MSA Safety has reported stronger second-quarter results for 2026, with higher sales, earnings and margins supported by continued execution of its Accelerate strategy and growth across key safety product categories.
The Pittsburgh-based safety products and solutions provider posted quarterly net sales of $503 million, up 6% on a reported basis and 3% organically compared with the same period last year. GAAP operating income increased to $112 million, representing 22.2% of sales, while adjusted operating income rose to $121 million, or 24.1% of sales.
Net income reached $86 million, or $2.23 per diluted share, up 40% year over year. Adjusted earnings were $93 million, or $2.40 per diluted share, marking a 24% increase.
MSA Safety President and CEO Steve Blanco said the company delivered “strong operating performance” during the quarter, crediting disciplined execution across the business. He also highlighted the company’s acquisition of Autronica Fire and Security, which closed in early July and is expected to strengthen MSA’s fixed detection platform while expanding its addressable market.
The company generated $83 million in free cash flow during the quarter and returned $47 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividend payments. MSA also raised its annual dividend for the 56th consecutive year, continuing a long record of shareholder returns.
Chief Financial Officer Julie Beck said the 24% increase in adjusted earnings per share was driven by 6% reported sales growth and margin expansion. She said margin gains reflected ongoing use of the MSA Business System, as well as benefits from tariff refunds.
Segment performance was led by the Americas business, where net sales rose 7% to $341.5 million and adjusted operating income increased 17% to $109.1 million. International net sales rose 5% to $161.9 million, while adjusted operating income increased 24% to $25.1 million.
By product group, detection accounted for 40% of second-quarter sales, while fire service products represented 32% and industrial PPE and other products made up 28%. Industrial PPE and other products delivered the strongest organic growth, rising 16% in the quarter.
MSA said its full-year outlook includes low-double-digit total revenue growth, supported by mid-single-digit organic growth, a mid-single-digit contribution from acquisitions and a low-single-digit foreign exchange tailwind. Including debt from the Autronica acquisition, the company said pro forma net leverage is approximately 1.8 times.
