Lincoln Electric Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) reported strong financial results for Q4 2023 and FY 2023, with net sales up 13.7% to $1.1 billion in Q4 and up 11.4% to $4.2 billion for the full year. Record operating income margins and EPS were achieved, showcasing a robust performance. Cash flows from operations surged by 74% to $668 million. The company returned $347 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The CEO highlighted strong demand and effective execution of the Higher Standard strategy, with a positive outlook for the future.

Positive

• Net sales increased by 13.7% to $1.1 billion in Q4 2023.
• Record operating income margin of 19.3% and adjusted operating income margin of 17.2% were achieved.
• Record EPS of $2.70 and adjusted EPS of $2.45 were reported for Q4 2023.
• Full-year 2023 saw net sales increase by 11.4% to $4.2 billion.
• Cash flows from operations surged by 74% to a record $668 million with 105% cash conversion.
• The company returned $347 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
• Adjusted net income for Q4 2023 was $142 million, or $2.45 adjusted EPS, showing a significant increase.
• CEO highlighted strong demand for solutions and effective execution of the Higher Standard strategy.
• Positive momentum across most end markets was noted.
• Adjusted net income for FY 2023 increased by 12.8% to $548 million, or $9.41 EPS.
• Sales for FY 2023 increased by 11.4% to $4.2 billion.
• Operating income margin for FY 2023 was 17.1% of sales.
• A positive outlook for the future was emphasized by the CEO.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The report from Lincoln Electric Holdings showcases a robust financial performance, with a significant 13.7% increase in net sales reaching $1.1 billion for the fourth quarter and an 11.4% increase for the full year to $4.2 billion. The company's record operating income margin of 19.3% for the quarter and 17.1% for the year, alongside the record EPS figures of $2.70 for Q4 and $9.37 for the year, signal strong profitability and operational efficiency. Such figures, especially the 74% increase in cash flows from operations and a 105% cash conversion rate, are indicative of a solid financial structure and effective capital management. The return of $347 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases reflects a shareholder-friendly policy and confidence in the company's cash flow stability.

Market Research Analyst

Lincoln Electric's performance can be partially attributed to strategic acquisitions that contributed a 9.8% benefit to Q4 sales and a 7.4% benefit for the full year. This, combined with organic sales growth and favorable foreign exchange rates, suggests effective market expansion and international operations. The company's focus on innovation and operational excellence, as emphasized by CEO Steven B. Hedlund, seems to be resonating with the market demand. The emphasis on product innovation and customer focus is likely to sustain the company's momentum in the industry, which may be of interest to stakeholders looking at market competitiveness and growth potential.

Economist

The financial results of Lincoln Electric Holdings reflect broader economic trends, such as the impact of foreign exchange rates and the role of strategic acquisitions in driving growth. The company's ability to achieve a record operating income margin in a period of economic uncertainty highlights operational resilience and potential cost management strategies. The substantial increase in cash flows and the successful execution of a 'Higher Standard strategy' suggest a company that is not only weathering current economic challenges but also capitalizing on them to strengthen its market position. The overall financial health of Lincoln Electric, as seen through these results, can be seen as a microcosm of industrial sector performance and resilience.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Highlights Net sales increase 13.7% to record $1.1 billion   Record operating income margin of 19.3% and adjusted operating income margin of 17.2%   Record EPS of $2.70 and adjusted EPS of $2.45   Full Year 2023 Highlights Net sales increase 11.4% to record $4.2 billion   Record operating income margin and adjusted operating income margin of 17.1%   Record EPS of $9.37 and adjusted EPS of $9.41   Cash flows from operations increase 74% to record $668 million with 105% cash conversion(1)   Returned $347 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases

CLEVELAND, Feb. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LECO) today reported fourth quarter 2023 net income of $156.6 million, or diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.70, which includes special item after-tax net gains of $14.6 million, or $0.25 EPS.  This compares with prior year period net income of $109.1 million, or $1.87 EPS, which included special item after-tax net charges of $4.1 million.  Excluding special items, fourth quarter 2023 adjusted net income was $142 million, or $2.45 adjusted EPS.  This compares with adjusted net income of $113.2 million, or $1.94 adjusted EPS, in the prior year period.

