SEC Filing | MSA Safety Incorporated

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For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2005

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the quarter ended March 31, 2005		Commission File No. 1-15579

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Pennsylvania		25-0668780
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

121 Gamma Drive RIDC Industrial Park O’Hara Township Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania		15238
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 412/967-3000

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes x No ¨

As of April 30, 2005, 36,433,825 shares of common stock without par value were outstanding, not including 3,056,429 shares held by the Mine Safety Appliances Company Stock Compensation Trust.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)


	Three Months Ended March 31 Unaudited
	2005		2004
Net sales	$	228,048	$	194,490
Other income		1,332		786

		229,380		195,276

Costs and expenses
Cost of products sold		134,680		112,687
Selling, general and administrative		53,558		50,194
Research and development		5,680		5,215
Interest		1,218		514
Currency exchange losses		615		667

		195,751		169,277

Income before income taxes		33,629		25,999
Provision for income taxes		12,276		9,861

Net income		21,353		16,138

Basic earnings per common share		$0.58		$0.44

Diluted earnings per common share		$0.57		$0.43

Dividends per common share		$0.10		$0.07

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands, except share data)


	March 31 2005			December 31 2004
	Unaudited
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	59,446		$	76,545
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,382 and $7,548, respectively		168,501			161,584
Inventories		126,090			124,846
Deferred tax assets		18,639			19,377
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		11,407			15,308

Total current assets		384,083			397,660

Property, less accumulated depreciation of $251,590 and $250,725, respectively		119,298			123,716
Prepaid pension cost		133,929			131,496
Deferred tax assets		20,138			21,513
Goodwill		48,796			49,495
Other noncurrent assets		10,443			10,230

TOTAL		716,687			734,110

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	$	29,805		$	6,378
Accounts payable		42,906			40,705
Employees’ compensation		19,330			19,284
Insurance and product liability		16,082			14,926
Taxes on income		5,784			3,790
Other current liabilities		37,901			41,984

Total current liabilities		151,808			127,067

Long-term debt		54,283			54,463
Pensions and other employee benefits		80,912			83,628
Deferred tax liabilities		75,202			76,704
Other noncurrent liabilities		13,686			14,637

Shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock, 4¹/2% cumulative — authorized 100,000 shares of $50 par value, issued 71,373 and 71,373 shares, callable at $52.50 per share		3,569			3,569
Second cumulative preferred voting stock — authorized 1,000,000 shares of $10 par value; none issued		—			—
Common stock — authorized 180,000,000 shares of no par value; issued 61,839,525 and 61,740,327 shares (outstanding 36,411,415 and 37,341,386 shares)		42,129			39,248
Stock compensation trust — 3,061,667 and 3,146,222 shares		(15,994	)		(16,436	)
Treasury shares, at cost:
Preferred — 52,736 and 52,736 shares		(1,746	)		(1,746	)
Common — 22,366,443 and 21,252,719 shares		(192,928	)		(141,549	)
Deferred stock compensation		(2,674	)		(1,247	)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		(3,245	)		1,793
Retained earnings		511,685			493,979

Total shareholders’ equity		340,796			377,611

TOTAL		716,687			734,110

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)


	Three Months Ended March 31 Unaudited
	2005			2004
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	21,353		$	16,138
Depreciation and amortization		6,486			5,820
Pensions		(1,569	)		(1,917	)
Net gain on sale of assets		(633	)		(38	)
Deferred income taxes		2,137			1,677
Changes in operating assets and liabilities		(9,661	)		(13,522	)
Other — including currency exchange adjustments		(484	)		177

Cash flow from continuing operations		17,629			8,335
Cash flow from discontinued operations		—			2,061

Cash flow from operating activities		17,629			10,396

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Property additions		(3,997	)		(5,601	)
Property disposals		952			67
Other investing		(1,114	)		(1,570	)

Cash flow from investing activities		(4,159	)		(7,104	)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Additions to long-term debt		388			11
Reductions of long-term debt		(77	)		(80	)
Changes in notes payable and short-term debt		23,501			168
Cash dividends		(3,647	)		(2,596	)
Company stock purchases		(51,379	)		(443	)
Company stock sales		1,620			561

Cash flow from financing activities		(29,594	)		(2,379	)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		(975	)		(240	)

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(17,099	)		673
Beginning cash and cash equivalents		76,545			73,244

Ending cash and cash equivalents		59,446			73,917

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNAUDITED

(1) Basis of Presentation

We have prepared the condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include certain information and disclosures required for comprehensive financial statements.

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, we believe that all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of these interim periods have been included. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and all subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. Depreciation and amortization expense that was previously reported as a separate line in the condensed consolidated statement of income is now reported in cost of products sold and operating expenses.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations that is included elsewhere in this report contains additional information about our results of operations and financial position and should be read in conjunction with these notes.

(2) Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share includes the effect of the weighted average stock options outstanding during the period, using the treasury stock method. Antidilutive options are not considered in computing diluted earnings per share.


	Three Months Ended March 31
(In thousands)	2005		2004
Net income	$	21,353	$	16,138
Preferred stock dividends		10		11

Income available to common shareholders		21,343		16,127

Basic shares outstanding		36,486		36,964
Stock options		896		985

Diluted shares outstanding		37,382		37,949

Antidilutive stock options		187		4

(3) Comprehensive Income

Components of comprehensive income are as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31
(In thousands)	2005			2004
Net income	$	21,353		$	16,138
Cumulative translation adjustments		(5,038	)		159

Comprehensive income		16,315			16,297

Components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income are as follows:


(In thousands)	March 31 2005			December 31 2004
Cumulative translation adjustments	$	(1,028	)	$	4,010
Minimum pension liability adjustments		(2,217	)		(2,217	)

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		(3,245	)		1,793

(4) Segment Information

We are organized into three geographic operating segments: North America, Europe and International. Reportable segment information is presented in the following table:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2005
(In thousands)	North America		Europe		International		Reconciling Items			Consolidated Totals
Sales to external customers	$	147,661	$	48,341	$	32,046	$	—		$	228,048
Intercompany sales		7,154		18,490		1,397		(27,041	)		—
Net income		15,942		4,196		1,791		(576	)		21,353


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2004
(In thousands)	North America		Europe		International		Reconciling Items			Consolidated Totals
Sales to external customers	$	129,630	$	39,386	$	25,474	$	—		$	194,490
Intercompany sales		6,225		14,466		635		(21,326	)		—
Net income		13,782		1,832		1,130		(606	)		16,138

Reconciling items consist primarily of intercompany eliminations and items reported at the corporate level.

