Form 10-Q

 

 

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 September 30, 2009

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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  x

  Accelerated filer  ¨   Non-accelerated filer  ¨   Smaller reporting company  ¨
   

  (Do not check if a smaller

reporting company)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

On October 29, 2009 there were 35,963,503 shares of common stock outstanding, not including 2,188,221 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)

Unaudited

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30
    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
     2009     2008     2009     2008  

Net sales

   $ 228,486      $ 285,941      $ 673,893      $ 845,447   

Other income

     150        1,607        1,681        4,130   
                                
     228,636        287,548        675,574        849,577   
                                

Costs and expenses

        

Cost of products sold

     145,354        177,203        422,469        518,768   

Selling, general and administrative

     57,313        67,921        170,174        202,934   

Research and development

     7,119        9,485        21,405        26,039   

Restructuring and other charges

     840        1,045        9,901        3,276   

Interest

     1,681        2,307        5,442        7,082   

Currency exchange losses (gains)

     42        (879     (305     3,139   
                                
     212,349        257,082        629,086        761,238   
                                

Income before income taxes

     16,287        30,466        46,488        88,339   

Provision for income taxes

     5,154        12,342        15,754        34,119   
                                

Net income

     11,133        18,124        30,734        54,220   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (179     (181     (101     (296
                                

Net income attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company

     10,954        17,943        30,633        53,924   
                                

Earnings per share attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company common shareholders

        

Basic

   $ 0.31      $ 0.50      $ 0.86      $ 1.51   
                                

Diluted

   $ 0.30      $ 0.50      $ 0.85      $ 1.50   
                                

Dividends per common share

   $ 0.24      $ 0.24      $ 0.72      $ 0.70   
                                

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-2-


MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands, except share amounts)

Unaudited

 

    September 30
2009
    December 31
2008
 

Assets

   

Current assets

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 58,581      $ 50,894   

Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,767 and $6,050

    182,632        198,622   

Inventories

    140,697        159,428   

Deferred tax assets

    23,865        23,023   

Income taxes receivable

    5,455        21,362   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    23,448        24,446   
               

Total current assets

    434,678        477,775   
               

Property, less accumulated depreciation of $304,272 and $283,602

    147,733        141,409   

Prepaid pension cost

    81,901        78,037   

Deferred tax assets

    8,947        7,651   

Goodwill

    85,134        83,211   

Other noncurrent assets

    107,687        87,727   
               

Total assets

    866,080        875,810   
               

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   

Current liabilities

   

Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt

  $ 38,232      $ 60,849   

Accounts payable

    49,150        50,126   

Employees’ compensation

    30,755        30,368   

Insurance and product liability

    16,383        20,487   

Taxes on income

    5,294        6,083   

Other current liabilities

    46,663        51,774   
               

Total current liabilities

    186,477        219,687   
               

Long-term debt

    82,120        94,082   

Pensions and other employee benefits

    125,793        120,494   

Deferred tax liabilities

    36,393        36,491   

Other noncurrent liabilities

    11,524        9,931   
               

Total liabilities

    442,307        480,685   
               

Shareholders’ equity

   

Mine Safety Appliances Company shareholders’ equity:

   

Preferred stock, 4 1/ 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 62,081,391 and 62,081,391 shares (outstanding 35,963,503 and 35,786,290 shares)

    72,825        69,607   

Stock compensation trust — 2,188,221 and 2,378,462 shares

    (11,423     (12,416

Treasury shares, at cost:

   

Preferred — 52,878 and 52,878 shares

    (1,753     (1,753

Common — 23,929,667 and 23,916,639 shares

    (256,184     (256,077

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (56,020     (74,412

Retained earnings

    670,000        665,248   
               

Total Mine Safety Appliances Company shareholders’ equity

    421,014        393,766   

Noncontrolling interests

    2,759        1,359   
               

Total shareholders’ equity

    423,773        395,125   
               

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

    866,080        875,810   
               

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-3-


MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

Unaudited

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
     2009     2008  

Operating Activities

    

Net income attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company

   $ 30,633      $ 53,924   

Depreciation and amortization

     20,282        21,108   

Pensions

     184        (6,768

Net loss (gain) from investing activities — property disposals

     261        (628

Stock-based compensation

     4,622        4,444   

Deferred income tax benefit

     (1,271     (2,795

Other noncurrent assets and liabilities

     (21,763     (15,741

Currency exchange (gains) losses

     (305     3,139   

Other, net

     (2,674     (2,206
                

Operating cash flow before changes in working capital

     29,969        54,477   
                

Trade receivables

     23,869        (6,756

Inventories

     30,672        (30,097

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (15,450     20,686   

Income taxes receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets

     18,081        (17,056
                

Decrease (increase) in working capital

     57,172        (33,223
                

Cash flow from operating activities

     87,141        21,254   
                

Investing Activities

    

Property additions

     (20,729     (30,931

Property disposals

     244        1,845   

Other, net

     (134     (2,247
                

Cash flow from investing activities

     (20,619     (31,333
                

Financing Activities

    

(Payments on) proceeds from short-term debt, net

     (23,185     19,820   

Payments on long-term debt

     (12,000     (10,000

Cash dividends paid

     (25,881     (25,055

Company stock purchases

     (107     (970

Exercise of stock options

     84        754   

Excess tax (provision) benefit related to stock plans

     (495     894   
                

Cash flow from financing activities

     (61,584     (14,557
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     2,749        (468
                

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     7,687        (25,104

Beginning cash and cash equivalents

     50,894        74,981   
                

Ending cash and cash equivalents

     58,581        49,877   
                

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-4-


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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) 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 year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. The other information in these financial statements is 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.

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) Restructuring and Other Charges

During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009, we recorded charges of $0.8 million ($0.5 million after tax) and $9.9 million ($6.3 million after tax), respectively. North American segment charges of $8.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 related primarily to a focused voluntary retirement incentive program (VRIP). During January 2009, 61 North American segment employees made irrevocable elections to retire under the terms of the VRIP. These employees retired on January 31, 2009. VRIP non-cash special termination benefits expense of $6.7 million was recorded in January 2009. We expect that the staff reductions associated with the VRIP will result in annual pre-tax savings of approximately $5.0 million. The remaining $2.0 million of North American segment charges related to costs associated with layoffs and stay bonuses and other costs associated with our ongoing initiative to transfer certain production activities. European and International segment charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 of $0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively, were primarily for severance costs related to staff reductions in Germany, Brazil, Australia and South Africa.