Fourth quarter 2023 sales increased 13.7% to $1.1 billion reflecting a 2.6% increase in organic sales, a 9.8% benefit from acquisitions and 1.3% favorable foreign exchange.  Operating income for the fourth quarter 2023 was $204 million, or 19.3% of sales.  This compares with operating income of $141.5 million, or 15.2% of sales, in the prior year period.  Excluding special items, adjusted operating income was $182.1 million, or 17.2% of sales, as compared with $146.8 million, or 15.8% of sales, in the prior year period.

“I am pleased to report that we achieved record performance in 2023, reflecting strong demand for our solutions and effective execution of our Higher Standard strategy,” commented Steven B. Hedlund, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This achievement is a fitting capstone to Chris Mapes’ eleven-year tenure leading the company. We finished the year with good momentum across most end markets.” Hedlund concluded, “Looking ahead, we will continue to advance the business by focusing on our customers, bringing innovative products to market and driving operational excellence.”

Twelve Months 2023 Summary

Net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 was $545.2 million, or $9.37 EPS, which includes special item after-tax net charges of $2.7 million, or $0.04 EPS. This compares with prior period net income of $472.2 million, or $8.04 EPS, which included special item after-tax net charges of $13.4 million, or $0.23 EPS. Excluding special items, adjusted net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 increased 12.8% to $548 million, or $9.41 EPS, compared with $485.7 million, or $8.27 EPS, in the prior year period.

Sales increased 11.4% to $4.2 billion in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 reflecting a 4% increase in organic sales, a 7.4% benefit from acquisitions and 0.1% favorable foreign exchange. Operating income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 was $717.8 million, or 17.1% of sales. This compares with operating income of $612.3 million, or 16.3% of sales, in the prior year period. Excluding special items, adjusted operating income was $718.8 million, or 17.1% of sales, as compared with $631.2 million, or 16.8% of sales, in the prior year period.

(1)	Cash conversion is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures divided by adjusted net income.

Webcast Information

A conference call to discuss fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial results will be webcast live today, February 15, 2024, 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 21 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; 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; possible 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, such as the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, 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, 2022.

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
	2023				% of Sales				2022			% of Sales		$				%
Net sales	$	1,058,514				100.0		%	$	930,934		100.0	%	$	127,580			13.7		%
Cost of goods sold		687,484				64.9		%		622,950		66.9	%		(64,534	)		(10.4	)	%
Gross profit		371,030				35.1		%		307,984		33.1	%		63,046			20.5		%
Selling, general & administrative expenses		188,931				17.8		%		164,113		17.6	%		(24,818	)		(15.1	)	%
Rationalization and asset impairment charges		(21,932	)			(2.1	)	%		2,383		0.3	%		24,315			1,020.4		%
Operating income		204,031				19.3		%		141,488		15.2	%		62,543			44.2		%
Interest expense, net		8,663				0.8		%		8,633		0.9	%		(30	)		(0.3	)	%
Other income		1,662				0.2		%		2,903		0.3	%		(1,241	)		(42.7	)	%
Income before income taxes		197,030				18.6		%		135,758		14.6	%		61,272			45.1		%
Income taxes		40,386				3.8		%		26,612		2.9	%		(13,774	)		(51.8	)	%
Effective tax rate		20.5		%						19.6	%				(0.9	)	%
Net income	$	156,644				14.8		%	$	109,146		11.7	%	$	47,498			43.5		%
Basic earnings per share	$	2.75							$	1.89				$	0.86			45.5		%
Diluted earnings per share	$	2.70							$	1.87				$	0.83			44.4		%
Weighted average shares (basic)		57,063								57,676
Weighted average shares (diluted)		57,911								58,459

													Fav (Unfav) to
	Twelve Months Ended December 31,												Prior Year
	2023				% of Sales			2022			% of Sales		$				%
Net sales	$	4,191,636			100.0		%	$	3,761,211		100.0	%	$	430,425			11.4		%
Cost of goods sold		2,726,191			65.0		%		2,480,451		65.9	%		(245,740	)		(9.9	)	%
Gross profit		1,465,445			35.0		%		1,280,760		34.1	%		184,685			14.4		%
Selling, general & administrative expenses		758,910			18.1		%		656,636		17.5	%		(102,274	)		(15.6	)	%
Rationalization and asset impairment charges		(11,314	)		(0.3	)	%		11,788		0.3	%		23,102			196.0		%
Operating income		717,849			17.1		%		612,336		16.3	%		105,513			17.2		%
Interest expense, net		44,371			1.1		%		29,500		0.8	%		(14,871	)		(50.4	)	%
Other income		13,388			0.3		%		9,991		0.3	%		3,397			34.0		%
Income before income taxes		686,866			16.4		%		592,827		15.8	%		94,039			15.9		%
Income taxes		141,618			3.4		%		120,603		3.2	%		(21,015	)		(17.4	)	%
Effective tax rate		20.6		%					20.3	%				(0.3	)	%
Net income	$	545,248			13.0		%	$	472,224		12.6	%	$	73,024			15.5		%
Basic earnings per share	$	9.50						$	8.14				$	1.36			16.7		%
Diluted earnings per share	$	9.37						$	8.04				$	1.33			16.5		%
Weighted average shares (basic)		57,364							58,030
Weighted average shares (diluted)		58,221							58,749