(5) Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

Components of net periodic benefit (credit) cost for the three months ended March 31 consisted of the following:


	Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
(In thousands)	2005			2004			2005			2004
Service cost	$	1,946		$	1,533		$	144		$	128
Interest cost		3,739			3,487			380			376
Expected return on plan assets		(7,442	)		(6,976	)		—			—
Amortization of transition amounts		85			64			—			—
Amortization of prior service cost		67			67			(57	)		(57	)
Recognized net actuarial (gains) losses		36			(92	)		283			207

Net periodic benefit (credit) cost		(1,569	)		(1,917	)		750			654

We made contributions of $0.4 million to our pension plans in the three months ended March 31, 2005. We expect to make net contributions of $1.6 million to our pension plans in 2005.

(6) Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Changes in goodwill and intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, for the three months ended March 31, 2005 were as follows:


(In thousands)	Goodwill			Intangibles
Net balances at January 1, 2005	$	49,495		$	2,605
Amortization expense		—			(167	)
Currency translation and other		(699	)		—

Net balances at March 31, 2005		48,796			2,438

At March 31, 2005, goodwill of approximately $35.1 million and $13.7 million related to the North American and European operating segments, respectively.

(7) Inventories


(In thousands)	March 31 2005		December 31 2004
Finished products	$	58,960	$	50,728
Work in process		28,661		28,049
Raw materials		38,469		46,069

		126,090		124,846

(8) Stock Plans

We apply the intrinsic value-based method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. Accordingly, no compensation cost is recognized for stock option grants. Compensation cost for restricted stock awards is measured at the market value of the shares when awarded. Unearned compensation related to restricted stock awards is reported in shareholders’ equity and charged to income over the restriction period.

If we had elected to recognize compensation cost based on the fair value of stock options at the grant date as prescribed by FAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts shown below:


	Three Months Ended March 31
(In thousands)	2005			2004
Net income as reported	$	21,353		$	16,138
Fair value of stock options granted, net of tax		(413	)		(436	)

Pro forma net income		20,940			15,702

Basic earnings per share:
As reported		$0.58			$0.44
Pro forma		0.57			0.42

Diluted earnings per share:
As reported		$0.57			$0.43
Pro forma		0.56			0.41

Stock options granted in 2005 and 2004 vest in three years and one year, respectively. For purposes of the pro forma disclosure, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized over the vesting period.

The fair value of the options granted was estimated at the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions for options granted in 2005 and 2004, respectively: risk-free interest rate of 4.3% and 4.1%; dividend yield of 2.0% and 2.0%; expected option life of 9.9 years and 9.9 years; and expected volatility factor of 34% and 29%.

We grant restricted stock awards to eligible key employees and non-employee directors without payment to the company in consideration of services to be performed in the ensuing three years. Compensation cost for restricted stock awards is measured at the market value of the shares when awarded. Unearned compensation related to restricted stock awards is reported in shareholders’ equity and charged to income over the restriction period. Restricted stock awards expense was $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

(9) Derivative Financial Instruments

On April 6, 2004, we entered into an eight year interest rate swap agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, we receive a fixed interest rate of 8.39% and pay a floating interest rate based on LIBOR. The notional amount of the swap was initially $20.0 million and declines $4.0 million per year beginning in 2008. The interest rate swap has been designated as a fair value hedge of a portion of our fixed rate 8.39% Senior Notes.

In order to account for these derivatives as hedges, the interest rate swap must be highly effective at offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged debt. We have assumed that there is no ineffectiveness in the hedge, since all of the critical terms of the hedge match the underlying terms of the hedged debt.

The fair value of the interest rate swap at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, has been recorded as a liability of $0.9 million and $0.4 million, respectively, that has been included in other noncurrent liabilities, with an offsetting reduction in the carrying value of long-term debt.

As a result of entering into the interest rate swap, we have increased our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Differences between the fixed rate amounts received and the variable rate amounts paid are recognized in interest expense on an ongoing basis. This rate difference resulted in a reduction in interest expense of $0.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2005.

On March 5, 2004, we terminated an interest rate swap agreement which we had entered into on December 2, 2003. The termination of this agreement resulted in a realized gain of $0.7 million, which was reported as a reduction of interest expense during the three months ended March 31, 2004.

(10) Acquisitions

The following pro forma summary presents our consolidated results for the first quarter of 2004 as if the Sordin acquisition had occurred at the beginning of 2004. The pro forma information does not necessarily reflect the actual results that would have occurred and is not necessarily indicative of future results of operations for the combined companies.


(In thousands)		Three Months Ended March 31, 2004
Net sales		$196,509
Net income		16,372
Basic earnings per share		0.44
Diluted earnings per share		0.43

Our allocation of the $4.3 million initial purchase price included goodwill of $2.9 million. The acquisition agreement provides for additional consideration to be paid to the former owners annually based on Sordin’s earnings during the period from July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2009. Approximately 40 percent of the additional consideration, which will be paid to former owners who comprise the current Sordin management team, will be recognized as compensation expense. The remainder will be charged to goodwill.

