Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31,September 30, 2021

or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _____________ to _____________

Commission File Number:  0-1402

GraphicGraphic

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio

 

34-1860551

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

22801 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio

44117

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(216) 481-8100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol

Name of exchange on which registered

Common Shares, without par value

LECO

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes   No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes   No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “small reporting company”, and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

 

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

 

Smaller reporting company

 

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  No 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common shares as of March 31,September 30, 2021 was 59,537,683.59,048,285.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

3

Item 1. Financial Statements

3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

78

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

89

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

2024

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

2935

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

2935

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

3037

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

3037

Item 1A. Risk Factors

3037

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

3037

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

30

Item 5. Other Information

3137

Item 6. Exhibits

3338

Signatures

3439

EX-10.1

Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers (filed herewith).

EX-10.2

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Executive Officers (filed herewith).

EX-10.3

Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Executive Officers (filed herewith).

EX-10.4

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 23, 2021, by and among Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., The Lincoln Electric Company, Lincoln Electric International Holding Company, J.W. Harris Co., Inc., Lincoln Electric Automation, Inc., Lincoln Global, Inc., the Lenders and KeyBank National Association (filed herewith).

EX-31.1

Certification of the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

EX-31.2

Certification of the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

EX-32.1

Certification of the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

EX-101

Instance Document

 

EX-101

Schema Document

 

EX-101

Calculation Linkbase Document

 

EX-101

Label Linkbase Document

 

EX-101

Presentation Linkbase Document

 

EX-101

Definition Linkbase Document

 

2

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended March 31, 

    

2021

    

2020

Net sales (Note 2)

    

$

757,021

    

$

701,991

Cost of goods sold

 

503,254

 

464,669

Gross profit

 

253,767

 

237,322

Selling, general & administrative expenses

 

145,676

 

149,727

Rationalization and asset impairment charges (Note 6)

 

4,163

 

6,521

Operating income

 

103,928

 

81,074

Interest expense, net

 

5,359

 

5,458

Other income (expense) (Note 14)

 

(1,416)

 

309

Income before income taxes

 

97,153

 

75,925

Income taxes (Note 15)

 

23,020

 

20,370

Net income including non-controlling interests

 

74,133

 

55,555

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries’ income (loss)

 

(44)

 

(7)

Net income

$

74,177

$

55,562

Basic earnings per share (Note 3)

$

1.24

$

0.92

Diluted earnings per share (Note 3)

$

1.23

$

0.91

Cash dividends declared per share

$

0.51

$

0.49

Three Months Ended September 30, 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

Net sales (Note 2)

    

$

806,454

    

$

668,888

    

$

2,389,929

    

$

1,961,606

Cost of goods sold

 

538,282

 

453,501

 

1,593,981

 

1,319,519

Gross profit

 

268,172

 

215,387

 

795,948

 

642,087

Selling, general & administrative expenses

 

149,118

 

131,337

 

446,351

 

407,440

Rationalization and asset impairment charges (Note 6)

 

3,484

 

6,257

 

8,277

 

36,016

Operating income

 

115,570

 

77,793

 

341,320

 

198,631

Interest expense, net

 

5,714

 

5,552

 

16,736

 

16,891

Other income (expense) (Note 14)

 

(71,441)

 

1,062

 

(71,155)

 

1,168

Income before income taxes

 

38,415

 

73,303

 

253,429

 

182,908

Income taxes (Note 15)

 

6,658

 

14,797

 

51,259

 

41,834

Net income including non-controlling interests

 

31,757

 

58,506

 

202,170

 

141,074

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries’ income (loss)

 

0

 

27

 

131

 

37

Net income

$

31,757

$

58,479

$

202,039

$

141,037

Basic earnings per share (Note 3)

$

0.54

$

0.98

$

3.40

$

2.36

Diluted earnings per share (Note 3)

$

0.53

$

0.97

$

3.36

$

2.34

Cash dividends declared per share

$

0.51

$

0.49

$

1.53

$

1.47

See notes to these consolidated financial statements.

3

Table of Contents

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31, 

    

2021

    

2020

Net income including non-controlling interests

    

$

74,133

    

$

55,555

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

 

  

 

  

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax of $2,309 and $(716) in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

 

7,290

 

(2,369)

Defined benefit pension plan activity, net of tax of $815 and $164 in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

 

5,060

 

609

Currency translation adjustment

 

(22,743)

 

(70,608)

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

(10,393)

 

(72,368)

Comprehensive income

 

63,740

 

(16,813)

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests

 

(203)

 

(48)

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareholders

$

63,943

$

(16,765)

Three Months Ended September 30, 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

Net income including non-controlling interests

    

$

31,757

    

$

58,506

    

$

202,170

    

$

141,074

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax of $707 and $1,493 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021; $337 and $(62) in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020

 

2,876

 

639

5,412

(622)

Defined benefit pension plan activity, net of tax of $18,759 and $19,005 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021; $(776) and $(8,303) in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020

 

55,558

 

(1,304)

58,916

(23,731)

Currency translation adjustment

 

(19,120)

 

13,039

 

(28,284)

 

(43,101)

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

39,314

 

12,374

 

36,044

 

(67,454)

Comprehensive income

 

71,071

 

70,880

 

238,214

 

73,620

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests

 

(58)

 

62

 

(196)

 

14

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareholders

$

71,129

$

70,818

$

238,410

$

73,606

See notes to these consolidated financial statements.

4

Table of Contents

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

March 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

September 30, 2021

December 31, 2020

(UNAUDITED)

(NOTE 1)

(UNAUDITED)

(NOTE 1)

ASSETS

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

  

Current Assets

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents

$

242,126

$

257,279

$

160,559

$

257,279

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $14,029 in 2021; $14,779 in 2020)

 

431,350

 

373,487

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $13,059 in 2021; $14,779 in 2020)

 

443,054

 

373,487

Inventories (Note 9)

 

415,901

 

381,258

 

524,433

 

381,258

Other current assets

 

106,910

 

100,319

 

107,912

 

100,319

Total Current Assets

 

1,196,287

 

1,112,343

 

1,235,958

 

1,112,343

Property, plant and equipment (less accumulated depreciation of $875,114 in 2021; $884,647 in 2020)

500,449

522,092

Property, plant and equipment (less accumulated depreciation of $879,395 in 2021; $884,647 in 2020)

520,081

522,092

Goodwill

 

334,194

 

335,593

 

436,039

 

335,593

Other assets

 

330,819

 

344,425

 

376,719

 

344,425

TOTAL ASSETS

$

2,361,749

$

2,314,453

$

2,568,797

$

2,314,453

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

  

 

 

  

Current Liabilities

 

 

  

 

 

  

Short-term debt (Note 12)

$

3,607

$

2,734

$

41,404

$

2,734

Trade accounts payable

 

294,062

 

256,530

 

309,202

 

256,530

Accrued employee compensation and benefits

 

92,769

 

98,437

 

156,128

 

98,437

Other current liabilities

 

224,023

 

191,748

 

238,686

 

191,748

Total Current Liabilities

 

614,461

 

549,449

 

745,420

 

549,449

Long-term debt, less current portion (Note 12)

 

715,328

 

715,456

 

717,787

 

715,456

Other liabilities

 

228,552

 

259,298

 

247,697

 

259,298

Total Liabilities

 

1,558,341

 

1,524,203

 

1,710,904

 

1,524,203

Shareholders' Equity

 

 

  

 

 

  

Common Shares

 

9,858

 

9,858

 

9,858

 

9,858

Additional paid-in capital

 

418,529

 

409,958

 

434,786

 

409,958

Retained earnings

 

2,864,223

 

2,821,359

 

2,930,361

 

2,821,359

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(312,424)

 

(302,190)

 

(265,819)

 

(302,190)

Treasury Shares

 

(2,176,671)

 

(2,149,714)

 

(2,251,193)

 

(2,149,714)

Total Shareholders' Equity

 

803,515

 

789,271

 

857,993

 

789,271

Non-controlling interests

 

(107)

 

979

 

(100)

 

979

Total Equity

 

803,408

 

790,250

 

857,893

 

790,250

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND TOTAL EQUITY

$

2,361,749

$

2,314,453

$

2,568,797

$

2,314,453

See notes to these consolidated financial statements.

5

Table of Contents

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

    

    

    

    

    

Accumulated

    

    

    

Common

Additional

Other

Non-

Shares

Common

Paid-In

Retained

Comprehensive

Treasury

Controlling

    

Outstanding

    

Shares

    

Capital

    

Earnings

    

Income (Loss)

    

Shares

    

Interests

    

Total

Balance at December 31, 2020

 

59,641

$

9,858

$

409,958

$

2,821,359

$

(302,190)

$

(2,149,714)

$

979

$

790,250

Net income

 

74,177

(44)

 

74,133

Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax

 

5,060

 

5,060

Unrealized gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax

 

7,290

 

7,290

Currency translation adjustment

 

(22,584)

(159)

 

(22,743)

Cash dividends declared - $0.51 per share

 

(30,572)

 

(30,572)

Stock-based compensation activity

 

134

7,680

1,502

 

9,182

Purchase of shares for treasury

 

(237)

(28,459)

 

(28,459)

Other

 

891

(741)

(883)

 

(733)

Balance at March 31, 2021

 

59,538

$

9,858

$

418,529

$

2,864,223

$

(312,424)

$

(2,176,671)

$

(107)

$

803,408

    

    

    

    

    

Accumulated

    

    

    

Common

Additional

Other

Non-

Shares

Common

Paid-In

Retained

Comprehensive

Treasury

Controlling

    

Outstanding

    

Shares

    

Capital

    

Earnings

    

Income (Loss)

    

Shares

    

Interests

    

Total

Balance at December 31, 2020

 

59,641

$

9,858

$

409,958

$

2,821,359

$

(302,190)

$

(2,149,714)

$

979

$

790,250

Net income

 

74,177

(44)

 

74,133

Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax

 

5,060

 

5,060

Unrealized gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax

 

7,290

 

7,290

Currency translation adjustment

 

(22,584)

(159)

 

(22,743)

Cash dividends declared - $0.51 per share

 

(30,572)

 

(30,572)

Stock-based compensation activity

 

134

7,680

1,502

 

9,182

Purchase of shares for treasury

 

(237)

(28,459)

 

(28,459)

Other

 

891

(741)

(883)

 

(733)

Balance at March 31, 2021

 

59,538

$

9,858

$

418,529

$

2,864,223

$

(312,424)

$

(2,176,671)

$

(107)

$

803,408

Net income

 

96,105

175

 

96,280

Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax

 

(1,702)

 

(1,702)

Unrealized loss on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax

 

(4,754)

 

(4,754)

Currency translation adjustment

 

13,689

(110)

 

13,579

Cash dividends declared – $0.51 per share

 

(30,552)

 

(30,552)

Stock-based compensation activity

 

46

8,638

503

 

9,141

Purchase of shares for treasury

 

(197)

(25,229)

 

(25,229)

Other

 

409

(957)

 

(548)

Balance at June 30, 2021

 

59,387

$

9,858

$

427,576

$

2,928,819

$

(305,191)

$

(2,201,397)

$

(42)

$

859,623

Net income

 

 

  

 

 

31,757

 

 

 

 

31,757

Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax

 

 

  

 

 

 

55,558

 

 

 

55,558

Unrealized gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax

 

 

  

 

 

 

2,876

 

 

 

2,876

Currency translation adjustment

 

 

  

 

 

 

(19,062)

 

 

(58)

 

(19,120)

Cash dividends declared – $0.51 per share

 

 

  

 

 

(30,379)

 

 

 

 

(30,379)

Stock-based compensation activity

 

34

 

  

 

7,449

 

 

 

364

 

 

7,813

Purchase of shares for treasury

 

(373)

 

  

 

 

 

 

(50,160)

 

 

(50,160)

Other

 

 

  

 

(239)

164

 

 

 

 

(75)

Balance at September 30, 2021

59,048

$

9,858

$

434,786

$

2,930,361

$

(265,819)

$

(2,251,193)

$

(100)

$

857,893

6

Table of Contents

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

    

    

    

    

    

Accumulated

    

    

    

Common

Additional

Other

Non-

Shares

Common

Paid-In

Retained

Comprehensive

Treasury

Controlling

    

Outstanding

    

Shares

    

Capital

    

Earnings

    

Income (Loss)

    

Shares

    

Interests

    

Total

Balance at December 31, 2019

 

60,592

$

9,858

$

389,446

$

2,736,481

$

(275,850)

$

(2,041,763)

$

905

$

819,077

Net income

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

55,562

 

  

 

  

 

(7)

 

55,555

Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

609

 