During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, we recorded charges of $1.0 million ($0.7 million after tax) and $3.3 million ($2.1 million after tax), respectively. These charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 included $2.8 million in North America, primarily related to stay bonuses and other costs associated with our initiative to outsource or transfer certain production activities from our Evans City, Pennsylvania plant. International segment charges of $0.5 million were severance costs related to staff reductions associated with our strategic initiative to improve our business in Japan.

 

-5-


(3) Comprehensive Income

Components of comprehensive income are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30
    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 

(In thousands)

   2009     2008     2009     2008  

Net income

   $ 11,133      $ 18,124      $ 30,734      $ 54,220   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     9,018        (24,142     19,691        (11,089
                                

Comprehensive income (loss)

     20,151        (6,018     50,425        43,131   

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (324     (64     (1,400     99   
                                

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company

     19,827        (6,082     49,025        43,230   
                                

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:

 

(In thousands)

   September 30
2009
    December 31
2008
 

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments

   $ 14,642      $ (3,750

Pension and post-retirement plan adjustments

     (70,662     (70,662
                

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (56,020     (74,412
                

(4) 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 assumes the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock and performance stock, provided in each case that the effect is dilutive.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30
   Nine Months Ended
September 30

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

   2009    2008    2009    2008

Net income attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company

   $ 10,954    $ 17,943    $ 30,633    $ 53,924

Preferred stock dividends

     10      10      30      30
                           

Income available to common shareholders

     10,944      17,933      30,603      53,894
                           

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.31    $ 0.50    $ 0.86    $ 1.51
                           

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.30    $ 0.50    $ 0.85    $ 1.50
                           

Basic shares outstanding

     35,680      35,617      35,662      35,584

Stock options and other stock compensation

     258      344      198      406
                           

Diluted shares outstanding

     35,938      35,961      35,860      35,990
                           

Antidilutive stock options

     749      756      749      756
                           

 

-6-


(5) Segment Information

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

 

(In thousands)

  North
America
  Europe     International   Reconciling
Items
    Consolidated
Totals

Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

         

Sales to external customers

  $ 107,054   $ 59,361      $ 62,071   $      $ 228,486

Intercompany sales

    13,771     17,773        5,094     (36,638    

Net income (loss) attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company

    10,767     (1,660     2,266     (419     10,954

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

         

Sales to external customers

  $ 330,133   $ 172,112      $ 171,648   $      $ 673,893

Intercompany sales

    42,637     63,294        10,585     (116,516    

Net income attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company

    25,403     837        4,349     44        30,633

Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

         

Sales to external customers

  $ 140,819   $ 72,796      $ 72,326   $      $ 285,941

Intercompany sales

    16,556     29,965        3,761     (50,282    

Net income attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company

    10,972     2,430        3,354     1,187        17,943

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

         

Sales to external customers

  $ 436,143   $ 210,054      $ 199,250   $      $ 845,447

Intercompany sales

    43,816     86,378        10,656     (140,850    

Net income (loss) attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company

    37,166     7,928        10,476     (1,646     53,924

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

In 2009, we changed our method of allocating research and development expenses to each segment. Comparative 2008 net income amounts have been revised to conform to the current year presentation. The effect of the revisions to net income for the three months ended September 30, 2008 increased North American and European segment net income by $0.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively, and decreased International segment net income by $0.8 million. The effect of the revisions to net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased North American and European segment net income by $0.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively, and decreased International segment net income by $2.2 million.

 

-7-


(6) Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

Components of net periodic benefit (credit) cost consisted of the following:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other Benefits  

(In thousands)

   2009     2008     2009     2008  

Three months ended September 30

        

Service cost

   $ 2,016      $ 2,585      $ 181      $ 173   

Interest cost

     4,742        4,797        469        463   

Expected return on plan assets

     (8,905     (9,267              

Amortization of transition amounts

     1        7                 

Amortization of prior service cost

     34        46        (87     (89

Recognized net actuarial losses (gains)

     65        (461     263        304   
                                

Net periodic benefit (credit) cost

     (2,047     (2,293     826        851   
                                

Nine months ended September 30

        

Service cost

   $ 5,907      $ 7,380      $ 543      $ 520   

Interest cost

     14,005        14,376        1,409        1,391   

Expected return on plan assets

     (26,428     (27,709              

Amortization of transition amounts

     4        12                 

Amortization of prior service cost

     103        138        (263     (268

Recognized net actuarial losses (gains)

     182        (965     787        911   

Termination benefits

     6,411               250          
                                

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)

     184        (6,768     2,726        2,554   
                                

We made contributions of $1.9 million to our pension plans during the nine month period ended September 30, 2009. We expect to make total contributions of approximately $2.5 million to our pension plans in 2009.

(7) Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Changes in goodwill and intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were as follows:

 

(In thousands)

   Goodwill    Intangibles  

Net balances at January 1, 2009

   $ 83,211    $ 15,501   

Goodwill and intangible assets acquired

          150   

Amortization expense

          (1,767

Currency translation

     1,923      250   
               

Net balances at September 30, 2009

     85,134      14,134   
               

At September 30, 2009, goodwill of approximately $63.5 million, $18.0 million, and $3.6 million related to the North American, European, and International operating segments, respectively.

(8) Inventories

 

(In thousands)

   September 30
2009
   December 31
2008

Finished products

   $ 63,181    $ 66,445

Work in process

     15,466      29,224

Raw materials and supplies

     62,050      63,759
             

Total inventories

     140,697      159,428
             

 

-8-


(9) Stock Plans

On May 13, 2008, the shareholders approved the 2008 Management Equity Incentive Plan and the 2008 Non-Employee Directors’ Equity Incentive Plan. These plans replaced the 1998 Management Share Incentive Plan and the 1990 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan. The 2008 Management Equity Incentive Plan provides for various forms of stock-based compensation for eligible key employees through May 2018. Management stock-based compensation includes stock options, restricted stock and, beginning in 2009, performance stock units. The 2008 Non-Employee Directors’ Equity Incentive Plan provides for grants of stock options and restricted stock to non-employee directors through May 2018. Stock options are granted at market value option prices and expire after ten years, with limited instances of option prices in excess of market value and expiration after five years. Stock options are exercisable beginning three years after the grant date. Restricted stock is granted without payment to the company and generally vests three years after the grant date. Certain restricted stock for management retention vests in three equal tranches four, five, and six years after the grant date. Unvested restricted stock for management retention is forfeited if the grantee’s employment with the company terminates for any reason other than death or disability. Restricted stock is valued at the market value of the stock on the grant date. Performance stock units are valued at the market value of the stock on the grant date. The final number of shares to be issued for performance stock units may range from zero to 200% of the target award based on achieving a targeted return on net assets (RONA) over a three year performance period relative to a pre-determined peer group of companies. We issue Stock Compensation Trust shares or new shares for stock option exercises and restricted stock grants.

