Baird Raises MSA Safety Target to $205 as 2026 Outlook Meets Expectations

MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE:MSA) is included among the Dividend Kings List: Top 15 Stocks.

On February 17, Baird analyst Robert Mason raised the firm’s price recommendation on MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE:MSA) to $205 from $184. The firm reiterated a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm said it updated its model after reporting its Q4 results, noting that the outlook for 2026 sales was in line with expectations.

During the company’s Q4 2025 earnings call, President and CEO Steven Blanco said the year ended on a solid note, supported by the company’s Accelerate strategy. He reported that consolidated sales increased 2% during the quarter. Acquisitions contributed roughly 3% to growth, while foreign exchange added another 2% tailwind. Blanco said the Detection segment showed strong momentum, with organic growth of 17%. He explained that demand for fixed solutions largely drove that performance.

Results were weaker in the fire service. Organic sales in the segment declined 21%, which he attributed to delays in AFG funding and the temporary shutdown of the U.S. government. Industrial PPE posted a modest improvement. Blanco said organic sales in that category rose 1%. He also noted that the acquisition of M&C TechGroup contributed around $15 million in revenue during the quarter. Blanco added that Detection has become the company’s largest product category. It now represents 41% of total sales. He also pointed to several new product launches. Blanco added that the newest generation 2025 G1 SCBA received NFPA approval in November.

He also said the company deployed nearly $0.5 billion toward growth investments and shareholder returns during the year. The dividend, he noted, was increased for the 55th consecutive year.

MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE:MSA) develops advanced safety products, technologies, and solutions designed to protect workers and facility infrastructure. Its main product categories include fire service, detection, and industrial personal protective equipment.