  

 

  

 

609

Unrealized loss on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(2,369)

 

  

 

  

 

(2,369)

Currency translation adjustment

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(70,567)

 

  

 

(41)

 

(70,608)

Cash dividends declared – $0.49 per share

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(29,280)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(29,280)

Stock-based compensation activity

 

152

 

  

 

2,826

 

  

 

  

 

1,912

 

  

 

4,738

Purchase of shares for treasury

 

(1,357)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(109,762)

 

  

 

(109,762)

Other

 

  

 

  

 

(5,176)

 

5,176

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Balance at March 31, 2020

 

59,387

$

9,858

$

387,096

$

2,767,939

$

(348,177)

$

(2,149,613)

$

857

$

667,960

    

    

    

    

    

Accumulated

    

    

    

Common

Additional

Other

Non-

Shares

Common

Paid-In

Retained

Comprehensive

Treasury

Controlling

    

Outstanding

    

Shares

    

Capital

    

Earnings

    

Income (Loss)

    

Shares

    

Interests

    

Total

Balance at December 31, 2019

 

60,592

$

9,858

$

389,446

$

2,736,481

$

(275,850)

$

(2,041,763)

$

905

$

819,077

Net income

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

55,562

 

  

 

  

 

(7)

 

55,555

Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

609

 

  

 

  

 

609

Unrealized loss on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(2,369)

 

  

 

  

 

(2,369)

Currency translation adjustment

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(70,567)

 

  

 

(41)

 

(70,608)

Cash dividends declared – $0.49 per share

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(29,280)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(29,280)

Stock-based compensation activity

 

152

 

  

 

2,826

 

  

 

  

 

1,912

 

  

 

4,738

Purchase of shares for treasury

 

(1,357)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(109,762)

 

  

 

(109,762)

Other

 

  

 

  

 

(5,176)

 

5,176

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Balance at March 31, 2020

 

59,387

$

9,858

$

387,096

$

2,767,939

$

(348,177)

$

(2,149,613)

$

857

$

667,960

Net income

 

 

  

 

 

26,996

 

 

 

17

 

27,013

Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax

 

 

  

 

 

 

(23,036)

 

 

 

(23,036)

Unrealized gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax

 

 

  

 

 

 

1,108

 

 

 

1,108

Currency translation adjustment

 

 

  

 

 

 

14,485

 

 

(17)

 

14,468

Cash dividends declared – $0.49 per share

 

 

  

 

 

(29,260)

 

 

 

 

(29,260)

Stock-based compensation activity

 

25

 

  

 

4,754

 

 

 

317

 

 

5,071

Purchase of shares for treasury

 

(45)

 

  

 

 

 

 

(3,213)

 

 

(3,213)

Other

 

 

  

 

2,842

 

(2,842)

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2020

 

59,367

$

9,858

$

394,692

$

2,762,833

$

(355,620)

$

(2,152,509)

$

857

$

660,111

Net income

 

 

  

 

 

58,479

 

 

 

27

 

58,506

Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1,304)

 

 

 

(1,304)

Unrealized gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax

 

 

  

 

 

 

639

 

 

 

639

Currency translation adjustment

 

 

  

 

 

 

13,004

 

 

35

 

13,039

Cash dividends declared – $0.49 per share

 

 

  

 

 

(29,326)

 

 

 

 

(29,326)

Stock-based compensation activity

 

106

 

  

 

8,493

 

 

 

1,315

 

 

9,808

Purchase of shares for treasury

 

(2)

(223)

(223)

Other

 

 

  

 

901

 

(1,407)

 

 

 

 

(506)

Balance at September 30, 2020

59,471

$

9,858

$

404,086

$

2,790,579

$

(343,281)

$

(2,151,417)

$

919

$

710,744

67

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31, 

    

    

2021

    

2020

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

  

  

Net income

$

74,177

$

55,562

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries' income (loss)

 

(44)

 

(7)

Net income including non-controlling interests

 

74,133

 

55,555

Adjustments to reconcile Net income including non-controlling interests to Net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

  

Rationalization and asset impairment net charges (Note 6)

 

60

 

(236)

Depreciation and amortization

 

19,118

 

21,028

Equity earnings in affiliates, net

 

(177)

 

(162)

Deferred income taxes

 

(16,115)

 

(3,685)

Stock-based compensation

 

6,402

 

3,691

Other, net

 

9,016

 

(4,188)

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

 

 

  

Increase in accounts receivable

 

(65,795)

 

(25,698)

Increase in inventories

 

(42,568)

 

(17,401)

Increase in other current assets

 

(8,095)

 

(1,789)

Increase (decrease) in trade accounts payable

 

42,325

 

(16,676)

Increase in other current liabilities

 

30,266

 

13,482

Net change in other assets and liabilities

 

(3,308)

 

(1,949)

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

45,262

 

21,972

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

  

Capital expenditures

 

(9,936)

 

(11,828)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

584

 

6,100

Other investing activities

 

6,500

 

0

NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

(2,852)

 

(5,728)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

  

Amounts due banks, net

 

1,307

 

97,777

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

2,780

 

1,047

Purchase of shares for treasury (Note 8)

 

(28,459)

 

(109,762)

Cash dividends paid to shareholders

 

(30,999)

 

(30,675)

NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

(55,371)

 

(41,613)

Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents

 

(2,192)

 

(10,819)

DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(15,153)

 

(36,188)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

257,279

 

199,563

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

$

242,126

$

163,375

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

    

    

2021

    

2020

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

  

  

Net income

$

202,039

$

141,037

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries' income (loss)

 

131

 

37

Net income including non-controlling interests

 

202,170

 

141,074

Adjustments to reconcile Net income including non-controlling interests to Net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

  

Rationalization and asset impairment net (gains) charges (Note 6)

 

(1,162)

 

21,927

Depreciation and amortization

 

60,558

 

60,566

Equity earnings in affiliates, net

 

(399)

 

(323)

Deferred income taxes

 

(28,428)

 

(10,143)

Stock-based compensation

 

18,215

 

11,656

Pension settlement charges

80,098

6,522

Other, net

 

(754)

 

(10,805)

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

 

 

  

Increase in accounts receivable

 

(71,212)

 

(6,851)

Increase in inventories

 

(128,856)

 

(3,430)

(Increase) decrease in other current assets

 

(10,610)

 

8,027

Increase (decrease) in trade accounts payable

 

54,981

 

(42,333)

Increase in other current liabilities

 

89,569

 

38,615

Net change in other assets and liabilities

 

(9,045)

 

1,059

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

255,125

 

215,561

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

  

Capital expenditures

 

(46,440)

 

(37,116)

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

 

(158,605)

 

0

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

 

3,847

 

6,957

Other investing activities

 

6,500

 

0

NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

(194,698)

 

(30,159)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

  

Amounts due banks, net

 

32,295

 

(33,135)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

7,921

 

7,961

Purchase of shares for treasury (Note 8)

 

(103,848)

 

(113,198)

Cash dividends paid to shareholders

 

(91,717)

 

(88,945)

Other financing activities

 

(763)

 

0

NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

(156,112)

 

(227,317)

Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents

 

(1,035)

 

(5,169)

DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(96,720)

 

(47,084)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

257,279

 

199,563

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

$

160,559

$

152,479

See notes to these consolidated financial statements.

78

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 1 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

As used in this report, the term “Company,” except as otherwise indicated by the context, means Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries for which it has a controlling interest.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all legal entities in which the Company holds a controlling interest. Investments in legal entities in which the Company does not own a majority interest but has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. However, in the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all the adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. Operating results for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2021.

The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2020 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

The current coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) pandemic has adversely impacted global economic conditions and has contributed to significant volatility in financial markets beginning in early calendar year 2020. Although the Company's estimates contemplate current conditions, the inputs into certain significant and critical accounting estimates include judgments and assumptions about the economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and how management expects them to change in the future. It is reasonably possible that actual results experienced may differ materially from the Company's estimates in future periods, which could affect our results of operations and financial condition. For additional discussion, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

New Accounting Pronouncements:

This section provides a description of new accounting pronouncements ("Accounting Standard Update" or "ASU") issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") that are applicable to the Company.

The following ASU was adopted as of January 1, 2021:

Standard

Description

ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740), issued December 2019.

ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

89

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 2 — REVENUE RECOGNITION

The following table presents the Company’s Net sales disaggregated by product line:

Three Months Ended March 31, 

Three Months Ended September 30, 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

Consumables

$

434,179

$

405,840

$

465,829

$

379,177

$

1,375,567

$

1,118,688

Equipment

 

322,842

 

296,151

 

340,625

 

289,711

 

1,014,362

 

842,918

Net sales

$

757,021

$

701,991

$

806,454

$

668,888

$

2,389,929

$

1,961,606

Consumable sales consist of electrodes, fluxes, specialty welding consumables and brazing and soldering alloys. Equipment sales consist of arc welding power sources, welding accessories, fabrication, plasma cutters, wire feeding systems, automated joining, assembly and cutting systems, fume extraction equipment, CNC plasma and oxy-fuel cutting systems and regulators and torches used in oxy-fuel welding, cutting and brazing. Consumable and Equipment products are sold within each of the Company’s operating segments.

Within the Equipment product line, there are certain customer contracts related to automation products that may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the Company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. The Company generally determines the standalone selling price based on the prices charged to customers or using expected cost plus margin. Less than 10% of the Company’s Net sales are recognized over time.

At March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company recorded $19,292$33,860 related to advance customer payments and $22,744$52,588 related to billings in excess of revenue recognized. These contract liabilities are included in Other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2020, the balances related to advance customer payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized were $14,920 and $21,396, respectively. Substantially all of the Company’s contract liabilities are recognized within twelve months based on contract duration. The Company records an asset for contracts where it has recognized revenue, but has not yet invoiced the customer for goods or services. At March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company recorded $25,709$26,665 and $22,113, respectively, related to these contract assets which are included in Other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Contract asset amounts are expected to be billed within the next twelve months.

NOTE 3 — EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

Three Months Ended March 31, 

Three Months Ended September 30, 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

 

2020

 

2021

 

2020

Numerator:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net income

$

74,177

$

55,562

$

31,757

$

58,479

$

202,039

$

141,037

Denominator (shares in 000's):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

59,642

 

60,184

 

59,289

 

59,426

 

59,465

 

59,655

Effect of dilutive securities - Stock options and awards

 

657

 

615

 

766

 

592

 

703

 

547

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

60,299

 

60,799

 

60,055

 

60,018

 

60,168

 

60,202

Basic earnings per share

$

1.24

$

0.92

$

0.54

$

0.98

$

3.40

$

2.36

Diluted earnings per share

$

1.23

$

0.91

$

0.53

$

0.97

$

3.36

$

2.34

For the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, common shares subject to equity-based awards of 2,126 and 557,198, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect

910

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

of their exercise would be anti-dilutive. For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, common shares subject to equity-based awards of 89,592150,254 and 655,764,547,329, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of their exercise would be anti-dilutive.

NOTE 4 — ACQUISITIONS

During July 2021, the Company acquired Overstreet-Hughes Company, Inc. (“FTP”) and Shoals Tubular, Inc. (“Shoals”). FTP and Shoals manufacture copper and aluminum headers, distributor assemblies and manifolds in the United States and Mexico for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning sector (“HVAC”). The acquisitions further differentiate The Harris Products Group’s competitive position serving HVAC original equipment manufacturers with a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for the fabrication of HVAC coils and accelerates their growth in this market.

During April 2021, the Company acquired Zeman Bauelemente Produktionsgesellschaft m.b.H.(“ (“Zeman Bauelemente"), a division of the Zeman Group. Zeman Bauelemente, based in Vienna, Austria, is a leading designer and manufacturer of robotic assembly and arc welding systems that automate the tacking and welding of steel beams. The acquisition expands the Company’s international automation capabilities to serve customers in the structural steel and infrastructure sectors.

Pro forma information related to the acquisitions discussed above has not been presented because the impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income is not material. The preliminary purchase price allocations are expected to be finalized within the allowable measurement period. The acquired companies are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements as of the date of acquisition.

NOTE 5 — SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company’s business units are aligned into 3 operating segments. The operating segments consist of Americas Welding, International Welding and The Harris Products Group. The Americas Welding segment includes welding operations in North and South America. The International Welding segment includes welding operations in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. The Harris Products Group includes the Company’s global oxy-fuel cutting, soldering and brazing businesses as well as its retail business in the United States.

Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary measure being the adjusted earnings before interest and income taxes (“Adjusted EBIT”) profit measure. EBIT is defined as Operating income plus Other income (expense). EBIT is adjusted for special items as determined by management such as the impact of rationalization activities, certain asset impairment charges and gains or losses on disposals of assets.