(11) Contingencies

Various lawsuits and claims arising in the normal course of business are pending against us. These lawsuits are primarily product liability claims. We are presently named as a defendant in approximately 2,400 lawsuits primarily involving respiratory protection products allegedly manufactured and sold by us. Collectively, these lawsuits represent a total of approximately 32,000 plaintiffs. Approximately 90% of these lawsuits involve plaintiffs alleging they suffer from silicosis, with the remainder alleging they suffer from other or combined injuries, including asbestosis. These lawsuits typically allege that these conditions resulted in part from respirators that were negligently designed or manufactured by us. Consistent with the experience of other companies involved in silica and asbestos - related litigation, there has been an increase in the number of asserted claims that could potentially involve us. We cannot determine our potential maximum liability for such claims, in part because the defendants in these lawsuits are often numerous, and the claims generally do not specify the amount of damages sought.

With some limited exceptions, we maintain insurance against product liability claims. We also maintain a reserve for uninsured product liability based on expected settlement charges for pending claims and an estimate of unreported claims derived from experience, sales volumes, and other relevant information. We reevaluate our exposures on an ongoing basis and make adjustments to reserves as appropriate. Based on information currently available, we believe that the disposition of matters that are pending will not have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition.

In connection with our 2003 sale of the Callery Chemical facility in Evans City, Pennsylvania, we retained responsibility for certain environmental costs at this site, where relatively low levels of contamination are known to exist. Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement with BASF, our maximum liability for these matters is capped at $50.0 million. Based on environmental studies performed prior to the sale, we do not believe that our potential exposure under the terms of this agreement will materially affect our financial condition.

(12) Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FAS No. 151, Inventory Costs, an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4. FAS No. 151 requires the exclusion of certain costs from inventories and the allocation of fixed production overheads to inventories to be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this Statement are effective for costs incurred after December 31, 2005. We are currently evaluating the effect of the adoption of this standard; however, we do not expect it will have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

In December 2004, the FASB issued FAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of FAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and its related implementation guidance. FAS No. 123R establishes standards for accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. It also addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments. FAS No. 123R requires an entity to recognize the cost of employee services received in share-based payment transactions, thereby reflecting the economic consequences of those transactions in the financial statements. This Statement applies to all awards granted on or after January 1, 2006, and to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after that date. We expect to recognize compensation cost on a prospective basis beginning January 1, 2006, for the portion of outstanding awards for which the requisite service has not yet been rendered, based on the grant-date fair value of these awards calculated under FAS No. 123 for pro forma disclosures. We expect that adopting this Statement will not have a material effect on our future results.

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 creates a temporary incentive for U.S.corporations to repatriate accumulated income earned abroad by providing a dividends received deduction of 85% for certain dividends from controlled foreign corporations. In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 109-2, Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. FSP FAS 109-2 provides accounting and disclosure guidance for this repatriation provision. We are currently evaluating the effects of this provision; however, we will not be able to complete our evaluation until Congress enacts certain technical corrections to relevant provisions of the Act. We are, therefore, not yet in a position to decide whether, and to what extent, we might repatriate foreign earnings. Based on our analysis to date, the range of possible amounts that we are considering for repatriation is between zero and $50 million, with the respective tax liability ranging from zero to $3 million.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and other financial information included elsewhere in this report on Form 10-Q. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry, business and future financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in the sections of this report entitled “Business Overview” and “Risks Related to Our Business.”

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

We are a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of sophisticated products that protect people’s health and safety. Sophisticated safety products typically integrate any combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life threatening situations. Our comprehensive line of safety products is used by workers around the world in the fire service, homeland security, construction and other industries, as well as the military.

In recent years, we have concentrated on specific initiatives intended to help improve our competitive position and profitability, including:

•

identifying and developing promising new markets;

•

focusing on innovation and new product introductions;

•

further strengthening relationships with major distributors;

•

optimizing factory performance and driving operational excellence;

•

positioning international business to capture significant growth opportunities; and

•

pursuing strategic acquisitions.

We tailor our product offerings and distribution strategy to satisfy distinct customer preferences that vary across geographic regions. We believe that we best serve these customer preferences by organizing our business into three geographic segments: North America, Europe, and International. Each segment includes a number of operating companies. In 2004, approximately 66%, 20%, and 14% of our net sales were made by our North America, Europe, and International segments, respectively.

North America. Our largest manufacturing and research and development facilities are located in the United States. We serve our North American markets with sales and distribution functions in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Europe. Our Europe segment includes well-established companies in most Western European countries, and more recently established operations in a number of Eastern European locations. Our largest European companies, based in Germany and France, develop, manufacture, and sell a wide variety of products. Operations in other European countries focus primarily on sales and distribution in their respective home country markets. While some of these companies may perform limited production, most of their sales are of products that are manufactured in our plants in Germany, France, and the U.S., or are purchased from third party vendors.

International. Our International segment includes operating entities located in Abu Dhabi, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Peru, Singapore, South Africa and Zimbabwe, some of which are in developing regions of the world. Principal manufacturing operations are located in Australia, Brazil, South Africa, and China. These companies develop and manufacture products that are sold primarily in each company’s home country and regional markets. The other companies in the International segment focus primarily on sales and distribution in their respective home country markets. While some of these companies may perform limited production, most of their sales are of products that are manufactured in our plants in the U.S., Germany and France, or are purchased from third party vendors.

Because some of the countries that comprise our International segment are located in developing regions of the world, several factors have the potential to adversely affect our operations and our financial results, including:

•

significant changes in economic, social, political, monetary or trade policies of the governments of those countries, as well as political or social unrest in those countries;

•

trade protection measures and price controls;

•

trade sanctions and embargos; and

•

nationalization and expropriation.

These events are infrequent and unpredictable. However, it is highly unlikely that such events will occur simultaneously in several or all of the countries that comprise our International segment. We believe that our exposure is not material since, with the exception of Australia, which represents approximately 5% of our net sales, no individual international affiliate represents more than 3% of our total assets, net sales or gross profits.

Because our financial statements are stated in U.S. dollars, currency fluctuations may affect our results of operations and financial position and may affect the comparability of our results between financial periods. We manage our exchange rate risks primarily by sourcing our products in the same currency as our customer pays us. When appropriate, we may attempt to limit our transactional exposure to changes in currency exchange rates through contracts or other actions intended to reduce existing exposures by creating offsetting currency exposures.