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. Financial Highlights (In thousands) (Unaudited)
Balance Sheet Highlights
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data	December 31, 2023			December 31, 2022
Cash and cash equivalents	$	393,787		$	197,150
Accounts receivable, net		538,830			541,529
Inventories		562,864			665,451
Total current assets		1,693,111			1,557,790
Property, plant and equipment, net		575,316			544,871
Total assets		3,377,297			3,180,546
Trade accounts payable		325,435			352,079
Total current liabilities		754,610			852,897
Short-term debt (1)		2,439			93,483
Long-term debt, less current portion		1,102,771			1,110,396
Total equity		1,308,852			1,034,041
Operating Working Capital	December 31, 2023			December 31, 2022
Average operating working capital to Net sales (2)		17.1	%		20.9	%
Invested Capital	December 31, 2023			December 31, 2022
Short-term debt (1)	$	2,439		$	93,483
Long-term debt, less current portion		1,102,771			1,110,396
Total debt		1,105,210			1,203,879
Total equity		1,308,852			1,034,041
Invested capital	$	2,414,062		$	2,237,920
Total debt / invested capital		45.8	%		53.8	%

(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,
	2023				2022					2023				2022
Operating income as reported	$	204,031			$	141,488				$	717,849			$	612,336
Special items (pre-tax):
Rationalization and asset impairment charges (2)		(21,932	)			2,383					(11,314	)			11,788
Acquisition transaction costs (3)		—				2,935					—				6,003
Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories (4)		—				—					12,252				1,106
Adjusted operating income (1)	$	182,099			$	146,806				$	718,787			$	631,233
As a percent of total sales		17.2		%		15.8		%			17.1		%		16.8		%
Net income as reported	$	156,644			$	109,146				$	545,248			$	472,224
Special items:
Rationalization and asset impairment charges (2)		(21,932	)			2,383					(11,314	)			11,788
Acquisition transaction costs (3)		—				2,935					—				6,003
Pension settlement net charges (5)		845				—					845				(4,273	)
Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories (4)		—				—					12,252				1,106
Gain on asset disposal (6)		—				—					(1,646	)			—
Tax effect of Special items (7)		6,445				(1,250	)				2,537				(1,192	)
Adjusted net income (1)		142,002				113,214					547,922				485,656
Interest expense, net		8,663				8,633					44,371				29,500
Income taxes as reported		40,386				26,612					141,618				120,603
Tax effect of Special items (7)		(6,445	)			1,250					(2,537	)			1,192
Adjusted EBIT (1)	$	184,606			$	149,709				$	731,374			$	636,951
Effective tax rate as reported		20.5		%		19.6		%			20.6		%		20.3		%
Net special item tax impact		(1.2	)	%		0.1		%			(0.4	)	%		(0.2	)	%
Adjusted effective tax rate (1)		19.3		%		19.7		%			20.2		%		20.1		%
Diluted earnings per share as reported	$	2.70			$	1.87				$	9.37			$	8.04
Special items per share		(0.25	)			0.07					0.04				0.23
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (1)	$	2.45			$	1.94				$	9.41			$	8.27
Weighted average shares (diluted)		57,911				58,459					58,221				58,749

