |  | 793 |
Expected return on plan assets | (34,029) |  |  | (38,644) |  |  | (36,352) |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Amortization of transition amounts | — |  |  | 2 |  |  | 1 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) | 178 |  |  | 223 |  |  | (21) |  |  | (394) |  |  | (405) |  |  | (405) |
Recognized net actuarial losses | 15,799 |  |  | 10,159 |  |  | 13,755 |  |  | 1,145 |  |  | 869 |  |  | 752 |
Settlement/curtailment loss | 1,135 |  | (b) | 2,497 |  | (c) | 179 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Net periodic benefit cost(a) | $ | 10,082 |  |  | $ | 3,382 |  |  | $ | 5,901 |  |  | $ | 1,863 |  |  | $ | 1,814 |  |  | $ | 1,509 |

(a) Components of net periodic benefit cost other than service cost are included in the line item "Other income, net" and service costs are included in the line items "Cost of products sold" and "Selling, general and administrative" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(b) Relates primarily to the conversion of our Netherlands pension plan into a defined contribution plan and is included in "Restructuring charges" on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(c) Relates to the termination of our pension plan in the U.K. and is included in "Restructuring charges" on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company utilizes a spot rate approach, which discounts the individual plan specific expected cash flows underlying the service and interest cost using the applicable spot rates derived from a yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. For plans where the discount rate is not derived from plan specific expected cash flows, the Company uses a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the period for measuring both the projected benefit obligations and the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost for pension and other post-retirement benefits.
Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:

| Pension Benefits |  | Other Benefits
(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2020 |  | 2019
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligations (ABO) | $ | 209,351 |  |  | $ | 185,747 |  |  | $ | 32,225 |  |  | $ | 28,151 |
Aggregate fair value of plan assets | 40,294 |  |  | 35,882 |  |  | — |  |  | — |

Information for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:

| Pension Benefits
(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019
Aggregate projected benefit obligations (PBO) | 223,343 |  |  | 198,633 |
Aggregate fair value of plan assets | 41,764 |  |  | 35,882 |

| Pension Benefits |  | Other Benefits
| 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2020 |  | 2019
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Average discount rate | 2.28 | % |  | 2.86 | % |  | 2.21 | % |  | 3.05 | %
Rate of compensation increase | 2.93 | % |  | 2.93 | % |  | 3.00 | % |  | — | %
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Average discount rate - Service cost | 3.08 | % |  | 3.10 | % |  | 2.42 | % |  | 3.15 | %
Average discount rate - Interest cost | 2.52 | % |  | 2.52 | % |  | 1.48 | % |  | 2.61 | %
Expected return on plan assets | 7.10 | % |  | 7.09 | % |  | — |  |  | — |
Rate of compensation increase | 2.93 | % |  | 2.93 | % |  | 3.00 | % |  | — | %

64

Table of Contents
Discount rates for all U.S. and foreign plans were determined using the aforementioned spot rate methodology for 2020 and 2019. Aside from sovereign bonds used in Mexico, the remaining plans' discount rates were determined using various corporate bonds and by matching our projected benefit obligation payment stream to current yields on high quality bonds.
The expected return on assets for the 2020 net periodic pension cost was determined by multiplying the expected returns of each asset class (based on capital market expectations) by the expected percentage of the total portfolio invested in that asset class. A total return was determined by summing the expected returns over all asset classes.

| Pension Plan Assets at December 31,
| 2020 |  | 2019
Equity securities | 49 | % |  | 46 | %
Fixed income securities | 25 |  |  | 30 |
Pooled investment funds | 21 |  |  | 19 |
Insurance contracts | 4 |  |  | 4 |
Cash and cash equivalents | 1 |  |  | 1 |
Total | 100 | % |  | 100 | %

The overall objective of our pension investment strategy is to earn a rate of return over time to satisfy the benefit obligations of the pension plans and to maintain sufficient liquidity to pay benefits and meet other cash requirements of our pension funds. Investment policies for our primary U.S. pension plan are determined by the plan’s Investment Committee and set forth in the plan’s investment policy. Asset managers are granted discretion for determining sector mix, selecting securities and timing transactions, subject to the guidelines of the investment policy. An aggressive, flexible management of the portfolio is permitted and encouraged, with shifts of emphasis among equities, fixed income securities and cash equivalents at the discretion of each manager. No target asset allocations are set forth in the investment policy. For our non-U.S. pension plans, our investment objective is generally met through the use of pooled investment funds and insurance contracts.
The fair values of the Company's pension plan assets are determined using net asset value (NAV) as a practical expedient, or by information categorized in the fair value hierarchy level based on the inputs used to determine fair value, as further discussed in Note 18—Fair Value Measurements. The fair values at December 31, 2020, were as follows:

|  |  |  |  | Fair Value
(In thousands) | Total |  | NAV |  | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) |  | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Equity securities | $ | 283,516 |  |  | $ | 66,847 |  |  | $ | 216,669 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Fixed income securities | 148,173 |  |  | — |  |  | 76,502 |  |  | 71,671 |  |  | — |
Pooled investment funds | 123,119 |  |  | 123,119 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Insurance contracts | 24,396 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 24,396 |
Cash and cash equivalents | 7,618 |  |  | 6,681 |  |  | 937 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Total | $ | 586,822 |  |  | $ | 196,647 |  |  | $ | 294,108 |  |  | $ | 71,671 |  |  | $ | 24,396 |