We believe that our improving financial performance in recent years is the result of initiatives that have allowed us to anticipate and respond quickly to market requirements, particularly in the fire service, homeland security, construction and general industries, as well as the military. We believe that our recent sales growth reflects our ability to quickly bring to market products that comply with changing industry standards and to create new market demand with innovative products. For example, we have successfully responded to increased homeland security and military market demand for products such as the Millennium Chemical-Biological and the MCU-2/P gas masks and the Advanced Combat Helmet that has occurred since the September 11th attacks and during the ongoing war on terrorism. In recent years, demand in the homeland security and military markets has more than offset sluggishness in some North American industrial markets.

The level of demand for our products in the fire service, homeland security and military markets is strongly influenced by the levels of government funding available to address the needs of first responders and to meet the requirements of military operations. A reduction in available government funding in the future could adversely affect the demand for our products in these markets.

ACQUISITIONS

On June 30, 2004, we acquired Sordin AB of Varnamo, Sweden, a leading manufacturer of passive and electronic hearing protection designed for the industrial, law enforcement and military markets. We believe the acquisition of Sordin enhances our position as a provider of modern, leading-edge hearing protective devices. Many of Sordin’s products are compatible with our other safety products, including our flagship V-Gard^® Hard Hat. Sordin also developed the modular integrated communications system currently being used with the Advanced Combat Helmet that we manufacture for the U.S. Army. The initial purchase price was approximately $4.3 million. Additional consideration of up to $5.4 million could be paid based on Sordin’s earnings performance through June 30, 2009.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2004

Net Sales. Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2005 were $228.0 million, compared with $194.5 million in the same period in 2004, an increase of $33.5 million, or 17.3%.


	Three Months Ended March 31
(In millions)	2005		2004		Dollar Increase		Percent Increase
North America	$	147.7	$	129.6	$	18.1	14	%
Europe		48.3		39.4		8.9	23	%
International		32.0		25.5		6.5	26	%

Net sales of the North America segment were $147.7 million for the first quarter of 2005, an increase of $18.1 million, or 14%, compared to $129.6 million for the first quarter of 2004. Most of our North American segment sales improvement was due to an increase of approximately $15.1 million in shipments of Advanced Combat Helmets to the military. Our sales of head protection and instruments improved approximately $2.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively, on increased demand in construction and industrial markets. Gas mask sales to the homeland security market were up approximately $2.2 million in the current quarter. Sales of thermal imaging cameras were approximately $2.0 million lower in the current quarter, reflecting delays in shipments pending resolution of a parts supply issue with a key vendor.

In Europe, net sales for the first quarter of 2005 were $48.3 million, an increase of $8.9 million, or 23%, compared to $39.4 million in the same quarter of 2004. The favorable effect of the stronger euro on net sales when stated in U.S. dollars accounted for approximately $2.9 million of the increase. Approximately $2.8 million of the increase was related to the inclusion of sales by Sordin, which we acquired on June 30, 2004. The remainder of the increase reflects improved sales throughout Europe, as well as the shipment of several large breathing apparatus orders for the fire service and police markets.

Net sales for the International segment were $32.0 million for the first quarter of 2005, an increase of $6.5 million, or 26%, compared to $25.5 million in the first quarter of 2004. The sales improvement occurred primarily in Australia, Brazil, and South Africa. These operations each reported local currency sales growth of approximately $1.5 million, reflecting improved economic conditions. The favorable effect of the stronger international currencies, particularly the South African rand and the Brazilian real, on net sales when stated in U.S. dollars accounted for approximately $1.3 million of the increase.

Cost of Products Sold. Cost of products sold was $134.7 million for the first quarter of 2005, an increase of $22.0 million, or 20%, from $112.7 million in the first quarter of 2004. The increase was primarily related to higher sales.

Cost of products sold, selling, general and administrative expenses, and research and development expenses include net periodic pension benefit costs and credits. Pension credits, combined with pension costs, resulted in net pension credits during the first quarters of 2005 and 2004 of $1.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the first quarter of 2005 was $93.4 million, which was $11.6 million, or 14%, higher than gross profit of $81.8 million in the first quarter of 2004. The ratio of gross profit to net sales decreased to 40.9% in the first quarter of 2005 compared to 42.1% in the same quarter last year. The lower gross profit ratio in the first quarter of 2005 was related to proportionately higher sales of Advanced Combat Helmets to the U.S. military at gross margins that are generally lower than our margins on commercial sales.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $53.6 million during the first quarter of 2005, an increase of $3.4 million, or 7%, compared to $50.2 million in the first quarter of 2004. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 23.5% of net sales in the first quarter of 2005 compared to 25.8% of net sales in the first quarter of 2004. Our selling, general and administrative expenses in North America increased approximately $3.0 million, primarily related to additional costs associated with generating and supporting the higher sales volumes.

Research and Development Expense. Research and development expense was $5.7 million during the first quarter of 2005, an increase of $0.5 million, or 9%, compared to $5.2 million during the first quarter of 2004. The increase occurred in North America and reflects our continued emphasis on developing innovative new products.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense. Depreciation and amortization expense, which is reported in cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses, and research and development expenses, was $6.5 million for the first quarter of 2005, an increase of $0.7 million, or 11%, compared to $5.8 million for the first quarter of 2004. The increase was primarily related to production equipment additions that we made in North America in response to higher sales volumes.

Interest Expense. Interest expense was $1.2 million during the first quarter of 2005, an increase of $0.7 million, or 137%, from $0.5 million for the first quarter of 2004. First quarter 2004 interest expense was favorably affected by a realized gain of $0.7 million on an interest rate swap transaction that we terminated.

Currency Exchange Losses. Currency exchange losses were $0.6 million and $0.7 million in the first quarters of 2005 and 2004, respectively. The currency exchange losses in both quarters were primarily due to the weakening of the euro.

