Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
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, 2022. 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, 2022.
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/ LEE B. MCCHESNEY
Lee B. McChesney
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
February 16, 2023
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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, 2022, 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, 2022, 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, 2022 and 2021, 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, 2022, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) 2 and our report dated February 16, 2023 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 16, 2023
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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, 2022 and 2021, 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, 2022, 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, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, 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, 2022, 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 16, 2023 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 the 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.
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Valuation of cumulative trauma product liability claims
Description of the Matter As more fully described in Notes 1 and 20 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company's subsidiary MSA LLC is named as a defendant in lawsuits comprised of cumulative trauma product liability claims involving potential exposures to substances that are alleged to have occurred over a number of years. In recent periods, this has included asbestos, silica and coal dust claims. It is probable that MSA LLC will incur losses related to asserted and incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims and that the amount of losses can be reasonably estimated. At December 31, 2022, the Company’s reserve for cumulative trauma product liability claims was $395.1 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 its subsidiary's 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 its subsidiary's 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, 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 20 to the consolidated financial statements.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
February 16, 2023
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MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Year ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 2022 2021 2020
Net sales $ 1,527,953 $ 1,400,182 $ 1,348,223
Cost of products sold 854,122 784,834 752,731
Gross profit 673,831 615,348 595,492
Selling, general and administrative 338,872 332,862 290,334
Research and development 57,012 57,793 58,268
Restructuring charges (Note 3) 7,965 16,433 27,381
Currency exchange losses, net 10,255 216 8,578
Product liability expense (Note 20) 20,590 185,264 39,036
Operating income 239,137 22,780 171,895
Interest expense 21,660 10,758 9,432
Other income, net (Note 16) ( 21,056 ) ( 11,582 ) ( 5,684 )
Total other expense (income), net 604 ( 824 ) 3,748
Income before income taxes 238,533 23,604 168,147
Provision for income taxes (Note 10) 58,903 1,816 43,009
Net income $ 179,630 $ 21,788 $ 125,138
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — ( 448 ) ( 1,061 )
Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated $ 179,630 $ 21,340 $ 124,077
Earnings per share attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated common shareholders (Note 9):
Basic $ 4.58 $ 0.54 $ 3.19
Diluted $ 4.56 $ 0.54 $ 3.15
Dividends per common share $ 1.82 $ 1.75 $ 1.71
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Year ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2022 2021 2020
Net income $ 179,630 $ 21,788 $ 125,138
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments (Note 6) ( 19,453 ) ( 25,354 ) 22,260
Pension and post-retirement plan actuarial gains, net of tax (Note 6) 6,961 58,256 9,296
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities (Note 6) 3 ( 4 ) ( 7 )
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income (Note 6) 2,912 267 216
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax ( 9,577 ) 33,165 31,765
Comprehensive income 170,053 54,953 156,903
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — ( 356 ) ( 1,220 )
Comprehensive income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated $ 170,053 $ 54,597 $ 155,683
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
(In thousands, except share amounts) 2022 2021
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 162,902 $ 140,895
Trade receivables, less allowance for credit loss of $ 6,769 and $ 5,789
297,028 254,187
Inventories (Note 4) 338,316 280,617
Investments, short-term (Note 19) 9,905 48,974
Prepaid income taxes 21,700 21,235
Notes receivable, insurance companies (Note 20) 5,931 3,914
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 44,344 42,982
Total current assets 880,126 792,804
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 5) 207,552 207,793
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net (Note 17) 44,142 50,178
Prepaid pension cost (Note 15) 141,643 163,283
Deferred tax assets (Note 10) 25,490 35,257
Goodwill (Note 13) 620,622 636,858
Intangible assets, net (Note 13) 281,853 306,948
Notes receivable, insurance companies, noncurrent (Note 20) 38,695 44,626
Insurance receivable (Note 20) and other noncurrent assets 136,853 158,649
Total assets $ 2,376,976 $ 2,396,396
Liabilities
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt (Note 12) $ 7,387 $ —
Accounts payable 112,532 106,780
Employees’ compensation 45,077 49,884
Insurance and product liability (Note 20) 73,898 55,125
Income taxes payable (Note 10) 6,149 5,366
Accrued restructuring (Note 3) and other current liabilities 100,822 113,451
Total current liabilities 345,865 330,606
Long-term debt, net (Note 12) 565,445 597,651
Pensions and other employee benefits (Note 15) 137,810 189,973
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities (Note 17) 35,345 40,706
Deferred tax liabilities (Note 10) 31,881 33,337
Product liability (Note 20) and other noncurrent liabilities 336,889 369,735
Total liabilities $ 1,453,235 $ 1,562,008
Commitments and contingencies (Note 20)
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock, 4.5 % cumulative, $ 50 par value (Note 7)
3,569 3,569
Common stock, no par value ( 180,000,000 shares authorized; 62,081,391 shares issued; 39,213,064 and 39,276,518 shares outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively)
281,980 260,121
Treasury shares, at cost (Note 7) ( 361,438 ) ( 330,376 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 6) ( 158,717 ) ( 149,140 )
Retained earnings 1,158,347 1,050,214
Total shareholders’ equity 923,741 834,388
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,376,976 $ 2,396,396
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2022 2021 2020
Operating Activities
Net income $ 179,630 $ 21,788 $ 125,138
Depreciation and amortization 56,317 50,317 39,674
Stock-based compensation (Note 11) 19,650 18,908 6,920
Pension (income) expense (Note 15) and other charges ( 11,499 ) 2,448 10,082
Deferred income tax benefit (Note 10) 5,171 ( 38,850 ) ( 2,254 )
Loss on asset write-down and dispositions, net 6,290 788 236
Pension contributions (Note 15) ( 5,032 ) ( 5,543 ) ( 5,596 )
Currency exchange losses, net (Note 6) 10,255 216 8,578
Product liability expense (Note 20) 20,590 185,264 39,036
Collections on insurance receivable and notes receivable,
insurance companies (Note 20) 9,516 15,443 10,853
Product liability payments (Note 20) ( 36,755 ) ( 39,548 ) ( 23,727 )
Changes in:
Trade receivables
( 38,587 ) 4,374 7,677
Inventories (Note 4) ( 67,366 ) ( 17,827 ) ( 13,645 )
Accounts payable 7,585 13,299 ( 3,069 )
Other current assets and liabilities ( 1,795 ) 823 7,749
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities
3,485 ( 12,755 ) ( 1,097 )
Cash Flow From Operating Activities 157,455 199,145 206,555
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures ( 42,553 ) ( 43,837 ) ( 48,905 )
Purchase of short-term investments (Note 19) ( 79,542 ) ( 133,913 ) ( 199,318 )
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments (Note 19) 119,000 160,000 175,000
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 14) — ( 392,437 ) —
Property disposals and other investing ( 1,389 ) ( 5,286 ) 454
Cash Flow Used In Investing Activities ( 4,484 ) ( 415,473 ) ( 72,769 )
Financing Activities
Payments on long-term debt (Note 12) ( 1,023,000 ) ( 1,346,557 ) ( 1,031,000 )
Proceeds from long-term debt (Note 12) 1,010,000 1,639,733 987,000
Debt issuance costs — ( 2,106 ) —
Cash dividends paid ( 71,497 ) ( 68,586 ) ( 66,578 )
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries (Note 14) — ( 13,381 ) —
Distribution to noncontrolling interests (Note 14) — ( 5,632 ) —
Company stock purchases (Note 7) ( 34,394 ) ( 6,171 ) ( 29,144 )
Exercise of stock options (Note 7) 4,650 5,770 12,446
Employee stock purchase plan (Note 7) 891 855 747
Cash Flow (Used In) Provided by Financing Activities ( 113,350 ) 203,925 ( 126,529 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash ( 16,631 ) ( 7,193 ) 1,234
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 22,990 ( 19,596 ) 8,491
Beginning cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 141,438 161,034 152,543
Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 164,428 $ 141,438 $ 161,034
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 162,902 $ 140,895 $ 160,672
Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,526 543 362
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 164,428 $ 141,438 $ 161,034
Interest paid in cash $ 20,740 $ 9,288 $ 9,856
Income tax paid in cash $ 60,491 $ 45,556 $ 61,072
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN RETAINED EARNINGS,
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
(In thousands, except per share amounts) Retained
Earnings Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss Noncontrolling Interests
Balances at January 1, 2020 $ 1,045,593 $ ( 214,003 ) $ 6,773
Net income 125,138 — —
Foreign currency translation adjustments — 22,260 —
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, net of $ 2,245 tax benefit
— 9,296 —
Unrecognized net losses on available-for-sale securities (Note 19) — ( 7 ) —
Reclassification of currency translation from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income (Note 6) — 216 —
(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests ( 1,061 ) ( 159 ) 1,220
Common dividends ($ 1.71 per share)
( 66,537 ) — —
Preferred dividends ($ 0.5625 per share)
( 41 ) — —
Balances at December 31, 2020 1,103,092 ( 182,397 ) 7,993
Net income 21,788 — —
Foreign currency translation adjustments — ( 25,354 ) —
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, net of $ 18,564 tax benefit
— 58,256 —
Unrecognized net losses on available-for-sale securities (Note 19) — ( 4 ) —
Reclassification of currency translation from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income (Note 6) — 267 —
(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests ( 448 ) 92 356
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — ( 8,349 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (Note 14) ( 5,632 ) — —
Common dividends ($ 1.75 per share)
( 68,545 ) — —
Preferred dividends ($ 0.5625 per share)
( 41 ) — —
Balances at December 31, 2021 1,050,214 ( 149,140 ) —
Net income 179,630 — —
Foreign currency translation adjustments — ( 19,453 ) —
Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments, net of $ 2,570 tax benefit
— 6,961 —
Unrecognized net gains on available-for-sale securities (Note 19) — 3 —
Reclassification of currency translation from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income (Note 6) — 2,912 —
Common dividends ($ 1.82 per share)
( 71,456 ) — —
Preferred dividends ($ 0.5625 per share)
( 41 ) — —
Balances at December 31, 2022 $ 1,158,347 $ ( 158,717 ) $ —
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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MSA SAFETY INCORPORATED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1— Significant Accounting Policies
General Information and 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 reporting 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 loss of those subsidiaries. During July 2021, the Company purchased the remaining noncontrolling interests in MSA (China) Safety Equipment Co., Ltd. See Note 14—Acquisitions for further detail.