11

Table of Contents

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

The following table presents Adjusted EBIT by segment:

The Harris

The Harris

Americas

International

Products

Corporate /

Americas

International

Products

Corporate /

    

Welding

    

Welding

    

Group

    

Eliminations

    

Consolidated

    

Welding

    

Welding

    

Group

    

Eliminations

    

Consolidated

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net sales

$

425,242

$

223,079

$

108,700

$

0

$

757,021

$

461,508

$

227,165

$

117,781

$

0

$

806,454

Inter-segment sales

 

32,748

4,285

2,147

(39,180)

0

 

37,480

7,078

1,945

(46,503)

0

Total

$

457,990

$

227,364

$

110,847

$

(39,180)

$

757,021

$

498,988

$

234,243

$

119,726

$

(46,503)

$

806,454

Adjusted EBIT

$

76,617

$

18,816

$

18,697

$

(1,456)

$

112,674

$

84,557

$

29,032

$

15,980

$

(4,704)

$

124,865

Special items charge (gain) (1)

 

4,440

4,609

1,113

10,162

 

73,574

6,615

547

80,736

EBIT

$

72,177

$

14,207

$

18,697

$

(2,569)

$

102,512

$

10,983

$

22,417

$

15,433

$

(4,704)

$

44,129

Interest income

454

333

Interest expense

(5,813)

(6,047)

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

$

97,153

 

 

 

$

38,415

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net sales

$

418,535

$

197,923

$

85,533

$

0

$

701,991

$

371,535

$

196,937

$

100,416

$

0

$

668,888

Inter-segment sales

 

24,783

 

4,483

 

1,725

 

(30,991)

0

 

29,368

 

4,898

 

1,898

 

(36,164)

0

Total

$

443,318

$

202,406

$

87,258

$

(30,991)

$

701,991

$

400,903

$

201,835

$

102,314

$

(36,164)

$

668,888

Adjusted EBIT

$

70,702

$

6,615

$

12,492

$

(1,099)

$

88,710

$

59,120

$

13,432

$

17,587

$

(1,839)

$

88,300

Special items charge (gain) (2)

 

1,190

 

6,137

 

 

7,327

 

7,044

 

2,401

 

 

9,445

EBIT

$

69,512

$

478

$

12,492

$

(1,099)

$

81,383

$

52,076

$

11,031

$

17,587

$

(1,839)

$

78,855

Interest income

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

860

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

293

Interest expense

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(6,318)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(5,845)

Income before income taxes

 

  

 

  

 

  

$

75,925

 

  

 

  

 

  

$

73,303

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021

 

 

  

Net sales

$

1,344,218

$

702,596

$

343,115

$

0

$

2,389,929

Inter-segment sales

 

109,993

 

18,260

 

6,376

 

(134,629)

0

Total

$

1,454,211

$

720,856

$

349,491

$

(134,629)

$

2,389,929

Adjusted EBIT

$

245,308

$

77,845

$

52,889

$

(10,048)

$

365,994

Special items charge (gain) (1)

 

79,664

 

13,695

 

547

 

1,923

95,829

EBIT

$

165,644

$

64,150

$

52,342

$

(11,971)

$

270,165

Interest income

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

1,185

Interest expense

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(17,921)

Income before income taxes

 

  

 

  

 

  

$

253,429

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

  

Net sales

$

1,123,299

$

572,027

$

266,280

$

0

$

1,961,606

Inter-segment sales

 

81,644

 

13,667

 

5,376

 

(100,687)

0

Total

$

1,204,943

$

585,694

$

271,656

$

(100,687)

$

1,961,606

Adjusted EBIT

$

176,524

$

29,729

$

41,792

$

(4,902)

$

243,143

Special items charge (gain) (2)

 

34,241

 

9,103

 

 

43,344

EBIT

$

142,283

$

20,626

$

41,792

$

(4,902)

$

199,799

Interest income

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

1,576

Interest expense

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(18,467)

Income before income taxes

 

  

 

  

 

  

$

182,908

(1)In the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, special items reflect Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $4,163$3,484 and $8,277, respectively, primarily in International Welding, amortization of the step up in value of acquired inventories of $3,690 and $5,531, respectively, related to the acquisitions of Zeman Bauelemente in International Welding and FTP and Shoals in The Harris Products Group, pension settlement charges of $4,440$73,562 and $446$79,652, respectively, in Americas Welding and $446 in International Welding in the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Also in the nine months ended September 30, 2021, special items reflect acquisition transaction costs of $1,923 in Corporate/Eliminations related to acquisitions.

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

International Welding, respectively, and acquisition transaction costs of $1,113 in Corporate/Eliminations related to an acquisition.
(2)In the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, special items reflect Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $1,190$3,856 and $5,331$2,401 in Americas Welding and International Welding, respectively, and pension settlement charges of $3,188 in Americas Welding. In the nine months ended September 30, 2020, special items reflect Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $27,719 and $8,297 in Americas Welding and International Welding, respectively, amortization of the step up in value of acquired inventories of $806 related to an acquisition in International Welding related to an acquisition.and pension settlement charges of $6,522 in Americas Welding.

NOTE 6 — RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS

The Company recorded Rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $4,163$8,277 and $6,521$36,016 in the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The charges are primarily related to employee severance, non-cash asset impairments of long-lived assets and gains or losses on the disposal of assets.

During 2020 and 2021, the Company initiated rationalization plans within Americas Welding and International Welding segments. The plans include headcount restructuring and the consolidation of manufacturing operations to better align the Company’s cost structure with economic conditions and operating needs. At March 31,September 30, 2021, liabilities of $13,1556,791 for International Welding were recognized in Other current liabilities in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The Company believes the rationalization actions will positively impact future results of operations and will not have a material effect on liquidity and sources and uses of capital. The Company continues to evaluate its cost structure and additional rationalization actions may result in charges in future periods.

The following table summarizes the activity related to rationalization liabilities for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021:

    

    

International

    

    

    

International

    

Americas Welding

    

Welding

    

Consolidated

Americas Welding

    

Welding

    

Consolidated

Balance at December 31, 2020

$

25

$

13,597

$

13,622

$

25

$

13,597

$

13,622

Payments and other adjustments

 

(25)

 

(4,545)

 

(4,570)

 

(25)

 

(16,245)

 

(16,270)

Charged to expense

 

0

 

4,103

 

4,103

 

0

 

9,439

 

9,439

Balance at March 31, 2021

$

0

$

13,155

$

13,155

Balance at September 30, 2021

$

0

$

6,791

$

6,791

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 7 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ("AOCI")

The following tables set forth the total changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") by component, net of taxes:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

Unrealized gain

Unrealized gain

(loss) on derivatives

(loss) on derivatives

designated and

Defined benefit

Currency

designated and

Defined benefit

Currency

qualifying as cash

pension plan

translation

qualifying as cash

pension plan

translation

flow hedges

activity

adjustment

Total

flow hedges

activity

adjustment

Total

Balance at December 31, 2020

$

2,487

$

(101,770)

$

(202,907)

$

(302,190)

Balance at June 30, 2021

$

5,023

$

(98,412)

$

(211,802)

$

(305,191)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification

 

7,066

602

(22,584)

3

(14,916)

 

3,162

(235)

(19,062)

3

(16,135)

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

 

224

1

4,458

2

0

4,682

 

(286)

1

55,793

2

0

55,507

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

 

7,290

 

5,060

 

(22,584)

 

(10,234)

 

2,876

 

55,558

 

(19,062)

 

39,372

Balance at March 31, 2021

$

9,777

$

(96,710)

$

(225,491)

$

(312,424)

Balance at September 30, 2021

$

7,899

$

(42,854)

$

(230,864)

$

(265,819)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

Unrealized gain

Unrealized gain

(loss) on derivatives

(loss) on derivatives

designated and

Defined benefit

Currency

designated and

Defined benefit

Currency

qualifying as cash

pension plan

translation

qualifying as cash

pension plan

translation

flow hedges

activity

adjustment

Total

flow hedges

activity

adjustment

Total

Balance at December 31, 2019

$

1,626

$

(70,546)

$

(206,930)

$

(275,850)

Balance at June 30, 2020

$

365

$

(92,973)

$

(263,012)

$

(355,620)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification

 

(2,312)

 

0

 

(70,567)

3

 

(72,879)

 

(104)

 

(4,411)

 

13,004

3

 

8,489

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

 

(57)

1

 

609

2

 

0

 

552

 

743

1

 

3,107

2

 

0

 

3,850

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(2,369)

 

609

 

(70,567)

 

(72,327)

 

639

 

(1,304)

 

13,004

 

12,339

Balance at March 31, 2020

$

(743)

$

(69,937)

$

(277,497)

$

(348,177)

Balance at September 30, 2020

$

1,004

$

(94,277)

$

(250,008)

$

(343,281)

(1)During the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, the AOCI reclassification is a component of Net sales of $102$304 (net of tax of $42)$135) and Cost of goods sold of $326$18 (net of tax of $133)$26); during the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, the reclassification is a component of Net sales of $(41)$(551) (net of tax of $(21)$(205)) and Cost of goods sold of $(98)$192 (net of tax of $(24)$8). See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details.
(2)This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $18,677 and $1,023 during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details.
(3)The Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications excludes $(58) and $35 attributable to Non-controlling interests in the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021

Unrealized gain

(loss) on derivatives

designated and

Defined benefit

Currency

qualifying as cash

pension plan

translation

flow hedges

activity

adjustment

Total

Balance at December 31, 2020

$

2,487

$

(101,770)

$

(202,907)

$

(302,190)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification

 

6,275

(2,220)

(27,957)

3

(23,902)

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

 

(863)

1

61,136

2

60,273

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

 

5,412

 

58,916

 

(27,957)

 

36,371

Balance at September 30, 2021

$

7,899

$

(42,854)

$

(230,864)

$

(265,819)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Unrealized gain

(loss) on derivatives

designated and

Defined benefit

Currency

qualifying as cash

pension plan

translation

flow hedges

activity

adjustment

Total

Balance at December 31, 2019

$

1,626

$

(70,546)

$

(206,930)

$

(275,850)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification

 

(2,304)

 

(30,538)

 

(43,078)

3

 

(75,920)

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

 

1,682

1

 

6,807

2

 

 

8,489

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(622)

 

(23,731)

 

(43,078)

 

(67,431)

Balance at September 30, 2020

$

1,004

$

(94,277)

$

(250,008)

$

(343,281)

(1)During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the AOCI reclassification is a component of Net sales of $1,611 (net of tax of $692) and Cost of goods sold of $748 (net of tax of $270); during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the reclassification is a component of Net sales of $(1,657) (net of tax of $(624)) and Cost of goods sold of $25 (net of tax of $(92)). See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details.
(2)This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $1,456$21,578 and $164$2,189) during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively).respectively. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details.
(3)The Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications excludes $(159)$(327) and $(41)$(23) attributable to Non-controlling interests in the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

NOTE 8 — COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

The Company has a share repurchase program for up to 55 million shares of the Company’s common shares. On February 12, 2020, the Company’s Board of Director’s approved a new share repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase, in the aggregate, up to an additional 10 million shares of its outstanding common shares under this program. From time to time at management’s discretion, the Company repurchases its common shares in the open market, depending on market conditions, stock price and other factors. During the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company purchased a total of 0.20.4 million shares at an average cost per share of $120.55.$134.62. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company purchased a total of 0.8 million shares at an average cost per share of $129.11. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, 11.210.7 million common shares remained available for repurchase under these programs. The repurchased common shares remain in treasury and have not been retired.

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 9 — INVENTORIES

Inventories in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are comprised of the following components:

    

    

    

March 31, 2021

    

December 31, 2020

    

September 30, 2021

    

December 31, 2020

Raw materials

$

115,278

$

111,888

$

141,006

$

111,888

Work-in-process

 

67,097

 

60,341

 

99,505

 

60,341

Finished goods

 

233,526

 

209,029

 

283,922

 

209,029

Total

$

415,901

$

381,258

$

524,433

$

381,258

At March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, approximately 36% and 35%, respectively, of total inventories were valued using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. The excess of current cost over LIFO cost was $79,435$99,817 and $75,581 at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

NOTE 10 — LEASES

The table below summarizes the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance sheets:

Operating Leases

    

Balance Sheet Classification

    

March 31, 2021

    

December 31, 2020

    

Balance Sheet Classification

    

September 30, 2021

    

December 31, 2020

Right-of-use assets

 

Other assets

$

39,936

$

43,570

 

Other assets

$

49,325

$

43,570

Current liabilities

 

Other current liabilities

$

10,652

$

11,502

 

Other current liabilities

$

10,814

$

11,502

Noncurrent liabilities

 

Other liabilities

 

31,175

 

33,988

 

Other liabilities

 

40,063

 

33,988

Total lease liabilities

 

  

$

41,827

$

45,490

 

  

$

50,877

$

45,490

Total lease expense, which is included in Cost of goods sold and Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income, was $5,051$5,619 and $5,219$16,279 in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, respectively, and $5,655 and $17,665 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities at March 31,for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 were $5,896 and $12,548, respectively, and are included in Net cash provided by operating activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 respectively, were $3,389$3,733 and $4,097$11,727, respectively, and are included in Net cash provided by operating activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities were $3,218 and $12,912 during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, respectively, and $214 and $2,249 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, were $0 and $2,035, respectively.