65

Table of Contents
The fair values of the Company's pension plan assets at December 31, 2019, were as follows:

|  |  |  |  | Fair Value
(In thousands) | Total |  | NAV |  | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) |  | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Equity securities | $ | 235,491 |  |  | $ | 56,449 |  |  | $ | 179,042 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
Fixed income securities | 154,640 |  |  | — |  |  | 73,874 |  |  | 80,766 |  |  | — |
Pooled investment funds | 97,373 |  |  | 97,373 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Insurance contracts | 21,502 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 21,502 |
Cash and cash equivalents | 6,852 |  |  | 5,792 |  |  | 1,060 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Total | $ | 515,858 |  |  | $ | 159,614 |  |  | $ | 253,976 |  |  | $ | 80,766 |  |  | $ | 21,502 |

Equity securities consist primarily of publicly traded U.S. and non-U.S. common stocks. Equities are valued at closing prices reported on the listing stock exchange.
Fixed income securities consist primarily of U.S. government and agency bonds and U.S. corporate bonds. Fixed income securities are valued at closing prices reported in active markets or based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings. When quoted prices are not available for identical or similar bonds, the bond is valued under a discounted cash flow approach that maximizes observable inputs, such as current yields of similar instruments, and may include adjustments, for certain risks that may not be observable, such as credit and liquidity risks.
A financial instrument's categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Pooled investment funds consist of mutual and collective investment funds that invest primarily in publicly traded equity and fixed income securities. Pooled investment funds are valued using the net asset value (NAV) provided by the administrator of the fund. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding. The underlying securities are generally valued at closing prices reported in active markets, quoted prices of similar securities, or discounted cash flows approach that maximizes observable inputs such as current value measurement at the reporting date. These investments are not classified in the fair value hierarchy in accordance with guidance in ASU 2015-07.
Insurance contracts are valued in accordance with the terms of the applicable collective pension contract. The fair value of the plan assets equals the discounted value of the expected cash flows of the accrued pensions which are guaranteed by the counterparty insurer.
Cash equivalents consist primarily of money market and similar temporary investment funds. Cash equivalents are valued at closing prices reported in active markets.
The preceding methods may produce fair value measurements that are not indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Although we believe the valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Level 3 assets:

(In thousands) | Insurance Contracts |  |
Balance January 1, 2019 | $ | 17,033 |  |  |
Net realized and unrealized losses | 5,602 |  |  |
Net purchases, issuances and settlements | (1,133) |  |  |
Balance December 31, 2019 | 21,502 |  |  |
Net realized and unrealized gains | 2,564 |  |  |
Net purchases, issuances and settlements | 330 |  |  |
Balance December 31, 2020 | $ | 24,396 |  |  |

66

Table of Contents
The following table presents amounts related to Level 3 assets recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:

(In thousands) | Insurance Contracts
Net actuarial losses | 972 |
Prior service cost | 1,406 |
Total (before tax effects) | $ | 2,378 |

We expect to make net contributions of $7.7 million to our pension plans in 2021, which are primarily associated with statutorily required plans in the International segment.
For the 2020 beginning of the year measurement purposes (net periodic benefit expense), a 6.5% increase in the costs of covered health care benefits was assumed, decreasing by 0.5% for each successive year to 4.5% in 2024 and thereafter. For the 2020 end of the year measurement purposes (benefit obligation), a 5.9% increase in the costs of covered health care benefits was assumed, decreasing by approximately 0.2% for each successive year to 4.5% in 2029 and thereafter.
Expense for defined contribution pension plans was $10.6 million in 2020, $8.3 million in 2019 and $9.0 million in 2018.
Estimated pension benefits to be paid under our defined benefit pension plans during the next five years are $26.1 million in 2021, $27.0 million in 2022, $28.2 million in 2023, $28.8 million in 2024 and $29.9 million in 2025, and an aggregated $155.9 million for the five years thereafter. Estimated other post-retirement benefits to be paid during the next five years are $2.8 million in 2021, $2.7 million in 2022, $2.3 million in 2023, $2.4 million in 2024, $2.2 million in 2025, and an aggregated $10.3 million for the five years thereafter.
Note 15—Other Income, Net

(In thousands) | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Interest income | $ | 3,498 |  |  | $ | 4,411 |  |  | $ | 4,588 |
Components of net periodic benefit cost other than service cost (Note 14) | 1,680 |  |  | 7,997 |  |  | 4,641 |
(Loss) Gain on asset dispositions, net | (236) |  |  | (371) |  |  | 646 |
Other, net | 742 |  |  | (943) |  |  | (644) |
Total other income, net | $ | 5,684 |  |  | $ | 11,094 |  |  | $ | 9,231 |

During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized $3.5 million, $4.4 million and $4.6 million of income, respectively, related to interest earned on cash balances, short-term investments and notes receivables from insurance companies. Please refer to Note 19—Contingencies for further discussion on the Company's notes receivables from insurance companies.
67