Stock-based compensation expense was as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30
   Nine Months Ended
September 30

(In thousands)

         2009                2008              2009              2008      

Stock compensation expense

   $ 1,248    $ 1,000    $ 4,622    $ 4,444

Income tax benefit

     445      344      1,642      1,546
                           

Stock compensation expense, net of income tax benefit

     803      656      2,980      2,898
                           

A summary of stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 follows:

 

     Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

Outstanding at January 1, 2009

   1,706,439      $ 26.65

Granted

   438,110        18.17

Exercised

   (11,549     7.29

Forfeited

   (33,908     30.16
            

Outstanding at September 30, 2009

   2,099,092        24.93
            

Exercisable at September 30, 2009

   1,337,566        22.40
            

 

-9-


A summary of restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 follows:

 

     Shares     Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

Unvested at January 1, 2009

   189,062      $ 42.56

Granted

   197,464        18.25

Vested

   (39,319     40.57

Forfeited

   (7,191     28.49
            

Unvested at September 30, 2009

   340,016        28.97
            

On February 23, 2009, we granted performance stock units for 64,780 shares with a grant date fair value of $17.83 per share. During June, performance stock units for 2,806 shares were forfeited. The estimated final number of shares to be issued did not change significantly during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

(10) Derivative Financial Instruments

In 2004, we entered into an eight year interest rate swap agreement, which was designated as a fair value hedge of a portion of our fixed rate 8.39% Senior Notes. Under the terms of the swap agreement, we received a fixed interest rate of 8.39% and paid a floating interest rate based on LIBOR. At December 31, 2008, the notional amount of the swap was $16.0 million and the fair value was recorded as an asset of $0.6 million that was included in other noncurrent assets, with an offsetting increase in the carrying value of long-term debt.

On January 15, 2009, we terminated the interest rate swap agreement and received a termination payment of $0.6 million, which represented the fair value of the swap on that date. That value has been recorded as an increase in the carrying value of long-term debt and is being recognized as a reduction of interest expense over the original term of the interest rate swap agreement.

As part of our currency exchange rate risk management strategy, we enter into certain derivative foreign currency forward contracts that do not meet the GAAP criteria for hedge accounting, but which have the impact of partially offsetting certain foreign currency exposures. We account for these forward contracts on a full mark-to-market basis and report the related gains or losses in currency exchange losses (gains). At September 30, 2009, the notional amount of open forward contracts was $9.6 million and the unrealized gain on these contracts was $0.1 million. All open forward contracts will mature during the fourth quarter of 2009.

 

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The following table presents the balance sheet location and fair value of assets and liabilities associated with derivative financial instruments.

 

          Asset Derivatives    Liability Derivatives
     Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair Value at
September 30,
2009
   Fair Value at
December 31,
2008
   Fair Value at
September 30,
2009
   Fair Value at
December 31,
2008

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

              

Interest rate swap

   Other
noncurrent
assets
   $    $ 574    $    $

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

              

Foreign currency forward contracts

   Other
current
liabilities
     117                526
                              

Totals

        117      574           526
                              

The following table presents the income statement location and impact of derivative financial instruments.

 

         Amount of Loss
(Gain)
Recognized in Income
 
         Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
     Income Statement
Location
        2009                2008        

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

       

Interest rate swap

   Interest expense   $    $ (17

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

       

Foreign currency forward contracts

   Currency exchange

losses (gains)

    2,313      (459
                 

Totals

       2,313      (476
                 

(11) Income Taxes

At September 30, 2009, we had a gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $5.0 million. We have recognized tax benefits associated with these liabilities of $3.5 million at September 30, 2009. These balances are unchanged since December 31, 2008. We do not expect that the total amount of the unrecognized tax benefit will significantly increase or decrease within twelve months of the reporting date.

We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. At September 30, 2009, we had $0.2 million of accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits.

(12) Fair Value Measurements

On January 1, 2008, we adopted the FASB statement on fair value measurements, as it relates to financial assets and liabilities that are remeasured and reported at least annually. On January 1, 2009, we adopted the FASB statement on fair value measurements as it relates to nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized and disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis.

 

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The FASB statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Our adoption of this statement, as it relates to financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities, had no impact on consolidated results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

The FASB statement defines fair value 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. This standard is now the single source under generally accepted accounting principles for the definition of fair value, except for the fair value of leased property. The FASB statement establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). 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 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities.

 

   

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (e.g., interest rates); and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

 

   

Level 3 - Inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

The valuation methodologies we used to measure financial assets and liabilities within the scope of the FASB statement were limited to the derivative financial instruments described in Note 10. We estimate the fair value of these financial instruments, consisting of an interest rate swap and 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 these financial instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

(13) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

With the exception of fixed rate long-term debt, we believe that the reported carrying amounts of our financial assets and liabilities approximate their fair values. At September 30, 2009, the reported carrying amount of our fixed rate long-term debt was $88.0 million and the fair value was $87.3 million. The fair value of our long-term debt was determined using cash flow valuation models to estimate the market value of similar transactions as of September 30, 2009.

(14) 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 2,500 lawsuits, primarily involving respiratory protection products allegedly manufactured and sold by us. Collectively, these lawsuits represent a total of approximately 11,700 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, in recent years there has been an increase in the number of asserted claims

 

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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 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 evaluate our exposures on an ongoing basis and make adjustments to the reserve 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, operations or liquidity.

In the normal course of business, we make payments to settle product liability claims and for related legal fees and record receivables for the amounts covered by insurance. Various factors could affect the timing and amount of recovery of insurance receivables, including: the outcome of negotiations with insurers, legal proceedings with respect to product liability insurance coverage, and the extent to which insurers may become insolvent in the future.