The total future minimum lease payments for noncancelable operating leases were as follows:

    

March 31, 2021

2021

$

9,132

2022

 

9,559

2023

 

7,596

2024

 

6,038

2025

 

3,253

After 2025

 

11,713

Total lease payments

$

47,291

Less: Imputed interest

 

5,464

Operating lease liabilities

$

41,827

As of March 31, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term is 7.2 years and the weighted average discount rate used to determine the operating lease liability is 3.5%.

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

The total future minimum lease payments for noncancelable operating leases were as follows:

    

September 30, 2021

2021

$

3,467

2022

 

11,382

2023

 

9,348

2024

 

7,715

2025

 

4,809

After 2025

 

21,164

Total lease payments

$

57,885

Less: Imputed interest

 

7,008

Operating lease liabilities

$

50,877

As of September 30, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term is 8.6 years and the weighted average discount rate used to determine the operating lease liability is 3.1%.

NOTE 11 — PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS

The changes in the carrying amount of product warranty accruals are as follows:

Year Ended March 31, 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

Balance at beginning of year

$

21,760

$

20,650

$

21,760

$

20,650

Accruals for warranties

 

3,136

 

4,117

 

8,446

 

13,629

Settlements

 

(3,253)

 

(3,591)

 

(8,809)

 

(10,699)

Foreign currency translation and other adjustments

 

(156)

 

(318)

 

(306)

 

(126)

Balance at March 31

$

21,487

$

20,858

Balance at end of year

$

21,091

$

23,454

NOTE 12 — DEBT

Revolving Credit Agreements

The Company has a line of credit totaling $400,000 through the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement has a term of 5 years with a maturity date of June 30, 2022 and may be increased, subject to certain conditions, by an additional amount up to $100,000. The interest rate on borrowings is based on either LIBOR or the prime rate, plus a spread based on the Company’s leverage ratio, at the Company’s election. The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants for credit facilities of this type, including limitations on the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to liens, investments, distributions, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets, transactions with affiliates and a fixed charges coverage ratio and total leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

On April 23, 2021, the Company amended and restated the Credit Agreementagreement governing its line of credit by entering into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Second Credit Agreement”). The Second Credit Agreement has a line of credit totaling $500,000, has a term of 5 years with a maturity date of April 23, 2026 and may be increased, subject to certain conditions including the consent of its lenders, by an additional amount up to $150,000. The interest rate on borrowings is based on LIBOR plus a spread based on the Company’s net leverage ratio. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, as well as customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants for credit facilities of this type (subject to negotiated baskets and exceptions), including limitations on the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to liens, investments, distributions, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets and transactions with affiliates.

The Company has other lines of credit totaling $81,234. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had $3,497$20,000 of outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

The Company has other lines of credit totaling $97,848. As of September 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had $20,644 outstanding at March 31,September 30, 2021.

Senior Unsecured Notes

On April 1, 2015 and October 20, 2016, the Company entered into separate Note Purchase Agreements pursuant to which it issued senior unsecured notes (the "Notes") through a private placement. The 2015 Notes and 2016 Notes each

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

have an aggregate principal amount of $350,000, comprised of four different series ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, with maturity dates ranging from August 20, 2025 through April 1, 2045, and interest rates ranging from 2.75% to 4.02%. Interest on the Notes is paid semi-annually. The Company’s total weighted average effective interest rate and remaining weighted average tenure of the Notes is 3.3% and 13.112.6 years, respectively. The proceeds of the Notes were used for general corporate purposes. The Notes contain certain affirmative and negative covenants. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants relating to the Notes.

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

Shelf Agreements

On November 27, 2018, the Company entered into 7 uncommitted master note facilities (the "Shelf Agreements") that allow borrowings up to $700,000 in the aggregate. The Shelf Agreements have a term of 5 years and the average life of borrowings cannot exceed 15 years. The Company is required to comply with covenants similar to those contained in the Notes. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under the Shelf Agreements.

Fair Value of Debt

At March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair value of long-term debt, including the current portion, was approximately $739,945$772,551 and $793,591, respectively, which was determined using available market information and methodologies requiring judgment. The carrying value of this debt at such dates was $715,438$718,548 and $715,567, respectively. Since judgment is required in interpreting market information, the fair value of the debt is not necessarily the amount which could be realized in a current market exchange.

NOTE 13 — RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The components of total pension cost were as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31, 

Three Months Ended September 30, 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

U.S. pension

Non-U.S.

U.S. pension

Non-U.S.

U.S. pension

Non-U.S.

U.S. pension

Non-U.S.

U.S. pension

Non-U.S.

U.S. pension

Non-U.S.

    

plans

 

pension plans

 

plans

 

pension plans

    

plans

 

pension plans

 

plans

 

pension plans

    

plans

 

pension plans

 

plans

 

pension plans

Service cost

$

49

$

471

$

39

$

756

$

49

$

395

$

39

$

718

$

146

$

1,190

$

117

$

2,216

Interest cost

 

2,981

616

 

4,050

 

696

 

2,622

924

 

3,346

 

673

 

8,675

 

1,932

 

11,447

 

2,052

Expected return on plan assets

 

(4,509)

(972)

 

(5,711)

 

(1,007)

 

(3,888)

(1,487)

 

(6,009)

 

(1,076)

 

(12,595)

 

(2,996)

 

(17,431)

 

(3,097)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

0

12

 

0

 

15

 

0

1

 

0

 

15

 

 

12

 

 

46

Amortization of net loss

 

581

435

 

203

 

555

 

616

291

 

459

 

468

 

1,867

 

737

 

865

 

1,563

Settlement charges (1)

 

4,440

446

 

0

 

0

 

73,562

0

 

3,188

 

0

 

79,652

 

446

 

6,522

 

Defined benefit plans

3,542

1,008

(1,419)

1,015

72,961

124

1,023

798

77,745

1,321

1,520

2,780

Multi-employer plans

0

244

0

269

0

138

0

274

640

800

Defined contribution plans

5,162

845

5,626

702

6,572

898

4,945

931

17,606

2,296

15,322

2,406

Total pension cost

$

8,704

$

2,097

$

4,207

$

1,986

$

79,533

$

1,160

$

5,968

$

2,003

$

95,351

$

4,257

$

16,842

$

5,986

(1)Pension settlement charges primarily resulting from lump sum pension payments in the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021.September 30, 2021 and 2020.

The defined benefit plan components of Total pension cost, other than service cost, are included in Other income (expense) in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

In March 2020, the Company approved an amendment to terminate the Lincoln Electric Company Retirement Annuity Program plan effective as of December 31, 2020. The Company provided notice to participants of the intent to terminate the plan and applied for a determination letter. Pension obligations will bewere distributed through a combination of lump sum payments to eligible plan participants during 2021 and resulted in pre-tax pension settlement charges of $73,562 and $79,652 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. In October 2021, the remaining pension obligations were distributed through the purchase of a group annuity contract. Upon settlement of the pension obligations,contract and the Company will reclassify any remaining unrecognized actuarial gains or losses, currently recorded in AOCI, net of tax, to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income as settlement gains or charges in the second half of 2021.charges. The Company estimates the fourth quarter 2021 pre-tax settlement charge to be approximately $35,000 - $45,000. The Company anticipates using any remaining assets after liquidation to fund employer contributions in a different qualified plan. The Company expects the termination process will be substantially complete by the end of 2021.

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 14 — OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

The components of Other income (expense) were as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31, 

Three Months Ended September 30, 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

Equity earnings in affiliates

$

176

 

$

162

$

108

 

$

81

$

399

$

323

Other components of net periodic pension (cost) income (1)

 

(4,030)

 

 

1,199

 

(72,641)

 

 

(1,064)

 

(77,730)

 

(1,967)

Other income (expense)

 

2,438

 

 

(1,052)

 

1,092

 

 

2,045

 

6,176

 

2,812

Total Other income (expense)

$

(1,416)

 

$

309

$

(71,441)

 

$

1,062

$

(71,155)

$

1,168

(1)Other components of net periodic pension (cost) income includes pension settlements and curtailments.curtailments as discussed in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 15 — INCOME TAXES

The Company recognized $23,020$51,259 of tax expense on pretax income of $97,153,$253,429, resulting in an effective income tax rate of 23.7%20.2% for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021. The effective income tax rate was 26.8%22.9% for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020.

The decrease in the effective tax rate was lower for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, as compared with the same period in 2020, was primarily due to income earned in lowerfavorable discrete tax rate jurisdictionsadjustments in 2021, as well as higher tax expense associated with a valuation allowance recorded in 2020.

As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company had $17,768$17,733 of unrecognized tax benefits. If recognized, approximately $14,281$14,008 would be reflected as a component of income tax expense.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2017. The Company is currently subject to U.S., various state and non-U.S. income tax audits.

Unrecognized tax benefits are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are adjusted for changing facts and circumstances, including progress of tax audits and closing of statutes of limitations. Based on information currently available, management believes that additional audit activity could be completed and/or statutes of limitations may close relating to existing unrecognized tax benefits. It is reasonably possible there could be a reduction of $1,749$937 in previously unrecognized tax benefits by the end of the firstthird quarter 2022.

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 16 — DERIVATIVES

The Company uses derivative instruments to manage exposures to currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices arising in the normal course of business. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are assessed as to their effectiveness, when applicable. Hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial in the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020.

The Company is subject to the credit risk of the counterparties to derivative instruments. Counterparties include a number of major banks and financial institutions. None of the concentrations of risk with any individual counterparty was considered significant at March 31,September 30, 2021. The Company does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations.

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

Cash Flow Hedges

Certain foreign currency forward contracts were qualified and designated as cash flow hedges. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these short-term contracts was $67,654$77,691 at March 31,September 30, 2021 and $69,051 at December 31, 2020.

During March and April 2020, in anticipation of future debt issuance associated with the Notes referenced in Note 12, theThe Company entered intohas interest rate forward starting swap agreements to hedge the variability of future changes in interest rates. The forward starting swap agreements werethat are qualified and designated as a cash flow hedge. The changes in fair value are recorded as part of AOCI, and upon completion of debt issuance and termination of the swaps, are amortized to interest expense over the life of the underlying debt.hedges. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of the long-term contracts was $100,000 at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and have a termination date of August 2025.

Fair Value Hedges

From time to time, the company will enter into certain interest rate swap agreements that are qualified and designated as fair value hedges. At March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company had 0 interest rate swap agreements outstanding. The Company terminated $50,000 of interest rate swaps in the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, which resulted in a gain of $6,629 that will beis amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the underlying debt.

Net Investment Hedges

The Company has cross currency swap agreements that are qualified and designated as net investment hedges. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these contracts is $50,000 as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

The Company has foreign currency forward contracts that qualify and are designated as net investment hedges. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these short-term contracts was $96,147 at September 30, 2021.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

The Company has certain foreign exchange forward contracts that are not designated as hedges. These derivatives are held as economic hedges of certain balance sheet exposures. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these contracts was $585,340$312,682 and $391,112 at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Fair values of derivative instruments in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets follow:

March 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

Other

Other

Other

Other

Current

Current

Other

Other

Current

Current

Other

Other

Derivatives by hedge designation

Assets

    

Liabilities

    

Assets

    

Liabilities

    

Assets

    

Liabilities

    

Assets

    

Liabilities

Designated as hedging instruments:

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign exchange contracts

$

1,337

$

1,090

$

0

$

0

$

2,451

$

1,124

$

0

$

0

Forward starting swap agreements

0

0

13,510

0

0

0

4,876

0

Cross currency swap agreements

 

0

 

0

0

2,263

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

4,308

Not designated as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

  

Foreign exchange contracts

 

2,715

1,682

0

0

 

1,398

 

3,485

 

0

 

0

Total derivatives

$

4,052

$

2,772

$

13,510

$

2,263

$

3,849

$

4,609

$

4,876

$

4,308

1720

Table of Contents

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

The effects of undesignated derivative instruments on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income consisted of the following:

    

    

Three Months Ended March 31, 

    

Derivatives by hedge designation

    

Classification of gain (loss)

    

2021

    

2020

    

Not designated as hedges:

  

  

 

  

Foreign exchange contracts

Selling, general & administrative expenses

$

(1,286)

$

(22,133)

The effects of designated hedges on AOCI and the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income consisted of the following:

    

    

Total gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net of tax

    

March 31, 2021

    

December 31, 2020

    

Foreign exchange contracts

$

(90)

$

660

Forward starting swap agreements

10,109

3,649

Net investment contracts

 

(242)

 

(1,822)

The Company expects a loss of $90 related to existing contracts to be reclassified from AOCI, net of tax, to earnings over the next 12 months as the hedged transactions are realized.