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 subsidiaries are reported as a component of shareholders’ equity and are not included in net 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. Highly liquid investments consist of money market funds which were $ 1.9 million and $ 8.7 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These funds are valued at net asset value (“NAV”). These funds are required to price and transact at a NAV per share that fluctuates based upon the pricing of the underlying portfolio of securities. This requirement may impact the value of these 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 $ 1.5 million and $ 0.5 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These balances were used to support letter of credit balances.
Inventories— Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value, which approximates current replacement cost. Cost is determined using the FIFO method. It is the Company's general policy to write-down any inventory balance in excess of the last 24 months of consumption and any inventory identified as obsolete.
Investment securities — The Company’s investment securities, primarily consisting of fixed income securities, are classified as available-for-sale. The securities are recorded at fair market value and included 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) expense, net and the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $ 36.7 million, $ 33.0 million and $ 27.7 million, respectively. Properties, plant, 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.
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Software Development Costs— Software development costs are costs incurred 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. During 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, there was approximately $ 8.7 million, $ 8.1 million and $ 8.2 million of software development costs capitalized. The Company has unamortized computer software development costs of $ 16.5 million and $ 15.7 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, included in property, plant and equipment, net.
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. Software development cost depreciation expense was $ 7.9 million, $ 4.9 million and $ 1.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Lessee Arrangements — 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.
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. 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. 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 right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the fixed future lease payments over the lease term. Operating leases are included in Operating lease right-of-use assets, net, Accrued restructuring and other current liabilities, and Noncurrent operating lease liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Finance leases are included in Property, plant and equipment, net, Accrued restructuring and other current liabilities, and Product liability and other noncurrent liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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.
Lessor Arrangements — The Company derives a portion of its revenue from various leasing arrangements where the Company is the lessor, primarily fire service contracts entered into by Bristol which was acquired in January 2021 (Note 14). Such arrangements provide for monthly payments covering equipment provided, maintenance and interest. These arrangements meet the criteria to be accounted for as sales-type leases under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 842 and contain both lease and non-lease components. For a component to be separate, the customer would be able to benefit from the right of use of the component separately or with other resources readily available to the customer and the right of the use is not highly dependent or highly interrelated with the other rights to use the other underlying assets or components.
Revenue from equipment provided is considered a lease component and recognized with point in time revenue recognition upon lease commencement. Upon the recognition of such revenue, an asset is established for the investment in sales-type leases. Maintenance revenue, which is considered a non-lease component, and interest are recognized monthly over the lease term. Lease revenues and interest earned by the Company, included in the Consolidated Statements of Income, were not material to any of the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.
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Net investment in sales-type leases of $ 5.7 million and $ 19.4 million were included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Insurance receivable and other noncurrent assets, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022. The portion in Insurance receivable and other noncurrent assets at December 31, 2022 is expected to be collected over the next seven years .
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 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, 2022, 2021 or 2020.
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 2022, we performed a two-step quantitative test at October 1, 2022. 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 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (" EBITDA") at which peer companies are trading.
There has been no impairment of our goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 or 2020.
Revenue Recognition— We account for revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers . 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. 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, extended warranty, maintenance 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.
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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 from time to time 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.
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 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 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 20 — Contingencies 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 as of December 31, 2022 or 2021 or for any of the three years ended December 31, 2022.
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Note 2— Cash and Cash Equivalents
Several of the Company's affiliates participate in a notional cash pooling arrangement to manage global liquidity requirements. As part of a master netting arrangement, the participants combine their cash balances in pooling accounts at the same financial institution with the ability to offset bank overdrafts of one participant against positive cash account balances held by another participant. Under the terms of the master netting arrangement, the financial institution has the right, ability and intent to offset a positive balance in one account against an overdrawn amount in another account. Amounts in each of the accounts are unencumbered and unrestricted with respect to use. As such, the net cash balance related to this pooling arrangement is included in Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company's net cash pool position consisted of the following:
(In thousands) December 31, 2022
Gross cash pool position $ 72,271
Less: cash pool borrowings ( 65,102 )
Net cash pool position $ 7,169
Note 3— Restructuring Charges
During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, we recorded restructuring charges of $ 8.0 million, $ 16.4 million and $ 27.4 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 $ 2.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, were related to various optimization activities. International segment restructuring charges of $ 5.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, were primarily related to the implementation of our new European Shared Service Center in Warsaw, Poland. Corporate segment restructuring charges of $ 0.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, were primarily related to programs to realign the organization and adjust our operations in response to current business conditions.
A total of 151 positions were eliminated in 2022. There were 24 positions eliminated in the Americas segment, 123 in the International segment and 4 in the Corporate segment.
Americas segment restructuring charges of $ 4.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2021, were primarily related to integration related activities and 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 $ 11.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2021, were primarily related to our initiatives to drive profitable growth and right size our operations. Corporate segment restructuring charges of $ 0.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2021, were primarily related to programs to adjust our operations in response to current business conditions.
A total of 143 positions were eliminated in 2021. There were 66 positions eliminated in the Americas segment, 71 in the International segment, and 6 in the Corporate segment.
Americas segment restructuring charges of $ 4.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, were 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.
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Activity and reserve balances for restructuring charges by segment were as follows:
(in millions) Americas International Corporate Total
Reserve balances at January 1, 2020 $ 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
Restructuring charges 4.6 11.2 0.6 16.4
Currency translation and other adjustments ( 0.1 ) ( 0.2 ) — ( 0.3 )
Cash payments / utilization ( 4.0 ) ( 12.9 ) ( 0.7 ) ( 17.6 )
Reserve balances at December 31, 2021 $ 3.3 $ 17.4 $ 0.3 $ 21.0
Restructuring charges 2.3 5.1 0.6 8.0
Currency translation and other adjustments 0.1 ( 1.3 ) — ( 1.2 )
Cash payments / utilization ( 4.0 ) ( 8.4 ) ( 0.4 ) ( 12.8 )
Reserve balances at December 31, 2022 $ 1.7 $ 12.8 $ 0.5 $ 15.0
Restructuring reserves at December 31, 2022 and 2021 are included in Accrued restructuring and other current liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Note 4— Inventories
The following table sets forth the components of inventory:
December 31,
(In thousands) 2022 2021
Finished products $ 97,142 $ 87,657
Work in process 16,360 6,534
Raw materials and supplies 224,814 186,426
Total inventories $ 338,316 $ 280,617
Note 5— Property, Plant, and Equipment
The following table sets forth the components of property, plant and equipment:
December 31,
(In thousands) 2022 2021
Land $ 4,884 $ 5,131
Buildings 138,618 136,272
Machinery and equipment 466,394 435,652
Construction in progress 22,097 36,552
Total 631,993 613,607
Less accumulated depreciation ( 424,441 ) ( 405,814 )
Property, plant and equipment, net $ 207,552 $ 207,793
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Note 6— Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
MSA Safety Incorporated Noncontrolling Interests
(In thousands) 2022 2021 2020 2022 2021 2020
Pension and other post-retirement benefits (a)
Balance at beginning of period $ ( 57,296 ) $ ( 115,552 ) $ ( 124,848 ) $ — $ — $ —
Unrecognized net actuarial (losses) gains ( 2,862 ) 54,384 ( 6,322 ) — — —
Tax benefit (expense) 703 ( 12,804 ) 1,997 — — —
Total other comprehensive (loss) gain before reclassifications, net of tax ( 2,159 ) 41,580 ( 4,325 ) — — —
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income:
Amortization of prior service credit (Note 15) ( 199 ) ( 95 ) ( 216 ) — — —
Recognized net actuarial losses (Note 15) 12,592 22,531 18,079 — — —
Tax benefit ( 3,273 ) ( 5,760 ) ( 4,242 ) — — —
Total amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, into net income 9,120 16,676 13,621 — — —
Total other comprehensive income $ 6,961 $ 58,256 $ 9,296 $ — $ — $ —
Balance at end of period $ ( 50,335 ) $ ( 57,296 ) $ ( 115,552 ) $ — $ — $ —
Available-for-sale securities
Balance at beginning of period $ ( 5 ) $ ( 1 ) $ 6 $ — $ — $ —
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities (Note 19) 3 ( 4 ) ( 7 ) — — —
Balance at end of period $ ( 2 ) $ ( 5 ) $ ( 1 ) $ — $ — $ —
Foreign currency translation
Balance at beginning of period $ ( 91,839 ) $ ( 66,844 ) $ ( 89,161 ) $ — $ 372 $ 213
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net income (b)
2,912 (c)
267 216 — — —
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — — — ( 280 ) —
Foreign currency translation adjustments ( 19,453 ) ( 25,262 ) 22,101 — ( 92 ) 159
Balance at end of period $ ( 108,380 ) $ ( 91,839 ) $ ( 66,844 ) $ — $ — $ 372
(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 15—Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits).
