CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #LEA--Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., (Nasdaq: LECO) announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.79 per common share, payable April 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2026. Business Lincoln Electric is a high-performance industrial machinery and technology leader who helps customers manufacture and maintain vital equipment and infrastructure. Lincoln Electric's innovative solutions enable higher quality and pro. ...

Lincoln Electric FY Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Lincoln Electric (NasdaqGS:LECO) - **Event**: FY Conference held on February 17, 2026 Key Points Strategic Initiatives - **RISE Strategy**: An evolution of the existing strategy aimed at enhancing safety, productivity, and quality in operations. The acronym stands for: - **R**: Reimagine work processes - **I**: Innovate to differentiate from competitors - **S**: Serve customers better - **E**: Elevate team members' career aspirations [6][7] - **Focus on M&A**: The company aims for 300-400 basis points of growth through mergers and acquisitions, targeting both legacy welding and automation businesses [17][19]. Market Position and Growth - **Market Share**: The company is experiencing stable market share, with gains particularly in North America due to a balanced go-to-market strategy [45][47]. - **End Markets**: Greater visibility in automotive, heavy fabrication, and construction sectors, with a strong position in the Americas region [33][34]. Financial Performance and Outlook - **Volume Growth**: Anticipated mid-single-digit sales growth, with a focus on automation and core welding business [29][32]. - **Pricing Strategy**: Pricing is expected to remain flat in the second half of the year, with no incremental pricing built into forecasts [35][38]. - **Cost Management**: The company has successfully reduced finance costs by approximately 50 basis points as a percentage of sales [15]. Automation Business - **Short vs. Long Cycle**: About 20% of the automation business is short cycle, with margins more reflective of proprietary technology rather than project duration [48][49]. - **M&A Focus**: The company is looking to expand proprietary content in automation through targeted acquisitions [50][55]. Economic Indicators - **PMI Monitoring**: The company is closely watching the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) as a proxy for customer confidence in capital investments, which typically influences consumable volume growth [27][28]. Challenges and Risks - **European Market**: Facing challenges due to high fixed costs and competitive pricing pressures, particularly in the European market [46][75]. - **Economic Uncertainty**: The transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles has created headwinds in capital planning cycles for automotive clients [54]. Technology and Innovation - **AI Integration**: The company is leveraging AI to enhance internal operations and improve product value propositions, focusing on managing variability in factory environments [85][86]. Conclusion - **Future Outlook**: The company is cautiously optimistic about growth in 2026, emphasizing customer service and productivity improvements while preparing for potential market challenges [92][93].

Lincoln Electric Holdings (NASDAQ:LECO) reported mixed results for the fourth quarter on Thursday.The company posted quarterly earnings of $2.65 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $2.54 per share. The company reported quarterly sales of $1.079 billion which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $1.099 billion.Lincoln Electric shares gained 0.3% to trade at $296.95 on Friday.These analysts made changes to their price targets on Lincoln Electric following earnings announcement.Keybanc a ...

Company Overview - Lincoln Electric Holdings is headquartered in Cleveland, OH, with 56 manufacturing locations and operations in 19 countries, supported by a global network of distributors and sales offices in over 160 countries [11] - The company specializes in manufacturing and reselling welding and cutting products, including welding power sources, wire feeding systems, robotic welding packages, and various welding electrodes [11] Investment Ratings - Lincoln Electric is currently rated as 3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B [12] - The company is considered a potential top pick for growth investors, with a Growth Style Score of B, indicating a forecasted year-over-year earnings growth of 8.4% for the current fiscal year [12] Earnings Estimates - In the last 60 days, two analysts have revised their earnings estimates higher for fiscal 2026, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.03 to $10.70 per share [12] - Lincoln Electric has an average earnings surprise of +4.4%, suggesting a positive trend in earnings performance [12] Investment Consideration - With a solid Zacks Rank and strong Growth and VGM Style Scores, Lincoln Electric is recommended to be on investors' short list for potential investment opportunities [13]