    

    

Three Months Ended March 31, 

    

Gain (loss) recognized in the

Derivative type

    

Consolidated Statements of Income:

    

2021

    

2020

    

Foreign exchange contracts

 

Sales

$

144

$

(62)

 

Cost of goods sold

 

(458)

 

122

Fair values of derivative instruments in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets follow:

September 30, 2021

December 31, 2020

Other

Other

Other

Other

Current

Current

Other

Other

Current

Current

Other

Other

Derivatives by hedge designation

Assets

    

Liabilities

    

Assets

    

Liabilities

    

Assets

    

Liabilities

    

Assets

    

Liabilities

Designated as hedging instruments:

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign exchange contracts

$

898

$

914

$

0

$

0

$

2,451

$

1,124

$

0

$

0

Forward starting swap agreements

0

0

9,185

0

0

0

4,876

0

Net investment contracts

1,517

0

0

1,894

0

0

0

4,308

Not designated as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

  

Foreign exchange contracts

 

1,558

2,097

0

0

 

1,398

 

3,485

 

0

 

0

Total derivatives

$

3,973

$

3,011

$

9,185

$

1,894

$

3,849

$

4,609

$

4,876

$

4,308

The effects of undesignated derivative instruments on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income consisted of the following:

    

    

Three Months Ended September 30, 

    

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

Derivatives by hedge designation

    

Classification of gain (loss)

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

Not designated as hedges:

  

  

 

  

  

 

  

Foreign exchange contracts

Selling, general
& administrative expenses

$

(878)

$

6,381

$

5,000

$

(12,141)

The effects of designated hedges on AOCI and the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income consisted of the following:

    

    

Total gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net of tax

    

September 30, 2021

    

December 31, 2020

    

Foreign exchange contracts

$

30

$

660

Forward starting swap agreements

6,874

3,649

Net investment contracts

989

 

(1,822)

The Company expects a loss of $36 related to existing contracts to be reclassified from AOCI, net of tax, to earnings over the next 12 months as the hedged transactions are realized.

    

    

Three Months Ended September 30, 

    

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

Gain (loss) recognized in the

Derivative type

    

Consolidated Statements of Income:

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

Foreign exchange contracts

 

Sales

$

439

$

(756)

$

2,303

$

(2,281)

 

Cost of goods sold

 

(44)

 

(200)

 

(1,018)

 

67

21

Table of Contents

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 17 - FAIR VALUE

The following table provides a summary of assets and liabilities as of March 31,September 30, 2021, measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

    

    

Quoted Prices in

    

    

    

    

Quoted Prices in

    

    

Active Markets for

Active Markets for

Identical Assets or

Significant Other

Significant

Identical Assets or

Significant Other

Significant

Balance as of

Liabilities

Observable Inputs

Unobservable

Balance as of

Liabilities

Observable Inputs

Unobservable

Description

    

March 31, 2021

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

Inputs (Level 3)

    

September 30, 2021

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

Inputs (Level 3)

Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign exchange contracts

$

4,052

$

0

$

4,052

$

0

$

2,456

$

0

$

2,456

$

0

Net investment contracts

1,517

0

1,517

0

Forward starting swap agreements

 

13,510

 

0

 

13,510

 

0

 

9,185

 

0

 

9,185

 

0

Total assets

$

17,562

$

0

$

17,562

$

0

$

13,158

$

0

$

13,158

$

0

Liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign exchange contracts

$

2,772

$

0

$

2,772

$

0

$

3,011

$

0

$

3,011

$

0

Cross currency swap agreements

 

2,263

 

0

 

2,263

 

0

Net investment contracts

1,894

0

1,894

0

Deferred compensation

 

40,775

 

0

 

40,775

 

0

 

41,227

 

 

41,227

 

0

Total liabilities

$

45,810

$

0

$

45,810

$

0

$

46,132

$

0

$

46,132

$

0

18

Table of Contents

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

The following table provides a summary of assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020, measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

    

    

Quoted Prices in

    

    

    

    

Quoted Prices in

    

    

Active Markets for

Active Markets for

Identical Assets or

Significant Other

Significant

Identical Assets or

Significant Other

Significant

Balance as of

Liabilities

Observable Inputs

Unobservable

Balance as of

Liabilities

Observable Inputs

Unobservable

Description

    

December 31, 2020

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

Inputs (Level 3)

    

December 31, 2020

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

Inputs (Level 3)

Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign exchange contracts

$

3,849

$

0

$

3,849

$

0

$

3,849

$

0

$

3,849

$

0

Interest rate swap agreements

 

4,876

 

0

 

4,876

 

0

Forward starting swap agreements

 

4,876

 

0

 

4,876

 

0

Total assets

$

8,725

$

0

$

8,725

$

0

$

8,725

$

0

$

8,725

$

0

Liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Foreign exchange contracts

$

4,609

$

0

$

4,609

$

0

$

4,609

$

0

$

4,609

$

0

Cross currency swap agreements

 

4,308

 

0

 

4,308

 

0

Net investment contracts

 

4,308

 

0

 

4,308

 

0

Deferred compensation

 

41,539

 

0

 

41,539

 

0

 

41,539

 

0

 

41,539

 

0

Total liabilities

$

50,456

$

0

$

50,456

$

0

$

50,456

$

0

$

50,456

$

0

The Company’s derivative contracts are valued at fair value using the market approach. The Company measures the fair value of foreign exchange contracts, and swap agreements and net investment contracts using Level 2 inputs based on observable spot and forward rates in active markets.

The deferred compensation liability is the Company’s obligation under its executive deferred compensation plan. The Company measures the fair value of the liability using the market values of the participants’ underlying investment fund elections.

The fair value of Cash and cash equivalents, Accounts receivable, Short-term debt excluding the current portion of long-term debt and Trade accounts payable approximated book value due to the short-term nature of these instruments at both March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

22

Table of Contents

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

The Company has various financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short and long-term debt and forward contracts. While these financial instruments are subject to concentrations of credit risk, the Company has minimized this risk by entering into arrangements with a number of major banks and financial institutions and investing in several high-quality instruments. The Company does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations.

1923

Table of Contents

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read together with the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements and other financial information included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

General

The Company is the world’s largest designer and manufacturer of arc welding and cutting products, manufacturing a broad line of arc welding equipment, consumable welding products and other welding and cutting products. Welding products include arc welding power sources, computer numerical control and plasma cutters, wire feeding systems, robotic welding packages, integrated automation systems, fume extraction equipment, consumable electrodes, fluxes, welding accessories and specialty welding consumables and fabrication. The Company’s product offering also includes oxy-fuel cutting systems and regulators and torches used in oxy-fuel welding, cutting and brazing. In addition, the Company has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market.

The Company’s products are sold in both domestic and international markets. In the Americas, products are sold principally through industrial distributors, retailers and directly to users of welding products. Outside of the Americas, the Company has an international sales organization comprised of Company employees and agents who sell products from the Company’s various manufacturing sites to distributors and product users.

The Company’s business units are aligned into three operating segments. The operating segments consist of Americas Welding, International Welding and The Harris Products Group. The Americas Welding segment includes welding operations in North and South America. The International Welding segment includes welding operations in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. The Harris Products Group includes the Company’s global oxy-fuel cutting, soldering and brazing businesses as well as its retail business in the United States.

The current coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) pandemic has adversely impacted global economic conditions and has contributed to significant volatility in financial markets beginning in early calendar year 2020. Although the Company's estimates contemplate current conditions, the inputs into certain significant and critical accounting estimates include judgments and assumptions about the economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and how management expects them to change in the future. It is reasonably possible that actual results experienced may differ materially from the Company's estimates in future periods, which could affect our results of operations and financial condition. For additional discussion, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

2024

Table of Contents

Results of Operations

The following table shows the Company’s results of operations:

Three Months Ended March 31, 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 

 

Favorable  (Unfavorable) 

 

Favorable  (Unfavorable) 

 

2021

2020

2021 vs. 2020

2021

2020

2021 vs. 2020

Amount

    

% of Sales

    

Amount

    

% of Sales

    

$

    

%

 

Amount

    

% of Sales

    

Amount

    

% of Sales

    

$

    

%

 

Net sales

$

757,021

$

701,991

 

$

55,030

 

7.8

%

$

806,454

$

668,888

 

$

137,566

 

20.6

%

Cost of goods sold

 

503,254

 

 

464,669

 

  

(38,585)

 

(8.3)

%

 

538,282

 

 

453,501

 

  

(84,781)

 

(18.7)

%

Gross profit

 

253,767

 

33.5

%

 

237,322

 

33.8

%

 

16,445

 

6.9

%

 

268,172

 

33.3

%

 

215,387

 

32.2

%

 

52,785

 

24.5

%

Selling, general & administrative expenses

 

145,676

 

19.2

%

 

149,727

 

21.3

%

 

4,051

 

2.7

%

 

149,118

 

18.5

%

 

131,337

 

19.6

%

 

(17,781)

 

(13.5)

%

Rationalization and asset impairment charges

 

4,163

 

0.5

%

 

6,521

 

0.9

%

  

2,358

 

36.2

%

 

3,484

 

0.4

%

 

6,257

 

0.9

%

  

2,773

 

44.3

%

Operating income

 

103,928

 

13.7

%

 

81,074

 

11.5

%

 

22,854

 

28.2

%

 

115,570

 

14.3

%

 

77,793

 

11.6

%

 

37,777

 

48.6

%

Interest expense, net

 

5,359

 

 

5,458

 

 

99

 

1.8

%

 

5,714

 

 

5,552

 

 

(162)

 

(2.9)

%

Other income (expense)

 

(1,416)

 

 

309

 

  

(1,725)

 

(558.3)

%

 

(71,441)

 

 

1,062

 

  

(72,503)

 

(6,827.0)

%

Income before income taxes

 

97,153

 

12.8

%

 

75,925

 

10.8

%

 

21,228

 

28.0

%

 

38,415

 

4.8

%

 

73,303

 

11.0

%

 

(34,888)

 

(47.6)

%

Income taxes

 

23,020

 

 

20,370

 

 

(2,650)

 

(13.0)

%

 

6,658

 

 

14,797

 

 

8,139

 

55.0

%

Effective tax rate

 

23.7

%  

 

 

26.8

%  

  

3.1

%  

 

17.3

%  

 

 

20.2

%  

  

2.9

%  

Net income including non-controlling interests

 

74,133

 

 

55,555

 

 

18,578

 

33.4

%

 

31,757

 

 

58,506

 

 

(26,749)

 

(45.7)

%

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries' loss

 

(44)

 

 

(7)

 

  

(37)

 

(528.6)

%

 

 

 

27

 

  

(27)

 

(100.0)

%

Net income

$

74,177

 

9.8

%

$

55,562

 

7.9

%

$

18,615

 

33.5

%

$

31,757

 

3.9

%

$

58,479

 

8.7

%

$

(26,722)

 

(45.7)

%

Diluted earnings per share

$

1.23

$

0.91

 

  

$

0.32

 

35.2

%

$

0.53

$

0.97

 

  

$

(0.44)

 

(44.9)

%

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

 

Favorable  (Unfavorable) 

 

2021

2020

2021 vs. 2020

Amount

    

% of Sales

    

Amount

    

% of Sales

    

$

    

%

 

Net sales

$

2,389,929

$

1,961,606

 

$

428,323

 

21.8

%

Cost of goods sold

 

1,593,981

 

 

1,319,519

 

  

(274,462)

 

(20.8)

%

Gross profit

 

795,948

 

33.3

%

 

642,087

 

32.7

%

 

153,861

 

24.0

%

Selling, general & administrative expenses

 

446,351

 

18.7

%

 

407,440

 

20.8

%

 

(38,911)

 

(9.6)

%

Rationalization and asset impairment charges

 

8,277

 

0.3

%

 

36,016

 