(b) Included in Currency exchange losses, net, within the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(c) Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and into net income relate primarily to the approval of our plan to close a foreign subsidiary.
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Note 7— 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 were 71,340 shares issued and 52,998 shares held in treasury at both December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Treasury shares at cost line of the Consolidated Balance Sheets includes $ 1.8 million related to preferred stock. There were no shares of preferred stock purchased and subsequently held in treasury during the years ended December 31, 2022, or 2021. 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, 2022 or 2021.
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 December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. There were 39,213,064 and 39,276,518 shares outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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. Under the program, there were 251,408 shares repurchased during 2022, no shares repurchased during 2021 and 175,000 shares repurchased during 2020. We do not have any other share repurchase programs. There were 22,868,327 and 22,804,873 Treasury shares at December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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 219,214 and 246,376 Treasury shares issued for these purposes during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
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Common stock activity is summarized as follows:
Shares Dollars
(Dollars in thousands) Issued Treasury Common
Stock Treasury
Cost
Balance at January 1, 2020 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 — ( 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 )
Restricted stock awards — 53,934 ( 762 ) 762
Restricted stock expense — — 6,562 —
Restricted stock forfeitures — — ( 765 ) —
Stock options exercised — 122,119 4,003 1,767
Stock option expense — — 90 —
Stock option forfeitures — — ( 9 ) —
Performance stock issued — 64,543 ( 939 ) 939
Performance stock expense — — 13,227 —
Employee stock purchase plan — 5,730 772 83
Treasury shares purchased — ( 37,710 ) — ( 6,171 )
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — ( 4,751 ) —
Balances December 31, 2021 62,081,391 ( 22,804,873 ) $ 260,121 $ ( 328,776 )
Restricted stock awards — 52,810 ( 711 ) 711
Restricted stock expense — — 7,715 —
Restricted stock forfeitures — — ( 1,227 ) —
Stock options exercised — 103,545 3,021 1,629
Stock option expense — — 49 —
Performance stock issued — 55,447 ( 880 ) 880
Performance stock expense — — 15,843 —
Performance stock forfeitures — — ( 2,730 ) —
Employee stock purchase plan — 7,412 779 112
Treasury shares purchased — ( 31,260 ) — ( 4,021 )
Share repurchase program — ( 251,408 ) — ( 30,373 )
Balances December 31, 2022 62,081,391 ( 22,868,327 ) $ 281,980 $ ( 359,838 )
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Note 8— Segment Information
We are organized into four geographical operating segments that are based on management responsibilities: Northern North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific. 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 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, acquisition related costs, including acquisition related amortization. Adjusted operating margin is defined as adjusted operating income (loss) divided by segment net sales to external customers. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as adjusted operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as adjusted EBITDA divided by segment net sales to external customers.
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.
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Reportable segment information is presented in the following table:
(In thousands) Americas International Corporate Reconciling
Items (1)
Consolidated
Totals
2022
Net sales to external customers $ 1,043,238 $ 484,715 $ — $ — $ 1,527,953
Operating income 239,137
Restructuring charges (Note 3) 7,965
Currency exchange losses, net (Note 6) 10,255
Product liability expense (Note 20) 20,590
Acquisition related costs (a) (Note 14)
12,440
Adjusted operating income (loss) 267,392 60,923 ( 37,928 ) 290,387
Adjusted operating margin % 25.6 % 12.6 %
Depreciation and amortization 34,334 12,256 520 47,110
Adjusted EBITDA 301,726 73,179 ( 37,408 ) 337,497
Adjusted EBITDA margin % 28.9 % 15.1 %
Noncash items:
Pension (income) expense $ ( 18,368 ) $ 6,869 $ — $ — $ ( 11,499 )
Total Assets 1,660,776 703,444 11,673 1,083 2,376,976
Capital expenditures 33,324 9,229 — — 42,553
2021
Net sales to external customers $ 908,068 $ 492,114 $ — $ — $ 1,400,182
Operating income 22,780
Restructuring charges (Note 3) 16,433
Currency exchange losses, net (Note 6) 216
Product liability expense (Note 20) 185,264
Acquisition related costs (a) (Note 14)
15,884
Adjusted operating income (loss) 202,496 73,279 ( 35,198 ) — 240,577
Adjusted operating margin % 22.3 % 14.9 %
Depreciation and amortization 31,236 13,718 463 — 45,417
Adjusted EBITDA 233,732 86,997 ( 34,735 ) — 285,994
Adjusted EBITDA margin % 25.7 % 17.7 %
Noncash items:
Pension (income) expense $ ( 2,916 ) $ 5,790 $ — $ — $ 2,874
Total Assets 1,661,619 720,257 13,034 1,486 2,396,396
Capital expenditures 25,148 11,408 7,281 — 43,837
2020
Net sales to external customers $ 874,305 $ 473,918 $ — $ — $ 1,348,223
Operating income 171,895
Restructuring charges (Note 3) 27,381
Currency exchange losses, net (Note 6) 8,578
Product liability expense (Note 20) 39,036
Acquisition related costs (a) (Note 14)
717
COVID-19 related costs 757
Adjusted operating income (loss) 205,304 71,140 ( 28,080 ) — 248,364
Adjusted operating margin % 23.5 % 15.0 %
Depreciation and amortization 26,762 12,521 391 — 39,674
Adjusted EBITDA 232,066 83,661 ( 27,689 ) — 288,038
Adjusted EBITDA margin % 26.5 % 17.7 %
Noncash items:
Pension expense $ 910 $ 8,113 $ — $ — $ 9,023
Total Assets 1,273,302 617,698 29,761 ( 1,130 ) 1,919,631
Capital expenditures 43,181 5,724 — — 48,905
(a) Acquisition related costs include advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees incurred during due diligence and integration. These costs are included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Acquisition-related costs also include the acquisition related amortization, which is included in Cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(1) Reconciling items consist primarily of intercompany eliminations and items not directly attributable to operating segments.
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Geographic information on Net sales to external customers, based on country of origin:
(In thousands) 2022 2021 2020
United States $ 876,945 $ 746,825 $ 750,315
Other 651,008 653,357 597,908
Total $ 1,527,953 $ 1,400,182 $ 1,348,223
Geographic information on tangible long-lived assets, net, based on country of origin:
(In thousands) 2022 2021 2020
United States $ 159,345 $ 155,667 $ 134,234
Other 92,349 102,304 108,837
Total $ 251,694 $ 257,971 $ 243,071
Total Net sales by product group was as follows:
2022 Consolidated Americas International
(In thousands) Dollars Percent Dollars Percent Dollars Percent
Breathing Apparatus $ 371,176 24 % $ 265,558 25 % $ 105,618 22 %
Fixed Gas & Flame Detection (a)
356,075 23 % 227,609 22 % 128,466 27 %
Firefighter Helmets & Protective Apparel (b)
207,759 14 % 150,869 14 % 56,890 12 %
Portable Gas Detection 173,660 11 % 121,934 12 % 51,726 11 %
Industrial Head Protection 163,253 11 % 127,485 12 % 35,768 7 %
Fall Protection 110,094 7 % 69,225 7 % 40,869 8 %
Other (c)
145,936 10 % 80,558 8 % 65,378 13 %
Total $ 1,527,953 100 % $ 1,043,238 100 % $ 484,715 100 %
2021 Consolidated Americas International
(In thousands) Dollars Percent Dollars Percent Dollars Percent
Breathing Apparatus $ 322,412 23 % $ 217,340 24 % $ 105,072 21 %
Fixed Gas & Flame Detection (a)
299,018 21 % 182,515 20 % 116,503 24 %
Firefighter Helmets & Protective Apparel (b)
203,914 15 % 137,086 15 % 66,828 14 %
Portable Gas Detection 162,761 12 % 109,543 12 % 53,218 11 %
Industrial Head Protection 143,601 10 % 108,869 12 % 34,732 7 %
Fall Protection 117,731 8 % 69,108 8 % 48,623 10 %
Other (c)
150,745 11 % 83,607 9 % 67,138 13 %
Total $ 1,400,182 100 % $ 908,068 100 % $ 492,114 100 %
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 (c)
197,846 15 % 120,398 14 % 77,448 16 %
Total $ 1,348,223 100 % $ 874,305 100 % $ 473,918 100 %
(a) Fixed Gas & Flame Detection include sales from the Bacharach acquisition from July 1, 2021 onward (Americas and International).