We are currently involved in coverage litigation with Century Indemnity Company (Century). We have sued Century in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, alleging that Century breached five insurance policies by failing to pay amounts owing to us and that its refusal to pay constitutes bad faith. The Pennsylvania court has denied a motion by Century to stay or dismiss the Pennsylvania lawsuit. The court also denied certain preliminary motions filed by both parties to narrow the issues in dispute and matter is currently in discovery. We believe that Century’s refusal to indemnify us under the policies is wholly contrary to Pennsylvania law and we are vigorously pursuing the legal actions necessary to collect all amounts.

We are currently involved in coverage litigation with The North River Insurance Company (North River). On March 23, 2009, we sued North River in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, alleging that North River breached one insurance policy by failing to pay amounts owing to us and that its refusal to pay constitutes bad faith. The case was assigned to the Court’s mandatory Alternative Dispute Resolution program which requires the parties to mediate the dispute within the next few months in an attempt to resolve the dispute. If mediation is unsuccessful the case will proceed to trial. We believe that North River’s refusal to indemnify us under the policy for settlements and legal fees paid by us is wholly contrary to Pennsylvania law and we are vigorously pursuing the legal actions necessary to collect all amounts.

We are currently involved in coverage litigation with Columbia Casualty Company (CNA). On March 30, 2009, we sued CNA in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, alleging that CNA breached one insurance policy by failing to pay amounts owing to us and that its refusal to pay constitutes bad faith. The case was assigned to the Court’s mandatory Alternative Dispute Resolution program which requires the parties to mediate the dispute within the next few months in an attempt to resolve the dispute. If mediation is unsuccessful the case will proceed to trial. We believe that CNA’s refusal to indemnify us under the policy for settlements and legal fees paid by us is wholly contrary to Pennsylvania law and we are vigorously pursuing the legal actions necessary to collect all amounts.

We regularly evaluate the collectibility of insurance receivables and record the amounts that we conclude are probable of collection based on our analysis of our various policies, pertinent case law interpreting comparable policies and our experience with similar claims. Receivables from insurance carriers totaled $82.0 million and $60.6 million at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Based upon our evaluation of applicable insurance coverage and the current status of the coverage litigation discussed in the preceding paragraphs, we believe that the recorded balance is fully recoverable from carriers.

 

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(15) Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2007, the FASB issued a statement that requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest is to be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. The statement also amended certain consolidation procedures and expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest. The adoption of the new statement on January 1, 2009 is reflected in these financial statements and did not have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

In March 2008, the FASB issued a statement that requires companies to provide disclosures about (a) how and why derivative instruments are used, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect the company’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. We adopted the new statement on January 1, 2009. See note 10 for disclosures related to derivative instruments and hedging activities.

In April 2009, the FASB issued a staff position that requires disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods as well as in annual financial statements. We adopted this staff position for our second quarter 2009 interim reporting period. See note 13 for disclosures related to the fair value of financial instruments.

In May 2009, the FASB issued a statement that establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. Specifically, the statement sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. Our adoption of the new statement on June 30, 2009 had no impact on the financial statements as management already followed a similar approach prior to the adoption of this standard. See note 16 for disclosures related to subsequent events and the subsequent events evaluation period.

In June 2009, the FASB issued a statement that removes the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity and clarifies the objective of determining whether a transferor and all of the entities included in the transferor’s financial statements being presented have surrendered control over transferred financial assets. The new statement is effective January 1, 2010. We do not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued a statement that amends the consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities. We do not expect the adoption of the new statement, which is effective January 1, 2010, to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued a statement that establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). The Codification, which changes the referencing of financial standards, became effective for our third quarter 2009 financial statements. The Codification did not change or alter existing U.S. GAAP.

In April 2008, the FASB issued a staff position that amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. The objective of this staff position is to improve the consistency between the useful

 

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life of a recognized intangible asset and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset. This staff position applies to all intangible assets, whether acquired in a business combination or otherwise, and is to be applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired on or after January 1, 2009. We do not expect that the adoption of this staff position will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2008, the FASB issued a staff position that provides guidance on an employer’s disclosures about defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan assets, including investment policies and strategies, major categories of plan assets, inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets, and significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. This staff position is effective on December 31, 2009. We are currently evaluating the disclosure requirements of this staff position.

(16) Subsequent Events

On October 9, 2009, we sold 25 acres of land in our Cranberry Woods office park to Cranwoods-WST, Ltd. for $4.8 million. This sale is expected to result in a pre-tax gain of approximately $3.6 million. After this transaction, approximately 55 acres remain available for sale in the Cranberry Woods development.

Management has evaluated all activity of the company through October 29, 2009 (the issue date of the financial statements) and has concluded that all subsequent events that would require recognition or disclosure are appropriately reflected in the financial statements.

 

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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. These factors include, but are not limited to, spending patterns of government agencies, competitive pressures, product liability claims and our ability to collect related insurance receivables, the success of new product introductions, currency exchange rate fluctuations, the identification and successful integration of acquisitions, and the risks of doing business in foreign countries. For discussion of risk factors affecting our business, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

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

We are committed to providing our customers with service unmatched in the safety industry and, in the process, enhancing our ability to provide a growing line of safety solutions for customers in key global markets. Four strategic imperatives drive us toward our goal of building customer loyalty by delivering exceptional levels of protection, quality, and value:

 

   

Achieve sustainable growth through product leadership;

 

   

Expand market penetration through exceptional customer focus;

 

   

Control costs and increase efficiency in asset utilization; and

 

   

Build the depth, breadth, and diversity of our global team.

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 2008, approximately 52%, 25%, and 23% of our net sales were made by our North American, European, 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 European 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.