1.8

%

  

27,739

 

77.0

%

Operating income

 

341,320

 

14.3

%

 

198,631

 

10.1

%

 

142,689

 

71.8

%

Interest expense, net

 

16,736

 

 

16,891

 

 

155

 

0.9

%

Other income (expense)

 

(71,155)

 

 

1,168

 

  

(72,323)

 

(6,192.0)

%

Income before income taxes

 

253,429

 

10.6

%

 

182,908

 

9.3

%

 

70,521

 

38.6

%

Income taxes

 

51,259

 

 

41,834

 

 

(9,425)

 

(22.5)

%

Effective tax rate

 

20.2

%  

 

 

22.9

%  

  

2.7

%  

Net income including non-controlling interests

 

202,170

 

 

141,074

 

 

61,096

 

43.3

%

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries' loss

 

131

 

 

37

 

  

94

 

254.1

%

Net income

$

202,039

 

8.5

%

$

141,037

 

7.2

%

$

61,002

 

43.3

%

Diluted earnings per share

$

3.36

$

2.34

 

  

$

1.02

 

43.7

%

25

Table of Contents

Net Sales:

The following table summarizes the impact of volume, acquisitions, price and foreign currency exchange rates on Net sales on a consolidated basis:

Three Months Ended March 31,

    

    

Change in Net Sales due to:

    

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

    

    

Change in Net Sales due to:

    

 

Net Sales

Foreign

Net Sales

Net Sales

Foreign

Net Sales

    

2020

    

Volume

    

Acquisitions

    

Price

    

Exchange

    

2021

 

    

2020

    

Volume

    

Acquisitions

    

Price

    

Exchange

    

2021

 

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

$

701,991

$

19,101

$

$

26,128

 

$

9,801

$

757,021

$

668,888

$

48,506

$

13,251

$

73,771

 

$

2,038

$

806,454

% Change

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

 

2.7

%

 

 

3.7

%  

1.4

%

7.8

%

 

7.3

%

 

2.0

%  

 

11.0

%  

0.3

%

20.6

%

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

    

    

Change in Net Sales due to:

    

 

Net Sales

Foreign

Net Sales

    

2020

    

Volume

    

Acquisitions

    

Price

    

Exchange

    

2021

 

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

$

1,961,606

$

221,408

$

16,836

$

158,920

 

$

31,159

$

2,389,929

% Change

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

 

11.3

%

 

0.9

%  

 

8.1

%  

1.6

%

21.8

%

Net sales increased in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 as a result of higher organic sales driven by higher demand andreflecting recovery from the impacts of the pandemic, increased product pricing as a result of higher input costs and the impact of favorable foreign exchange. The increase in Net sales from acquisitions was driven by the acquisitions of Zeman Bauelemente within International Welding and FTP and Shoals within The Harris Products Group. Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for details.

Gross Profit:

Gross profit for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 increased 6.9% driven by higher Net sales volumes24.5% and related operating leverage. As24.0%, respectively, and to 33.3% as a percent of sales, Gross profit decreased slightly compared to the prior year primarily due todriven by higher last-in,volumes and pricing actions which offset higher input costs. Last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) charges of $3,854were $10,908 and $24,236 in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, respectively, as compared with charges of $212$597 and $732 in 2020.the same 2020 periods, respectively.

21

Table of Contents

Selling, General & Administrative ("SG&A") Expenses:

SG&A expenses decreasedincreased for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 as compared to March 31,the same 2020 periods, primarily due to lower discretionary spending.higher employee costs.

Rationalization and Asset Impairment Charges:

The Company recorded charges of $4,163, $3,831 after-tax,$3,484 ($3,383 after-tax) and $6,521, $4,545 after-tax,$8,277 ($8,033 after-tax) in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively, primarily related to severance charges and gains or losses on the disposal of assets. The Company recorded charges of $6,257 ($5,142 after-tax) and $36,016 ($28,181 after-tax) in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, primarily related to severance charges, non-cash asset impairments of long-lived assets, and gains or losses on the disposal of assets.

Other Income Taxes:(Expense):

The decrease in the effective tax rateOther income (expense) for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 as compared to March 31,September 30, 2020 was primarily due to income earned in lowernon-cash pension settlement charges resulting from lump sum pension payments related to the termination of the Lincoln Electric Company Retirement Annuity Program (“RAP”) plan. Refer to Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for details.

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Table of Contents

Income Taxes:

The effective tax rate jurisdictionswas lower for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to the same 2020 periods, primarily due to favorable discrete tax adjustments in 2021, as well as higher tax expense associated with a valuation allowance recorded in 2020.

Net Income:

The increase in Net income for the threenine months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to March 31, 2020 was primarily due to higher sales volumes driven by increased demand and related operating leverage.September 30, 2020.

Segment Results

Three Months Ended September 30, 

    

Change in Net Sales due to:

    

    

 

Net Sales

Foreign

Net Sales

2020

  

Volume (1)

  

Acquisitions (2)

  

Price (3)

  

 Exchange

  

2021

Operating Segments

Americas Welding

$

371,535

$

42,341

$

$

43,957

 

$

3,675

$

461,508

International Welding

196,937

 

7,452

 

3,371

 

21,205

 

(1,800)

 

227,165

The Harris Products Group

100,416

 

(1,287)

 

9,880

 

8,609

 

163

 

117,781

% Change

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Americas Welding

11.4

%

 

11.8

%

1.0

%

24.2

%

International Welding

3.8

%

 

1.7

%

10.8

%

(0.9)

%

15.3

%

The Harris Products Group

(1.3)

%

 

9.8

%

8.6

%

0.2

%

17.3

%

Three Months Ended March 31,

    

Change in Net Sales due to:

    

    

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

    

Change in Net Sales due to:

    

    

 

Net Sales

    

    

    

    

Foreign 

    

Net Sales

 

Net Sales

    

    

    

    

Foreign 

    

Net Sales

 

2020

Volume (1)

    

Acquisitions

    

Price (2)

Exchange

2021

2020

Volume (1)

    

Acquisitions (2)

    

Price (3)

Exchange

2021

Operating Segments

Americas Welding

$

418,535

$

(3,790)

$

$

9,065

 

$

1,432

$

425,242

$

1,123,299

$

128,836

$

$

80,352

 

$

11,731

$

1,344,218

International Welding

197,923

 

11,250

 

 

4,620

 

9,286

 

223,079

572,027

 

63,797

 

6,956

 

40,537

 

19,279

 

702,596

The Harris Products Group

85,533

 

11,641

 

 

12,443

 

(917)

 

108,700

266,280

 

28,775

 

9,880

 

38,031

 

149

 

343,115

% Change

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Americas Welding

(0.9)

%

 

2.2

%  

0.3

%  

1.6

%  

11.5

%

 

7.2

%

1.0

%

19.7

%

International Welding

5.7

%

 

2.3

%  

4.7

%

12.7

%  

11.2

%

 

1.2

%

7.1

%

3.4

%

22.8

%

The Harris Products Group

13.6

%  

 

14.5

%  

(1.1)

%

27.1

%  

10.8

%

 

3.7

%

14.3

%

0.1

%

28.9

%

(1)DecreaseIncreases for three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 for Americas Welding due to softer demand associated with the current economic environment.and International Welding volume increases werewas primarily due to higher demand and The Harris Products Group volume increases were primarily due to higher retail volumes.reflecting recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
(2)Increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 were due to the acquisition of Zeman Bauelemente in International Welding and FTP and Shoals in The Harris Products Group, as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.
(3)Increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 in Americas Welding and International Welding in the three months ended March 31, 2021 reflects increased product pricing as a result of higher input costs. Increase for The Harris Products Group in the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 was due to increases inincreased commodity costs.

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Adjusted Earnings Before Interest and Income Taxes:

Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary measure being the Adjusted EBIT profit measure. EBIT is defined as Operating income plus Other income (expense). EBIT is adjusted for special items as determined by management such as the impact of rationalization activities, certain asset impairment charges and gains or losses on disposals of assets.

The following table presents Adjusted EBIT by segment:

Favorable (Unfavorable) 

 

Favorable (Unfavorable) 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

2021 vs. 2020

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 

2021 vs. 2020

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

$

    

%

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

$

    

%

 

Americas Welding:

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

Net sales

$

425,242

$

418,535

$

6,707

1.6

%

$

461,508

$

371,535

$

89,973

24.2

%

Inter-segment sales

 

32,748

 

24,783

 

7,965

32.1

%

 

37,480

 

29,368

 

8,112

27.6

%

Total Sales

$

457,990

$

443,318

14,672

3.3

%

$

498,988

$

400,903

98,085

24.5

%

Adjusted EBIT (4)(3)

$

76,617

$

70,702

5,915

8.4

%

$

84,557

$

59,120

25,437

43.0

%

As a percent of total sales (1)

 

16.7

%  

 

15.9

%  

0.8

%

 

16.9

%  

 

14.7

%  

2.2

%

International Welding:

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

  

  

  

Net sales

$

223,079

$

197,923

25,156

12.7

%

$

227,165

$

196,937

30,228

15.3

%

Inter-segment sales

 

4,285

 

4,483

(198)

(4.4)

%

 

7,078

 

4,898

2,180

44.5

%

Total Sales

$

227,364

$

202,406

24,958

12.3

%

$

234,243

$

201,835

32,408

16.1

%

Adjusted EBIT (5)(4)

$

18,816

$

6,615

12,201

184.4

%

$

29,032

$

13,432

15,600

116.1

%

As a percent of total sales (2)

 

8.3

%  

 

3.3

%  

5.0

%

As a percent of total sales (1)

 

12.4

%  

 

6.7

%  

5.7

%

The Harris Products Group:

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

  

  

  

Net sales

$

108,700

$

85,533

23,167

27.1

%

$

117,781

$

100,416

17,365

17.3

%

Inter-segment sales

 

2,147

 

1,725

422

24.5

%

 

1,945

 

1,898

47

2.5

%

Total Sales

$

110,847

$

87,258

23,589

27.0

%

$

119,726

$

102,314

17,412

17.0

%

Adjusted EBIT(5)

$

18,697

$

12,492

6,205

49.7

%

$

15,980

$

17,587

(1,607)

(9.1)

%

As a percent of total sales (3)(2)

 

16.9

%  

 

14.3

%  

2.6

%

 

13.3

%  

 

17.2

%  

(3.9)

%

Corporate / Eliminations:

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

  

  

  

Inter-segment sales

$

(39,180)

$

(30,991)

8,189

26.4

%

$

(46,503)

$

(36,164)

(10,339)

(28.6)

%

Adjusted EBIT (6)

 

(1,456)

 

(1,099)

357

32.5

%

 

(4,704)

 

(1,839)

(2,865)

(155.8)

%

Consolidated:

 

 

  

  

  

 

 

  

  

  

Net sales

$

757,021

$

701,991

55,030

7.8

%

$

806,454

$

668,888

137,566

20.6

%

Net income

$

74,177

$

55,562

18,615

33.5

%

$

31,757

$

58,479

(26,722)

(45.7)

%

As a percent of total sales

 

9.8

%  

 

7.9

%  

1.9

%

 

3.9

%  

 

8.7

%  

(4.8)

%

Adjusted EBIT (7)(6)

$

112,674

$

88,710

23,964

27.0

%

$

124,865

$

88,300

36,565

41.4

%

As a percent of sales

 

14.9

%  

 

12.6

%  

 

2.2

%

 

15.5

%  

 

13.2

%  

 

2.3

%

(1)Increase for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 as compared to March 31,September 30, 2020 primarily driven by higher volumes and pricing actions offsetting higher input and employee costs. The increase for International Welding was also driven by cost reduction actions.
(2)IncreaseDecrease for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 as compared to March 31,September 30, 2020 driven primarily driven by higher Net sales volumes due to higher demandinput costs, product mix and cost reduction actions.integration activities.
(3)Increase for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to March 31, 2020 driven primarily by retail and brazing volume increases.
(4)The three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 also and 2020 exclude pension settlement charges of $4,440 related to lump sum payments.$73,562 and $3,188, respectively. The three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 also excludes Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $1,190$3,856 related to severance and asset impairmentscharges as discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

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(5)(4)The three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 exclude Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $4,163$3,472 and $5,331,$2,401, respectively, related to severance and gains or losses on the disposal of assets as discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements. The three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 also excludes pension settlement chargesexclude amortization of $446. The three months ended March 31, 2020 excludes the amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories of $806$3,143 related to an acquisition.the acquisition of Zeman Bauelemente as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.
(5)The three months ended September 30, 2021 exclude amortization of the step up in value of acquired inventories of $547 related to the acquisition of FTP and Shoals as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.
(6)See non-GAAP Financial Measures for a reconciliation of Net income as reported and Adjusted EBIT.

