MSA
(
MSA
) offers investors strong growth and a solid dividend at a very
reasonable price.
Based on consensus estimates, analysts project strong double-digit
EPS growth over the next few years. And those estimates have been
rising after the company delivered record results for the third
quarter. It is a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy).
It also pays a dividend that yields 3.1%. Valuation is attractive
too, with shares sporting a PEG ratio of 0.8.
Safety First
MSA (which stands for Mine Safety Appliances) manufactures safety
products for a wide range of industries. Some of its products
include: respirators, gas detection instruments, thermal imaging
cameras, fire helmets, ballistic helmets, fall protection, and
mining products.
MSA was founded in 1914 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh. It has
a market cap of $1.2 billion.
Third Quarter Results
MSA reported record results for the third quarter of 2011. Earnings
per share doubled to 54 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate
by 2 cents.
Net sales rose 23% year-over-year to $298 million, ahead of the
Zacks Consensus Estimate of $291 million. Excluding the impact of a
recent acquisition, organic sales were up 14%. Organic sales in
North America, which accounted for 48% of total sales, also rose by
14%.
The company experienced solid revenue growth across most of its
core industrial product lines. The fall protection business was
particularly strong, growing 21% year-over-year. The gas detection
segment grew by 13%.
Meanwhile, the gross profit margin expanded 300 basis points to
40.5% of net sales.
Outlook
Following strong Q3 results, analysts revised their estimates
higher for both 2011 and 2012, sending the stock to a Zacks #2 Rank
(Buy).
Analysts believe that MSA's late-cycle mix of sales, continued
margin expansion and new product development will drive
double-digit EPS growth over the next couple of years.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2011 is $2.02, representing 35%
growth over 2010 EPS. The 2012 consensus estimate is currently
$2.28, corresponding with 13% growth.
Dividend
In addition to strong earnings growth, MSA offers a dividend that
yields a very solid 3.1%. Since the year 2000, the company has
raised its dividend at a compound annual rate of 21%:
Valuation
The valuation picture looks reasonable too. Shares trade at just
14.5x 12-month forward earnings, a discount to its historical
median of 17.7x.
Its PEG ratio is only 0.8 based on a consensus long-term growth
rate of 18.3%.
The Bottom Line
With rising earnings estimates, strong growth projections, a 3.1%
dividend yield and attractive valuation, MSA offers investors a lot
to like.
Todd Bunton is the Growth & Income Stock Strategist for
Zacks Investment
Research
and Co-Editor of the
Reitmeister Value Investor
.
MINE SAFETY APP (
MSA
): Free Stock Analysis Report
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