Table of Contents
Note 16—Leases
Effective January 1, 2019, we implemented ASU 2016-02, Leases, which amended authoritative guidance on leases and is codified in ASC Topic 842. The amended guidance requires lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as right-of-use assets along with corresponding lease liabilities. The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification determines whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The FASB's authoritative guidance provides companies with the option to apply this ASU to new and existing leases within the scope of the guidance as of the beginning of the period of adoption. We elected this transition method of applying the new standard and have recognized right-of-use assets and lease liabilities as of January 1, 2019. Prior period amounts were not adjusted and will continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The adoption of this standard had a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020 due to the capitalization of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities associated with our current operating leases in which we are the lessee. Adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of additional right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $54 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2019.
Upon adoption of the new standard on January 1, 2019, we elected the package of practical expedients provided under the guidance. The practical expedient package applies to leases that commenced prior to adoption of the new standard and permits companies not to reassess whether existing or expired contracts are or contain a lease, the lease classification and any initial direct costs for existing leases. We have elected to not separate the lease and non-lease components within our lease contracts. Therefore, all fixed costs associated with the lease are included in the right-of-use asset and the lease liability. These costs often relate to the payments for a proportionate share of real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance and other operating costs in addition to base rent. We did not elect the hindsight practical expedient.
At the inception of our contracts we determine if the contract is or contains a lease. A contract is or contains a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term at commencement. We use our incremental borrowing rate ("IBR") at the recognition date in determining the present value of future payments for leases that do not have a readily determinable implicit rate. Our IBR reflects a fully secured rate based on our credit rating, taking into consideration the repayment timing of the lease and any impacts due to the economic environment in which the lease operates.
Lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the fixed future lease payments over the lease term. Lease expense for all operating leases is classified in Cost of products sold or Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. For finance leases, the amortization of the right-of-use asset is included in depreciation and amortization, and the interest is included in interest expense.
As a lessee, we have various operating lease agreements primarily related to real estate, vehicles and office and plant equipment. Our lease payments are largely fixed. Variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate are included in the lease payments and are measured using the prevailing index or rate at the measurement date, with differences between the calculated lease payment and the actual lease payment being expensed in the period of the change. Other variable lease payments, including utilities, consumption and common area maintenance as well as repairs, maintenance and mileage overages on vehicles, are expensed during the period incurred. Variable lease costs were immaterial for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. A majority of our real estate leases include options to extend the lease and options to early terminate the lease. Leases with an early termination option generally involve a termination payment. If we are reasonably certain to exercise an option to extend a lease, the extension period is included as part of the right-of-use asset and the lease liability. Some of our leases contain residual value guarantees. These are guarantees made to the lessor that the value of an underlying asset returned to the lessor at the end of a lease will be at least a specified amount. Our leases do not contain restrictions or covenants that restrict us from incurring other financial obligations. We do not have any significant leases not yet commenced.
For our leases, we have elected to not apply the recognition requirements to leases of less than twelve months. These leases are expensed on a straight-line basis and are not included within the Company's operating lease asset or liability. Lease costs associated with leases of less than twelve months were immaterial for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020. We did not have any lease transactions with related parties.
68

Table of Contents

|  |  |  | Other Information
|  |  |  |  | Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except percentage amounts) |  |  |  | 2020 |  | 2019
Lease cost: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Operating lease cost recognized as rent expense |  |  |  | $ | 12,997 |  |  | $ | 13,364 |
| Total lease cost |  |  |  | 12,997 |  |  | 13,364 |
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: |  |  |  |
| Operating cash flows related to operating leases |  |  |  | $ | 13,476 |  |  | $ | 13,346 |
Non-cash other information: |  |  |  |
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities |  |  |  | $ | 10,737 |  |  | $ | 6,637 |
|  |  |  |  | December 31, 2020 |  | December 31, 2019
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): |  |  |  |
| Operating leases |  |  |  | 11 |  | 11
Weighted-average discount rate: |  |  |  |
| Operating leases |  |  |  | 3.89 | % |  | 4.28 | %

Rent expense was approximately $13.0 million in 2020, $13.4 million in 2019 and $12.5 million in 2018. At December 31, 2020, future lease payments under operating leases were as follows:

(In thousands) |  |  | Operating Leases
2021 |  |  | $ | 11,445 |
2022 |  |  | 7,856 |
2023 |  |  | 6,266 |
2024 |  |  | 4,539 |
2025 |  |  | 4,692 |
After 2025 |  |  | 31,687 |
Total future minimum operating lease payments |  |  | $ | 66,485 |
Less: Imputed interest |  |  | 12,258 |
Present value of operating lease liabilities |  |  | 54,227 |
Less: Current portion operating lease liabilities(a) |  |  | 9,588 |
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities |  |  | $ | 44,639 |

(a) Included in "Warranty reserve and other current liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
69

Table of Contents
Note 17—Derivative Financial Instruments
As part of our currency exchange rate risk management strategy, we enter into certain derivative foreign currency forward contracts that do not meet the U.S. GAAP criteria for hedge accounting but have the impact of partially offsetting certain foreign currency exposures. We account for these forward contracts at fair value and report the related gains or losses in currency exchange losses, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Income. At December 31, 2020, the notional amount of open forward contracts was $96.0 million and there was no unrealized gain/loss on these contracts. All open forward contracts will mature during the first quarter of 2021.
The following table presents the Consolidated Balance Sheets location and fair value of assets and liabilities associated with derivative financial instruments:

|  | December 31,
(In thousands) |  | 2020 |  | 2019
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: |  |  |  |
Foreign exchange contracts: other current liabilities |  | $ | 157 |  |  | $ | 125 |
Foreign exchange contracts: other current assets |  | 160 |  |  | 687 |

The following table presents the Consolidated Statements of Income location and impact of derivative financial instruments:

(In thousands) |  | Income Statement Location |  | (Gain) Loss Recognized in Income
| Year ended December 31,
| 2020 |  | 2019
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign exchange contracts |  | Currency exchange losses, net |  | $ | (7,457) |  |  | $ | 3,015 |

Note 18—Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:
Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3—Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
The valuation methodologies we used to measure financial assets and liabilities were limited to the pension plan assets described in Note 14—Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits and the derivative financial instruments described in Note 17—Derivative Financial Instruments. See Note 14 for the fair value hierarchy classification of pension plan assets. We estimate the fair value of the derivative financial instruments, consisting of foreign currency forward contracts, based upon valuation models with inputs that generally can be verified by observable market conditions and do not involve significant management judgment. Accordingly, the fair values of the derivative financial instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. With the exception of our investments in marketable securities and fixed rate long-term debt both as disclosed below, we believe that the reported carrying amounts of our remaining financial assets and liabilities approximate their fair values.
70

Table of Contents
We value our investments in available-for-sale marketable securities, primarily fixed income, at fair value using quoted market prices for similar securities or pricing models. Accordingly, the fair values of the investments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The amortized cost basis of our investments was $74.9 million and $49.7 million as of December 31, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The fair value of our investments was $75.0 million and $49.9 million as of December 31, 2020, and 2019, respectively, which was reported in "Investments, short-term" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The change in fair value is recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax. The Company does not intend to sell, nor is it more likely than not that we will be required to sell, these securities prior to recovery of their cost, as such, management believes that any unrealized gains or losses are temporary; therefore, no impairment gains or losses relating to these securities have been recognized. All investments in marketable securities have maturities of one year or less and are currently in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2020.
The reported carrying amount of fixed rate long-term debt (including the current portion) was $95 million and $113 million at December 31, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The fair value of this debt was $113 million and $129 million at December 31, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The fair value of this debt was determined using Level 2 inputs by evaluating like rated companies with publicly traded bonds where available or current borrowing rates available for financings with similar terms and maturities.
Note 19—Contingencies
Product liability
We face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability claims arising from the alleged failure of our products to prevent the types of personal injury or death against which they are designed to protect. Product liability claims are categorized as either single incident or cumulative trauma.
Single incident product liability claims. Single incident product liability claims involve incidents of short duration that are typically known when they occur and involve observable injuries, which provide an objective basis for quantifying damages. The Company estimates its liability for single incident product liability claims based on expected settlement costs for asserted single incident product liability claims, and an estimate of costs for single incident product liability claims incurred but not reported ("IBNR"). The estimate for IBNR claims is based on experience, sales volumes, and other relevant information. The reserve for single incident product liability claims, which includes asserted single incident product liability claims and IBNR single incident product liability claims, was $1.4 million at December 31, 2020 and $3.1 million at December 31, 2019. Single incident product liability expense was a benefit of $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to a benefit of $0.5 million and expense of $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Single incident product liability exposures are evaluated on an annual basis, or more frequently if changing circumstances warrant. Adjustments are made to the reserve as appropriate.
Cumulative trauma product liability claims. Cumulative trauma product liability claims involve exposures to harmful substances (e.g., silica, asbestos and coal dust) that occurred years ago and may have developed over long periods of time into diseases such as silicosis, asbestosis, mesothelioma, or coal worker’s pneumoconiosis. One of the Company's affiliates, Mine Safety Appliances Company, LLC ("MSA LLC"), was named as a defendant in 1,622 lawsuits comprised of 2,878 claims as of December 31, 2020. These lawsuits mainly involve respiratory protection products allegedly manufactured and sold by MSA LLC or its predecessors. The products at issue were manufactured many years ago and are not currently offered by MSA LLC.
71

Table of Contents
A summary of cumulative trauma product liability lawsuits and asserted cumulative trauma product liability claims activity is as follows:

| 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Open lawsuits, beginning of period | 1,605 |  |  | 1,481 |  |  | 1,420 |
New lawsuits | 402 |  |  | 346 |  |  | 369 |
Settled and dismissed lawsuits | (385) |  |  | (222) |  |  | (308) |
Open lawsuits, end of period | 1,622 |  |  | 1,605 |  |  | 1,481 |

| 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Asserted claims, beginning of period | 2,456 |  |  | 2,355 |  |  | 2,242 |
New claims | 917 |  |  | 486 |  |  | 479 |
Settled, inactive and dismissed claims | (495) |  |  | (385) |  |  | (366) |
Asserted claims, end of period | 2,878 |  |  | 2,456 |  |  | 2,355 |

