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8-K - 8-K - LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS INCleco-20171231x8k.htm
Lincoln Electric Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Financial Results



Exhibit 99.1
 
Investor Relations: Amanda Butler (216) 383-2534
Amanda_Butler@lincolnelectric.com
LINCOLN ELECTRIC REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2017 RESULTS
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Highlights
§    Q4 sales increase 32.5% with 10.0% organic growth
§    Q4 EPS of $0.36, Adjusted EPS of $1.01
§    Average operating working capital performance at 15.9% of net sales
§    Full year cash conversion of 108% (1)
 
CLEVELAND, Wednesday, February 14, 2018 -- Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LECO) today reported fourth quarter 2017 net income of $24.2 million, or diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.36. Reported EPS includes special item after-tax charges of $43.3 million or $0.65 EPS. Excluding these items, fourth quarter adjusted net income was $67.5 million, or adjusted EPS of $1.01, as compared with $53.4 million or adjusted EPS of $0.81 in the comparable 2016 period.

Fourth quarter 2017 sales increased 32.5% to $747.2 million from a 20.3% benefit from acquisitions, 6.8% higher volumes, a 3.2% increase in price and a 2.2% favorable impact from foreign exchange.

Operating income for the fourth quarter 2017 was $75.5 million, or 10.1% of sales. This compares with operating income of $83.1 million, or 14.7% of sales, in the comparable 2016 period. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $92.8 million, or 12.4% of sales as compared to fourth quarter 2016 operating income of $83.1 million or 14.7% of sales. Acquisitions had an unfavorable 180 basis point impact to the 2017 adjusted operating income margin.

The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“U.S. Tax Act”) enacted in the fourth quarter resulted in a one-time net tax expense of $28.6 million, or $0.43 EPS, in the quarter. The expense primarily relates to taxes on the Company's unremitted foreign earnings and profits, partially offset by the re-measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities. The fourth quarter 2017 tax rate was 67.2%, which was unfavorably impacted by the U.S. Tax Act. The fourth quarter 2017 tax rate excluding special items was 25.8% as compared to 31.7% in the comparable 2016 period. The lower current year effective tax rate is attributable to the geographical mix of earnings and the favorable effect of discrete tax items. The Company expects the effective tax rate for the full year 2018 to be in the low to mid-20% range.

"We generated solid organic growth across all business segments, key product areas, and geographies in the fourth quarter,” said Christopher L. Mapes, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Our team capped off a successful year with focused operational and commercial initiatives and an aggressive integration plan that will drive long-term value for our customers and shareholders. These efforts resulted in double digit EPS growth, record working capital performance, strong cash flows and excellent return on invested capital.” Mapes continued, “We have strong momentum heading into 2018 and are positioned for accelerated growth and superior value creation from our ongoing strategic initiatives."

Twelve Months 2017 Summary

Net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 was $247.5 million, or EPS of $3.71, as compared with net income of $198.4 million, or EPS of $2.91, in the comparable 2016 period. Current period reported EPS includes special item after-tax net charges of $5.2 million or EPS of $0.08. Adjusted net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 was $252.7 million, or adjusted EPS of $3.79, compared with adjusted net income of $224.5 million, or adjusted EPS of $3.29, in 2016.

Sales increased 15.4% to $2.6 billion in the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 from an 8.0% benefit from acquisitions, 4.2% higher volumes, a 2.4% increase in price and a 0.8% favorable impact foreign exchange.
______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
Cash conversion is defined as Net cash provided by operating activities less Capital expenditures divided by Adjusted net income.



Lincoln Electric Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Financial Results



Operating income was $377.7 million, or 14.4% of sales, as compared with $288.3 million, or 12.7% of sales, in the comparable 2016 period. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $362.4 million or 13.8% of sales, as compared with $322.6 million, or 14.2% of sales in 2016. Acquisitions had an unfavorable 90 basis point impact to the 2017 adjusted operating income margin.

Webcast Information
 
A conference call to discuss fourth quarter 2017 financial results will be webcast live today, February 14, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time.  This webcast is accessible at http://ir.lincolnelectric.com. Listeners should go to the web site prior to the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Company's web site.
 
Investors who are unable to access the webcast may listen to the conference call live by telephone by dialing (877) 344-3899 (domestic) or (315) 625-3087 (international) and use confirmation code 7491736. Telephone participants are asked to dial in 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the conference call.

