MSA yesterday reported better than expected thirdquarter earnings, citing double-digit sales increases overseas and stronger shipments of breathing equipment to the U.S. Air Force.

The O'Hara-based safety equipment company's net income totaled $17.9 million, or 50 cents per diluted share, vs. earnings of $16.7 million, or 46 cents per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter, when MSA reported an after-tax gain of $6.5 million on the sale of Cranberry Woods property to Westinghouse. Sales increased 15 percent to $285.9 million vs $247.7 million in the year-ago quarter.

Analysts were expecting profits of 42 cents per share.

"We did not see a drop-off in business in the third quarter and our incoming order book in the third quarter also remained healthy," President and Chief Executive Officer William M. Lambert told analysts in a conference call.

Mr. Lambert said that although MSA was not experiencing a slowdown, the company was taking "proactive and prudent steps to control spending" given the worsening economic outlook. The measures include restrictions on hiring and a review of staffing levels.

"I don't think it's appropriate at this time to have dramatic cutbacks," he said.

MSA shares initially traded higher on the results, which were released before the market opened. But they ended the day at $23.50, down 66 cents. They are off 55 percent this year.