Lincoln Electric Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights

  • Net sales of $1,022 million
  • Operating income margin of 17.3%; Adjusted operating income margin of 18.2%
  • EPS of $2.47; Adjusted EPS of $2.57

Full Year 2024 Highlights

  • Net sales of $4.0 billion
  • Operating income margin of 15.9%; Adjusted operating income margin of 17.6%
  • EPS of $8.15; Adjusted EPS of $9.29
  • Cash flows from operations of $599 million
  • Returned $426 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases

Lincoln Electric Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

Amanda Butler
Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications
Tel: 216.383.2534
Email: Amanda_Butler@lincolnelectric.com

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LECO) today reported fourth quarter 2024 net income of $140.2 million, or diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.47, which included special item after-tax net charges of $5.8 million, or $0.10 EPS. This compares with prior year period net income of $156.6 million, or $2.70 EPS, which included special item after-tax net gains of $14.6 million, or $0.25 EPS. Excluding special items, fourth quarter 2024 adjusted net income was $146.0 million, or $2.57 adjusted EPS. This compares with adjusted net income of $142.0 million, or $2.45 adjusted EPS, in the prior year period.

Fourth quarter 2024 sales decreased 3.4% to $1,022.0 million reflecting a 7.5% decrease in organic sales and 1.1% unfavorable foreign exchange, partially offset by a 5.2% benefit from acquisitions. Operating income for the fourth quarter 2024 was $177.0 million, or 17.3% of sales, as compared with operating income of $204.0 million, or 19.3% of sales, in the prior year period. Excluding special items, adjusted operating income was $185.6 million, or 18.2% of sales, as compared with $182.1 million, or 17.2% of sales, in the prior year period.

“We are pleased with fourth quarter and full year operating profit margin and earnings performance despite challenging industrial sector demand as diligent price/cost management, strong execution of our cost saving actions and operational improvements advanced performance towards our 2025 Higher Standard Strategy goals,” stated Steven B. Hedlund, Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our focus on serving customers, driving employee engagement, and investing in long-term growth positions us well to capitalize on the next growth cycle and deliver superior value for our stakeholders.”

Twelve Months 2024 Summary

Net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $466.1 million, or $8.15 EPS, which included special item after-tax net charges of $65.2 million, or $1.14 EPS. This compares with prior year period net income of $545.2 million, or $9.37 EPS, which included special item after-tax net charges of $2.7 million, or $0.04 EPS. Excluding these items, adjusted net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 decreased 3.0% to $531.3 million, or $9.29 EPS, compared with $547.9 million, or $9.41 EPS, in the prior year period.

Sales decreased 4.4% to $4,008.7 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 reflecting a 6.5% decrease in organic sales and a 2.5% benefit from acquisitions. Operating income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $636.5 million, or 15.9% of sales. This compares with operating income of $717.8 million, or 17.1% of sales, in the comparable 2023 period. Excluding special items, adjusted operating income was $704.4 million, or 17.6% of sales, as compared with $718.8 million, or 17.1% of sales, in the prior year period.

Webcast Information

A conference call to discuss fourth quarter 2024 financial results will be webcast live today, February 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time. Those interested in participating via webcast in listen-only mode can access the event here or on the Company's Investor Relations home page at https://ir.lincolnelectric.com. For participants who would like to participate via telephone, please dial (888) 440-4368 (domestic) or (646) 960-0856 (international) and use confirmation code 6709091. A replay of the earnings call will be available via webcast on the Company's website.

About Lincoln Electric

Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the engineering, design, and manufacturing of advanced arc welding solutions, automated joining, assembly and cutting systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment, and has a leading global position in brazing and soldering alloys. Lincoln is recognized as the Welding Expert™ for its leading materials science, software development, automation engineering, and application expertise, which advance customers’ fabrication capabilities to help them build a better world. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln operates 71 manufacturing and automation system integration locations across 20 countries and maintains a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices serving customers in over 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company’s website at https://www.lincolnelectric.com.

