Core Insights - Ruane Cunniff has significantly increased its stake in MSA Safety, now owning nearly $300 million worth of shares, making it the fund's 10th largest holding [1][2] - The total position in MSA Safety has reached 1,705,286 shares, valued at $293.43 million as of September 30, 2025, reflecting a substantial increase from the previous quarter [2][3] - MSA Safety represents 4.86% of Ruane Cunniff's reported U.S. equity assets under management (AUM) [3] Company Overview - MSA Safety Incorporated is a leading provider of advanced safety products, focusing on mission-critical applications with a strong market presence [5] - The company has a market capitalization of $6.24 billion and reported revenue of $1.86 billion and net income of $279.94 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [4] - MSA Safety's stock price was $159.27 as of November 13, 2025, which is down 9% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 by 21 percentage points [3][4] Financial Performance - MSA Safety has a dividend yield of 1.3%, utilizing only 29% of its net income for dividends, indicating potential for future dividend increases [9] - The company has a history of growing its dividend for over 50 consecutive years, achieving "Dividend King" status [8][9] - MSA Safety is currently trading at 22 times free cash flow, positioning it as a stable investment for passive income seekers [9] Product and Market Position - MSA Safety offers a diversified product portfolio, including gas and flame detection instruments, breathing apparatus, and protective equipment for various industries [7] - The company serves demanding environments such as oil & gas, petrochemical, utilities, and mining, targeting sectors with high safety requirements [7] - MSA Safety's operations are recognized as best-in-class, contributing to its elite status in the safety equipment market [9]