 

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International. Our International segment includes operating entities located in Abu Dhabi, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, China, Dubai, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Peru, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, and Zambia, 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.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

Net sales. Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2009 were $228.5 million, a decrease of $57.4 million, or 20%, compared with $285.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30
   Dollar
Decrease
    Percent
Decrease
 

(In millions)

       2009            2008         

North America

   $ 107.1    $ 140.8    ($ 33.7   (24 %) 

Europe

     59.4      72.8      (13.4   (18

International

     62.1      72.3      (10.2   (14

Net sales by the North American segment were $107.1 million for the third quarter of 2009, a decrease of $33.7 million, or 24%, compared to $140.8 million for the third quarter of 2008. The decrease continues to reflect the effects of the economic recession, which has led to reduced end-user demand, especially in construction, oil and gas, and other industrial markets. Sales of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) were $11.8 million lower during the third quarter of 2009. Third quarter of 2008 SCBA sales included $13.2 million of our Firehawk® M7 Responder to the U.S. Air Force. Excluding these shipments, SCBA sales were $1.4 million higher in the current quarter. Shipments of Advanced Combat Helmets to the U.S. military and CG634 helmets to the Canadian Forces were $8.5 million and $2.1 million lower, respectively, reflecting the completion of certain contracts. Shipments of head protection and fall protection were down $6.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively, as the effects of the economic recession reduced demand in construction and industrial markets.

Net sales for the European segment were $59.4 million for the third quarter of 2009, a decrease of $13.4 million, or 18%, compared to $72.8 million for the third quarter of 2008. Local currency sales in Europe decreased $7.5 million during the third quarter of 2009. In France, local currency sales were $2.5 million lower in the current quarter. Third quarter 2008 sales in France included a one-time shipment of $3.3 million ballistic vests to the military. In Germany, local currency sales were down $2.1 million in the current quarter, reflecting a $3.6 million decrease in sales of gas masks, primarily to the military, partially offset by a $2.7 million increase in shipments of SCBAs. Local currency sales in Eastern Europe were $1.6 million lower in the current quarter. Unfavorable translation effects of weaker European currencies, particularly the euro, in the current quarter decreased European segment sales, when stated in U.S. dollars, by $5.9 million.

Net sales for the International segment were $62.1 million in the third quarter of 2009, a decrease of $10.2 million, or 14%, compared to $72.3 million for the third quarter of 2008. Local currency sales decreased in the International segment by $6.7 million. Lower local currency sales in Australia, Latin America, and Africa, primarily due to the effects of the economic recession, were partially offset by

 

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higher sales in China, reflecting our increased presence in that area. Currency translation effects reduced International segment sales, when stated in U.S. dollars, by $3.5 million, primarily due to a weakening of the Australian dollar and Brazilian real.

Cost of products sold. Cost of products sold was $145.4 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $177.2 million in the third quarter of 2008. Cost of products sold, selling, general and administrative expenses, and research and development expenses include net periodic pension credits during the third quarters of 2009 and 2008 of $2.0 million and $2.3 million, respectively.

Gross profit. Gross profit for the third quarter of 2009 was $83.1 million, which was $25.6 million, or 24%, lower than gross profit of $108.7 million in the third quarter of 2008. The decrease reflects the previously discussed reduction in sales and a lower gross profit percentage. The unfavorable translation effects of weaker foreign currencies reduced gross profit, when stated in U.S. dollars by $3.7 million. The ratio of gross profit to net sales was 36.4% in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 38.0% in the same quarter last year. The lower gross profit ratio in the third quarter of 2009 occurred in the European and International segments and related to sales mix, lower production volumes, and recessionary pricing pressures.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $57.3 million during the third quarter of 2009, a decrease of $10.6 million, or 16%, compared to $67.9 million in the third quarter of 2008. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 25.1% of net sales in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 23.8% of net sales in the third quarter of 2008. Third quarter selling, general and administrative expenses in the North American segment were $21.0 million, a decrease of $4.2 million, or 17%, from $25.2 million in the third quarter of 2008. Local currency selling, general and administrative expenses in the European and International segments were $4.1 million lower in the third quarter 2009. Lower selling, general and administrative expenses in the current quarter were a direct result of cost-saving initiatives that we have taken in response to the effects of the economic recession. Currency exchange effects reduced third quarter 2009 administrative expenses in the European and International segments, when stated in U.S. dollars, by $2.3 million, primarily related to a weaker euro, Australian dollar, and Brazilian real.

Research and development expense. Research and development expense was $7.1 million during the third quarter of 2009, a decrease of $2.4 million, or 25%, compared to $9.5 million during the third quarter of 2008. The decrease reflects cost savings realized by shifting a portion of our research and development efforts to our new China technology center, as well as various other cost reduction initiatives in North America and Europe. Currency exchange effects were not significant.

Restructuring and other charges. During the third quarter 2009, we recorded charges of $0.8 million. Charges of $0.4 million were incurred in North America and related to costs associated with layoffs and stay bonuses and other costs associated with our ongoing initiative to transfer certain production activities. The remainder of the charges related to staffing reductions in Europe.

During the third quarter 2008, we recorded charges of $1.0 million. These charges were primarily related to stay bonuses and other costs associated with our initiative to outsource or transfer certain production activities from our Evans City, Pennsylvania plant.

Interest expense. Interest expense was $1.7 million during the third quarter of 2009, a decrease of $0.6 million, or 27%, compared to $2.3 million in the same quarter last year. The decrease in interest expense was due to reductions in both short and long-term debt and lower short-term interest rates.

Income taxes. The third quarter 2009 provision for income taxes includes a tax benefit of $1.0 million to recognize a deferred tax asset related to net operating losses in South Africa. This benefit was

 

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recognized as a result of tax planning strategies identified during the quarter. The third quarter 2008 provision for income taxes included a $0.5 million charge related to the settlement of a tax audit in Germany. Excluding these one-time items, the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2009 was 37.8% compared to 38.9% for the same quarter last year. The lower rate in the current quarter was primarily related to the expiration of the research and development tax credit in 2008. Congress extended this credit retroactively during the fourth quarter of 2008.

We file a U.S. federal income tax return along with various state and foreign income tax returns. Examinations of our federal returns have been completed through 2005. We also file in various state and foreign jurisdictions that may be subject to tax audits after 2003.

Net income attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company. Net income attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company for the third quarter of 2009 was $11.0 million, or $0.31 per basic share, compared to $17.9 million, or $0.50 per basic share, for the same quarter last year.

North American segment net income for the third quarter of 2009 was $10.8 million, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 2%, compared to $11.0 million in the third quarter of 2008. The small decrease reflects the negative effect of a 24% decrease in sales, which was substantially offset by the positive effect of our ongoing efforts to reduce operating expenses.

The European segment reported a net loss of $1.7 million for the third quarter of 2009, compared to net income of $2.4 million during the third quarter of 2008. The decrease in European segment income was primarily related to the previously-discussed decrease in sales and gross profits. Currency translation effects reduced European segment net income, when stated in U.S. dollars, by approximately $0.3 million.