(b) Firefighter Helmets & Protective Apparel include sales from the Bristol acquisition from January 25, 2021 onward (International).
(c) Other products include sales of Air Purifying Respirators.
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Note 9— Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated common shareholders 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 attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated common shareholders 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) 2022 2021 2020
Net income $ 179,630 $ 21,340 $ 124,077
Preferred stock dividends ( 41 ) ( 41 ) ( 41 )
Net income available to common equity 179,589 21,299 124,036
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities ( 30 ) ( 24 ) ( 84 )
Net income available to common shareholders $ 179,559 $ 21,275 $ 123,952
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 39,232 39,173 38,885
Stock options and other stock-based awards 175 276 401
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 39,407 39,449 39,286
Antidilutive stock options — — —
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 4.58 $ 0.54 $ 3.19
Diluted $ 4.56 $ 0.54 $ 3.15
Note 10— Income Taxes
(In thousands) 2022 2021 2020
Components of income before income taxes
U.S. income (loss) $ 170,426 $ ( 59,746 ) $ 109,726
Non-U.S. income 68,107 83,350 58,421
Income before income taxes $ 238,533 $ 23,604 $ 168,147
Provision for income taxes
Current
Federal $ 26,022 $ 13,179 $ 23,587
State 7,708 5,000 4,896
Non-U.S. 20,002 22,487 16,780
Total current provision $ 53,732 $ 40,666 $ 45,263
Deferred
Federal $ 7,350 $ ( 29,631 ) $ ( 573 )
State 862 ( 7,204 ) ( 579 )
Non-U.S. ( 3,041 ) ( 2,015 ) ( 1,102 )
Total deferred provision (benefit) 5,171 ( 38,850 ) ( 2,254 )
Provision for income taxes $ 58,903 $ 1,816 $ 43,009
On June 10, 2021 the United Kingdom ("U.K.") Parliament announced royal assent for Bill No. 12, on the Finance Act of 2021. This bill will increase the statutory rate from 19% to 25% in April 2023. The Company recorded this impact on its deferred tax balances in the second quarter of 2021.
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Reconciliation of the U.S. federal income tax rates to our effective tax rate:
2022 2021 2020
U.S. federal income tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 %
State income taxes-U.S. 2.9 % ( 7.0 ) % 2.0 %
Nondeductible compensation 1.2 % 15.3 % 3.4 %
Valuation allowances 0.8 % 7.0 % 0.8 %
Foreign exchange on entity closures 0.3 % ( 0.4 ) % — %
Taxes on non-U.S. income 0.1 % ( 10.9 ) % 2.6 %
Employee share-based payments ( 0.8 ) % ( 18.3 ) % ( 3.9 ) %
Research and development credit ( 0.4 ) % ( 5.3 ) % ( 1.2 ) %
Taxes on non-U.S. income - U.S., Canadian & European reorganization — % — % 0.7 %
Other ( 0.4 ) % 6.3 % 0.2 %
Effective income tax rate 24.7 % 7.7 % 25.6 %
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities:
December 31,
(In thousands) 2022 2021
Deferred tax assets
Product liability $ 72,950 $ 71,709
Capitalized research and development 26,988 25,644
Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards 10,696 9,404
Accrued expenses and other reserves 5,738 4,627
Share-based compensation 4,562 3,619
Other 5,068 4,785
Total deferred tax assets 126,002 119,788
Valuation allowances ( 10,017 ) ( 8,812 )
Net deferred tax assets 115,985 110,976
Deferred tax liabilities
Goodwill and intangibles ( 80,383 ) ( 79,285 )
Property, plant and equipment ( 18,735 ) ( 17,088 )
Employee benefits ( 18,899 ) ( 8,985 )
Inventory — ( 1,264 )
Other ( 4,359 ) ( 2,434 )
Total deferred tax liabilities ( 122,376 ) ( 109,056 )
Net deferred taxes $ ( 6,391 ) $ 1,920
At December 31, 2022, we had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $ 49.0 million. All net operating loss carryforwards without a valuation allowance may be carried forward for a period of at least six years .
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A reconciliation of the change in the tax liability for unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:
(In thousands) 2022 2021
Beginning balance $ 4,937 $ 8,092
Adjustments for tax positions related to the current year 100 182
Adjustments for tax positions related to prior years 155 733
Settlements — ( 3,211 )
Statute expiration — ( 859 )
Ending balance $ 5,192 $ 4,937
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 $ 2.5 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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 $ 1.1 million and $ 0.8 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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 2018. Various state and foreign income tax returns may be subject to tax audits for periods after 2015.
On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act which includes a new minimum tax on certain large corporations and an excise tax on stock buybacks. We do not anticipate this legislation will have a material impact for the company.
Note 11— Stock Plans
The 2016 Management Equity Incentive Plan provides for various forms of stock-based compensation for eligible employees through May 2026 including stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance stock units. 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 240 % 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 7—Capital Stock for further information regarding stock compensation share issuance. As of December 31, 2022, there were 598,813 and 76,890 shares, respectively, reserved for future grants under the management and non-employee directors’ equity incentive plans.
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Stock-based compensation expense was as follows:
(In thousands) 2022 2021 2020
Restricted stock units $ 6,488 $ 5,797 $ 6,258
Stock options 49 81 113
Performance stock units 13,113 13,030 549
Total stock-compensation expense before income taxes 19,650 18,908 6,920
Income tax benefit 4,814 4,633 1,668
Total stock-compensation expense, net of income tax benefit $ 14,836 $ 14,275 $ 5,252
We did not capitalize any stock-based compensation expense, and all expense is included in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
A summary of option activity follows:
Shares Weighted
Average
Exercise Price Exercisable at
Year-end
Outstanding January 1, 2020 559,656 $ 45.78
Exercised ( 274,704 ) 45.31
Forfeited ( 954 ) 42.00
Outstanding December 31, 2020 283,998 46.23 281,593
Exercised ( 122,087 ) 47.25
Forfeited ( 210 ) 43.75
Outstanding December 31, 2021 161,701 45.47 161,347
Exercised ( 103,545 ) 44.91
Outstanding December 31, 2022 58,156 $ 46.48 58,156
For various exercise price ranges, characteristics of outstanding and exercisable stock options at December 31, 2022 were as follows:
Stock Options Outstanding
Range of Exercise Prices Shares Weighted-Average
Exercise Price Remaining Life
$ 33.01 – $ 45.00
33,148 $ 44.50 2.41
$ 45.01 – $ 57.93
25,008 49.10 2.21
$ 33.01 – $ 57.93
58,156 $ 46.48 2.32
Stock Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices Shares Weighted-Average
Exercise Price Remaining Life
$ 33.01 – $ 45.00
33,148 $ 44.50 2.41
$ 45.01 – $ 57.93
25,008 49.10 2.21
$ 33.01 – $ 57.93
58,156 $ 46.48 2.32
Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $ 4.7 million, $ 5.8 million and $ 12.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The tax benefit we realized from these exercises was $ 1.9 million, $ 4.3 million and $ 6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Stock options become exercisable when they are vested. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable and outstanding at December 31, 2022 was $ 5.7 million.
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Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units are valued at the market value of the stock on the grant date. A summary of restricted stock unit activity follows:
Shares Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Unvested January 1, 2020 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
Granted 43,146 167.13
Vested ( 65,225 ) 95.43
Forfeited ( 5,769 ) 132.54
Unvested at December 31, 2021 118,343 132.62
Granted 87,697 130.28
Vested ( 51,369 ) 113.96
Forfeited ( 8,785 ) 139.66
Unvested at December 31, 2022 145,886 $ 137.36
A summary of performance stock unit activity follows:
Shares Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2020 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
Granted 52,309 175.59
Vested ( 64,543 ) 85.41
Performance adjustments 5,357 88.45
Unvested at December 31, 2021 193,335 129.86
Granted 81,504 142.38
Vested ( 55,447 ) 101.38
Performance adjustments ( 22,147 ) 99.84
Forfeited ( 18,485 ) 147.66
Unvested at December 31, 2022 178,760 $ 146.28
The 2022 performance adjustments above relate primarily to 2019 performance unit awards that were below the performance targets when vested during 2022, including the final number of shares issued, which were 64.2 % of the target award based on actual results during the three year performance period.
