MSA Safety Incorporated

Frequently Asked Questions About MSA

What does MSA invest in?

MSA Safety Incorporated is a prominent global manufacturer and provider of safety equipment, specializing in the engineering, production, and distribution of solutions designed to safeguard both personnel and critical infrastructure. The company serves a diverse range of high-risk sectors, including the energy industry (oil, gas, and petrochemical), emergency services (fire departments), construction, industrial manufacturing, utilities, military, and mining. Its international footprint extends significantly across North America, Latin America, and other global markets. Among its principal offerings are permanently installed systems for gas and flame detection, encompassing sophisticated monitoring units, flame sensors, and open-path infrared detectors. These are complemented by essential replacement parts and associated services, all crucial for identifying the presence or absence of various atmospheric gases. The company also provides advanced respiratory protection, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), alongside portable gas detection devices for on-the-go analysis. MSA Safety's product line further includes a comprehensive range of head protection solutions for industrial use, as well as specialized helmets and protective clothing tailored for firefighters. Additionally, the company offers robust fall protection systems, featuring confined space apparatus, safety harnesses, lanyards, and self-retracting lifelines, often integrated into custom-engineered safety setups. Further expanding its portfolio, the company supplies air-purifying respirators, eye and face shields, ballistic helmets, and gas masks. Distribution reaches both end-users and wholesale partners via direct and indirect sales channels. Its products are marketed under well-known brand names such as V-Gard, Cairns, and Gallet. Founded in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated maintains its headquarters in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

What is the expense ratio of MSA?

An expense ratio for MSA Safety Incorporated (MSA) is not available from our data sources — neither our market-data feed nor the SEC's structured prospectus and annual-report datasets report one for this share class. The fund's prospectus on the issuer's site carries the authoritative fee.

How big is MSA?

MSA Safety Incorporated (MSA) manages $6.74B in total assets. AUM determines bid-ask liquidity and the fund's vulnerability to closure — funds below ~$50M are at higher risk of liquidation.

Is MSA actively managed or an index fund?

MSA's management style is described in the fund's prospectus. See the description on the Summary tab for the published strategy.

When was MSA launched?

MSA Safety Incorporated (MSA) launched in February 1973 and is managed by the fund issuer.

How has MSA performed?

MSA's total return — price change plus reinvested distributions — is charted at the top of this page. Switch the price chart to Total Return and pick a 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, or 10-year window to read the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over each horizon.