International segment net income for the third quarter of 2009 was $2.3 million, a decrease of $1.1 million, or 32%, compared to $3.4 million in the same quarter last year. The decrease in International segment net income was primarily related to the decrease in sales, partially offset by the previously discussed one-time tax benefit recorded in South Africa. Currency translation effects decreased current quarter international segment net income, when stated in U.S. dollars by approximately $0.3 million.

Net income of $1.2 million reported in reconciling items for the third quarter of 2008 was primarily related to unrealized currency exchange gains.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

Net sales. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were $673.9 million, a decrease of $171.5 million, or 20%, compared with $845.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30
   Dollar
Decrease
    Percent
Decrease
 

(In millions)

       2009            2008         

North America

   $ 330.1    $ 436.1    ($ 106.0   (24 %) 

Europe

     172.1      210.1      (38.0   (18

International

     171.6      199.3      (27.7   (14

Net sales by the North American segment were $330.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $106.0 million, or 24%, compared to $436.1 million for the same period in 2008. The decrease reflects the effects of the economic recession, which has led to reduced end-user demand, especially in construction, oil and gas, and other industrial markets. In addition,

 

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many of our distributors worked-off inventory early in the year, which further reduced the level of orders. Sales of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) were $29.4 million lower during the current period. SCBA sales during the nine months ended 2008 included $25.8 million in shipments of our Firehawk® M7 Responder to the U.S. Air Force. Excluding these shipments, SCBA sales were $3.6 million lower in the current period. Shipments of SCBAs to the fire service market were unusually high during the first half of 2008 due to an increase in orders that had been delayed in late 2007 as manufacturers and the fire service market made the transition to a new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard for SCBAs. Fire service market sales of thermal imaging cameras and fire helmets were down $4.5 million in the current period. Shipments of Advanced Combat Helmets to the U.S. military and CG634 helmets to the Canadian Forces were $23.9 million and $9.6 million lower, respectively, reflecting the completion of certain contracts. Shipments of head protection and fall protection were down $17.9 million and $6.7 million, respectively, as the effects of the economic recession reduced demand in construction and industrial markets. Shipments of instruments were $4.2 million lower in the current period, also due to reduced demand in industrial markets.

Net sales for the European segment were $172.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $38.0 million, or 18%, compared to $210.1 million for the same period in 2008. Local currency sales in Europe decreased $9.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. In France, local currency sales were $3.8 million lower in the current period, reflecting a $5.2 million decrease in shipments of ballistic vests and helmets to the military. This decrease was partially offset by a $1.6 million increase in sales of disposable respirators, primarily in response to the swine flu epidemic. In Germany, local currency sales were $6.2 million lower in the current period, reflecting a $5.3 million decrease in shipments of gas masks, primarily to the military. Local currency sales in Eastern Europe improved $2.0 million in the current period. Unfavorable translation effects of weaker European currencies, particularly the euro, in the current period decreased European segment sales, when stated in U.S. dollars, by approximately $28.9 million.

Net sales for the International segment were $171.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $27.7 million, or 14%, compared to $199.3 million in the same period in 2008. Local currency sales of the International segment decreased $4.2 million during the current period. In China, local currency sales increased $12.6 million, reflecting strong shipments of SCBAs to the Hong Kong Fire Service, as well as a continued focus on growing our business in the region. Local currency sales in Australia and Latin America were down $9.4 million and $7.2 million, respectively, primarily due to the economic recession. Currency translation effects reduced International segment sales, when stated in U.S. dollars, by $23.5 million, primarily related to a weakening of the Australian dollar, South African rand, and Brazilian real.

Cost of products sold. Cost of products sold was $422.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to $518.8 million in the same period in 2008. Cost of products sold, selling, general and administrative expenses, and research and development expenses include net periodic pension credits during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 of $6.2 million and $6.8 million, respectively.

Gross profit. Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $251.4 million, which was $75.3 million, or 23%, lower than gross profit of $326.7 million in the same period in 2008. The decrease reflects the previously discussed reduction in sales and a lower gross profit percentage. The unfavorable translation effects of weaker foreign currencies reduced gross profit, when stated in U.S. dollars, by $20.6 million. The ratio of gross profit to net sales was 37.3% in the current period compared to 38.6% in the same period last year. The lower gross profit ratio in the current period occurred primarily in the European and International segments and related to sales mix, lower production volumes, and recessionary pricing pressures.

 

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Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $170.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $32.7 million, or 16%, compared to $202.9 million in the same period in 2008. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 25.3% of net sales in the current period compared to 24.0% of net sales in the same period last year. Current period selling, general and administrative expenses in the North American segment were $66.6 million, a decrease of $15.1 million, or 18%, from $81.7 million in the same period last year. Local currency selling, general and administrative expenses in the European and International segments were $5.2 million lower in the current period. Lower selling, general and administrative expenses in the current period were the direct result of cost-savings initiatives that we have taken in response to the effects of the economic recession. Currency exchange effects reduced European and International segment administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, when stated in U.S. dollars, by $12.8 million, primarily related to a weaker euro, Australian dollar, and Brazilian real.

Research and development expense. Research and development expense was $21.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $4.6 million, or 18%, compared to $26.0 million during the same period last year. The decrease reflects cost savings realized by shifting a portion of our research and development efforts to our new China technology center, as well as, various other cost reduction initiatives in North America and Europe. Currency exchange effects reduced research and development expense, when stated in U.S. dollars, by $1.0 million.

Restructuring and other charges. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recorded charges of $9.9 million. North American segment charges of $8.7 million related primarily to a voluntary retirement incentive program (VRIP). During January 2009, 61 North American segment employees made irrevocable elections to retire under the terms of the VRIP. These employees retired on January 31, 2009. We recorded VRIP non-cash special termination benefits expense of $6.7 million. We expect that staff reductions associated with the VRIP to result in annual pre-tax savings of approximately $5.0 million. The remaining $2.0 million of North American segment charges related primarily to costs associated with layoffs and stay bonuses and other costs associated with our ongoing initiative to transfer certain production activities. European and International segment charges of $0.4 and $0.8 million, respectively, were primarily for severance costs related to staff reductions in Germany, Brazil, Australia and South Africa.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we recorded charges of $3.3 million. These charges were primarily related to stay bonuses and other costs associated with our initiative to outsource or transfer certain production activities from our Evans City, Pennsylvania plant.