Financial Performance - Lincoln Electric Holdings reported revenue of $1.08 billion for the quarter ended December 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 5.6% [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $2.65, up from $2.57 in the same quarter last year, representing a surprise of +4.67% compared to the consensus estimate of $2.53 [1] - The reported revenue was slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.09 billion, resulting in a surprise of -0.94% [1] Key Metrics - The Harris Products Group achieved net sales of $137.43 million, exceeding the average estimate of $135.44 million by analysts, with a year-over-year change of +10.6% [4] - Total sales for the Harris Products Group were reported at $139.98 million, surpassing the average estimate of $139.47 million, marking a +10.2% year-over-year increase [4] - International Welding's total sales reached $265.21 million, above the average estimate of $259.81 million, with a year-over-year change of +4.3% [4] Segment Performance - Americas Welding reported total sales of $707.03 million, which was below the estimated $728.31 million, but still showed a +2.2% change year-over-year [4] - Adjusted EBIT for Americas Welding was $141.11 million, slightly above the estimated $139 million [4] - Inter-segment sales for International Welding were reported at $5.86 million, significantly lower than the estimated $10.51 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of -47.9% [4] Stock Performance - Lincoln Electric's shares have returned +13.6% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.3% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record sales of $4.2 billion for 2025, a 6% increase from the previous year, driven by acquisitions and price increases [5] - Adjusted EPS reached a record $9.87, with strong cash flows from operations leading to record cash returns to shareholders [5] - The adjusted operating income margin remained stable at last year's record levels, with a reported operating income of $184 million, a 4% increase [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas Welding sales increased approximately 4%, driven by a 10.4% price increase, while volumes declined about 7% [14] - International Welding segment sales rose approximately 7%, aided by a 5% benefit from an acquisition and favorable foreign exchange, despite a 4% decline in volumes [16] - Harris Products Group saw an 11% sales increase, primarily due to an 18% price rise, although volumes compressed by 9% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Three of the five end markets experienced growth, particularly in energy and general industries, with double-digit growth in Americas [9] - The automation sector faced challenges, with sales declining 11% in Q4 and a mid-single-digit decline for the full year, but strong order rates and backlog are expected to drive growth in 2026 [8][10] - The manufacturing PMI is showing signs of growth, indicating potential recovery in the industrial sector [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning to a new strategy named RISE, focusing on efficiency, agility, and innovation to drive growth [25] - The 2030 targets include maintaining a high single-digit to low double-digit sales growth rate, with a focus on organic growth and strategic acquisitions [28] - The company aims to achieve a peak consolidated operating income margin of over 20% and an average operating income margin of 19% across the cycle [35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about an early-stage industrial recovery, supported by OEM commentary on capital spending plans [19] - The company anticipates a mid-single-digit sales growth rate for 2026, with expectations for volume growth to improve starting in the second quarter [20] - There is confidence in strong cash flow generation, which will support capital allocation strategies and compound earnings performance [21] Other Important Information - The company generated solid cash flows from operations, with a target of $3.7 billion in cash flows by 2030 [37] - A balanced capital allocation strategy is in place, with approximately 48% of investments directed towards growth and 52% returned to shareholders [38] - The company remains committed to its dividend program, having a history of 30 consecutive years of annual dividend increases [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term dynamics regarding incremental margins - Management discussed the timeline for achieving higher incremental margins, indicating steady benefits from enterprise initiatives over the five-year period [42][45] Question: Expectations for organic growth and order trends - Management expects mid-single-digit organic growth, split evenly between price and volume, with a pivot to growth anticipated in the second quarter [47][49] Question: Automation business expectations for 2026 - The automation business is expected to recover with mid-single-digit growth, driven by improved order levels and backlog [59] Question: Center-led functions and their benefits - The company aims to standardize processes across regions to enhance efficiency while retaining local agility [61][62] Question: Impact of metal inflation on pricing - Management confirmed that pricing actions will be taken as market conditions require, with a mechanical adder in place for metal costs [66][67]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record performance for 2025, with sales increasing by 6% to a record $4.2 billion, driven by acquisitions and price increases [5] - Adjusted EPS rose to a record $9.87, and the company maintained last year's record adjusted operating income margin [5] - The effective tax rate increased to 21.2%, reflecting a special item tax expense [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas Welding sales increased by approximately 4%, driven by a 10.4% price increase, while volumes declined by approximately 7% [14] - International Welding segment sales increased by approximately 7%, with a 5% benefit from an acquisition and a 5% favorable foreign exchange translation, but volumes decreased by 4% [16] - Harris Products Group sales increased by 11%, driven by an 18% price increase, while volumes compressed by 9% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Three of the five end markets grew, with notable acceleration in December, particularly in Americas Welding [8] - The Energy sector outperformed due to strong project activity in both Americas and Asia Pacific [9] - The Automotive and Heavy Industries sectors faced challenges, with transportation growth driven by consumable demand for vehicle production [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning to a new strategy named RISE, focusing on efficiency, agility, and innovation to drive growth [25][30] - The 2030 financial targets include maintaining a high single-digit to low double-digit sales growth rate, with a focus on organic sales and acquisitions [28][39] - The company aims to achieve a peak consolidated operating income margin of over 20% and an average operating income margin of 19% across the cycle [35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about an early-stage industrial recovery, supported by OEM commentary on capital spending plans [19] - The company expects volume growth rates to improve starting in the second quarter of 2026, with a balanced approach to pricing and volume [20] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a neutral price-cost posture while targeting incremental operating income margin improvements [21] Other Important Information - The company generated strong cash flows from operations, with an adjusted return on invested capital of 21.3% [18] - A balanced capital allocation strategy was emphasized, with approximately 48% invested in growth and 52% returned to shareholders [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term dynamics regarding incremental margins - Management indicated that improvements in incremental margins will be driven by volume growth and enterprise initiatives, with benefits expected to flow steadily over the five-year period [42][45] Question: Expectations for organic growth and order trends - Management expects mid-single-digit organic growth, split 50/50 between price and volume, with confidence in order levels and backlog, particularly in automation [47][49] Question: Automation business expectations for 2026 - The automation business is expected to recover with a mid-single-digit growth trajectory based on order levels and backlog, with a focus on achieving a non-dilutive margin profile [58][74] Question: Impact of metal inflation on pricing - Management confirmed that pricing actions will be taken as market conditions require, with a mechanical adder in pricing methodology to address metal cost inflation [66][68] Question: Margin expansion in international markets - Management emphasized focusing on regions with favorable macroeconomic conditions for growth, with cautious expectations for core Europe [89]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record sales of $4.2 billion for 2025, a 6% increase from the previous year, driven by acquisitions and price increases [4] - Adjusted EPS rose to a record $9.87, with strong cash flows from operations leading to record cash returns to shareholders [4] - The adjusted operating income margin remained consistent with the previous year, and the company achieved top-quartile ROIC and total shareholder return performance compared to peers [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Americas Welding sales increased approximately 4%, driven by a 10.4% price increase, while volumes declined about 7% due to challenges in the automation portfolio [13] - International Welding segment sales rose approximately 7%, aided by a 5% benefit from an acquisition and favorable foreign exchange, despite a 4% decline in volumes [14] - Harris Products Group saw an 11% increase in sales, primarily due to an 18% rise in prices, although volumes compressed by 9% [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Three of the five end markets experienced growth, particularly in energy and general industries, while automotive and heavy industries faced challenges [6][8] - The company noted a return to more normalized customer production activity and an acceleration in capital spending plans for 2026, indicating potential early stages of an industrial recovery [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning to a new strategy named RISE, focusing on efficiency, agility, and innovation to drive growth and value for stakeholders [24][27] - The 2030 targets include maintaining a high single-digit to low double-digit sales growth rate, with a focus on organic sales and strategic acquisitions [27][37] - The company aims to achieve a peak operating income margin of over 20% and expects to generate over $3.7 billion in cash flows from operations by 2030 [35][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the industrial sector recovery, driven by increased capital spending and improved customer confidence [17] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit sales growth for 2026, with expectations for volume growth to improve starting in the second quarter [18] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a neutral price-cost posture while targeting incremental operating income margins in the mid-20% range [19] Other Important Information - The company generated solid cash flows from operations, with a focus on disciplined capital allocation strategies, including investments in growth and returning capital to shareholders [35][36] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was reported at 21.2%, reflecting a special item tax expense related to recent legislative changes [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term dynamics regarding incremental margins - Management indicated that improvements in incremental margins will be driven by volume growth and enterprise initiatives, with benefits expected to flow steadily over the five-year period [40][42] Question: Expectations for organic growth and order trends - Management clarified that the mid-single-digit growth expectation is split 50/50 between price and volume, with confidence in order levels and backlog, particularly in automation [45][46] Question: Automation business expectations for 2026 - The automation business is expected to recover with a mid-single-digit growth trajectory based on order levels and backlog, with a focus on returning to non-dilutive margins [56][57] Question: Center-led functions and operational structure - Management explained that the shift to center-led functions aims to standardize processes while retaining local agility, enhancing efficiency across the organization [58][60] Question: Impact of metal inflation on pricing and margins - Management confirmed that pricing actions will be responsive to market conditions, with a mechanical pricing methodology in place to address metal cost inflation [62][66]