Other Income. Other income for first quarter of 2005 was $1.3 million compared to $0.8 million for the first quarter of 2004. The increase reflects a pre-tax gain of approximately $0.7 million on the sale of idle production equipment in Germany.

Income Taxes. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2005 was 36.5% compared to 37.9% for the same quarter last year. The lower rate in the current quarter is primarily due to the favorable effect of the Domestic Production Deduction enacted as part of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 and a better foreign tax profile. Our federal income tax returns for the years 1995 through 2001 remain under audit with the only open issue relating to the calculation of research and development tax credits. We believe that we have made adequate provision for income taxes and interest which may become payable or receivable for the years not yet settled. We do not expect any material adverse impact on earnings to result from the resolution of matters related to open tax years. To the extent that we are successful in sustaining our position that no adverse adjustment should be made to research and development credits claimed over the period covered by the examination, tax reserves previously established based upon the examining agent’s disallowance of the claimed credits would be released, reducing tax expense in that period. Furthermore, we expect that the final settlement will have a beneficial impact on interest costs.

We are currently developing a plan to take advantage of the one-time favorable foreign dividend provisions enacted as part of the 2004 Tax Act. However, our decision to implement this plan is dependent on Congress enacting certain technical corrections to relevant provisions of the Act. Based on tax laws in effect at March 31, 2005, it was our intent to indefinitely reinvest our undistributed foreign earnings and, accordingly, we have not recorded a deferred tax liability on these earnings.

Net Income. Net income for the first quarter of 2005 was $21.4 million, or $0.58 per basic share, compared to $16.1 million, or $0.44 per basic share, for the same quarter last year.

North American segment net income for the first quarter of 2005 was $15.9 million, an increase of $2.1 million, or 16%, compared to $13.8 million in the first quarter of 2004. The improvement in North American net income was primarily related to the previously discussed sales growth.

European segment net income during the first quarter of 2005 was $4.2 million, an increase of $2.4 million, or 129%, from $1.8 million during the first quarter of 2004. The increase includes an after tax gain of approximately $0.5 million on the previously-discussed equipment sale in Germany and approximately $0.5 million of the income related to the inclusion of Sordin results following its acquisition on June 30, 2004. The remainder of the income improvement was due to the previously discussed sales growth.

International segment net income for the first quarter of 2005 was $1.8 million, an increase of $0.7 million, or 58%, compared to $1.1 million in the same quarter last year. The improvement in International net income was primarily related to the previously discussed sales growth.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our main sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations and borrowing capacity. Our principal liquidity requirements are for working capital, capital expenditures, and principal and interest payments on outstanding indebtedness.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased $17.1 million during the first quarter of 2005, compared to an increase of $0.7 million during the first quarter of 2004. The significant decrease in cash during the current quarter was primarily due to the purchase of $51.4 million of treasury stock, partially offset by a $23.5 million increase in short term debt and a $7.2 million improvement in cash flow from operating activities.

Operating activities provided cash of $17.6 million during the first quarter of 2005, compared to providing cash of $10.4 million in the first quarter of 2004. Operating cash flow increased primarily due to higher earnings. Trade receivables were $168.5 million at March 31, 2005 and $161.6 million at December 31, 2004. LIFO inventories were $126.1 million at March 31, 2005 and $124.8 million at December 31, 2004. The increases in trade receivables and inventories reflect higher sales volumes.

Cash provided by operating activities in the first quarter of 2004 included $2.1 million provided by discontinued operations, primarily through the collection of trade receivables that were reported as assets held for sale at December 31, 2003. Those receivables related to our Callery Chemical Division, which was sold in September 2003.

Investing activities used cash of $4.2 million during the first quarter of 2005, compared to using $7.1 million in the same quarter last year. During the first quarter of 2005, we used cash of $4.0 million for property additions, primarily production equipment in the U.S. We used cash of $5.6 million for property additions in the first quarter of 2004. Higher property additions in 2004 related primarily to purchases of production equipment required to meet the ramp-up in demand for Advanced Combat Helmets. During the first quarter of 2005, we received approximately $1.0 million from the sale of excess production equipment in Germany. Other investing activities during the first quarters of 2005 and 2004 used cash of $1.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively, primarily related to technology transfer arrangements.

Financing activities used $29.6 million of cash in the first quarter of 2005, compared to using $2.4 million in the same quarter last year. During the first quarter of 2005, we purchased $51.4 million treasury shares. We financed a portion of these purchases through short-term borrowings, which increased $23.5 million during the quarter.

CUMULATIVE TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENTS

The position of the U.S. dollar relative to international currencies at March 31, 2005 resulted in a translation loss of $5.0 million being charged to the cumulative translation adjustments shareholders’ equity account in the first quarter of 2005, compared to a gain of $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2004. Translation losses in 2005 were primarily due to the weakening of the euro and South African rand.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We have purchase commitments for materials, supplies, services, and property, plant and equipment as part of our ordinary conduct of business.

During the third quarter of 2003, we sold our real property in Berlin, Germany for approximately $25.7 million, resulting in a gain of approximately $13.6 million. At the same time, we entered into an eight year agreement to lease back the portion of the property that we occupy. Under sale-leaseback accounting, $12.1 million of gain was deferred and is being amortized over the term of the lease.

In September 2003, we entered into a lease agreement with BASF pertaining to that portion of the Callery Chemical site that is occupied by our Evans City, Pennsylvania manufacturing operations. The initial term of the lease was one year, with a renewal option for five successive one year periods. In September 2004, we exercised our first one year renewal option.