Interest expense. Interest expense was $5.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 23%, compared to $7.1 million in the same period last year. The decrease in interest expense was due to reductions in both short and long-term debt and lower short-term interest rates.

Currency exchange (gains) losses. Currency exchange gains were $0.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to losses of $3.1 million during the same period last year. Currency exchange losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were mostly unrealized, and related to the effects of a stronger euro and a weaker South African rand on inter-company balances and losses on Canadian dollar trade receivables.

Other income. Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $1.7 million, a reduction of $2.4 million, compared to $4.1 million in the same period last year. The decrease was primarily due to lower interest income and gains on property sales. Other income for the first nine months of 2008 included a gain of $0.7 million on the sale of property in France.

 

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Income taxes. The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 includes a tax benefit of $1.0 million related to recognition of net operating losses in South Africa. This one-time tax benefit was recognized as a result of tax planning strategies identified during the current period. The provision for income taxes for the same period in 2008 included charges in Germany totaling $0.9 million related to a tax law change that imposed a 3% flat tax on previously untaxed subsidies and the settlement of a tax audit. Excluding these one-time items, the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was 36.0% compared to 37.6% for the same period in 2008. The lower rate in the current period was primarily related to the expiration of the research and development tax credit in 2008. Congress extended this credit retroactively during the fourth quarter of 2008.

We file a U.S. federal income tax return along with various state and foreign income tax returns. Examinations of our federal returns have been completed through 2005. We also file in various state and foreign jurisdictions that may be subject to tax audits after 2003.

Net income attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company. Net income attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $30.6 million, or $0.86 per basic share, compared to $53.9 million, or $1.51 per basic share, for the same period last year.

North American segment net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $25.4 million, a decrease of $11.8 million, or 32%, compared to $37.2 million in the same period last year. North American segment net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 includes a $4.4 million after-tax non-cash charge related to the voluntary retirement incentive program that was completed in January. Excluding this one-time charge, North American segment net income was down $7.4 million in the current period. The decrease reflects the negative effect of a 24% decrease in sales, partially offset by the positive effect of our ongoing efforts to reduce operating expenses.

European segment net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $0.8 million, a decrease of $7.1 million, or 89%, compared to net income of $7.9 million during the same period last year. The decrease in European segment net income during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was primarily due to the previously discussed decrease in sales and gross margins. Currency translation effects decreased current period European segment net income, when stated in U.S. dollars, by approximately $1.4 million, largely due to the weakening of the euro.

International segment net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $4.3 million, a decrease of $6.2 million, or 58%, compared to $10.5 million during the same period last year. The decrease in International segment net income during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was primarily related to the decrease in sales, partially offset by the previously discussed one-time tax benefit recorded in South Africa. Currency translation effects decreased current period International segment net income, when stated in U.S. dollars by approximately $2.3 million, largely due to the weakening of the Australian dollar and Brazilian real.

The loss of $1.6 million reported in reconciling items for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was primarily related to unrealized currency exchange losses.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our main source of liquidity is operating cash flows, supplemented by borrowings to fund significant transactions. Our principal liquidity requirements are for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and principal and interest payments on debt. We believe that our financial strength has been evident during the current recession. Our long-term debt is primarily at fixed interest rates with manageable repayment schedules through 2022. During 2009, we increased our available

 

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credit and currently have approximately $90.0 million in unused short-term bank lines of credit at competitive interest rates. All of our long-term borrowings and substantially all of our short-term borrowings originate in the U.S., which has limited our exposure to non-U.S. credit markets and to currency exchange rate fluctuations. We have been pursuing actions to improve our cash flow during this period of economic uncertainty. These actions have included a focus on reducing our working capital investment, selective staffing reductions, a salary and hiring freeze in the U.S. and Canada, lower salary increases than in prior years for international employees, and numerous other cost reduction measures. In June 2009, we suspended company matching contributions to our 401K plan and implemented temporary pay reductions for executive and senior level managers. We have significantly reduced our capital expenditure plans, but continue to invest in critical capital projects.

Cash and cash equivalents increased $7.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to a decrease of $25.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Operating activities provided cash of $87.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to providing cash of $21.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Significantly improved operating cash flow in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was primarily related to a $90.4 million favorable change associated with working capital. This change was partially offset by a $24.5 million decrease in operating cash flow before changes in working capital, primarily due to the previously discussed decrease in net income. Trade receivables were $182.6 million at September 30, 2009 and $198.6 million at December 31, 2008. LIFO inventories were $140.7 million at September 30, 2009 compared to $159.4 million at December 31, 2008. The $16.0 million decrease in trade receivables reflects a $23.9 million decrease in local currency balances, primarily due to lower sales, partially offset by a $7.9 million increase due to currency translation effects. The $18.7 million decrease in inventories reflects a $30.7 million decrease in local currency inventories, partially offset by a $12.0 million increase due to currency translation effects. The $18.1 million decrease in income taxes receivable, prepaids and other current assets was primarily related to a local currency reduction of $16.2 million in income taxes receivable. The increase in other non-current assets of $20.0 million was due primarily to an increase in receivables due from insurance carriers.

Investing activities used cash of $20.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to using $31.3 million the same period last year. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, we used cash of $20.7 million and $30.9 million, respectively, for property additions. Higher property additions in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were primarily related to the construction of our new facility in Suzhou, China, as well as building improvement projects in Brazil and Australia.

Financing activities used cash of $61.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to using $14.6 million during the same period in 2008. The change was primarily related to borrowings on our short-term lines of credit. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we paid down $23.2 million of short-term debt, compared to borrowing $19.8 million in the same period last year. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we paid cash dividends of $25.9 million compared to paying dividends of $25.1 million during the same period in 2008.

CUMULATIVE TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENTS

The position of the U.S. dollar relative to international currencies at September 30, 2009 resulted in a translation gain of $18.4 million being credited to the cumulative translation adjustments shareholders’ equity account during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to a loss of $10.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Translation gains in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were primarily related to the strengthening of the euro, South African rand, Brazilian real, and Australian dollar. Translation losses in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were primarily due to the weakening of the euro, Brazilian real and Australian dollar.

 

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We expect to make total contributions of $2.5 million to our pension plans during 2009.