Non-GAAP Information

Adjusted operating income, adjusted net income, adjusted EBIT, adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted diluted earnings per share (“adjusted EPS”), Organic sales, Cash conversion, adjusted net operating profit after taxes and adjusted return on invested capital (“adjusted ROIC”) are non-GAAP financial measures. Management uses non-GAAP measures to assess the Company's operating performance by excluding certain disclosed special items that management believes are not representative of the Company's core business. Management believes that excluding these special items enables them to make better period-over-period comparisons and benchmark the Company's operational performance against other companies in its industry more meaningfully. Furthermore, management believes that non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with meaningful information that provides a more complete understanding of Company operating results and enables investors to analyze financial and business trends more thoroughly. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be viewed in isolation, are not a substitute for GAAP measures and have limitations including, but not limited to, their usefulness as comparative measures as other companies may define their non-GAAP measures differently.

Forward-Looking Statements

The Company’s expectations and beliefs concerning the future contained in this news release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect management’s current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “guidance” or words of similar meaning. Actual results may differ materially from such statements due to a variety of factors that could adversely affect the Company’s operating results. The factors include, but are not limited to: general economic, financial and market conditions; the effectiveness of commercial and operating initiatives; the effectiveness of information systems and cybersecurity programs; presence of artificial intelligence technologies; completion of planned divestitures; interest rates; disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit markets that may limit our access to capital; currency exchange rates and devaluations; adverse outcome of pending or potential litigation; actual costs of the Company’s rationalization plans; the Company’s ability to complete acquisitions, including the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquisitions; market risks and price fluctuations related to the purchase of commodities and energy; global regulatory complexity; the effects of changes in tax law; tariff rates in the countries where the Company conducts business; and the possible effects of events beyond our control, including but not limited to, the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East, political unrest, acts of terror, natural disasters and pandemics on the Company or its customers, suppliers and the economy in general. For additional discussion, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fav (Unfav) to

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

Prior Year

 

 

 

2024

 

% of Sales

 

2023

 

% of Sales

 

$

 

%

 

Net sales

 

$

1,022,031

 

 

100.0

%

$

1,058,514

 

100.0

%

$

(36,483)

 

(3.4)

%

Cost of goods sold

 

 

653,409

 

 

63.9

%

 

687,484

 

64.9

%

 

34,075

 

5.0

%

Gross profit

 

 

368,622

 

 

36.1

%

 

371,030

 

35.1

%

 

(2,408)

 

(0.6)

%

Selling, general & administrative expenses

 

 

187,067

 

 

18.3

%

 

188,931

 

17.8

%

 

1,864

 

1.0

%

Rationalization and asset impairment net charges

 

 

4,538

 

 

0.4

%

 

(21,932)

 

(2.1)

%

 

(26,470)

 

120.7

%

Operating income

 

 

177,017

 

 

17.3

%

 

204,031

 

19.3

%

 

(27,014)

 

(13.2)

%

Interest expense, net

 

 

11,372

 

 

1.1

%

 

8,663

 

0.8

%

 

(2,709)

 

(31.3)

%

Other income

 

 

1,408

 

 

0.1

%

 

1,662

 

0.2

%

 

(254)

 

(15.3)

%

Income before income taxes

 

 

167,053

 

 

16.3

%

 

197,030

 

18.6

%

 

(29,977)

 

(15.2)

%

Income taxes

 

 

26,824

 

 

2.6

%

 

40,386

 

3.8

%

 

13,562

 

33.6

%

Effective tax rate

 

 

16.1

%

 

 

 

 

20.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

4.4

%

Net income

 

$

140,229

 

 

13.7

%

$

156,644

 

14.8

%

$

(16,415)

 

(10.5)

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

2.49

 

 

 

 

$

2.75

 

 

 

$

(0.26)

 

(9.5)

%

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

2.47

 

 

 

 

$

2.70

 

 

 

$

(0.23)

 

(8.5)

%

Weighted average shares (basic)

 

 

56,309

 

 

 

 

 

57,063

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares (diluted)

 

 

56,818

 

 

 

 

 

57,911

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fav (Unfav) to

 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

 

Prior Year

 

 

 

2024

 

% of Sales

 

2023

 

% of Sales

 

$

 

%

 

Net sales

 

$

4,008,670

 

100.0

%

$

4,191,636

 

100.0

%

$

(182,966)

 

(4.4)

%

Cost of goods sold

 

 

2,535,758

 

63.3

%

 

2,726,191

 

65.0

%

 

190,433

 

7.0

%

Gross profit

 