The increase in the number of claims in 2020 is largely attributable to an increase in claims alleging injuries from exposure to coal mine dust.
More than half of the total open lawsuits at December 31, 2020 have had a de minimis level of activity over the last 5 years. It is possible that these cases could become active again at any time due to changes in circumstances.
Total cumulative trauma product liability reserve was $221.5 million, including $7.8 million for claims settled but not yet paid and related defense costs, as of December 31, 2020 and $167.5 million, including $3.0 million for claims settled but not yet paid and related defense costs, as of December 31, 2019. This reserve includes estimated amounts for asserted claims and IBNR claims. Those estimated amounts reflect asbestos, silica, and coal dust claims expected to be resolved through the year 2069 and are not discounted to present value. The Company revised its estimates of MSA LLC's potential liability for cumulative trauma product liability claims for the year ended December 31, 2020 as a result of its annual review process described below. The reserve does not include amounts which will be spent to defend the claims covered by the reserve. Defense costs are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income as incurred.
At December 31, 2020, $35.3 million of the total reserve for cumulative trauma product liability claims is recorded in the Insurance and product liability line within other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the remainder, $186.2 million, is recorded in the Product liability and other noncurrent liabilities line. At December 31, 2019, $17.4 million of the total reserve for cumulative trauma product liability claims was recorded in the Insurance and product liability line within other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the remainder, $150.1 million, was recorded in the Product liability and other noncurrent liabilities line.
Total cumulative trauma liability losses were $77.8 million, $36.1 million, and $63.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Uninsured cumulative trauma product liability losses which were included in Product liability and other operating expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, were $39.0 million, $27.1 million and $43.8 million, respectively, and represent the total cumulative trauma liability losses net of any estimated insurance receivables as discussed below.
To develop a reasonable estimate of MSA LLC’s potential exposure to cumulative trauma product liability claims, Management performs an annual review of MSA LLC’s cumulative trauma product liability claims, in consultation with an outside valuation consultant and outside legal counsel. The review process takes into account developments in MSA LLC’s claims experience over the past year, developments in the tort system generally, and any other relevant information. Quarterly, management and outside legal counsel review whether significant new developments have occurred which could materially impact recorded amounts.
Certain significant assumptions underlying the material components of the reserve for cumulative trauma product liability claims have been made based on MSA LLC's experience related to the following:
•The types and severity, of illnesses alleged by claimants to give rise to their claims;
•The venues in which claims are asserted;
•The number of claims that may be asserted in the future against MSA LLC and the counsel asserting those claims; and
72

Table of Contents
•The percentage of claims resolved through settlement and the values of settlements paid to claimants.
Additional assumptions include the following:
•MSA LLC will continue to evaluate and handle cumulative trauma product liability claims in accordance with its existing defense strategy;
•The number and effect of co-defendant bankruptcies will not materially change in the future;
•No material changes in medical science occur with respect to cumulative trauma product liability claims; and
•No material changes in law occur with respect to cumulative trauma product liability claims including no material state or federal tort reform actions.
Cumulative trauma product liability litigation is inherently unpredictable and MSA LLC's expense with respect to cumulative trauma product liability claims could vary significantly in future periods. With respect to asserted claims, this is because it is unclear at the time of filing whether a claim will be actively litigated. Even when a case is actively litigated, it is often difficult to determine if the lawsuit will be dismissed without payment or settled, because of sufficiency of product identification, statute of limitations challenges, or other defenses. As a result, it is typically unclear until late into a lawsuit whether any particular claim will result in a loss and, if so, to what extent. Actual loss amounts for settled claims are highly variable and turn on a case-by-case analysis of the relevant facts.
With respect to asserted or IBNR claims, MSA LLC’s expense in future periods may vary from the reserve currently established for several reasons. In particular, MSA LLC’s actual claims experience may differ in one or more respects from the significant assumptions listed above that were used by in establishing the reserve. Factors that make MSA LLC's asserted and IBNR claims difficult to reasonably estimate include uncertainty as to the number of claims that may be asserted in the future (and over what time periods), the wide variability in the alleged severity of claims asserted, and the number of claims that ultimately will be resolved with payment. This difficulty is increased when claims are asserted by plaintiff's counsel with which MSA LLC does not have substantial prior experience (as claims experience can vary significantly among different counsel), the absence of discovery into many pending claims, the historically low volume of claims asserted and resolved, and numerous other factors. Numerous uncertainties also exist with respect to factors not specific to MSA LLC, including potential legislative or judicial changes at the federal level or in key states concerning claims adjudication, future bankruptcy proceedings involving key co-defendants, payments from trusts established to compensate claimants, and/or changes in medical science relating to the diagnosis and treatment of claims.
Because cumulative trauma product liability litigation is subject to the significant modeling assumptions and inherent uncertainties described above, and unfavorable developments or rulings could occur, there can be no certainty that MSA LLC may not ultimately incur charges in excess of presently recorded liabilities. The reserve for cumulative trauma product liability claims may be adjusted from time to time based on changes to the factors and assumptions described above. If future estimates of cumulative trauma product liability claims are materially different than the accrued liability, we will record an appropriate adjustment to the Consolidated Statement of Income. These adjustments could materially impact our consolidated financial statements in future periods.
Insurance Receivable and Notes Receivable, Insurance Companies
Many years ago, MSA LLC purchased insurance policies from various insurance carriers that, subject to common contract exclusions, provided coverage for cumulative trauma product liability losses (the "Occurrence-Based Policies"). While we continue to pursue reimbursement under certain remaining Occurrence-Based Policies, the vast majority of these policies have been exhausted, settled or converted into either (1) negotiated settlement agreements, with scheduled payment streams (recorded as notes receivables) or (2) negotiated Coverage-in-Place Agreements (recorded as insurance receivables). As a result, MSA LLC is largely self-insured for cumulative trauma product liability claims, and additional amounts recorded as insurance receivables or notes receivables will be limited.
When adjustments are made to amounts recorded in the cumulative trauma product liability reserve, we calculate amounts due to be reimbursed pursuant to the terms of the negotiated Coverage-In-Place Agreements, including cumulative trauma product liability losses and related defense costs, and we record the amounts probable of reimbursement as insurance receivables. These amounts are not subject to current coverage litigation.
Insurance receivables at December 31, 2020, totaled $97.0 million, of which $12.0 million is reported in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and $85.0 million is reported in Insurance receivable and other noncurrent assets. Insurance receivables at December 31, 2019, totaled $63.8 million, of which $7.6 million was reported
73