    

    

 

    

Favorable (Unfavorable) 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

2021 vs. 2020

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

$

    

%

 

    

Americas Welding:

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

 

Net sales

$

1,344,218

$

1,123,299

$

220,919

19.7

%

Inter-segment sales

 

109,993

 

81,644

 

28,349

34.7

%

Total Sales

$

1,454,211

$

1,204,943

249,268

20.7

%

Adjusted EBIT (3)

$

245,308

$

176,524

68,784

39.0

%

As a percent of total sales (1)

 

16.9

%  

 

14.6

%  

2.3

%

International Welding:

 

 

  

  

  

Net sales

$

702,596

$

572,027

130,569

22.8

%

Inter-segment sales

 

18,260

 

13,667

4,593

33.6

%

Total Sales

$

720,856

$

585,694

135,162

23.1

%

Adjusted EBIT (4)

$

77,845

$

29,729

48,116

161.8

%

As a percent of total sales (1)

 

10.8

%  

 

5.1

%  

5.7

%

The Harris Products Group:

 

 

  

  

  

Net sales

$

343,115

$

266,280

76,835

28.9

%

Inter-segment sales

 

6,376

 

5,376

1,000

18.6

%

Total Sales

$

349,491

$

271,656

77,835

28.7

%

Adjusted EBIT (5)

$

52,889

$

41,792

11,097

26.6

%

As a percent of total sales (2)

 

15.1

%  

 

15.4

%  

(0.3)

%

Corporate / Eliminations:

 

 

  

  

  

Inter-segment sales

$

(134,629)

$

(100,687)

(33,942)

(33.7)

%

Adjusted EBIT (6)

 

(10,048)

 

(4,902)

(5,146)

(105.0)

%

Consolidated:

 

 

  

  

  

Net sales

$

2,389,929

$

1,961,606

428,323

21.8

%

Net income

$

202,039

$

141,037

61,002

43.3

%

As a percent of total sales

 

8.5

%  

 

7.2

%  

1.3

%

Adjusted EBIT (7)

$

365,994

$

243,143

122,851

50.5

%

As a percent of sales

 

15.3

%  

 

12.4

%  

 

2.9

%

(1)Increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to September 30, 2020 primarily driven higher volumes and pricing actions, which offset higher input costs, and cost reduction actions.
(2)Decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to September 30, 2020 primarily driven by higher input costs and product mix.
(3)The nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 exclude pension settlement charges of $79,652 and $6,522, respectively. The nine months ended September 30, 2020 also exclude Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $27,719 related to severance charges and non-cash asset impairments of long-lived assets as discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

(4)The nine months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020 exclude Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $8,265 and $8,297, respectively, related to severance, asset impairments and gains or losses on the disposal of assets discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements. The nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 also excludes amortization of the step up in value of acquired inventories of $4,984 and $806, respectively, related to acquisitions as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. The nine months ended September 30, 2021 exclude pension settlement charges of $446.
(5)The nine months ended September 30, 2021 excludes amortization of the step up in value of acquired inventories of $547 related to the acquisition of FTP and Shoals as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.
(6)The threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 exclude acquisition transaction costs of $1,923 related to an acquisition.acquisitions.
(7)See non-GAAP Financial Measures for a reconciliation of Net incomeIncome as reported and Adjusted EBIT.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company reviews Adjusted operating income, Adjusted net income, Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted effective tax rate, Adjusted diluted earnings per share, Return on invested capital, Cash conversion, Organic sales, and Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, all non-GAAP financial measures, in assessing and evaluating the Company’s underlying operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude the impact of special items on the Company’s reported financial results. Non-GAAP financial measures should be read in conjunction with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") financial measures, as non-GAAP measures are a supplement to, and not a replacement for, GAAP financial measures.

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Table of Contents

The following table presents the reconciliations of Operating income as reported to Adjusted operating income, Net income as reported to Adjusted net income and Adjusted EBIT, Effective tax rate as reported to Adjusted effective tax rate and Diluted earnings per share as reported to Adjusted diluted earnings per share:

    

Three Months Ended March 31, 

    

    

Three Months Ended September 30, 

    

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

 

    

2021

    

2020

    

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

 

Operating income as reported

$

103,928

$

81,074

$

115,570

$

77,793

$

341,320

$

198,631

Special items (pre-tax):

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Rationalization and asset impairment charges (1)

 

4,163

 

6,521

 

3,484

 

6,257

 

8,277

 

36,016

Acquisition transaction costs (2)

 

1,113

 

 

 

 

1,923

 

Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories (3)

 

 

806

 

3,690

 

 

5,531

 

806

Adjusted operating income

$

109,204

$

88,401

$

122,744

$

84,050

$

357,051

$

235,453

Net income as reported

$

74,177

 

$

55,562

$

31,757

 

$

58,479

$

202,039

$

141,037

Special items:

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

Rationalization and asset impairment charges (1)

 

4,163

 

 

6,521

 

3,484

 

 

6,257

 

8,277

36,016

Acquisition transaction costs (2)

 

1,113

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,923

Pension settlement charges (4)

 

4,886

 

 

 

73,562

 

 

3,188

 

80,098

6,522

Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories (3)

 

 

 

806

 

3,690

 

 

 

5,531

806

Tax effect of Special items (5)

 

(1,561)

 

 

(1,976)

 

(18,743)

 

 

(1,911)

 

(20,737)

(9,463)

Adjusted net income

82,778

 

60,913

93,750

 

66,013

277,131

174,918

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries’ income (loss)

(44)

 

(7)

 

27

131

37

Interest expense, net

 

5,359

 

 

5,458

 

5,714

 

 

5,552

 

16,736

16,891

Income taxes as reported

 

23,020

 

 

20,370

 

6,658

 

 

14,797

 

51,259

41,834

Tax effect of Special items (5)

 

1,561

 

 

1,976

 

18,743

 

 

1,911

 

20,737

9,463

Adjusted EBIT

$

112,674

 

$

88,710

$

124,865

 

$

88,300

$

365,994

$

243,143

Effective tax rate as reported

 

23.7

%  

 

26.8

%  

 

17.3

%  

 

20.2

%  

 

20.2

%  

22.9

%

Net special item tax impact

 

(0.8)

 

 

4.0

%  

 

%  

 

0.4

%  

(0.2)

%

Adjusted effective tax rate

 

22.9

%  

 

26.8

%  

 

21.3

%  

 

20.2

%  

 

20.6

%  

22.7

%

Diluted earnings per share as reported

$

1.23

 

$

0.91

$

0.53

 

$

0.97

$

3.36

$

2.34

Special items per share

 

0.14

 

 

0.09

 

1.03

 

 

0.13

 

1.25

0.57

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

$

1.37

 

$

1.00

$

1.56

 

$

1.10

$

4.61

$

2.91

(1)Charges primarily related to severance and gains or losses on the disposal of assets as discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

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(2)Costs related to an acquisitionacquisitions and are included in SG&A.&A expenses.
(3)Costs related to an acquisitionacquisitions and are included in Cost of goods sold.
(4)PrimarilySettlement charges related to lump sum pension payments associated with the termination of a pension plan and are included in Other income (expense).
(5)TheIncludes the net tax effectimpact of Special items impacting pre-tax income was calculated asrecorded during the pre-tax amount multiplied by the applicable tax rate. The applicable tax rates reflect the taxable jurisdiction and nature of each Special item.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.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s cash flow from operations can be cyclical. Operational cash flow is a key driver of liquidity, providing cash and access to capital markets. In assessing liquidity, the Company reviews working capital measurements to define areas for improvement. Management anticipates the Company will be able to satisfy cash requirements for its ongoing

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Table of Contents

businesses for the foreseeable future primarily with cash generated by operations, existing cash balances, borrowings under its existing credit facilities and raising debt in capital markets.

The Company continues to expand globally and periodically looks at transactions that would involve significant investments. The Company can fund its global expansion plans with operational cash flow, but a significant acquisition may require access to capital markets, in particular, the long-term debt market, as well as the syndicated bank loan market. The Company’s financing strategy is to fund itself at the lowest after-tax cost of funding. Where possible, the Company utilizes operational cash flows and raises capital in the most efficient market, usually the United States, and then lends funds to the specific subsidiary that requires funding. If additional acquisitions providing appropriate financial benefits become available, additional expenditures may be made.

The following table reflects changes in key cash flow measures:

    

Three Months Ended March 31, 

    

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

2021

    

2020

    

$ Change

2021

    

2020

    

$ Change

Cash provided by operating activities (1)

$

45,262

$

21,972

$

23,290

$

255,125

$

215,561

$

39,564

Cash used by investing activities (2)

 

(2,852)

 

(5,728)

 

2,876

 

(194,698)

 

(30,159)

 

(164,539)

Capital expenditures

 

(9,936)

 

(11,828)

 

1,892

 

(46,440)

 

(37,116)

 

(9,324)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

584

6,100

(5,516)

Other investing activities

6,500

6,500

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

 

(158,605)

 

 

(158,605)

Cash used by financing activities (3)

 

(55,371)

 

(41,613)

 

(13,758)

 

(156,112)

 

(227,317)

 

71,205

Proceeds from short-term borrowings, net

 

1,307

 

97,777

 

(96,470)

 

32,295

 

(33,123)

 

65,418

Purchase of shares for treasury

 

(28,459)

 

(109,762)

 

81,303

 

(103,848)

 

(113,198)

 

9,350

Cash dividends paid to shareholders

 

(30,999)

 

(30,675)

 

(324)

 

(91,717)

 

(88,945)

 

(2,772)

Decrease in Cash and cash equivalents (4)

 

(15,153)

 

(36,188)

 

21,035

 

(96,720)

 

(47,084)

 

(49,636)

(1)Cash provided by operating activities increased for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, compared with the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 primarily due to higher company earnings.
(2)Cash used by investing activities decreasedincreased for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, compared with the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 primarily due to higher capital expenditurescash used in 2020the acquisition of businesses. . The Company currently anticipates capital expenditures of $65,000 to $75,000$70,000 in 2021. Anticipated capital expenditures include investments for capital maintenance and projects to increase efficiency, reduce costs, promote business growth or improve the overall safety and environmental conditions of the Company’s facilities.
(3)Cash used by financing activities increaseddecreased in the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, compared with the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 due to higher proceeds from short-term borrowings in the prior period, partially offset by lower purchases of shares for treasury.borrowings.

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(4)Cash and cash equivalents decreased 5.9%37.6%, or $15,153,$96,720, to $242,126$160,559 during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, from $257,279 as of December 31, 2020. This decrease was predominantly due to cash used in the acquisition of businesses, purchases of common shares for treasury and cash dividends paid to shareholders, partially offset by cash provided by operating activities. At March 31,September 30, 2021, $175,501$155,914 of Cash and cash equivalents was held by international subsidiaries.

In AprilOctober 2021, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.51 per share, or $30,364,$30,115, to shareholders of record as of March 31,September 30, 2021.

Working Capital Ratios

March 31, 2021

    

December 31, 2020

 

March 31, 2020

 

September 30, 2021

    

December 31, 2020

 

September 30, 2020

 

Average operating working capital to Net sales (1) (2)

 

17.7

%  

17.4

%

19.0

%

 

18.6

%  

17.4

%

20.3

%

Days sales in Inventories (2)

 

104.6

 

104.7

108.7

 

124.7

 

104.7

111.6

Days sales in Accounts receivable

 

55.6

 

53.5

53.1

 

53.9

 

53.5

55.2

Average days in Trade accounts payable

 

60.0

 

56.5

54.8

 

60.1

 

56.5

51.3

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Table of Contents

(1)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.
(2)In order to minimize potential supply chain disruptions in serving customers due to the COVID-19 crisis,pandemic, the Company increased inventories relative to expected Net sales resulting in higher Days sales in Inventories and higherhad an unfavorable impact on Average operating working capital to Net sales.

Return on Invested Capital

The Company reviews return on invested capital ("ROIC") in assessing and evaluating the Company’s underlying operating performance. ROIC is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company believes is a meaningful metric to investors in evaluating the Company’s financial performance and may be different than the method used by other companies to calculate ROIC. ROIC is defined as rolling 12 months of Adjusted net income excluding tax-effected interest income and expense divided by invested capital. Invested capital is defined as total debt, which includes Short-term debt and Long-term debt, less current portions, plus Total equity.