 

1,472,912

 

36.7

%

 

1,465,445

 

35.0

%

 

7,467

 

0.5

%

Selling, general & administrative expenses

 

 

780,590

 

19.5

%

 

758,910

 

18.1

%

 

(21,680)

 

(2.9)

%

Rationalization and asset impairment net charges

 

 

55,860

 

1.4

%

 

(11,314)

 

(0.3)

%

 

(67,174)

 

593.7

%

Operating income

 

 

636,462

 

15.9

%

 

717,849

 

17.1

%

 

(81,387)

 

(11.3)

%

Interest expense, net

 

 

42,786

 

1.1

%

 

44,371

 

1.1

%

 

1,585

 

3.6

%

Other income

 

 

473

 

0.0

%

 

13,388

 

0.3

%

 

(12,915)

 

(96.5)

%

Income before income taxes

 

 

594,149

 

14.8

%

 

686,866

 

16.4

%

 

(92,717)

 

(13.5)

%

Income taxes

 

 

128,041

 

3.2

%

 

141,618

 

3.4

%

 

13,577

 

9.6

%

Effective tax rate

 

 

21.6

%

 

 

 

20.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

(1.0)

%

Net income

 

$

466,108

 

11.6

%

$

545,248

 

13.0

%

$

(79,140)

 

(14.5)

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

8.23

 

 

 

$

9.50

 

 

 

$

(1.27)

 

(13.4)

%

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

8.15

 

 

 

$

9.37

 

 

 

$

(1.22)

 

(13.0)

%

Weighted average shares (basic)

 

 

56,639

 

 

 

 

57,364

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares (diluted)

 

 

57,194

 

 

 

 

58,221

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

Balance Sheet Highlights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data

 

December 31, 2024

 

December 31, 2023

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

377,262

 

$

393,787

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

481,979

 

 

538,830

 

Inventories

 

 

544,037

 

 

562,864

 

Total current assets

 

 

1,645,281

 

 

1,693,111

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

619,181

 

 

575,316

 

Total assets

 

 

3,520,142

 

 

3,377,297

 

Trade accounts payable

 

 

296,590

 

 

325,435

 

Total current liabilities (1)

 

 

878,802

 

 

754,610

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

 

1,150,551

 

 

1,102,771

 

Total equity

 

 

1,327,433

 

 

1,308,852

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Working Capital

 

December 31, 2024

 

December 31, 2023

 

Average operating working capital to Net sales (2)

 

 

16.9

%

 

17.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Invested Capital

 

December 31, 2024

 

December 31, 2023

 

Short-term debt (1)

 

$

110,524

 

$

2,439

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

 

1,150,551

 

 

1,102,771

 

Total debt

 

 

1,261,075

 

 

1,105,210

 

Total equity

 

 

1,327,433

 

 

1,308,852

 

Invested capital

 

$

2,588,508

 

$

2,414,062

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total debt / invested capital

 

 

48.7

%

 

45.8

%

(1)

Includes current portion of long-term debt.

(2)

Average operating working capital to Net sales is defined as the sum of Accounts receivable, Inventories and contract assets less Trade accounts payable and contract liabilities as of period end divided by annualized rolling three months of Net sales.

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2024

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

2023

 

Operating income as reported

 

$

177,017

 

$

204,031

 

 

$

636,462

 

$

717,849

 

Special items (pre-tax):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rationalization and asset impairment net charges (2)

 

 

4,538

 

 

(21,932)

 

 

 

55,860

 

 

(11,314)

 

Acquisition transaction costs (3)

 

 

2,491

 

 

 

 

 

7,042

 

 

 

Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories (5)

 

 

1,552

 

 

 

 

 

5,026

 

 

12,252

 

Adjusted operating income (1)

 

$

185,598

 

$

182,099

 

 

$

704,390

 

$

718,787

 

As a percent of total sales

 

 

18.2

%

 

17.2

%

 

 

17.6

%

 

17.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income as reported

 

$

140,229

 

$

156,644

 

 

$

466,108

 

$

545,248

 

Special items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rationalization and asset impairment net charges (2)

 

 

4,538

 

 

(21,932)

 

 

 

55,860

 

 

(11,314)

 

Acquisition transaction costs (3)

 

 

2,491

 

 

 

 