(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)	2023 gain is primarily related to the sale of a property partially offset by rationalization and asset impairment charges within International Welding. 2022 charges are primarily related to employee severance, gains or losses on the disposal of assets and other related costs and non-cash asset impairment charges.
(3)	Related to acquisitions and are included in Selling, general & administrative expenses.
(4)	Related to acquisitions and are included in Cost of goods sold.
(5)	2023 charges related to pension settlements included in Other income. 2022 net gains primarily due to the final settlement associated with the termination of a pension plan and are included in Other income.
(6)	Gain on asset disposal and 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	2023				2022
Net income as reported	$	545,248			$	472,224
Plus: Interest expense (after-tax)		38,050				23,276
Less: Interest income (after-tax)		5,033				1,202
Net operating profit after taxes	$	578,265			$	494,298
Special items:
Rationalization and asset impairment charges		(11,314	)			11,788
Acquisition transaction costs		—				6,003
Pension settlement net charges		845				(4,273	)
Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories		12,252				1,106
Gain on asset disposal		(1,646	)			—
Tax effect of Special items (2)		2,537				(1,192	)
Adjusted net operating profit after taxes (1)	$	580,939			$	507,730
Invested Capital	December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
Short-term debt	$	2,439			$	93,483
Long-term debt, less current portion		1,102,771				1,110,396
Total debt		1,105,210				1,203,879
Total equity		1,308,852				1,034,041
Invested capital	$	2,414,062			$	2,237,920
Return on invested capital as reported		24.0		%		22.1		%
Adjusted return on invested capital (1)		24.1		%		22.7		%

             

(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,
	2023				2022
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	156,644			$	109,146
Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by operating activities:
Rationalization and asset impairment net charges		3,651				324
Depreciation and amortization		21,969				19,050
Gain on sale of property		(36,187	)			—
Other non-cash items, net		(33,586	)			(13,624	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable		8,285				(441	)
Decrease in inventories		64,313				54,390
(Decrease) in trade accounts payable		(7,356	)			(2,720	)
Net change in other current assets and liabilities		(68,798	)			(58,966	)
Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities		12,727				4,644
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES		121,662				111,803
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures		(24,528	)			(19,582	)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		—				(414,004	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		44,898				994
Other investing activities		6,010				159
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED BY) INVESTING ACTIVITIES		26,380				(432,433	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
(Payments on) proceeds from short-term borrowings		(5,057	)			24,955
(Payments on) proceeds from long-term borrowings		(112	)			399,843
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		9,068				4,217
Purchase of shares for treasury		(68,176	)			(25,077	)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(36,733	)			(32,347	)
Other financing activities		—				(441	)
NET CASH (USED BY) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES		(101,010	)			371,150
Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents		4,088				5,323
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		51,120				55,843
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		342,667				141,307
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	393,787			$	197,150
Cash dividends paid per share	$	0.64			$	0.56

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. Financial Highlights (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
	Year Ended December 31,
	2023				2022
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	545,248			$	472,224
Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by operating activities:
Rationalization and asset impairment net charges		4,779				8,100
Depreciation and amortization		86,670				78,059
Gain on sale of property		(36,187	)			—
Other non-cash items, net		(12,159	)			(10,958	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable		14,980				(65,010	)
Decrease (increase) in inventories		122,094				(81,188	)
(Decrease) increase in trade accounts payable		(32,028	)			16,852
Net change in other current assets and liabilities		(25,552	)			(26,496	)
Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities		(303	)			(8,197	)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES		667,542				383,386
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures		(90,987	)			(71,883	)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		(32,685	)			(436,298	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		49,494				3,331
Other investing activities		(551	)			159
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES		(74,729	)			(504,691	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
(Payments on) proceeds from short-term borrowings		(79,873	)			34,351
(Payments on) proceeds from long-term borrowings		(8,109	)			405,444
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		22,365				6,385
Purchase of shares for treasury		(198,765	)			(181,293	)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(148,010	)			(130,724	)
Other financing activities		—				(438	)
NET CASH (USED BY) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES		(412,392	)			133,725
Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents		16,216				(8,228	)
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		196,637				4,192
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		197,150				192,958
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	393,787			$	197,150
Cash dividends paid per share	$	2.56			$	2.24

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, 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 (gain) (3)		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		%
Three months ended December 31, 2022
Net sales	$	573,592		$	243,114			$	114,228		$	—			$	930,934
Inter-segment sales		29,479			5,754				2,470			(37,703	)			—
Total sales	$	603,071		$	248,868			$	116,698		$	(37,703	)		$	930,934
Net income															$	109,146
As a percent of total sales																11.7		%
EBIT (1)	$	113,813		$	21,020			$	12,056		$	(2,498	)		$	144,391
As a percent of total sales		18.9	%		8.4		%		10.3	%						15.5		%
Special items charges (4)		567			1,816				—			2,935				5,318
Adjusted EBIT (2)	$	114,380		$	22,836			$	12,056		$	437			$	149,709
As a percent of total sales		19.0	%		9.2		%		10.3	%						16.1		%

(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 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.
(4)	Special items in 2022 primarily reflect Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $1,816 and $567 in International Welding and Americas Welding, respectively, and acquisition transaction costs of $2,935 in Corporate/Eliminations.