During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, 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 $ 8.6 million, $ 13.0 million and $ 24.6 million, respectively. The fair values of restricted stock vested during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were $ 5.9 million, $ 6.2 million and $ 5.7 million, respectively. The fair value of performance stock units vested during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $ 5.6 million, $ 5.5 million and $ 9.6 million, respectively.
On December 31, 2022, there was $ 16.4 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense. The weighted average period over which this expense is expected to be recognized was approximately 1.8 years.
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Note 12— Long-Term Debt
Long-Term Debt
December 31,
(In thousands) 2022 2021
2016 Senior Notes payable through 2031, 3.40 %, net of debt issuance costs
$ 66,379 $ 74,203
2021 Senior Notes payable through 2036, 2.69 %, net of debt issuance costs
99,711 99,694
2021 Senior Notes payable through 2036, 2.69 %, net of debt issuance costs
99,711 99,694
Senior revolving credit facility maturing in 2026, net of debt issuance costs 307,031 324,060
Total 572,832 597,651
Amounts due within one year 7,387 —
Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs $ 565,445 $ 597,651
On May 24, 2021, the Company entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Revolving Credit Facility" or "Facility”) that extended its term through May 24, 2026 and increased the capacity to $ 900.0 million. Under the amended 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) 0.00 %, (ii) the Prime Rate, (iii) the Federal Funds Open Rate plus one half of one percent ( 0.5 %), (iv) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate, plus one half of one percent ( 0.5 %), or (v) 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 elected rate (BASE or LIBOR). The Company has a weighted average revolver interest rate of 5.13 % as of December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2022, $ 589.9 million of the existing $ 900.0 million senior revolving credit facility was unused, including letters of credit issued under the facility. The facility also provides an accordion feature that allows the Company to access an additional $ 400.0 million of capacity pending approval by MSA’s board of directors and from the bank group.
On July 1, 2021, the Company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Multi-Currency Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement (the “Prudential Note Agreement”) with PGIM, Inc. (“Prudential”). The Prudential Note Agreement provided for (i) the issuance of $ 100.0 million of 2.69 % Series C Senior Notes due July 1, 2036 and (ii) the establishment of an uncommitted note issuance facility whereby the Company may request, subject to Prudential’s acceptance in its sole discretion, the issuance of up to $ 335.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had issued £ 54.9 million (approximately $ 66.5 million at December 31, 2022) of 3.4 % Series B Senior Notes due January 22, 2031.
On July 1, 2021, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Master Note Facility (the “NYL Note Facility”) with NYL Investors. The NYL Note Facility provided for (i) the issuance of $ 100.0 million of 2.69 % Series A Senior Notes due July 1, 2036 and (ii) the establishment of an uncommitted note issuance facility whereby the Company may request, subject to NYL Investors’ acceptance in its sole discretion, the issuance of up to $ 200.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes.
The Revolving Credit Facility, Prudential Note Agreement and NYL Note Facility require the Company 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 leverage ratio not to exceed 3.50 to 1.00; except during an acquisition period, defined as four consecutive fiscal quarters beginning with the quarter of acquisition, 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 agreements contain negative covenants limiting the ability of the Company 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 the Company's or its subsidiaries' business. All credit facilities exclude the subsidiary, Mine Safety Appliances Company, LLC.
On July 1, 2021, the Company acquired Bacharach in a transaction valued at $ 329.4 million, net of cash acquired. The acquisition was partially financed by $ 200.0 million of 2.69 % Senior Notes from the Prudential Note Agreement and NYL Note Facility. The remaining purchase price was financed under the Revolving Credit Facility.
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During August 2021, the Company amended its Revolving Credit Facility to transition from Sterling LIBOR reference rates to Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate ("SONIA") reference rates. The Company will apply the optional expedients in ASC 848, Reference Rate Reform , to this modification and potential future modifications driven by reference rate reform, accounting for the modifications as a continuation of the existing contracts. Therefore, these modifications will not require remeasurement at the modification date or a reassessment of previous accounting determinations. As such, the Company does not anticipate the change in reference rates will have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Management continues to evaluate the Company’s other outstanding U.S. LIBOR based contracts to determine whether reference rate modifications are necessary.
As of December 31, 2022, MSA was in full compliance with the restrictive covenants under its various credit agreements.
Approximate maturities on our long-term debt over the next five years are $ 7.4 million in 2023, $ 7.4 million in 2024, $ 7.4 million in 2025, $ 316.0 million in 2026, $ 7.4 million in 2027 and $ 229.6 million thereafter.
The Company had outstanding bank guarantees and standby letters of credit with banks as of December 31, 2022, totaling $ 9.3 million, of which $ 1.5 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, 2022, the Company has $ 1.5 million of restricted cash in support of these arrangements.
In January 2023, we entered into a new $ 250 million term loan and $ 65 million was drawn down from our revolving credit facility to fund the divestiture of MSA LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary that holds legacy product liability claims relating to coal dust, asbestos, silica, and other exposures. Please refer to Note 20—Contingencies for additional information.
Note 13— Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Changes in goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, were as follows:
(In thousands) 2022 2021
Balance at January 1, 2022 $ 636,858 $ 443,272
Additions — 199,454
Measurement period adjustment ( 1,041 ) —
Currency translation ( 15,195 ) ( 5,868 )
Balance at December 31. 2022 $ 620,622 $ 636,858
At December 31, 2022, goodwill of $ 447.6 million and $ 173.0 million related to the Americas and International reportable segments, respectively.
Changes in intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, were as follows:
(In thousands) 2022 2021
Net balance at January 1, 2022 $ 306,948 $ 161,051
Additions — 164,426
Amortization expense ( 19,137 ) ( 16,814 )
Currency translation ( 5,958 ) ( 1,715 )
Net balance at December 31, 2022 $ 281,853 $ 306,948
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(In millions) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
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 19 $ 178.7 $ ( 35.3 ) $ 143.4 $ 185.7 $ ( 27.9 ) $ 157.8
Distribution agreements 20 65.8 ( 26.9 ) 38.9 66.1 ( 23.8 ) 42.3
Technology related assets 8 49.5 ( 29.3 ) 20.2 50.4 ( 25.5 ) 24.9
Patents, trademarks and copyrights 16 34.0 ( 14.8 ) 19.2 35.2 ( 13.6 ) 21.6
License agreements 5 5.4 ( 5.3 ) 0.1 5.4 ( 5.3 ) 0.1
Other 3 3.3 ( 3.2 ) 0.1 3.3 ( 3.0 ) 0.3
Total 17 $ 336.7 $ ( 114.8 ) $ 221.9 $ 346.1 $ ( 99.1 ) $ 247.0
At December 31, 2022, 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 $ 18.0 million in both 2023 and 2024 and $ 17.1 million annually from 2025 to 2027.
Note 14— Acquisitions
Acquisition of Bacharach
On July 1, 2021, we acquired 100 % of the common stock of Bacharach in an all cash transaction valued at $ 329.4 million, net of cash acquired.
Headquartered near Pittsburgh in New Kensington, PA, Bacharach is a leader in gas detection technologies used in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration ("HVAC-R") markets. This acquisition expanded MSA’s gas detection portfolio and leverages MSA’s product and manufacturing expertise into new markets.
Bacharach's operating results are included in our consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date within the Americas, International and Corporate reportable segments. The acquisition qualified as a business combination and was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the Bacharach assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition:
(In millions) July 1, 2021
Current assets (including cash of $ 11.7 million)
$ 32.1
Property, plant and equipment and other noncurrent assets 4.3
Customer relationships 123.0
Developed technology 20.5
Trade name 15.0
Goodwill 193.5
Total assets acquired 388.4
Total liabilities assumed ( 47.3 )
Net assets acquired $ 341.1
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Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the acquisition were recorded at 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 excess earnings approach for customer relationships using customer inputs and contributory charges; the relief from royalty method for trade name and developed technologies; and the cost method for assembled workforce was included in goodwill. A number of significant assumptions and estimates were involved in the application of these valuation methods, including forecasted sales volumes and prices, royalty rates, costs to produce, tax rates, capital spending, discount rates, attrition rates and working capital changes. Cash flow forecasts were generally based on Bacharach 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, developed technology and trade name acquired in the Bacharach transaction are being amortized over periods of 21 years, 7 to 9 years and 20 years, respectively. The step up to fair value of acquired inventory as part of the purchase price allocation totaled $ 2.3 million. The amortization of the inventory step up was included in Cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2021.