 

7,042

 

 

 

Pension settlement net (gains) charges (4)

 

 

(174)

 

 

845

 

 

 

3,792

 

 

845

 

Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories (5)

 

 

1,552

 

 

 

 

 

5,026

 

 

12,252

 

Loss (gain) on asset disposal (6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,950

 

 

(1,646)

 

Tax effect of Special items (7)

 

 

(2,655)

 

 

6,445

 

 

 

(11,513)

 

 

2,537

 

Adjusted net income (1)

 

 

145,981

 

 

142,002

 

 

 

531,265

 

 

547,922

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

11,372

 

 

8,663

 

 

 

42,786

 

 

44,371

 

Income taxes as reported

 

 

26,824

 

 

40,386

 

 

 

128,041

 

 

141,618

 

Tax effect of Special items (7)

 

 

2,655

 

 

(6,445)

 

 

 

11,513

 

 

(2,537)

 

Adjusted EBIT (1)

 

$

186,832

 

$

184,606

 

 

$

713,605

 

$

731,374

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective tax rate as reported

 

 

16.1

%

 

20.5

%

 

 

21.6

%

 

20.6

%

Net special item tax impact

 

 

0.7

%

 

(1.2)

%

 

 

(0.8)

%

 

(0.4)

%

Adjusted effective tax rate (1)

 

 

16.8

%

 

19.3

%

 

 

20.8

%

 

20.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share as reported

 

$

2.47

 

$

2.70

 

 

$

8.15

 

$

9.37

 

Special items per share

 

 

0.10

 

 

(0.25)

 

 

 

1.14

 

 

0.04

 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (1)

 

$

2.57

 

$

2.45

 

 

$

9.29

 

$

9.41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares (diluted)

 

 

56,818

 

 

57,911

 

 

 

57,194

 

 

58,221

 

(1)

Adjusted operating income, adjusted net income, adjusted EBIT, adjusted effective tax rate and adjusted diluted EPS are non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to Non-GAAP Information section.

(2)

2024 charges primarily relate to rationalization plans initiated during the third quarter of 2024 in all three segments, as well as previously initiated plans and the disposition of the Company’s Russian entity in International Welding. 2023 net gains primarily relates the gain on sale of a property, partially offset by charges within International Welding.

(3)

Transaction costs related to acquisitions which are included in Selling, general & administrative expenses.

(4)

Pension settlement net (gains) charges primarily due to the final settlement associated with the termination of pension plans and are included in Other income.

(5)

Costs related to acquisitions which are included in Cost of goods sold.

(6)

Loss (gain) on asset disposal included in Other income.

(7)

Includes the net tax impact of Special items recorded during the respective periods. The tax effect of Special items impacting pre-tax income was calculated as the pre-tax amount multiplied by the applicable tax rate. The applicable tax rates reflect the taxable jurisdiction and nature of each Special item.

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

 

Return on Invested Capital

 

2024

 

2023

 

Net income as reported

 

$

466,108

 

$

545,248

 

Plus: Interest expense (after-tax)

 

 

39,665

 

 

38,050

 

Less: Interest income (after-tax)

 

 

7,593

 

 

5,033

 

Net operating profit after taxes

 

$

498,180

 

$

578,265

 

Special items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rationalization and asset impairment net charges

 

 

55,860

 

 

(11,314)

 

Acquisition transaction costs

 

 

7,042

 

 

 

Pension settlement net charges

 

 

3,792

 

 

845

 

Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories

 

 

5,026

 

 

12,252

 

Loss (gain) on asset disposal

 

 

4,950

 

 

(1,646)

 

Tax effect of Special items (2)

 

 

(11,513)

 

 

2,537

 

Adjusted net operating profit after taxes (1)

 

$

563,337

 

$

580,939

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Invested Capital

 

December 31, 2024

 

December 31, 2023

 

Short-term debt

 

$

110,524

 

$

2,439

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

 

1,150,551

 

 

1,102,771

 

Total debt

 

 

1,261,075

 

 

1,105,210

 

Total equity

 

 

1,327,433

 

 

1,308,852

 

Invested capital

 

$

2,588,508

 

$

2,414,062

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on invested capital as reported

 

 

19.2

%

 

24.0

%

Adjusted return on invested capital (1)

 

 

21.8

%

 

24.1

%

(1)

Adjusted net operating profit after taxes and adjusted ROIC are non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to Non-GAAP Information section.