Table of Contents
in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and $56.2 million was reported in Insurance receivable and other noncurrent assets. The vast majority of the $97.0 million insurance receivables balance at December 31, 2020, is attributable to reimbursement believed to be due under the terms of signed Coverage-In-Place Agreements and a portion of this amount represents the estimated recovery of IBNR amounts not yet incurred.
A summary of insurance receivables balance and activity related to cumulative trauma product liability losses is as follows:

(In millions) |  | 2020 |  | 2019 |  |
Balance beginning of period |  | $ | 63.8 |  |  | $ | 71.7 |  |  |
Additions |  | 39.0 |  |  | 9.1 |  |  |
Collections and other adjustments |  | (5.8) |  |  | (17.0) |  |  |
Balance end of period |  | $ | 97.0 |  |  | $ | 63.8 |  |  |

We record formal notes receivables due from scheduled payment streams according to negotiated settlement agreements with insurers. These amounts are not subject to current coverage litigation. Notes receivable from insurance companies at December 31, 2020, totaled $52.3 million, of which $3.8 million is reported in Notes receivable, insurance companies, current on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and $48.5 million is reported in Notes receivable, insurance companies, noncurrent. Notes receivable from insurance companies at December 31, 2019, totaled $56.0 million, of which $3.7 million was reported in Notes receivable, insurance companies, current on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and $52.3 million was reported in Notes receivable, insurance companies, noncurrent.
A summary of notes receivables from insurance companies balance is as follows:

|  | December 31,
(In millions) |  | 2020 |  | 2019
Balance beginning of period |  | $ | 56.0 |  |  | $ | 59.6 |
Additions |  | 1.4 |  |  | 1.5 |
Collections |  | (5.1) |  |  | (5.1) |
Balance end of period |  | $ | 52.3 |  |  | $ | 56.0 |

The vast majority of the insurance receivables balances at December 31, 2020, is attributable to reimbursement under the terms of signed agreements with insurers and are not currently subject to litigation. The collectibility of MSA LLC's insurance receivables and notes receivables is regularly evaluated and we believe that the amounts recorded are probable of collection. The determination that the recorded insurance receivables are probable of collection is based on the terms of the settlement agreements reached with the insurers, our history of collection, and the advice of MSA LLC's outside legal counsel and consultants. Various factors could affect the timing and amount of recovery of the insurance and notes receivables, including assumptions regarding various aspects of the composition and characteristics of future claims (which are relevant to calculating reimbursement under the terms of certain Coverage-In-Place Agreements) and the extent to which the issuing insurers may become insolvent in the future.
Product Warranty
The Company provides warranties on certain product sales. Product warranty reserves are established in the same period that revenue from the sale of the related products is recognized, or in the period that a specific issue arises as to the functionality of the Company's product. The determination of such reserves requires the Company to make estimates of product return rates and expected costs to repair or to replace the products under warranty.
The amounts of the reserves are based on established terms and the Company's best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet date. If actual return rates and/or repair and replacement costs differ significantly from estimates, adjustments to recognize additional cost of sales may be required in future periods.
74

Table of Contents
The following table reconciles the changes in the Company's accrued warranty reserve:

|  | December 31,
(In thousands) |  | 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Beginning warranty reserve |  | $ | 12,715 |  |  | $ | 14,214 |  |  | $ | 14,753 |
Warranty payments |  | (10,861) |  |  | (12,664) |  |  | (9,955) |
Warranty claims |  | 10,233 |  |  | 12,033 |  |  | 10,585 |
Provision for product warranties and other adjustments |  | (659) |  |  | (868) |  |  | (1,169) |
Ending warranty reserve |  | $ | 11,428 |  |  | $ | 12,715 |  |  | $ | 14,214 |

Warranty expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $9.6 million, $11.2 million and $9.4 million, respectively and is included in Costs of products sold on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Note 20—Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

| 2020
| Quarters |  |
(In thousands, except earnings per share) | 1st |  | 2nd |  | 3rd |  | 4th |  | Year
Net sales | $ | 341,145 |  |  | $ | 314,438 |  |  | $ | 304,392 |  |  | $ | 388,248 |  |  | $ | 1,348,223 |
Gross profit | 157,359 |  |  | 141,585 |  |  | 132,232 |  |  | 159,272 |  |  | 590,448 |
Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated | 43,674 |  |  | 36,055 |  |  | 28,034 |  |  | 12,338 |  |  | 120,101 |
Earnings per share(1) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic | $ | 1.12 |  |  | $ | 0.93 |  |  | $ | 0.72 |  |  | $ | 0.32 |  |  | $ | 3.09 |
Diluted | 1.11 |  |  | 0.92 |  |  | 0.71 |  |  | 0.31 |  |  | 3.05 |

| 2019
| Quarters |  |
(In thousands, except earnings per share) | 1st |  | 2nd |  | 3rd |  | 4th |  | Year
Net sales | $ | 326,038 |  |  | $ | 349,675 |  |  | $ | 351,014 |  |  | $ | 375,254 |  |  | $ | 1,401,981 |
Gross profit | 149,982 |  |  | 161,084 |  |  | 158,701 |  |  | 166,845 |  |  | 636,612 |
Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated | 23,232 |  |  | 39,806 |  |  | 42,239 |  |  | 31,163 |  |  | 136,440 |
Earnings per share(1) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic | $ | 0.60 |  |  | $ | 1.03 |  |  | $ | 1.09 |  |  | $ | 0.80 |  |  | $ | 3.52 |
Diluted | 0.59 |  |  | 1.01 |  |  | 1.08 |  |  | 0.79 |  |  | 3.48 |