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. Segment Highlights (In thousands) (Unaudited)
	Americas				International				The Harris			Corporate /
	Welding				Welding				Products Group			Eliminations				Consolidated
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) (3)		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	%
Year ended December 31, 2022
Net sales	$	2,288,934			$	954,281			$	517,996		$	—			$	3,761,211
Inter-segment sales		122,019				31,503				11,040			(164,562	)			—
Total sales	$	2,410,953			$	985,784			$	529,036		$	(164,562	)		$	3,761,211
Net income																$	472,224
As a percent of total sales																	12.6	%
EBIT (1)	$	465,879			$	108,476			$	64,008		$	(16,036	)		$	622,327
As a percent of total sales		19.3		%		11.0		%		12.1	%						16.5	%
Special items (gain) charges (4)		(3,060	)			11,681				—			6,003				14,624
Adjusted EBIT (2)	$	462,819			$	120,157			$	64,008		$	(10,033	)		$	636,951
As a percent of total sales		19.2		%		12.2		%		12.1	%						16.9	%

(1)	EBIT is defined as Operating income plus Other income (expense).
(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 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.
(4)	Special items in 2022 primarily reflect amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories of $1,106 in Americas Welding, acquisition transaction costs of $6,003 in Corporate/Eliminations and a $3,735 net gain related to the final settlement associated with the termination of a pension plan in Americas Welding. Special items in 2022 also include Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $11,681 in International Welding and net gains of $431 in Americas 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
	2022			Volume				Acquisitions			Price				Exchange			2023
Operating Segments
Americas Welding	$	573,592		$	14,754			$	61,138		$	2,964			$	2,259		$	654,707
International Welding		243,114			11,874				30,149			(1,654	)			8,694			292,177
The Harris Products Group		114,228			(7,904	)			—			4,126				1,180			111,630
Consolidated	$	930,934		$	18,724			$	91,287		$	5,436			$	12,133		$	1,058,514
% Change
Americas Welding					2.6		%		10.7	%		0.5		%		0.4	%		14.1		%
International Welding					4.9		%		12.4	%		(0.7	)	%		3.6	%		20.2		%
The Harris Products Group					(6.9	)	%		—			3.6		%		1.0	%		(2.3	)	%
Consolidated					2.0		%		9.8	%		0.6		%		1.3	%		13.7		%

Twelve Months Ended December 31st Change in Net Sales by Segment
				Change in Net Sales due to:
	Net Sales													Foreign				Net Sales
	2022			Volume				Acquisitions			Price			Exchange				2023
Operating Segments
Americas Welding	$	2,288,934		$	109,860			$	222,493		$	37,125		$	(2,866	)		$	2,655,546
International Welding		954,281			12,519				54,078			14,691			4,437				1,040,006
The Harris Products Group		517,996			(36,693	)			—			12,330			2,451				496,084
Consolidated	$	3,761,211		$	85,686			$	276,571		$	64,146		$	4,022			$	4,191,636
% Change
Americas Welding					4.8		%		9.7	%		1.6	%		(0.1	)	%		16.0		%
International Welding					1.3		%		5.7	%		1.5	%		0.5		%		9.0		%
The Harris Products Group					(7.1	)	%		—			2.4	%		0.5		%		(4.2	)	%
Consolidated					2.3		%		7.4	%		1.7	%		0.1		%		11.4		%

FAQ

What were Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.'s (LECO) net sales in Q4 2023?

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. reported net sales of $1.1 billion in Q4 2023, reflecting a 13.7% increase.

What was the operating income margin for Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) in Q4 2023?

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. achieved a record operating income margin of 19.3% and an adjusted operating income margin of 17.2% in Q4 2023.

What were the EPS figures for Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) in Q4 2023?

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. reported record EPS of $2.70 and adjusted EPS of $2.45 for Q4 2023.

How much did Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) return to shareholders in Q4 2023?

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. returned $347 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in Q4 2023.

What was the adjusted net income for Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) in Q4 2023?

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. reported adjusted net income of $142 million, or $2.45 adjusted EPS, for Q4 2023.