(2)

Includes the net tax impact of Special items recorded during the respective periods. The tax effect of Special items impacting pre-tax income was calculated as the pre-tax amount multiplied by the applicable tax rate. The applicable tax rates reflect the taxable jurisdiction and nature of each Special item.

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

2024

 

2023

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

140,229

 

$

156,644

Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Rationalization and asset impairment net charges

 

(5,032)

 

 

3,651

Depreciation and amortization

 

23,143

 

 

21,969

Gain on sale of property

 

 

 

(36,187)

Pension settlement (gains) charges

 

(174)

 

 

845

Other non-cash items, net

 

(32,540)

 

 

(34,431)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in accounts receivable

 

16,663

 

 

8,285

Decrease in inventories

 

47,051

 

 

64,313

Net change in other current assets

 

(21,647)

 

 

(20,879)

Decrease in trade accounts payable

 

(20,301)

 

 

(7,356)

Net change in other current liabilities

 

(34,607)

 

 

(47,919)

Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities

 

(16,990)

 

 

12,727

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

95,795

 

 

121,662

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(31,486)

 

 

(24,528)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

5,292

 

 

44,898

Other investing activities

 

320

 

 

6,010

NET CASH (USED BY) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

(25,874)

 

 

26,380

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from (payments on) short-term borrowings

 

2,928

 

 

(5,057)

Payments on long-term borrowings

 

(169)

 

 

(112)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

1,524

 

 

9,068

Purchase of shares for treasury

 

(52,539)

 

 

(68,176)

Cash dividends paid to shareholders

 

(40,164)

 

 

(36,733)

Other financing activities

 

(3,922)

 

 

NET USED BY USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

(92,342)

 

 

(101,010)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents

 

(4,535)

 

 

4,088

(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(26,956)

 

 

51,120

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

404,218

 

 

342,667

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

377,262

 

$

393,787

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends paid per share

$

0.71

 

$

0.64

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

2024

 

2023

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

466,108

 

$

545,248

Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rationalization and asset impairment net charges

 

 

20,887

 

 

4,779

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

88,238

 

 

86,670

Gain on sale of property

 

 

 

 

(36,187)

Pension settlement charges

 

 

3,792

 

 

845

Other non-cash items, net

 

 

(23,056)

 

 

(13,004)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in accounts receivable

 

 

52,829

 

 

14,980

Decrease in inventories

 

 

25,355

 

 

122,094

Net change in other current assets

 

 

(41,558)

 

 

(35,608)

Decrease in trade accounts payable

 

 

(27,189)

 

 

(32,028)

Net change in other current liabilities

 

 

32,703

 

 

10,056

Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities

 

 

868

 

 

(303)

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

598,977

 

 

667,542

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(116,603)

 

 

(90,987)

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

 

 

(252,746)

 

 

(32,685)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

 

7,798

 

 

49,494

Other investing activities

 

 

320

 

 

(551)

NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

(361,231)

 

 

(74,729)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from (payments on) short-term borrowings

 

 

8,449

 

 

(79,873)

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 

 

550,000

 

 

Payments on long-term borrowings

 

 

(400,677)

 

 

(8,109)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

27,404

 

 

22,365

Purchase of shares for treasury

 

 

(263,751)

 

 

(198,765)

Cash dividends paid to shareholders

 

 

(162,143)

 

 

(148,010)

Other financing activities

 

 

(3,922)

 

 

NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

(244,640)

 

 

(412,392)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(9,631)

 

 

16,216

(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

(16,525)

 

 

196,637

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

393,787

 

 

197,150

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

377,262

 

$

393,787

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends paid per share

 

$

2.84

 

$

2.56

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Segment Highlights (1)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Americas

 

International

 

The Harris

 

Corporate /

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welding

 

Welding

 

Products Group

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Three months ended December 31, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

654,786

 

$

242,979

 

$

124,266

 

$

 

$

1,022,031

 

Inter-segment sales

 

 

37,134

 

 

11,233

 

 

2,801

 

 

(51,168)

 

 

 

Total sales

 

$

691,920

 

$

254,212

 

$

127,067

 

$

(51,168)