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Table of Contents

The following table presents ROIC:

Twelve Months Ended March 31, 

Twelve Months Ended September 30, 

    

2021

    

2020

 

    

2021

    

2020

 

Net income

$

224,730

 

$

277,191

$

267,117

 

$

204,753

Rationalization and asset impairment charges

 

43,110

 

 

18,174

 

17,729

 

 

44,867

Acquisition transaction and integration costs

 

1,113

 

 

1,014

 

Acquisition transaction costs

 

1,923

 

 

 

Pension settlement charges

 

13,005

 

 

 

81,695

 

 

6,522

Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories

 

 

 

3,814

 

5,531

 

 

806

Gains on disposal of assets

 

 

 

(3,554)

Gain on change in control

 

 

 

(7,601)

Tax effect of Special items (1)

 

(10,179)

 

 

(8,549)

 

(21,868)

 

 

(11,030)

Adjusted net income

$

271,779

 

$

280,489

$

352,127

 

$

245,918

Plus: Interest expense, net of tax of $5,904 and 6,484 in 2021 and 2020, respectively

 

17,550

 

19,489

Less: Interest income, net of tax of $396 and $605 in 2021 and 2020, respectively

 

1,184

 

1,818

Plus: Interest expense, net of tax of $5,893 and $6,177 in 2021 and 2020, respectively

 

17,520

 

18,564

Less: Interest income, net of tax of $402 and $513 in 2021 and 2020, respectively

 

1,193

 

1,543

Adjusted net income before tax effected interest

$

288,145

 

$

298,160

$

368,454

 

$

262,939

Invested Capital

    

March 31, 2021

    

March 31, 2020

    

September 30, 2021

    

September 30, 2020

Short-term debt

$

3,607

$

132,378

$

41,404

$

1,147

Long-term debt, less current portion

715,328

715,950

717,787

715,687

Total debt

718,935

848,328

759,191

716,834

Total equity

 

803,408

 

667,960

 

857,893

 

710,744

Invested capital

$

1,522,343

$

1,516,288

$

1,617,084

$

1,427,578

Return on invested capital

 

18.9

%  

 

19.7

%  

 

22.8

%  

 

18.4

%

(1)Includes the net tax impact of Special items recorded during the respective periods, including tax benefits of $4,852 for the settlement of a tax item as well as tax deductions associated with an investment in a subsidiary in the twelve months ended March 31, 2020.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.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements.

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Table of Contents

Acquisitions

Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the Company’s recent acquisitions.

Debt

Revolving Credit Agreements

The Company has a line of credit totaling $400,000 through the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement has a term of 5 years with a maturity date of June 30, 2022 and may be increased, subject to certain conditions, by an additional amount up to $100,000. The interest rate on borrowings is based on either the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or the prime rate, plus a spread based on the Company’s leverage ratio, at the Company’s election. The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants for credit facilities of this type, including limitations on the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to liens, investments,

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Table of Contents

distributions, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets, transactions with affiliates and a fixed charges coverage ratio and total leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

On April 23, 2021, the Company amended and restated the Credit Agreementagreement governing its line of credit by entering into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Second Credit Agreement”). The Second Credit Agreement has a line of credit totaling $500,000, has a term of 5 years with a maturity date of April 23, 2026 and may be increased, subject to certain conditions including the consent of its lenders, by an additional amount up to $150,000. The interest rate on borrowings is based on LIBOR plus a spread based on the Company’s net leverage ratio. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, as well as customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants for credit facilities of this type (subject to negotiated baskets and exceptions), including limitations on the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to liens, investments, distributions, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets and transactions with affiliates.

The Company has other lines of credit totaling $81,234. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had $3,497$20,000 of outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

The Company has other lines of credit totaling $97,848. As of September 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had $20,644 outstanding at March 31,September 30, 2021.

Senior Unsecured Notes

On April 1, 2015 and October 20, 2016, the Company entered into separate Note Purchase Agreements pursuant to which it issued senior unsecured notes (the "Notes") through a private placement. The 2015 Notes and 2016 Notes each have an aggregate principal amount of $350,000, comprised of four different series ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, with maturity dates ranging from August 20, 2025 through April 1, 2045, and interest rates ranging from 2.75% and 4.02%. Interest on the Notes is paid semi-annually. The Company’s total weighted average effective interest rate and remaining weighted average tenure of the Notes is 3.3% and 13.112.6 years, respectively. The proceeds of the Notes were used for general corporate purposes. The Notes contain certain affirmative and negative covenants. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants relating to the Notes.

Shelf Agreements

On November 27, 2018, the Company entered into seven uncommitted master note facilities (the "Shelf Agreements") that allow borrowings up to $700,000 in the aggregate. The Shelf Agreements have a term of 5 years and the average life of borrowings cannot exceed 15 years. The Company is required to comply with covenants similar to those contained in the Notes. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under the Shelf Agreements.

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Table of Contents

Pensions

In March 2020, the Company approved an amendment to terminate the Lincoln Electric Company Retirement Annuity Program plan effective as of December 31, 2020. The Company provided notice to participants of the intent to terminate the plan and applied for a determination letter. Pension obligations will bewere distributed through a combination of lump sum payments to eligible plan participants during 2021 and resulted in pre-tax pension settlement charges of $73,562 and $79,652 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. In October 2021, the remaining pension obligations were distributed through the purchase of a group annuity contract. Upon settlement of the pension obligations,contract and the Company will reclassify any remaining unrecognized actuarial gains or losses, currently recorded in AOCI, net of tax, to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income as settlement gains or charges in the second half of 2021.charges. The Company estimates the fourth quarter 2021 pre-tax settlement charge to be approximately $35,000 - $45,000. The Company anticipates using any remaining assets after liquidation to fund employer contributions in a different qualified plan. The Company expects the termination process will be substantially complete by the end of 2021.

Forward-looking Statements

The Company’s expectations and beliefs concerning the future contained in this report 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

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Table of Contents

economic, financial and market conditions; the effectiveness of 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 political unrest, acts of terror, natural disasters and pandemics, including the COVID-19 outbreak,pandemic, 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, 2020.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in the Company’s exposure to market risk since December 31, 2020. See “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31,September 30, 2021.

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Table of Contents

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2021 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is subject, from time to time, to a variety of civil and administrative proceedings arising out of its normal operations, including, without limitation, product liability claims, regulatory claims and health, safety and environmental claims. Among such proceedings are the cases described below.

As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company was a co-defendant in cases alleging asbestos induced illness involving claims by approximately 2,7752,768 plaintiffs, which is a net increase of 617 claims from those previously reported. In each instance, the Company is one of a large number of defendants. The asbestos claimants seek compensatory and punitive damages, in most cases for unspecified sums. Since January 1, 1995, the Company has been a co-defendant in other similar cases that have been resolved as follows: 55,50055,550 of those claims were dismissed, 23 were tried to defense verdicts, 7 were tried to plaintiff verdicts (which were reversed or resolved after appeal), 1 was resolved by agreement for an immaterial amount and 1,008 were decided in favor of the Company following summary judgment motions.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, the reader should carefully consider the factors discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition or future results. The reader should not interpret the disclosure of any risk factor to imply that the risk has not already materialized.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Issuer purchases of its common shares during the firstthird quarter of 2021 were as follows:

Total Number of

Total Number of

    

    

    

Shares

    

Maximum Number

    

    

    

Shares

    

Maximum Number

Repurchased

of Shares that May

Repurchased

of Shares that May

Total Number of

as Part of Publicly

Yet be Purchased

Total Number of

as Part of Publicly

Yet be Purchased

Shares

Average Price

Announced Plans or

Under the Plans or

Shares

Average Price

Announced Plans or

Under the Plans or

Period

Repurchased

Paid Per Share

Programs

Programs (2) (3)

Repurchased

Paid Per Share

Programs

Programs (2) (3)

January 1 - 31, 2021

 

580

(1)

$

114.41

 

 

11,453,193

February 1 - 28, 2021

 

67,747

(1)

 

115.80

 

48,301

 

11,404,892

March 1 - 31, 2021

 

169,024

(1)

 

121.57

 

159,509

 

11,245,383

July 1 - 31, 2021

 

62,786

(1)

$

134.23

 

62,573

 

10,987,097

August 1 - 31, 2021

 

63,945

(1)

 

139.33

 

63,148

 

10,923,949

September 1 - 30, 2021

 

245,853

(1)

 

133.51

 

245,683

 

10,678,266

Total

 

237,351

 

119.90

 

207,810

 

  

 

372,584

 

134.63

 

371,404

 

  

(1)The above share repurchases include the surrender of the Company’s common shares in connection with the vesting of restricted awards.
(2)On April 20, 2016, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program, which increased the total number of the Company’s common shares authorized to be repurchased to 55 million shares. Total shares purchased through the share repurchase programs were 53.854 million shares at a total cost of $2.3$2.4 billion for a weighted average cost of $42.83$43.77 per share through March 31,September 30, 2021.
(3)On February 12, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for up to an additional 10 million shares of the Company’s common stock.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

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ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Amendment and Restatement of Credit Agreement

On April 23, 2021, the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries (collectively, with the Company, the “Borrowers”), amended and restated the Credit Agreement by entering into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with the lenders party thereto and KeyBank National Association, as letter of credit issuer and administrative agent (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”). The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement increases the total commitment amount of the line of credit to $500 million (from $400 million), provides for a maturity of the line of credit of April 23, 2026 and provides that the $500 million line of credit may be increased, subject to certain conditions, by an additional principal amount of up to $150 million. Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 0.67% to 1.40% based on the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio. The line of credit may be used for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of other businesses.

The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, as well as customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants for credit facilities of this type (subject to negotiated baskets and exceptions), including limitations on the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to liens, investments, distributions, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets and transactions with affiliates. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement requires the Borrowers to regularly provide certain financial information to the lenders thereunder and to maintain a minimum consolidated fixed charges coverage ratio and maximum consolidated net leverage ratio.

As of the date of the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company was in compliance with all applicable financial covenants and other restrictions under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

The foregoing is merely a summary of the terms and conditions of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and is not a complete discussion of the document. Accordingly, the foregoing is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement attached to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as Exhibit 10.4, which is incorporated herein by reference.

31

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

The 2021 Annual Meeting of the shareholders of the Company was held on Thursday, April 22, 2021 as a virtual meeting and shareholders were able to participate in the 2021 Annual Meeting and vote via live webcast, and submit questions prior to the meeting. 53,132,098 shares, of the 59,659,764 shares that were outstanding and entitled to vote (89.05%), were represented in person or by proxy, constituting a quorum.

The final results of voting on each of the matters submitted for a vote of security holders at the 2021 Annual Meeting are as follows:

Proposal 1 - Shareholders elected twelve directors, each to hold office until the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, as set forth below.

  

  

Votes

  

Broker

Name

Votes For

Withheld

Non-Votes

Curtis E. Espeland

  

48,824,203

  

141,708

  

4,166,187

Patrick P. Goris

48,636,188

329,723

4,166,187

Stephen G. Hanks

  

48,349,000

  

616,911

  

4,166,187

Michael F. Hilton

  

48,633,905

  

332,006

  

4,166,187

G. Russell Lincoln

  

48,305,162

  

660,749

  

4,166,187

Kathryn Jo Lincoln

  

47,525,915

  

1,439,996

  

4,166,187

William E. MacDonald, III

  

48,340,431

  

625,480

  

4,166,187

Christopher L. Mapes

  

47,741,160

  

1,224,751

  

4,166,187

Phillip J. Mason

  

48,844,284

  

121,627

  

4,166,187

Ben P. Patel

  

48,633,466

  

332,445

  

4,166,187

Hellene S. Runtagh

48,476,674

489,237

4,166,187

Kellye L. Walker

  

48,641,736

  

324,175

  

4,166,187

Proposal 2 - Shareholders ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2021, as set forth below.

Votes For

  

Votes Against

  

Abstentions

52,485,526

554,550

92,022

Proposal 3 - Shareholders approved, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, as set forth below.

Votes For

  

Votes Against

  

Abstentions

  

Broker Non-Votes

46,076,948

1,130,381

1,758,582

4,166,187

32

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a)Exhibits

10.1*

Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers (filed herewith).

10.2*

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Executive Officers (filed herewith).

10.3*

Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Executive Officers (filed herewith).

10.4*

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 23, 2021, by and among Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., The Lincoln Electric Company, Lincoln Electric International Holding Company, J.W. Harris Co., Inc., Lincoln Electric Automation, Inc., Lincoln Global, Inc., the Lenders and KeyBank National Association (filed herewith).

31.1

Certification of the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

31.2

Certification of the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

32.1

Certification of the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

104

Cover page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in the Exhibit 101 attachments)

3338

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

    

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

/s/ Gabriel Bruno

Gabriel Bruno

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

April 27,October 28, 2021

3439