Financial results for the fourth quarter 2017 can also be obtained at http://ir.lincolnelectric.com.

About Lincoln Electric

Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment and has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market.  Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln has 63 manufacturing locations, including operations and joint ventures in 23 countries and a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices covering more than 160 countries.  For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company’s website at http://www.lincolnelectric.com.

Non-GAAP Information

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

Forward-Looking Statements

The Company’s expectations and beliefs concerning the future contained in this news release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect management’s current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “guidance” or words of similar meaning. Actual results may differ materially from such statements due to a variety of factors that could adversely affect the Company’s operating results. The factors include, but are not limited to: general economic 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 the Air Liquide Welding business acquisition; market risks and price fluctuations related to the purchase of commodities and energy; global regulatory complexity; the effects of changes in tax law; and the possible effects of events beyond our control, such as political unrest, acts of terror and natural disasters, 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, 2016.




Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
Three months ended December 31,
 
Fav (Unfav) to Prior Year
 
 
2017
 
% of Sales
 
2016
 
% of Sales
 
$
 
%
Net sales
 
$
747,185

 
100.0
%
 
$
563,828

 
100.0
%
 
$
183,357

 
32.5
%
Cost of goods sold
 
507,719

 
68.0
%
 
366,371

 
65.0
%
 
(141,348
)
 
(38.6
%)
Gross profit
 
239,466

 
32.0
%
 
197,457

 
35.0
%
 
42,009

 
21.3
%
Selling, general & administrative expenses
 
152,561

 
20.4
%
 
114,386

 
20.3
%
 
(38,175
)
 
(33.4
%)
Rationalization and asset impairment charges
 
6,590

 
0.9
%
 

 

 
(6,590
)
 
(100.0
%)
Pension settlement charges
 
2,867

 
0.4
%
 

 

 
(2,867
)
 
(100.0
%)
Bargain purchase adjustment (gain)
 
1,935

 
0.3
%
 

 

 
(1,935
)
 
(100.0
%)
Operating income
 
75,513

 
10.1
%
 
83,071

 
14.7
%
 
(7,558
)
 
(9.1
%)
Interest income
 
1,439

 
0.2
%
 
867

 
0.2
%
 
572

 
66.0
%
Equity earnings in affiliates
 
741

 
0.1
%
 
844

 
0.1
%
 
(103
)
 
(12.2
%)
Other income
 
1,922

 
0.3
%
 
621

 
0.1
%
 
1,301

 
209.5
%
Interest expense
 
(5,887
)
 
0.8
%
 
(7,251
)
 
1.3
%
 
1,364

 
18.8
%
Income before income taxes
 
73,728

 
9.9
%
 
78,152

 
13.9
%
 
(4,424
)
 
(5.7
%)
Income taxes
 
49,543

 
6.6
%
 
24,751

 
4.4
%
 
(24,792
)
 
(100.2
%)
Effective tax rate
 
67.2
%
 
 

 
31.7
%
 
 

 
(35.5
%)
 
 
Net income including non-controlling interests
 
24,185

 
3.2
%
 
53,401

 
9.5
%
 
(29,216
)
 
(54.7
%)
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries’ income (loss)
 
4

 

 
6

 

 
(2
)
 
(33.3
%)
Net income
 
$
24,181

 
3.2
%
 
$
53,395

 
9.5
%
 
$
(29,214
)
 
(54.7
%)
Basic earnings per share
 
$
0.37

 
 

 
$
0.81

 
 

 
$
(0.44
)
 
(54.3
%)
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.36

 
 

 
$
0.81

 
 

 
$
(0.45
)
 
(55.6
%)
Weighted average shares (basic)
 
65,649

 
 

 
65,603

 
 

 
 

 
 

Weighted average shares (diluted)
 
66,530

 
 

 
66,303

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Twelve months ended December 31,
 
Fav (Unfav) to Prior Year
 
 
2017
 
% of Sales
 
2016
 
% of Sales
 
$
 
%
Net sales
 
$
2,624,431

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,274,614

 
100.0
%
 
$
349,817

 
15.4
%
Cost of goods sold
 
1,744,105

 
66.5
%
 
1,485,316

 
65.3
%
 
(258,789
)
 
(17.4
%)
Gross profit
 
880,326

 
33.5
%
 
789,298

 
34.7
%
 
91,028

 
11.5
%
Selling, general & administrative expenses
 
537,525

 
20.5
%
 
466,676

 
20.5
%
 
(70,849
)
 