 

$

1,022,031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

140,229

 

As a percent of total sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBIT (1)

 

$

127,813

 

$

32,013

 

$

20,278

 

$

(1,679)

 

$

178,425

 

As a percent of total sales

 

 

18.5

%

 

12.6

%

 

16.0

%

 

 

 

 

17.5

%

Special items charges (3)

 

 

4,110

 

 

517

 

 

1,289

 

 

2,491

 

 

8,407

 

Adjusted EBIT (2)

 

$

131,923

 

$

32,530

 

$

21,567

 

$

812

 

$

186,832

 

As a percent of total sales

 

 

19.1

%

 

12.8

%

 

17.0

%

 

 

 

 

18.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended December 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

654,707

 

$

292,177

 

$

111,630

 

$

 

$

1,058,514

 

Inter-segment sales

 

 

35,493

 

 

11,557

 

 

2,578

 

 

(49,628)

 

 

 

Total sales

 

$

690,200

 

$

303,734

 

$

114,208

 

$

(49,628)

 

$

1,058,514

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

156,644

 

As a percent of total sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBIT (1)

 

$

129,409

 

$

64,035

 

$

15,246

 

$

(2,997)

 

$

205,693

 

As a percent of total sales

 

 

18.7

%

 

21.1

%

 

13.3

%

 

 

 

 

19.4

%

Special items charges (gains) (4)

 

 

60

 

 

(21,147)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(21,087)

 

Adjusted EBIT (2)

 

$

129,469

 

$

42,888

 

$

15,246

 

$

(2,997)

 

$

184,606

 

As a percent of total sales

 

 

18.8

%

 

14.1

%

 

13.3

%

 

 

 

 

17.4

%

(1)

EBIT is defined as Operating income plus Other income.

(2)

The primary profit measure used by management to assess segment performance is adjusted EBIT. EBIT for each operating segment is adjusted for special items to derive adjusted EBIT.

(3)

Special items in 2024 primarily reflect Rationalization and asset impairments net charges of $2,319 in Americas Welding, $930 in International Welding and $1,289 in Harris Products Group. In addition, there was an amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories of $1,552 in Americas Welding, pension settlement charge of $239 in Americas Welding and a gain of $413 in International Welding, and acquisition transaction costs of $2,491 in Corporate/Eliminations.

(4)

Special items in 2023 primarily reflect a net gain of $21,992 related to the sale of a property, partially offset by rationalization and asset impairment charges, and pension settlement charges of $845 in International Welding.

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Segment Highlights
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Americas

 

International

 

The Harris

 

Corporate /

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welding

 

Welding

 

Products Group

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Year ended December 31, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

2,564,847

 

$

933,722

 

$

510,101

 

$

 

$

4,008,670

 

Inter-segment sales

 

 

135,758

 

 

35,861

 

 

12,321

 

 

(183,940)

 

 

 

Total sales

 

$

2,700,605

 

$

969,583

 

$

522,422

 

$

(183,940)

 

$

4,008,670

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

466,108

 

As a percent of total sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBIT (1)

 

$

502,367

 

$

68,370

 

$

84,373

 

$

(18,175)

 

$

636,935

 

As a percent of total sales

 

 

18.6

%

 

7.1

%

 

16.2

%

 

 

 

 

15.9

%

Special items charges (3)

 

 

27,821

 

 

37,747

 

 

3,955

 

 

7,147

 

 

76,670

 

Adjusted EBIT (2)

 

$

530,188

 

$

106,117

 

$

88,328

 

$

(11,028)

 

$

713,605

 

As a percent of total sales

 

 

19.6

%

 

10.9

%

 

16.9

%

 

 

 

 

17.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

2,655,546

 

$

1,040,006

 

$

496,084

 

$

 

$

4,191,636

 

Inter-segment sales

 

 

127,536

 

 

31,498

 

 

10,641

 

 

(169,675)

 

 

 

Total sales

 

$

2,783,082

 

$

1,071,504

 

$

506,725

 

$

(169,675)

 

$

4,191,636

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

545,248

 

As a percent of total sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBIT (1)

 

$

528,411

 

$

146,218

 

$

74,144

 

$

(17,536)

 

$

731,237

 

As a percent of total sales

 

 

19.0

%

 

13.6

%

 

14.6

%

 

 

 

 

17.4

%

Special items charges (gain) (4)

 

 

9,858

 

 

(9,721)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

137

 

Adjusted EBIT (2)

 

$

538,269

 

$

136,497

 

$

74,144

 

$

(17,536)

 

$

731,374

 

As a percent of total sales

 

 

19.3

%

 

12.7

%

 

14.6

%

 

 

 

 

17.4

%

(1)

EBIT is defined as Operating income plus Other income.

