MSA Safety's Q4 2024: Discrepancies in Order Pace, Detection Growth, and Supply Chain Resilience
Earnings DecryptThursday, Feb 13, 2025 6:32 pm ET

These are the key contradictions discussed in MSA Safety's latest 2024Q4 earnings call, specifically including: Fire Service Order Pace and Deferred Orders, Detection segment growth drivers, Order Pace and Timing Expectations, and Supply Chain Challenges:
Sales and Revenue Trends:
- MSA Safety reported fourth quarter sales of $500 million, an increase of 1% on a reported basis and 2% organically over the prior year.
- The growth was driven by a strong order pace in the fourth quarter, which was up 14% year-over-year, despite challenges in industrial markets and lower-than-expected sales in industrial segments like fall protection.
Operating Margin Expansion and Earnings Growth:
- The company's adjusted operating margin expanded to 24.0%, up 70 basis points over the prior year, with a strong increase in adjusted earnings per share by 9%, reaching $2.25.
- This was due to effective SG&A management, lower variable compensation expenses, and the company's sustained focus on price and productivity improvements.
Investment in Innovation and Growth Accelerators:
- MSA Safety highlighted innovations like the new Cairns 1836 Fire Helmet and the next-generation G1 SCBA, as well as growth in connected solutions through the MSA+ platform, which were key drivers for future growth.
- The company emphasized the importance of customer solutions and recurring revenue, with connected portables being the fastest-growing category in 2024.
Financial Strength and Cash Flow Management:
- The company's free cash flow in the fourth quarter was $93 million, representing a conversion rate of 105%, driven by higher earnings and backlog conversion.
- Throughout 2024, MSA Safety returned $79 million in dividends and repurchased $30 million of shares, maintaining a strong financial position with net debt at $343 million, including $165 million in cash.
MSA Total Revenue YoY, P/E(TTM)...
Date | Total Revenue YoY% | P/E(TTM) | ROA% | Current Ratio | Operating Cash Flow(USD) | Quick Ratio | Price to Book Ratio | ROE(Average)% | Net Profit Margin% |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
20240930 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 1.56 | -- | -- | -- |
20241231 | 0.88 | -- | 18.83 | 2.79 | 107.91M | -- | -- | 27.01 | 15.76 |
20250213 | -- | 22.52 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Name |
---|
MSA SafetyMSA |
MSA SafetyMSA |
MSA SafetyMSA |
Sales and Revenue Trends:
- MSA Safety reported fourth quarter sales of $500 million, an increase of 1% on a reported basis and 2% organically over the prior year.
- The growth was driven by a strong order pace in the fourth quarter, which was up 14% year-over-year, despite challenges in industrial markets and lower-than-expected sales in industrial segments like fall protection.
Operating Margin Expansion and Earnings Growth:
- The company's adjusted operating margin expanded to 24.0%, up 70 basis points over the prior year, with a strong increase in adjusted earnings per share by 9%, reaching $2.25.
- This was due to effective SG&A management, lower variable compensation expenses, and the company's sustained focus on price and productivity improvements.
Investment in Innovation and Growth Accelerators:
- MSA Safety highlighted innovations like the new Cairns 1836 Fire Helmet and the next-generation G1 SCBA, as well as growth in connected solutions through the MSA+ platform, which were key drivers for future growth.
- The company emphasized the importance of customer solutions and recurring revenue, with connected portables being the fastest-growing category in 2024.
Financial Strength and Cash Flow Management:
- The company's free cash flow in the fourth quarter was $93 million, representing a conversion rate of 105%, driven by higher earnings and backlog conversion.
- Throughout 2024, MSA Safety returned $79 million in dividends and repurchased $30 million of shares, maintaining a strong financial position with net debt at $343 million, including $165 million in cash.

Disclaimer: The news articles available on this platform are generated in whole or in part by artificial intelligence and may not have been reviewed or fact checked by human editors. While we make reasonable efforts to ensure the quality and accuracy of the content, we make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the truthfulness, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided. It is your sole responsibility to independently verify any facts, statements, or claims prior to acting upon them. Ainvest Fintech Inc expressly disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or harm arising from the use of or reliance on AI-generated content, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
Comments
No comments yet