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

In September 2006, we acquired Paraclete Armor and Equipment, Inc. Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement, we issued a $10.0 million note payable to the former owners of Paraclete. The note is non-interest bearing and is payable in five annual installments of $2.0 million beginning September 1, 2007. We recorded the note at a fair value of $8.5 million at the time of issuance. The discount of $1.5 million is being amortized over the term of the note.

During 2003, we sold our real property in Berlin, Germany for $25.7 million, resulting in a gain of $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 the gain was deferred and is being amortized over the term of the lease.

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 2,500 lawsuits, primarily involving respiratory protection products allegedly manufactured and sold by us. Collectively, these lawsuits represent a total of approximately 11,700 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, in recent years 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 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 evaluate our exposures on an ongoing basis and make adjustments to the reserve 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, operations or liquidity.

In the normal course of business, we make payments to settle product liability claims and for related legal fees and record receivables for the amounts covered by insurance. Various factors could affect the timing and amount of recovery of insurance receivables, including: the outcome of negotiations with insurers, legal proceedings with respect to product liability insurance coverage, and the extent to which insurers may become insolvent in the future.

We are currently involved in coverage litigation with Century Indemnity Company (Century). We have sued Century in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, alleging that Century breached five insurance policies by failing to pay amounts owing to us and that its refusal to pay constitutes bad faith. The Pennsylvania court has denied a motion by Century to stay or dismiss the Pennsylvania lawsuit. The court also denied certain preliminary motions filed by both parties to narrow the issues in dispute and matter is currently in discovery. We believe that Century’s refusal to indemnify us under the policies is wholly contrary to Pennsylvania law and we are vigorously pursuing the legal actions necessary to collect all amounts.

 

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We are currently involved in coverage litigation with The North River Insurance Company (North River). On March 23, 2009, we sued North River in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, alleging that North River breached one insurance policy by failing to pay amounts owing to us and that its refusal to pay constitutes bad faith. The case was assigned to the Court’s mandatory Alternative Dispute Resolution program, which requires the parties to mediate the dispute within the next few months in an attempt to resolve the dispute. If mediation is unsuccessful the case will proceed to trial. We believe that North River’s refusal to indemnify us under the policy for settlements and legal fees paid by us is wholly contrary to Pennsylvania law and we are vigorously pursuing the legal actions necessary to collect all amounts.

We are currently involved in coverage litigation with Columbia Casualty Company (CNA). On March 30, 2009, we sued CNA in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, alleging that CNA breached one insurance policy by failing to pay amounts owing to us and that its refusal to pay constitutes bad faith. The case was assigned to the Court’s mandatory Alternative Dispute Resolution program which requires the parties to mediate the dispute within the next few months in an attempt to resolve the dispute. If mediation is unsuccessful the case will proceed to trial. We believe that CNA’s refusal to indemnify us under the policy for settlements and legal fees paid by us is wholly contrary to Pennsylvania law and we are vigorously pursuing the legal actions necessary to collect all amounts.

We regularly evaluate the collectibility of insurance receivables and record the amounts that we conclude are probable of collection based on our analysis of our various policies, pertinent case law interpreting comparable policies and our experience with similar claims. Receivables from insurance carriers totaled $82.0 million and $60.6 million at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Based upon our evaluation of applicable insurance coverage and the current status of the coverage litigation discussed in the preceding paragraphs, we believe that the recorded balance is fully recoverable from carriers.

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.

The more critical judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements are discussed in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

RECENTLY ADOPTED AND RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In December 2007, the FASB issued a statement that requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest is to be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. The statement also amended certain consolidation procedures and expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest. The adoption of the new statement on January 1, 2009 is reflected in these financial statements and did not have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

 

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In March 2008, the FASB issued a statement that requires companies to provide disclosures about (a) how and why derivative instruments are used, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect the company’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. We adopted the new statement on January 1, 2009. See note 10 for disclosures related to derivative instruments and hedging activities.

In April 2009, the FASB issued a staff position that requires disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods as well as in annual financial statements. We adopted this staff position for our second quarter 2009 interim reporting period. See note 13 for disclosures related to the fair value of financial instruments.

In May 2009, the FASB issued a statement that establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. Specifically, the statement sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. Our adoption of the new statement on June 30, 2009 had no impact on the financial statements as management already followed a similar approach prior to the adoption of this standard. See note 16 for disclosures related to subsequent events and the subsequent events evaluation period.

In June 2009, the FASB issued a statement that removes the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity and clarifies the objective of determining whether a transferor and all of the entities included in the transferor’s financial statements being presented have surrendered control over transferred financial assets. The new statement is effective January 1, 2010. We do not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued a statement that amends the consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities. We do not expect the adoption of the new statement, which is effective January 1, 2010, to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued a statement that establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). The Codification, which changes the referencing of financial standards, became effective for our third quarter 2009 financial statements. The Codification did not change or alter existing U.S. GAAP.

In April 2008, the FASB issued a staff position that amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. The objective of this staff position is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset. This staff position applies to all intangible assets, whether acquired in a business combination or otherwise, and is to be applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired on or after January 1, 2009. We do not expect that the adoption of this staff position will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2008, the FASB issued a staff position that provides guidance on an employer’s disclosures about defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan assets, including investment policies and strategies, major categories of plan assets, inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets, and significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. This staff position is effective on December 31, 2009. We are currently evaluating the disclosure requirements of this staff position.

 

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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 decrease or increase our reported sales and net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 by approximately $34.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

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 September 30, 2009, we had open foreign currency forward contracts with a U.S. dollar notional value of $9.6 million. A hypothetical 10% increase in September 30, 2009 forward exchange rates would result in a $1.0 million increase in the fair value of these contracts.

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 that approximate fair values.

We have $88.0 million of fixed rate debt which matures at various dates through 2021. 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 $1.6 million. 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. 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.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

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

July 1 – July 31, 2009

    $     1,733,721

August 1 – August 31, 2009

          1,821,931

September 1 – September 30, 2009

          1,770,273

On November 2, 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $100 million of common stock from time-to-time in private transactions and on the open market. The share purchase program has no expiration date. The maximum shares that may yet be purchased is calculated based on the dollars remaining under the program and the respective month-end closing share price.

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 of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. (S)1350

 

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SIGNATURE

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

October 29, 2009

 

/s/ Dennis L. Zeitler

  Dennis L. Zeitler
 

Senior Vice President — Finance;

Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer

 

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