(1) Per share amounts are calculated independently for each period presented; therefore, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the per share amounts for the year.
75

Table of Contents
Note 21 - Subsequent Event
On January 25, 2021, we acquired 100% of the common stock of B T Q Limited, including Bristol Uniforms and Bell Apparel ("Bristol") in an all-cash transaction valued at $62.4 million, net of cash acquired. There is no contingent consideration. Bristol, which is headquartered in the U.K., is a leading innovator and provider of protective apparel to the fire, rescue services and utility sectors. The acquisition strengthens MSA's position as a global leader in fire service PPE products while providing an avenue to expand its business in the U.K. and key European markets.
Our results for the year ended December 31, 2020 include transaction and integration costs of $0.5 million related to the acquisition. These costs are reported in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Bristol operating results will be included in our financial statements from the acquisition date. The acquisition qualifies as a business combination and will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting.
At the date of issuance of these financial statements, the initial purchase accounting was not complete. We are also unable to provide pro forma revenues and earnings of the combined entity due to the limited time since the acquisition. This information will be included in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.
76

Table of Contents
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including the principal executive officer and principle financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) Changes in internal control. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—“Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
77

Table of Contents
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
With respect to this Part III, incorporated by reference herein pursuant to Rule 12b—23 are (1) “Election of Directors,” (2) “Executive Compensation,” (3) “Other Information Concerning the Board of Directors,” (4) “Stock Ownership,” and (5) “Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” appearing in the Proxy Statement filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 19, 2021. The information appearing in such Proxy Statement under the caption “Audit Committee Report” and the other information appearing in such Proxy Statement and not specifically incorporated by reference herein is not incorporated herein. As to Item 10 above, also see the information reported in Part I of this Form 10-K, under the caption “Information about our Executive Officers,” which is incorporated herein by reference. As to Item 10 above, the Company has adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer and other Company officials. The text of the Code of Ethics is available on the Company’s website at www.MSAsafety.com. Any amendment to, or waiver of, a required provision of the Code of Ethics that applies to the Company’s principal executive, financial or accounting officer will also be posted on the Company’s Internet site at that address.
As to Item 12 above, the following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2020 concerning common stock issuable under the Company’s equity compensation plans.

Plan Category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) |  | Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) |  | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 283,998 |  |  | $ | 46.23 |  |  | 896,459 |  | *
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | None |  | — |  |  | None |
Total | 283,998 |  |  | 46.23 |  |  | 896,459 |  |

*Includes 802,439 shares available for issuance under the Amended and Restated 2016 Management Equity Incentive Plan and 94,020 shares available for issuance under the 2017 Non-Employee Directors’ Equity Incentive Plan.
78

Table of Contents
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) 1. Financial Statements and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (see Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K).
The following information is filed as part of this Form 10-K.

| Page
Management's Report on Responsibility for Financial Reporting and Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting | 32
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 33
Consolidated Statements of Income—three years ended December 31, 2020 | 36
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income—three years ended December 31, 2020 | 37
Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2020 and 2019 | 38
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—three years ended December 31, 2020 | 39
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Retained Earnings and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income—three years ended December 31, 2020 | 40
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 41

(a) 2. The following additional financial information for the three years ended December 31, 2020 is filed with the report and should be read in conjunction with the above financial statements:
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not material or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements and consolidated notes to the financial statements listed above.
(a) 3. Exhibits
Several of the following exhibits are incorporated herein by reference under Rule 12b-32 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as indicated next to the name of the exhibit. Several other instruments, which would otherwise be required to be listed below, have not been so listed because those instruments do not authorize securities in an amount that exceeds 10% of the total assets of the registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The registrant agrees to furnish a copy of any instrument that was so omitted on that basis to the Commission upon request.

3(i) | Amended and restated Articles of Incorporation, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K on March 7, 2014, is incorporated herein by reference.
3(ii) | Amended and restated By-laws of the registrant, filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K on March 7, 2014, is incorporated herein by reference.
4(a) | First Amendment dated September 7, 2018 to the Second Amended and Restated Multi-Currency Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated January 22, 2016 by and among MSA Safety Incorporated, various Company subsidiaries, as guarantors, and the noteholders named therein, including forms of Note Guarantee and Intercompany Subordination Agreement, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K on September 10, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference.
4(b) | Form of Amended and Restated Guarantee Agreement entered into as of March 7, 2014 by each of General Monitors, Inc., General Monitors Transnational, LLC and MSA International, Inc., in favor of the Note Purchasers under the Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated as of March 7, 2014 (as confirmed and reaffirmed by such guarantors as of September 7, 2018), filed as Exhibit 4(b) to Form 10-K on February 25, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference.
4(c) | Form of Guarantee Agreement entered into as of March 7, 2014 by each of Mine Safety Appliances Company, LLC, MSA Worldwide, LLC, MSA Advanced Detection, LLC, MSA Safety Development, LLC, MSA Technology, LLC, and MSA Innovation, LLC, in favor of the Note Purchasers under the Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated as of March 7, 2014 (as confirmed and reaffirmed by certain of such guarantors as of September 7, 2018), filed as Exhibit 4(c) to Form 10-K on February 25, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference.