(2)

The primary profit measure used by management to assess segment performance is adjusted EBIT. EBIT for each operating segment is adjusted for special items to derive adjusted EBIT.

(3)

Special items in 2024 primarily reflect rationalization net charges of $18,840 in Americas Welding, $32,960 in International Welding, including the impact of the Company’s disposition of its Russian entity, and $3,955 in Harris Products Group. In addition, there was a loss on asset disposal of $4,950 recorded to Other income in International Welding, an amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories of $4,776 and $250 in Americas Welding and International Welding, respectively, pension settlement charge of $4,205 and gain of $413 in Americas Welding and International Welding, respectively, and acquisition transaction costs of $7,042 in Corporate/Eliminations.

(4)

Special items in 2023 primarily reflect amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories of $9,390 and $2,862 in Americas and International Welding, respectively, Rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $468 and net gains of $11,782 in Americas and International Welding, respectively, pension settlement charges of $845 in International Welding and gain on asset disposal of $1,646 in International Welding.

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Change in Net Sales by Segment
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended December 31st Change in Net Sales by Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in Net Sales due to:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign

 

Net Sales

 

 

2023

 

Volume

 

Acquisitions

 

Price

 

Exchange

 

2024

 

Operating Segments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Americas Welding

$

654,707

 

$

(46,844)

 

$

54,301

 

$

(541)

 

$

(6,837)

 

$

654,786

 

International Welding

 

292,177

 

 

(45,930)

 

 

539

 

 

95

 

 

(3,902)

 

 

242,979

 

The Harris Products Group

 

111,630

 

 

3,057

 

 

 

 

10,972

 

 

(1,393)

 

 

124,266

 

Consolidated

$

1,058,514

 

$

(89,717)

 

$

54,840

 

$

10,526

 

$

(12,132)

 

$

1,022,031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Americas Welding

 

 

 

 

(7.2)

%

 

8.3

%

 

(0.1)

%

 

(1.0)

%

 

0.0

%

International Welding

 

 

 

 

(15.7)

%

 

0.2

%

 

0.0

%

 

(1.3)

%

 

(16.8)

%

The Harris Products Group

 

 

 

 

2.7

%

 

 

 

9.8

%

 

(1.2)

%

 

11.3

%

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

(8.5)

%

 

5.2

%

 

1.0

%

 

(1.1)

%

 

(3.4)

%

Twelve Months Ended December 31st Change in Net Sales by Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in Net Sales due to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign

 

Net Sales

 

 

 

2023

 

Volume

 

Acquisitions

 

Price

 

Exchange

 

2024

 

Operating Segments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Americas Welding

 

$

2,655,546

 

$

(192,454)

 

$

101,097

 

$

10,770

 

$

(10,112)

 

$

2,564,847

 

International Welding

 

 

1,040,006

 

 

(96,658)

 

 

1,660

 

 

(8,413)

 

 

(2,873)

 

 

933,722

 

The Harris Products Group

 

 

496,084

 

 

(12,049)

 

 

 

 

28,041

 

 

(1,975)

 

 

510,101

 

Consolidated

 

$

4,191,636

 

$

(301,161)

 

$

102,757

 

$

30,398

 

$

(14,960)

 

$

4,008,670

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Americas Welding

 

 

 

 

 

(7.2)

%

 

3.8

%

 

0.4

%

 

(0.4)

%

 

(3.4)

%

International Welding

 

 

 

 

 

(9.3)

%

 

0.2

%

 

(0.8)

%

 

(0.3)

%

 

(10.2)

%

The Harris Products Group

 

 

 

 

 

(2.4)

%

 

 

 

5.7

%

 

(0.4)

%

 

2.8

%

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

(7.2)

%

 

2.5

%

 

0.7

%

 

(0.4)

%

 

(4.4)

%