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 Bacharach with our operations. Goodwill of $ 193.5 million related to the Bacharach acquisition was recorded, with $ 154.6 million and $ 38.9 million allocated to the Americas reportable segment and International reportable segment, respectively. This Goodwill is non-deductible for tax purposes.
Acquisition of Bristol Uniforms and Bell Apparel
On January 25, 2021, we acquired 100 % of the common stock of B T Q Limited, including Bristol in an all-cash transaction valued at $ 63.0 million, net of cash acquired.
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 market leader in fire service personal protective equipment products, which include breathing apparatus, firefighter helmets, thermal imaging cameras, and firefighter protective apparel, while providing an avenue to expand its business in the U.K. and key European markets. Bristol is also a leading manufacturer of flame-retardant, waterproof, and other protective work wear for the utility industry. Marketed under the Bell Apparel brand, this line complements MSA's existing and broad range of offerings for the global utilities market.
Bristol's operating results are included in our consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date as part of the International reportable segment. The acquisition qualified as a business combination and was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the Bristol assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition:
(In millions) January 25, 2021
Current assets (including cash of $ 13.3 million)
$ 37.1
Net investment in sales-type leases, noncurrent 29.0
Property, plant and equipment and other noncurrent assets 12.0
Customer relationships 4.5
Trade name and other intangible assets 1.4
Goodwill 4.9
Total assets acquired 88.9
Total liabilities assumed ( 12.6 )
Net assets acquired $ 76.3
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Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the acquisition were recorded at 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 excess earnings approach for customer relationships using customer inputs and contributory charges; the relief from royalty method for trade name; 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 forecasted sales volumes and prices, royalty rates, costs to produce, tax rates, capital spending, discount rates, attrition rates and working capital changes. Cash flow forecasts were generally based on Bristol 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 and trade name acquired in the Bristol transaction will be amortized over a period of 15 years. The step up to fair value of acquired inventory as part of the purchase price allocation totaled $ 1.5 million. The amortization of the inventory step up was included in Cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2021.
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 Bristol with our operations. Goodwill of $ 4.9 million related to the Bristol acquisition has been recorded in the International reportable segment and is non-deductible for tax purposes.
The operating results of the Bristol and Bacharach acquisitions have been included in our consolidated financial statements from their respective acquisition dates. Our results for the year ended December 31, 2021, include combined net sales and net loss of $ 67.2 million and $ 6.3 million, respectively.
The following unaudited pro forma information presents our combined results as if the Bristol and Bacharach acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of 2020. 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 Bristol or Bacharach during the periods presented that are required to be eliminated. The unaudited pro forma combined financial information does not reflect cost savings, operating synergies or revenue enhancements that the combined companies may achieve or the costs to integrate the operations or the costs necessary to achieve cost savings, operating synergies or revenue enhancements.
Pro forma combined financial information (Unaudited)
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions, except per share amounts) 2021 2020
Net sales $ 1,437.9 $ 1,470.4
Net income 10.2 114.6
Basic earnings per share 0.26 2.94
Diluted earnings per share 0.26 2.91
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 acquisition 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 acquisition. In addition, the unaudited pro forma combined financial information is not intended to project the future results of the combined company.
The unaudited pro forma combined financial information was prepared using the acquisition method of accounting under existing U.S. GAAP. MSA has been treated as the acquirer.
Total acquisition related costs were $ 12.4 million, $ 15.9 million and $ 0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Transactional costs are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses and acquisition-related amortization is included in Cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
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Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interest
During July 2021, the Company purchased the remaining 10 % noncontrolling interest in MSA (China) Safety Equipment Co., Ltd. from our partner in China for $ 19.0 million, inclusive of a $ 5.6 million distribution.
Note 15— 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.
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Defined benefit pension plan and other post-retirement benefits plan information is provided in the following tables:
Pension Benefits Other Benefits
(In thousands) 2022 2021 2022 2021
Change in Benefit Obligations
Benefit obligations at January 1 $ 654,362 $ 670,857 $ 29,831 $ 32,225
Service cost 12,281 12,910 327 398
Interest cost 14,377 11,518 590 476
Participant contributions 257 287 259 345
Plan amendments 154 ( 243 ) — —
Actuarial gains (a)
( 156,214 ) ( 10,277 ) ( 5,884 ) ( 1,518 )
Benefits paid ( 26,377 ) ( 25,117 ) ( 2,585 ) ( 3,021 )
Curtailments ( 286 ) ( 439 ) — —
Settlements ( 260 ) ( 3,190 ) — —
Transfers (b)
— ( 19,312 ) — —
Acquisitions — 26,231 — 926
Currency translation ( 7,929 ) ( 8,863 ) — —
Benefit obligations at December 31 $ 490,365 $ 654,362 $ 22,538 $ 29,831
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at January 1 $ 651,986 $ 586,822 $ — $ —
Actual return on plan assets ( 115,105 ) 80,366 — —
Employer contributions 5,032 5,543 2,326 2,676
Participant contributions 257 287 259 345
Acquisitions — 25,476 — —
Settlements ( 260 ) ( 1,365 ) — —
Benefits paid ( 26,377 ) ( 25,117 ) ( 2,585 ) ( 3,021 )
Transfers (b)
— ( 19,312 ) — —
Administrative expenses paid ( 54 ) ( 67 ) — —
Currency translation ( 1,261 ) ( 647 ) — —
Fair value of plan assets at December 31 $ 514,218 $ 651,986 $ — $ —
Funded Status
Funded status at December 31 $ 23,853 $ ( 2,376 ) $ ( 22,538 ) $ ( 29,831 )
Unrecognized prior service credit (cost) 1,224 1,186 ( 429 ) ( 767 )
Unrecognized net actuarial losses 90,212 95,674 6,445 13,570
Net amount recognized $ 115,289 $ 94,484 $ ( 16,522 ) $ ( 17,028 )
Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheets
Noncurrent assets $ 141,643 $ 163,283 $ — $ —
Current liabilities ( 3,712 ) ( 6,569 ) ( 2,226 ) ( 2,739 )
Noncurrent liabilities ( 114,078 ) ( 159,090 ) ( 20,312 ) ( 27,092 )
Net amount recognized $ 23,853 $ ( 2,376 ) $ ( 22,538 ) $ ( 29,831 )
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Net actuarial losses $ 90,212 $ 95,674 $ 6,445 $ 13,570
Prior service cost (credit) 1,224 1,186 ( 429 ) ( 767 )
Total (before tax effects) $ 91,436 $ 96,860 $ 6,016 $ 12,803
Accumulated Benefit Obligations for all Defined Benefit Plans $ 459,630 $ 608,436 $ — $ —
(a) Actuarial gains for both periods relate primarily to the increase/decrease in discount rates used in measuring plan obligations as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(b) Transfers consist of Netherlands defined benefit plan conversion to a defined contribution plan.
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Pension Benefits Other Benefits
(In thousands) 2022 2021 2020 2022 2021 2020
Components of Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Cost
Service cost $ 12,281 $ 12,910 $ 12,094 $ 327 $ 398 $ 396
Interest cost 14,377 11,518 14,905 590 476 716
Expected return on plan assets ( 49,646 ) ( 37,368 ) ( 34,029 ) — — —
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) 139 164 178 ( 338 ) ( 358 ) ( 394 )
Recognized net actuarial losses 11,704 17,458 15,799 1,242 1,597 1,145
Settlement/curtailment (gain) loss ( 354 ) ( 2,234 ) (b)
1,135 (b)
— — —
Net periodic benefit (income) cost (a)
$ ( 11,499 ) $ 2,448 $ 10,082 $ 1,821 $ 2,113 $ 1,863
(a) Components of net periodic benefit (income) 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" in 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
(In thousands) 2022 2021
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligations (ABO) $ 116,531 $ 181,511
Aggregate fair value of plan assets 4,454 22,265
Information for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Pension Benefits
(In thousands) 2022 2021
Aggregate projected benefit obligations (PBO) $ 122,229 $ 187,924
Aggregate fair value of plan assets 4,454 22,265
Pension Benefits Other Benefits
2022 2021 2022 2021
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Average discount rate 5.01 % 2.70 % 5.09 % 2.66 %
Rate of compensation increase 4.61 % 4.58 % 3.00 % 2.91 %
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Average discount rate - Service cost 3.12 % 2.80 % 2.84 % 2.42 %
Average discount rate - Interest cost 2.17 % 1.69 % 2.04 % 1.48 %
Expected return on plan assets 8.77 % 7.13 % — —
Rate of compensation increase 4.58 % 2.90 % 2.91 % 3.00 %
Discount rates for all U.S. and foreign plans were determined using the aforementioned spot rate methodology for 2022 and 2021. 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.