Various lawsuits and claims arising in the normal course of business are pending against us. These lawsuits are primarily product liability claims. We are presently named as a defendant in approximately 2,400 lawsuits primarily involving respiratory protection products allegedly manufactured and sold by us. Collectively, these lawsuits represent a total of approximately 32,000 plaintiffs. Approximately 90% of these lawsuits involve plaintiffs alleging they suffer from silicosis, with the remainder alleging they suffer from other or combined injuries, including asbestosis. These lawsuits typically allege that these conditions resulted in part from respirators that were negligently designed or manufactured by us. Consistent with the experience of other companies involved in silica and asbestos-related litigation, there has been an increase in the number of asserted claims that could potentially involve us. We cannot determine our potential maximum liability for such claims, in part because the defendants in these lawsuits are often numerous, and the claims generally do not specify the amount of damages sought.

With some limited exceptions, we maintain insurance against product liability claims. We also maintain a reserve for uninsured product liability based on expected settlement charges for pending claims and an estimate of unreported claims derived from experience, sales volumes and other relevant information. We reevaluate our exposures on an ongoing basis and make adjustments to reserves as appropriate. Based on information currently available, we believe that the disposition of matters that are pending will not have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosures. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an on-going basis based on historical experience and various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. However, different amounts could be reported if we had used different assumptions and in light of different facts and circumstances. Actual amounts could differ from the estimates and judgments reflected in our financial statements.

We believe that the following are the more critical judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.

Accounting for contingencies. We accrue for contingencies in accordance with FAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, when we believe that it is probable that a liability or loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Contingencies relate to uncertainties that require our judgment both in assessing whether or not a liability or loss has been incurred and in estimating the amount of the probable loss. Significant contingencies affecting our financial statements include pending or threatened litigation, including product liability claims, and product warranties.

Product liability. We face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability claims arising from the alleged failure of our products to prevent the types of personal injury or death against which they are designed to protect. We accrue for our estimates of the probable costs to be incurred in the resolution of product liability claims. These estimates are based on actuarial valuations, past experience, and our judgments regarding the probable outcome of pending and threatened claims. Due to uncertainty as to the ultimate outcome of pending and threatened claims, as well as the incidence of future claims, it is possible that future results could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions and estimates related to product liability matters. Our product liability expense averaged less than 1% of net sales from continuing operations during the three years ended December 31, 2004.

Product warranties. We accrue for the estimated probable cost of product warranties at the time that sales are recognized. Our estimates are principally based on historical experience. We also accrue for our estimates of the probable costs of corrective action when significant product quality issues are identified. These estimates are principally based on our assumptions regarding the cost of corrective action and the probable number of units to be repaired or replaced. Our product warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, material usage, and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Due to the uncertainty and potential volatility of these factors, it is possible that future results could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these matters. Our product warranty expense averaged less than 2% of net sales during the three years ended December 31, 2004.

Income taxes. We account for income taxes in accordance with FAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. FAS No. 109 also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by valuation allowances if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

We record valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that we estimate are probable to be realized. When assessing the need for valuation allowances, we consider projected future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Should a change in circumstances lead to a change in our judgments about the realizability of deferred tax assets in future years, we would adjust the related valuation allowances in the period that the change in circumstances occurs, along with a corresponding charge or credit to income. There were no valuation allowances as of March 31, 2005.

We record an estimated income tax liability based on our best judgment of the amounts likely to be paid in the various tax jurisdictions in which we operate. The tax liabilities ultimately paid are dependent on a number of factors, including the resolution of tax audits, and may differ from the amounts recorded. Tax liabilities are adjusted through income when it becomes probable that the actual liability differs from the amount recorded.

Pensions and other postretirement benefits. We account for our pension and postretirement benefit plans as required under FAS No. 87, Employers’ Accounting for Pensions, and FAS No. 106, Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions. Accounting for the net periodic benefit costs and credits for these plans requires us to estimate the cost of benefits to be provided well into the future and to attribute these costs over the expected work life of the employees participating in these plans. These estimates require our judgment about discount rates used to determine these obligations, expected returns on plan assets, rates of future compensation increases, rates of increase in future health care costs, participant withdrawal and mortality rates, and participant retirement ages. Differences between our estimates and actual results may significantly affect the cost of our obligations under these plans and could cause net periodic benefit costs and credits to change materially from year-to-year.

Goodwill. As required by FAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, each year we evaluate for goodwill impairment by comparing the fair value of each of our reporting units with its carrying value. If carrying value exceeds fair value, then a possible impairment of goodwill exists and requires further evaluation. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units using a combination of discounted cash flow analysis and market capitalization based on historical and projected financial information. We apply our best judgment in assessing the reasonableness of the financial projections and other estimates used to determine the fair value of each reporting unit.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

guidance for this repatriation provision. We are currently evaluating the effects of this provision; however, we will not be able to complete our evaluation until Congress enacts certain technical corrections to relevant provisions of the Act. We are, therefore, not yet in a position to decide whether, and to what extent, we might repatriate foreign earnings. Based on our analysis to date, the range of possible amounts that we are considering for repatriation is between zero and $50 million, with the respective tax liability ranging from zero to $3 million.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and other factors include, but are not limited to, those listed in this report under “Risks Related to Our Business,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and elsewhere in this report. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable words. These statements are only predictions and are not guarantees of future performance. Therefore, actual events or results may differ materially from those expressed or forecast in these forward-looking statements.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We are under no duty to update publicly any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS

A reduction in the spending patterns of government agencies could materially and adversely affect our net sales, earnings and cash flow.

The demand for our products sold to the fire service market, the homeland security market and to U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Defense, is, in large part, driven by available government funding. The level of government funding in these areas has increased significantly since the tragedies of September 11, 2001 and has fueled the demand for many of our products such as SCBAs, gas masks and Advanced Combat Helmets. Approximately 16% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2004 were made directly to U.S. military customers. Government budgets are set annually and we cannot assure you that government funding will be sustained at the same level in the future. A significant reduction in available government funding in the future could materially and adversely affect our net sales, earnings and cash flow.