79

Table of Contents

4(d) | Description of MSA Safety Incorporated Securities Registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, filed as Exhibit 4(d) to Form 10-K on February 20, 2020, is incorporated herein by reference.
10(a)* | MSA Safety Incorporated Amended and Restated 2016 Management Equity Incentive Plan, filed as Appendix A to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement dated March 31, 2016, is incorporated herein by reference.
10(b)* | Retirement Plan for Directors, as amended effective April 1, 2001, filed as Exhibit 10(a) to Form 10-Q on May 10, 2006, is incorporated herein by reference.
10(c)* | Supplemental Pension Plan as of May 5, 1998, filed as Exhibit 10(d) to Form 10-Q on August 12, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference.
10(d)* | Supplemental Pension Plan as amended and restated effective January 1, 2005, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q on April 30, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference.
10(e)* | 2017 Non-Employee Directors’ Equity Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit A to the registrant's definitive proxy statement dated April 7, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference.
10(f)* | Executive Insurance Program as Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2006, filed as Exhibit 10(a) to Form 10-Q on August 7, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference.
10(g)* | Annual Incentive Bonus Plan as of May 5, 1998, filed as Exhibit 10(g) to Form 10-Q on August 12, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference.
10(h)* | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective January 1, 2008, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q on April 30, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference.
10(i)* | Form of Change-in-Control Severance Agreement between the registrant and its executive officers, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q on April 30, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference.
10(j)* | 2003 Supplemental Savings Plan, effective January 1, 2003, filed as Exhibit 10(k) to Form 10-K on February 24, 2014, is incorporated herein by reference.
10(k)* | 2005 Supplemental Savings Plan, effective January 1, 2005, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-Q on April 30, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference.
10(l)* | Amended and Restated CEO Annual Incentive Award Plan filed as Appendix B to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement dated March 31, 2016, is incorporated herein by reference.
10(m) | Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated September 7, 2018 by and among MSA Safety Incorporated, MSA UK Holdings, Limited and MSA International Holdings, B.V., as borrowers, various Company subsidiaries, as guarantors, various financial institutions, as lenders, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, including forms of Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement and Intercompany Subordination Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8‑K on September 10, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference.
21 | Affiliates of the registrant is filed herewith.
23 | Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm is filed herewith.
31.1 | Certification of Nishan J. Vartanian pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) is filed herewith.
31.2 | Certification of Kenneth D. Krause pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) is filed herewith.
32 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.§1350 is filed herewith.
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

*The exhibits marked by an asterisk are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.
80

Table of Contents
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
81

Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED |
February 19, 2021 | By | /s/ NISHAN J. VARTANIAN
(Date) |  | Nishan J. Vartanian Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature | Title | Date
/S/ N ISHAN J. V ARTANIAN Nishan J. Vartanian | Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | February 19, 2021
/S/ K ENNETH D. K RAUSE Kenneth D. Krause | Sr. Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | February 19, 2021
/S/ JONATHAN D. BUCK Jonathan D. Buck | Chief Accounting Officer and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) | February 19, 2021
/S/ R OBERT A. B RUGGEWORTH Robert A. Bruggeworth | Director | February 19, 2021
/S/ G REGORY B. J ORDAN Gregory B. Jordan | Director | February 19, 2021
/S/ W ILLIAM M. L AMBERT William M. Lambert | Director | February 19, 2021
/S/ D IANE M. P EARSE Diane M. Pearse | Director | February 19, 2021
/S/ R EBECCA B. R OBERTS Rebecca B. Roberts | Director | February 19, 2021
/S/ S ANDRA P HILLIPS R OGERS Sandra Phillips Rogers | Director | February 19, 2021
/S/ J OHN T. R YAN III John T. Ryan III | Director | February 19, 2021
/S/ W ILLIAM R. S PERRY William R. Sperry | Director | February 19, 2021

82

Table of Contents
SCHEDULE II
MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020

| 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
| (In thousands)
Allowance for doubtful accounts: |
Balance at beginning of year | $ | 4,860 |  |  | $ | 5,369 |  |  | $ | 5,540 |
Additions— |  |  |  |  |
Charged to costs and expenses | 1,172 |  |  | 2,015 |  |  | 375 |
Deductions— |  |  |  |  |
Deductions from reserves, net (1)(2) | 688 |  |  | 2,524 |  |  | 546 |
Balance at end of year | $ | 5,344 |  |  | $ | 4,860 |  |  | $ | 5,369 |
Income tax valuation allowance: |  |  |  |  |
Balance at beginning of year | $ | 5,936 |  |  | $ | 5,039 |  |  | $ | 4,559 |
Additions— |  |  |  |  |
Charged to costs and expenses (3) | 2,854 |  |  | 1,138 |  |  | 859 |
Deductions— |  |  |  |  |
Deductions from reserves (3) | 1,602 |  |  | 241 |  |  | 379 |
Balance at end of year | $ | 7,188 |  |  | $ | 5,936 |  |  | $ | 5,039 |

(1)Bad debts written off, net of recoveries.
(2)Activity for 2020, 2019 and 2018 includes currency translation losses of $(107), $(1,058) and $(291), respectively.
(3)Activity for 2020, 2019 and 2018 includes currency translation (losses) gains of $(41), $104 and $(367), respectively.
83