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The expected return on assets for the 2022 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,
2022 2021
Equity securities 56 % 51 %
Fixed income securities 26 25
Pooled investment funds 15 22
Cash and cash equivalents 2 1
Insurance contracts 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 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 19—Fair Value Measurements.
The fair values at December 31, 2022, 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 $ 288,006 $ 44,583 $ 243,423 $ — $ —
Fixed income securities 132,659 — 63,522 69,137 —
Pooled investment funds 79,853 79,853 — — —
Cash and cash equivalents 9,246 7,954 1,292 — —
Insurance contracts 4,454 — — — 4,454
Total $ 514,218 $ 132,390 $ 308,237 $ 69,137 $ 4,454
The fair values of the Company's pension plan assets at December 31, 2021, 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 $ 329,795 $ 66,897 $ 262,898 $ — $ —
Fixed income securities 161,965 — 86,543 75,422 —
Pooled investment funds 146,081 146,081 — — —
Cash and cash equivalents 9,934 8,637 1,297 — —
Insurance contracts 4,211 — — — 4,211
Total $ 651,986 $ 221,615 $ 350,738 $ 75,422 $ 4,211
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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 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, 2021 $ 24,396
Net realized and unrealized gains ( 881 )
Net purchases, issuances and settlements ( 19,304 )
Balance December 31, 2021 4,211
Net realized and unrealized gains ( 119 )
Net purchases, issuances and settlements 362
Balance December 31, 2022 $ 4,454
The following table presents amounts related to Level 3 assets recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
(In thousands) Insurance
Contracts
Net actuarial losses $ ( 1,781 )
Prior service cost 744
Total (before tax effects) $ ( 1,037 )
We expect to make net contributions of $ 8.2 million to our pension plans in 2023, which are primarily associated with statutorily required plans in the International reporting segment.
For the 2022 beginning of the year measurement purposes (net periodic benefit expense), a 5.9 % increase in the costs of covered health care benefits was assumed, decreasing by 0.2 % for each successive year to 4.5 % in 2030 and thereafter. For the 2022 end of the year measurement purposes (benefit obligation), a 6.5 % increase in the costs of covered health care benefits was assumed, decreasing by approximately 0.2 % for each successive year to 4.4 % in 2032 and thereafter.
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Expense for defined contribution pension plans was $ 12.6 million in 2022, $ 11.7 million in 2021 and $ 10.6 million in 2020.
Estimated pension benefits to be paid under our defined benefit pension plans during the next five years are $ 30.2 million in 2023, $ 29.6 million in 2024, $ 30.7 million in 2025, $ 31.1 million in 2026 and $ 31.5 million in 2027, and an aggregated $ 164.3 million for the five years thereafter. Estimated other post-retirement benefits to be paid during the next five years are $ 2.2 million in 2023, $ 2.2 million in 2024, $ 2.0 million in 2025, $ 1.9 million in 2026, $ 2.0 million in 2027, and an aggregated $ 9.5 million for the five years thereafter.
Note 16— Other Income, Net
Year ended December 31,
(In thousands) 2022 2021 2020
Components of net periodic benefit (income) cost other than service cost (Note 15) $ 22,286 $ 8,321 $ 1,680
Interest income 4,155 3,256 3,498
Loss on asset write-down and dispositions, net ( 6,290 ) ( 788 ) ( 236 )
Other, net 905 793 742
Total other income, net $ 21,056 $ 11,582 $ 5,684
During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, we recognized $ 4.2 million, $ 3.3 million and $ 3.5 million of other income, respectively, related to interest earned on cash balances, short-term investments and notes receivable from insurance companies. The short-term investments and notes receivables from insurance companies were divested as of January 5, 2023. Please refer to Note 20—Contingencies for further discussion on the Company's notes receivables from insurance companies.
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Note 17— Leases
As a lessee, we have various operating lease agreements primarily related to real estate, vehicles and office and plant equipment. The components of lease expense were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except percentage and year amounts) 2022 2021
Lease cost:
Operating lease cost recognized as rent expense $ 14,970 $ 14,230
Total lease cost $ 14,970 $ 14,230
Other Information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows related to operating leases $ 14,906 $ 14,440
Non-cash other information:
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 6,418 $ 21,857
Right-of-use assets obtained in acquisitions $ — $ 4,795
December 31,
2022 2021
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases 14 14
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases 2.66 % 2.49 %
Rent expense was $ 15.0 million, $ 14.2 million and $ 13.0 million in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We did not have any lease transactions with related parties. We did not have any significant leases not yet commenced.
At December 31, 2022, future lease payments under operating leases were as follows:
(In thousands) Operating Leases
2023 $ 10,043
2024 7,480
2025 5,200
2026 4,061
2027 3,428
After 2027 22,031
$ 52,243
Less: Imputed interest 7,938
Present value of operating lease liabilities 44,305
Less: Current portion operating lease liabilities (a)
8,960
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities $ 35,345
(a) Included in Accrued restructuring and other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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Note 18— 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, 2022, the notional amount of open forward contracts was $ 103.0 million and there were no unrealized gains/losses on these contracts. All open forward contracts will mature during the first quarter of 2023.
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) 2022 2021
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts: prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 724 $ 619
Foreign exchange contracts: accrued restructuring and other current liabilities $ 85 $ 128
The following table presents the Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows location and impact of derivative financial instruments:
Year ended
December 31,
2022 2021
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts: currency exchange losses, net $ 6,656 $ 5,107
Note 19— 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 and the derivative financial instruments described in Note 15—Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefits and Note 18—Derivative Financial Instruments, respectively. See Note 15 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.
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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 $ 9.9 million and $ 49.0 million as of December 31, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The fair value of our investments was $ 9.9 million and $ 49.0 million as of December 31, 2022, and 2021, 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 and to the extent that unrealized losses are present, management has not identified such losses to be other than temporary in nature. Accordingly, 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, 2022.
The reported carrying amount of fixed rate long-term debt, including the current portion of long-term debt, was $ 266.5 million and $ 274.3 million at December 31, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The fair value of this debt was $ 218.3 million and $ 279.8 million at December 31, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The fair value of this debt was determined using Level 2 inputs by evaluating similarly rated companies with publicly traded bonds where available or current borrowing rates available for financings with similar terms and maturities.
Note 20— Contingencies
Product liability
The Company and its subsidiaries 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. Management has established reserves for the single incident product liability claims of its various subsidiaries, including, asserted single incident product liability claims and incurred but not reported ("IBNR") single incident claims. To determine the reserves, Management makes reasonable estimates of losses for single incident claims based on the number and characteristics of asserted claims, historical experience, sales volumes, expected settlement costs, and other relevant information. The reserve for single incident product liability claims was $ 1.4 million at both December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Single incident product liability expense was nominal for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, compared to a benefit of $ 1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. 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. The reserve has not been discounted to present value and does not include future amounts which will be spent to defend the claims.
Cumulative trauma product liability claims. Cumulative trauma product liability claims involve potential exposures to substances that are alleged to have occurred over a number of years. In recent periods, this has included the asbestos, silica, and coal dust claims of one of the Company's affiliates, Mine Safety Appliances Company, LLC ("MSA LLC"). As of December 31, 2022, MSA LLC was named as a defendant in 1,500 lawsuits comprised of 4,054 claims. These lawsuits mainly involve respiratory protection products allegedly manufactured and sold by MSA LLC or its predecessors. The product models alleged were manufactured many years ago by MSA LLC and are no longer sold.
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While pending as of December 31, 2022, all of the asserted claims listed in the summary table below are the sole responsibility of MSA LLC. MSA LLC was divested on January 5, 2023 and following that divestiture, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries have any responsibility for these claims, or the types of claims, listed in the following. See "Subsequent Event," below.
2022 2021 2020
Open lawsuits, beginning of period 1,675 1,622 1,605
New lawsuits 300 432 402
Settled and dismissed lawsuits ( 475 ) ( 379 ) ( 385 )
Open lawsuits, end of period 1,500 1,675 1,622
2022 2021 2020
Asserted claims, beginning of period 4,554 2,878 2,456
New claims 520 2,134 917
Settled, inactive and dismissed claims ( 1,020 ) ( 458 ) ( 495 )
Asserted claims, end of period 4,054 4,554 2,878
As of December 31, 2022, MSA LLC is defending an action filed in 2003 by the State of West Virginia, through its Attorney General, in the Circuit Court of Lincoln County, West Virginia, against MSA LLC and two other manufacturers of respiratory protection products. The State asserts several causes of action and seeks substantial compensatory damages—primarily for reimbursement of costs the State allegedly has incurred for worker’s compensation and healthcare benefits provided to individuals with occupational pneumoconiosis—as well as unspecified punitive damages. The State also asserts a claim under the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act (“CCPA”), alleging that the defendants made willful misrepresentations regarding product performance in connection with sales and advertisement of respirators in West Virginia and seeks substantial civil penalties. The claims against MSA LLC were severed from the claims against the other defendants and the trial date against MSA LLC was continued indefinitely in November 2022. No reserve has been recorded for this matter because the Company believes that liability is unsupportable under West Virginia law, and therefore, has concluded that the loss is not probable. In addition, the Company is not able to estimate a reasonably possible loss or range of reasonably possible losses given significant unresolved legal and factual matters. MSA LLC is the named defendant in this matter and responsibility for the matter passed along with the divestiture of MSA LLC on January 5, 2023. See "Subsequent Event," below.