The markets in which we compete are highly competitive, and some of our competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do. The competitive pressures faced by us could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The safety products market is highly competitive, with participants ranging in size from small companies focusing on single types of safety products, to large multinational corporations that manufacture and supply many types of safety products. Our main competitors vary by region and product. We believe that participants in this industry compete primarily on the basis of product characteristics (such as functional performance, agency approvals, design and style), price, brand name trust and recognition, and customer service. Some of our competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do and our cash flows from operations could be adversely affected by competitors’ new product innovations, technological advances made to competing products and pricing changes made by us in response to competition from existing or new competitors. We may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors and the competitive pressures faced by us could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If we fail to introduce successful new products or extend our existing product lines, we may lose our market position and our financial performance may be materially and adversely affected.

In the safety products market, there are frequent introductions of new products and product line extensions. If we are unable to identify emerging consumer and technological trends, maintain and improve the competitiveness of our products and introduce new products, we may lose our market position, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In 2004, approximately one-third of our net sales came from products that we introduced in the prior three years. Although we continue to invest significant resources in research and development and market research, continued product development and marketing efforts are subject to the risks inherent in the development of new products and product line extensions, including development delays, the failure of new products and product line extensions to achieve anticipated levels of market acceptance and the cost of failed product introductions.

Product liability claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

We face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability claims arising from the alleged failure of our products to prevent the types of personal injury or death against which they are designed to protect. Although we have not experienced any material uninsured losses due to product liability claims, it is possible that we could experience material losses in the future.

In the event any of our products prove to be defective, we could be required to recall or redesign such products. In addition, we may voluntarily recall or redesign certain products that could potentially be harmful to end users. A successful claim brought against us in excess of available insurance coverage, or any claim or product recall that results in significant expense or adverse publicity against us, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

Our ability to market and sell our products is subject to existing regulations and standards. Changes in such regulations and standards or our failure to comply with them could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

Most of our products are required to meet performance and test standards designed to protect the health and safety of people around the world. Our inability to comply with these standards may materially and adversely affect our results of operations. Changes in regulations could reduce the demand for our products or require us to reengineer our products, thereby creating opportunities for our competitors. Regulatory approvals for our products may be delayed or denied for a variety of reasons that are outside of our control.

We have significant international operations, and we are subject to the risks of doing business in foreign countries.

We have significant business operations in over 30 foreign countries. In 2004, approximately 35% of our net sales were made by operations located outside the United States. Our international operations are subject to various political, economic and other risks and uncertainties, which could adversely affect our business. These risks include the following:

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unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;

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currency exchange rate fluctuations;

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changes in trade policy or tariff regulations;

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changes in tax laws and regulations;

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intellectual property protection difficulties;

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difficulty in collecting accounts receivable;

•

complications in complying with a variety of foreign laws and regulations, some of which conflict with U.S. laws;

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increased international instability or potential instability of foreign governments;

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the need to take extra security precautions for our international operations; and

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costs and difficulties in managing culturally and geographically diverse international operations.

Any one or more of these risks could have a negative impact on the success of our international operations and thereby materially and adversely affect our business as a whole.

Our future results are subject to availability of, and fluctuations in the costs of, purchased components and materials due to market demand, currency exchange risks, material shortages and other factors.

We depend on various components and materials to manufacture our products. Although we have not experienced any difficulty in obtaining components and materials, it is possible that any of our supplier relationships could be terminated. Any sustained interruption in our receipt of adequate supplies could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. While we attempt to minimize volatility in component and material pricing primarily by negotiating longer-term supply agreements with fixed prices or fixed price ranges and maintaining multiple sources of key materials, we cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully manage price fluctuations due to market demand, currency risks or material shortages, or that future price fluctuations will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If we lose any of our key personnel or are unable to attract, train and retain qualified personnel, our ability to manage our business and continue our growth would be negatively impacted.

Our success depends in large part on the continued contributions of our key management, engineering and sales and marketing personnel, many of whom are highly skilled and would be difficult to replace. Our success also depends on the abilities of new personnel to function effectively, both individually and as a group. If we are unable to attract, effectively integrate and retain management, engineering or sales and marketing personnel, then the execution of our growth strategy and our ability to react to changing market requirements may be impeded, and our business could suffer as a result. Competition for personnel is intense, and we cannot assure you that we will be successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel. In addition, we do not currently maintain key person life insurance.

We are subject to various environmental laws and any violation of these laws could adversely affect our results of operations.

We are subject to federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances relating to the protection of the environment, including those governing discharges to air and water, handling and disposal practices for solid and hazardous wastes, and the maintenance of a safe workplace. These laws impose penalties for noncompliance and liability for response costs and certain damages resulting from past and current spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous materials. We could incur substantial costs as a result of noncompliance with or liability for cleanup pursuant to these environmental laws. We have identified several known and potential environmental liabilities, which we do not believe are material. Environmental laws have changed rapidly in recent years, and we may be subject to more stringent environmental laws in the future. If more stringent environmental laws are enacted, these future laws could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our inability to successfully identify, consummate and integrate future acquisitions or to realize anticipated cost savings and other benefits could adversely affect our business.

One of our key operating strategies is to selectively pursue acquisitions. Any future acquisitions will depend on our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates and successfully consummate such acquisitions. Acquisitions involve a number of risks including:

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failure of the acquired businesses to achieve the results we expect;

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diversion of our management’s attention from operational matters;

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our inability to retain key personnel of the acquired businesses;

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risks associated with unanticipated events or liabilities;

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potential disruption of our existing business; and

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customer dissatisfaction or performance problems at the acquired businesses.

If we are unable to integrate or successfully manage businesses that we may acquire in the future, we may not realize anticipated cost savings, improved manufacturing efficiencies and increased revenue, which may result in material adverse short- and long-term effects on our operating results, financial condition and liquidity. Even if we are able to integrate the operations of our acquired businesses into our operations, we may not realize the full benefits of the cost savings, revenue enhancements or other benefits that we may have expected at the time of acquisition. In addition, even if we achieve the expected benefits, we may not be able to achieve them within the anticipated time frame, and such benefits may be offset by costs incurred in integrating the companies and increases in other expenses.