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. Q4 & FullYear 2025 Earnings & 2030 Targets Q4 & FY2025 Earnings & 2030 Targets February 12, 2026 February 12, 2026 Safe Harbor and Regulation G Disclosures Forward-Looking Statements: Statements made during this presentation which are not historical facts may be considered forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or ...

Core Insights - Lincoln Electric Holdings (LECO) reported quarterly earnings of $2.65 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.53 per share, and showing an increase from $2.57 per share a year ago [1] - The company achieved an earnings surprise of +4.67% for the quarter, having surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times in the last four quarters [2] - Revenues for the quarter were $1.08 billion, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.94%, but up from $1.02 billion year-over-year [3] Financial Performance - The earnings surprise of +4.67% indicates strong performance relative to expectations, with a previous quarter surprise of +3.35% [2] - The company has consistently outperformed revenue estimates, achieving this three times in the last four quarters [3] - Year-to-date, Lincoln Electric shares have increased by approximately 21.2%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.4% [4] Future Outlook - The company's future stock performance will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the earnings outlook for upcoming quarters [4][5] - Current consensus EPS estimate for the next quarter is $2.45, with expected revenues of $1.07 billion, and for the current fiscal year, the EPS estimate is $10.70 on revenues of $4.49 billion [8] - The Zacks Rank for Lincoln Electric is currently 3 (Hold), suggesting that shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future [7] Industry Context - The Manufacturing - Tools & Related Products industry, to which Lincoln Electric belongs, is currently ranked in the top 30% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable industry outlook [9] - Historical data shows that the top 50% of Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1, suggesting potential for growth in this sector [9]