Management previously established a reserve for MSA LLC's potential exposure to cumulative trauma product liability claims. Prior to divestiture of the subsidiary, as of December 31, 2022, MSA LLC's total cumulative trauma product liability reserve was $ 395.1 million, including $ 13.4 million for claims settled but not yet paid and related defense costs and $ 409.8 million, including $ 2.5 million for claims settled but not yet paid and related defense costs, as of December 31, 2021. The reserve included estimated amounts related to asserted and IBNR asbestos, silica, and coal dust claims expected to be resolved through the year 2075. The reserve was not discounted to present value and did not include estimated future amounts relating to defense of the claims. Defense costs are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income as incurred.
At December 31, 2022, $ 65.1 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 Sheet and the remainder, $ 330.0 million, is recorded in the Product liability and other noncurrent liabilities line. At December 31, 2021, $ 46.7 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 Sheet and the remainder, $ 363.1 million, is recorded in the Product liability and other noncurrent liabilities line.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2022, MSA LLC finalized a process that will result in settlements to resolve and dismiss several hundred claims for up to $ 26.3 million. Amounts to resolve the unpaid portion of these claims have been accrued as part of the product liability reserve and as of December 31, 2022, $ 10.5 million remained unpaid with the final payments made during the first quarter of 2023.
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Total cumulative trauma liability losses were $ 22.2 million, $ 228.2 million, and $ 77.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and related to updates to our cumulative trauma product liability reserve as well as the defense of cumulative trauma product liability claims for all periods. Uninsured cumulative trauma product liability losses, which were included in Product liability and other operating expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, were $ 20.6 million, $ 185.3 million and $ 39.0 million, respectively, and represent the total cumulative trauma product liability losses net of any estimated insurance receivables as discussed below.
MSA LLC's cumulative trauma product liability reserve is based upon a reasonable estimate of MSA LLC’s current and potential future liability for cumulative trauma product liability claims, in accordance with applicable accounting principles. To develop a reasonable estimate of MSA LLC’s potential exposure to cumulative trauma product liability claims, management performs an annual comprehensive 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 MSA LLC’s historical claims experience, 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, and if warranted, management reviews changes with an outside valuation consultant. Adjustments to the reserve for the year ended December 31, 2022 totaled $ 8.4 million, resulting from our annual comprehensive review of MSA LLC’s claims exposure, including review of activity experienced during the year.
The estimate of MSA LLC’s potential liability for cumulative trauma product liability claims, and the corresponding reserve, are based upon numerous assumptions derived from MSA LLC’s historical experience. Those assumptions include the incidence of applicable diseases in the general population, the number of claims that may be asserted against MSA LLC in the future, the years in which such claims may be asserted, the counsel asserting those claims, the percentage of claims resolved through settlement, the types and severity of illnesses alleged by claimants to give rise to their claims, the venues in which the claims are asserted, and numerous other factors, which influence how many claims may be brought against MSA LLC, whether those claims ultimately are resolved for payment, and at what values.
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 have continued 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. These policies, as well as the negotiated settlement agreements and Coverage-in-Place Agreements, together with all associated receivables are property of MSA LLC, which was divested on January 5, 2023. See "Subsequent Event," below.
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, 2022 totaled $ 127.6 million, of which $ 17.3 million is reported in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and $ 110.3 million is reported in Insurance receivable and other noncurrent assets. Insurance receivables at December 31, 2021 totaled $ 130.2 million, of which $ 8.6 million was reported in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and $ 121.6 million was reported in Insurance receivable and other noncurrent assets. The vast majority of the $ 127.6 million insurance receivables balance at December 31, 2022, 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.
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A summary of insurance receivables balance and activity related to cumulative trauma product liability losses is as follows:
(In millions) 2022 2021
Balance beginning of period $ 130.2 $ 97.0
Additions 1.8 43.5
Collections ( 4.4 ) ( 10.3 )
Balance end of period $ 127.6 $ 130.2
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, 2022 totaled $ 44.6 million, of which $ 5.9 million is reported in Notes receivable, insurance companies, current on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and $ 38.7 million is reported in Notes receivable, insurance companies, noncurrent. Notes receivable from insurance companies at December 31, 2021, totaled $ 48.5 million, of which $ 3.9 million was reported in Notes receivable, insurance companies, current on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and $ 44.6 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) 2022 2021
Balance beginning of period $ 48.5 $ 52.3
Additions 1.2 1.3
Collections ( 5.1 ) ( 5.1 )
Balance end of period $ 44.6 $ 48.5
The vast majority of the insurance receivables balances at both December 31, 2022 and 2021, is attributable to reimbursement under the terms of signed agreements with insurers and is not currently subject to litigation. The collectability of MSA LLC's insurance receivables and notes receivables is regularly evaluated and the Company believes 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.
Subsequent Event
On January 5, 2023, the Company divested MSA LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary that holds legacy product liability claims relating to coal dust, asbestos, silica, and other exposures, to a joint venture between R&Q Insurance Holdings Ltd. and Obra Capital, Inc. In connection with the closing, the Company contributed $ 341 million in cash and cash equivalents, while R&Q and Obra contributed an additional $ 35 million.
As a result of the transaction in the first quarter of 2023, we will derecognize all legacy cumulative trauma product liability reserves, related insurance assets, and associated deferred tax assets of the divested subsidiary from our balance sheet and will recognize a loss of approximately $ 200 million. R&Q and Obra's joint venture has assumed management of the divested subsidiary, including the management of its claims and associated assets.
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Other Litigation
Two subsidiaries of the Company, Globe Manufacturing Company, LLC ("Globe") and MSA LLC, are defending a number of lawsuits in which plaintiffs assert that certain of those entities’ products allegedly containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) have caused injury, health issues, or environmental issues. PFAS are a large class of substances that are widely used in everyday products. Specifically, Globe builds turnout gear from technical fabrics sourced from a small pool of specialty textile manufacturers. These protective fabrics have been tested and certified to meet industry standards, and some of them contain PFAS to achieve water, oil, or chemical resistance. No manufacturer of firefighter protective clothing is currently able to meet National Fire Protection Association safety standards while offering coats or pants that are completely PFAS free.
Globe and MSA LLC believe they have valid defenses to these lawsuits. These matters are at a very early stage with numerous factual and legal issues to be resolved. Defense costs relating to these lawsuits are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income as incurred. Globe and MSA LLC are also pursuing insurance coverage and indemnification related to the lawsuits. The PFAS claims against MSA LLC were included in the divestiture of MSA LLC on January 5, 2023 as discussed above under the Subsequent Event header. In total, Globe was named as a defendant in 34 lawsuits comprised of approximately 1,865 claims as of February 16, 2023.
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.
The following table reconciles the changes in the Company's accrued warranty reserve:
December 31,
(In thousands) 2022 2021 2020
Beginning warranty reserve $ 12,423 $ 11,428 $ 12,715
Warranty payments ( 10,631 ) ( 8,987 ) ( 10,861 )
Warranty claims 14,544 10,225 10,233
Provision for product warranties and other adjustments ( 1,106 ) ( 243 ) ( 659 )
Ending warranty reserve $ 15,230 $ 12,423 $ 11,428
Warranty expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $ 13.4 million, $ 10.0 million and $ 9.6 million, respectively and is included in Costs of products sold on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
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Note 21— Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
2022
Quarters
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Year
Net sales $ 330,692 $ 372,313 $ 381,694 $ 443,254 $ 1,527,953
Gross profit 142,784 164,400 169,395 197,252 673,831
Net income attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated 35,542 47,693 44,906 51,489 179,630
Earnings per share (1)
Basic $ 0.90 $ 1.21 $ 1.15 $ 1.31 $ 4.58
Diluted 0.90 1.21 1.14 1.31 4.56
2021
Quarters
(In thousands, except earnings per share) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Year
Net sales $ 308,428 $ 341,289 $ 340,197 $ 410,268 $ 1,400,182
Gross profit 134,785 153,000 149,439 178,124 615,348
Net income (loss) attributable to MSA Safety Incorporated 36,450 25,186 21,180 ( 61,476 ) 21,340
Earnings (loss) per share (1)
Basic $ 0.93 $ 0.64 $ 0.54 $ ( 1.57 ) $ 0.54
Diluted 0.92 0.64 0.54 ( 1.57 ) 0.54
(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.
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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.