Because we derive a significant portion of our sales from the operations of our foreign subsidiaries, future exchange rate fluctuations may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and may affect the comparability of our results between financial periods.

For the year ended December 31, 2004, our operations in our Europe and International segments accounted for 20% and 13% of our net sales, respectively. The results of our foreign operations are reported in the local currency and then translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable exchange rates for inclusion in our consolidated financial statements. The exchange rates between some of these currencies and the U.S. dollar have fluctuated significantly in recent years and may continue to do so in the future. In addition, because our financial statements are stated in U.S. dollars, such fluctuations may affect our results of operations and financial position and may affect the comparability of our results between financial periods. We cannot assure you that we will be able to effectively manage our exchange rate risks or that any volatility in currency exchange rates will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our continued success depends on our ability to protect our intellectual property. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, our net sales could be materially and adversely affected.

Our success depends, in part, on our ability to obtain and enforce patents, maintain trade secret protection and operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of third parties. We have been issued patents and have registered trademarks with respect to many of our products, but our competitors could independently develop similar or superior products or technologies, duplicate any of our designs, trademarks, processes or other intellectual property or design around any processes or designs on which we have or may obtain patents or trademark protection. In addition, it is possible that third parties may have, or will acquire, licenses for patents or trademarks that we may use or desire to use, so that we may need to acquire licenses to, or to contest the validity of, such patents or trademarks of third parties. Such licenses may not be made available to us on acceptable terms, if at all, and we may not prevail in contesting the validity of third party rights.

In addition to patent and trademark protection, we also protect trade secrets, know-how and other confidential information against unauthorized use by others or disclosure by persons who have access to them, such as our employees, through contractual arrangements. These agreements may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information in the event of any unauthorized use, misappropriation or disclosure of such trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information. If we are unable to maintain the proprietary nature of our technologies, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk represents the risk of adverse changes in the value of a financial instrument caused by changes in currency exchange rates, interest rates, and equity prices. We are exposed to market risks related to currency exchange rates and interest rates.

Currency exchange rate sensitivity. We are subject to the effects of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on various transactions and on the translation of the reported financial position and operating results of our non-U.S. companies from local currencies to U.S. dollars. A hypothetical 10% strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar would increase or decrease our reported sales and net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 by approximately $8.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively. We manage our exchange risks primarily by sourcing our products in the same currency as our customer pays us. When appropriate, we may attempt to limit our transactional exposure to changes in currency exchange rates through contracts or other actions intended to reduce existing exposures by creating offsetting currency exposures. At March 31, 2005, contracts for the purpose of hedging cash flows were not significant.

Interest Rate Sensitivity. We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of borrowing and investing activities used to maintain liquidity and fund business operations. Because of the relatively short maturities of temporary investments and the variable rate nature of industrial development debt, these financial instruments are reported at carrying values which approximate fair values.

We hold one interest rate swap agreement, which is used to hedge the fair market value on a portion of our 8.39% fixed rate long-term debt. At March 31, 2005, the swap agreement had a notional amount of $20.0 million and a fair market value in favor of the bank of $0.9 million. The swap will expire in 2012. The notional amount of the swap declines $4.0 million per year beginning in 2008. A hypothetical increase of 10% in market interest rates would result in a decrease of approximately $0.5 million in the fair value of the interest rate swap.

We have $48.0 million of fixed rate debt which matures at various dates through 2012. The incremental increase in the fair value of fixed rate long term debt resulting from a hypothetical 10% decrease in interest rates would be approximately $0.9 million, excluding the impact of outstanding hedge instruments. However, our sensitivity to interest rate declines and the corresponding increase in the fair value of our debt portfolio would unfavorably affect earnings and cash flows only to the extent that we elected to repurchase or retire all or a portion of our fixed rate debt portfolio at prices above carrying values.

Item 4. Controls and procedures

(a)

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

(b)

Changes in internal control. Except as otherwise discussed herein, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. We are currently evaluating the impact on our internal control over financial reporting for the following matter.

In January 2005, we implemented a new consolidation system to produce financial statements for external reporting and management reporting.

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds


Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1 – January 31, 2005	1,042,000	$	46.36	—	188,190
February 1 – February 28, 2005	22,483		49.48	22,483	165,707
March 1 – March 31, 2005	49,241		39.80	49,241	116,466

In January 2005, we purchased 1,042,000 shares of common stock in a private transaction from the estate and a trust for the benefit of the late mother of John T. Ryan III, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The purchase price was determined by a committee of disinterested directors based on an analysis done by investment bankers retained by the Company.

On December 19, 1996, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized management to purchase up to 4,500,000 split-adjusted shares of common stock from time to time in private transactions and on the open market. The share purchase program has no expiration date.

On October 26, 2004, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to 200,000 additional shares of common stock from time to time in private transactions and on the open market. The share purchase program has no expiration date.

We do not have any other share repurchase programs.

Item 6. Exhibits


(a)	Exhibits
	31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

	31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

	32	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. (S)1350

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


		MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

Date: May 6, 2005		/s/ Dennis L. Zeitler
		Dennis L. Zeitler
		Vice President — Finance; Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer

Section 302 CEO Certification

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)

I, John T. Ryan III, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Mine Safety Appliances Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a–15(e) and 15d–15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 6, 2005


		/s/ John T. Ryan III
		John T. Ryan III
		Chief Executive Officer

Section 302 CFO Certification

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)

I, Dennis L. Zeitler, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Mine Safety Appliances Company;

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 6, 2005


		/s/ Dennis L. Zeitler
		Dennis L. Zeitler
		Chief Financial Officer

Section 906 CEO & CFO Certification

EXHIBIT 32

CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. (S) 1350, the undersigned officers of Mine Safety Appliances Company (the “Company”), hereby certify, to the best of their knowledge, that the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13 (a) or 15 (d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


Dated: May 6, 2005		/s/ John T. Ryan III
		John T. Ryan III
		Chief Executive Officer

		/s/ Dennis L. Zeitler
		Dennis L. Zeitler
		Chief Financial Officer