(15.2
%)
Rationalization and asset impairment charges
 
6,590

 
0.3
%
 

 

 
(6,590
)
 
(100.0
%)
Pension settlement charges
 
8,150

 
0.3
%
 

 

 
(8,150
)
 
(100.0
%)
Loss on deconsolidation of Venezuelan subsidiary
 

 

 
34,348

 
1.5
%
 
34,348

 
100.0
%
Bargain purchase adjustment (gain)
 
(49,650
)
 
1.9
%
 

 

 
49,650

 
100.0
%
Operating income
 
377,711

 
14.4
%
 
288,274

 
12.7
%
 
89,437

 
31.0
%
Interest income
 
4,788

 
0.2
%
 
2,092

 
0.1
%
 
2,696

 
128.9
%
Equity earnings in affiliates
 
2,742

 
0.1
%
 
2,928

 
0.1
%
 
(186
)
 
(6.4
%)
Other income
 
5,215

 
0.2
%
 
3,173

 
0.1
%
 
2,042

 
64.4
%
Interest expense
 
(24,220
)
 
0.9
%
 
(19,079
)
 
0.8
%
 
(5,141
)
 
(26.9
%)
Income before income taxes
 
366,236

 
14.0
%
 
277,388

 
12.2
%
 
88,848

 
32.0
%
Income taxes
 
118,761

 
4.5
%
 
79,015

 
3.5
%
 
(39,746
)
 
(50.3
%)
Effective tax rate
 
32.4
%
 
 

 
28.5
%
 
 

 
(3.9
%)
 
 
Net income including non-controlling interests
 
247,475

 
9.4
%
 
198,373

 
8.7
%
 
49,102

 
24.8
%
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries’ income (loss)
 
(28
)
 

 
(26
)
 

 
(2
)
 
(7.7
%)
Net income
 
$
247,503

 
9.4
%
 
$
198,399

 
8.7
%
 
$
49,104

 
24.8
%
Basic earnings per share
 
$
3.76

 
 

 
$
2.94

 
 

 
$
0.82

 
27.9
%
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
3.71

 
 

 
$
2.91

 
 

 
$
0.80

 
27.5
%
Weighted average shares (basic)
 
65,739

 
 

 
67,462

 
 

 
 

 
 

Weighted average shares (diluted)
 
66,643

 
 

 
68,156

 
 

 
 

 
 





Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Balance Sheet Highlights
 
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
326,701

 
$
379,179

Marketable securities
 
179,125

 
38,922

Total current assets
 
1,373,608

 
1,043,713

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
477,031

 
372,377

Total assets
 
2,406,547

 
1,943,437

Total current liabilities
 
528,742

 
388,107

Short-term debt (1)
 
2,131

 
1,889

Long-term debt, less current portion
 
704,136

 
703,704

Total equity
 
932,453

 
712,206

 
 
 
 
 
Operating Working Capital
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Accounts receivable
 
$
395,279

 
$
273,993

Inventories
 
348,667

 
255,406

Trade accounts payable
 
269,763

 
176,757

Operating working capital
 
$
474,183

 
$
352,642

 
 
 
 
 
Average operating working capital to net sales (2)
 
15.9
%
(3) 
15.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
Invested Capital
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Short-term debt (1)
 
$
2,131

 
$
1,889

Long-term debt, less current portion
 
704,136

 
703,704

Total debt
 
706,267

 
705,593

Total equity
 
932,453

 
712,206

Invested capital
 
$
1,638,720

 
$
1,417,799

 
 
 
 
 
Total debt / invested capital
 
43.1
%
 
49.8
%

(1)
Includes current portion of long-term debt.
(2)
Average operating working capital to net sales is defined as operating working capital as of period end divided by annualized rolling three months of net sales.
(3)
Includes only five months of Net sales related to the acquisition of Air Liquide Welding. Average operating working capital to Net Sales excluding the acquisition was 14.2%.















Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Operating income as reported
 
$
75,513

 
$
83,071

 
$
377,711

 
$
288,274

Special items (pre-tax):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rationalization and asset impairment charges(2)
 
6,590

 

 
6,590

 

Pension settlement charges (3)
 
2,867

 

 
8,150

 

Loss on deconsolidation of Venezuelan subsidiary (4)
 

 

 

 
34,348

Acquisition transaction and integration costs (5)
 
3,616

 

 
15,002

 

Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories (5)
 
2,264

 

 
4,578

 

Bargain purchase adjustment (gain) (5)
 
1,935

 

 
(49,650
)
 

Adjusted operating income (1)
 
$
92,785

 
$
83,071

 
$
362,381

 
$
322,622

As a percent of total sales
 
12.4
%
 
14.7
%
 
13.8
%
 
14.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income as reported
 
$
24,181

 
$
53,395

 
$
247,503

 
$
198,399

Special items (after-tax):
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Rationalization and asset impairment charges (2)
 
6,198

 

 
6,198

 

Pension settlement charges (3)
 
1,770

 

 
5,030

 

Loss on deconsolidation of Venezuelan subsidiary (4)
 

 

 

 
33,251

Income tax valuation reversals (6)
 

 

 

 
(7,196
)
Acquisition transaction and integration costs (5)
 
3,102

 

 
11,559

 

Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories (5)
 
1,708

 

 
3,453

 

Bargain purchase adjustment (gain) (5)
 
1,935

 

 
(49,650
)
 

Net impact of U.S. Tax Act (7)
 
28,616

 

 
28,616

 

Adjusted net income (1)
 
$
67,510

 
$
53,395

 
$
252,709

 
$
224,454

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share as reported
 
$
0.36

 
$
0.81

 
$
3.71

 
$
2.91

Special items
 
0.65

 

 
0.08

 
0.38

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (1)
 
$
1.01

 
$
0.81

 
$
3.79

 
$
3.29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares (diluted)
 
66,530

 
66,303

 
66,643

 
68,156


(1)
Adjusted operating income, Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures. Management uses non-GAAP measures to assess the Company's operating performance by excluding certain disclosed special items that management believes are not representative of the Company's core business. Management believes that excluding these special items enables them to make better period-over-period comparisons and benchmark the Company's operational performance against other companies in its industry more meaningfully. Furthermore, management believes that non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with meaningful information that provides a more complete understanding of Company operating results and enables investors to analyze financial and business trends more thoroughly. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be viewed in isolation, are not a substitute for GAAP measures and have limitations including, but not limited to, their usefulness as comparative measures as other companies may define their non-GAAP measures differently.
(2)
Charges primarily related to severance and asset impairments.
(3)
Related to lump sum pension payments.
(4)
Related to the deconsolidation of the Company's Venezuelan subsidiary in the second quarter 2016.
(5)
Related to the acquisition of Air Liquide Welding.
(6)
Related to the reversal of an income tax valuation allowance as a result of a legal entity change.
(7)
These amounts, which are based on reasonable estimates, may require further adjustments as additional guidance from the U.S. Department of Treasury is provided, the Company's assumptions change, or as further information and interpretations become available.




Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
Return on Invested Capital
 
2017
 
2016
Net income as reported
 
$
247,503

 
$
198,399

Rationalization and asset impairment charges, net of tax of $392
 
6,198

 

Pension settlement charges, net of tax of $3,120
 
5,030

 

Loss on deconsolidation of Venezuelan subsidiary, net of tax of $1,097 in 2016
 

 
33,251

Income tax valuation reversals
 

 
(7,196
)
Acquisition transaction and integration costs, net of tax of $3,443
 
11,559

 

Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories, net of tax of $1,125
 
3,453

 

Bargain purchase gain
 
(49,650
)
 

Net impact of U.S. Tax Act
 
28,616

 

Adjusted net income (1)
 
$
252,709

 
$
224,454

Plus: Interest expense, net of tax of $9,273 and $7,304 in 2017 and 2016, respectively
 
14,947

 
11,775

Less: Interest income, net of tax of $1,833 and $801 in 2017 and 2016, respectively
 
2,955

 
1,291

Adjusted net income before tax effected interest
 
$
264,701

 
$
234,938

 
 
 
 
 
Invested Capital
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Short-term debt
 
$
2,131

 
$
1,889

Long-term debt, less current portion
 
704,136

 
703,704

Total debt
 
706,267

 
705,593

Total equity
 
932,453

 
712,206

Invested capital
 
$
1,638,720

 
$
1,417,799

 
 
 
 
 
Return on invested capital (1)(2)
 
16.2
%
 
16.6
%

(1)
Adjusted net income and Return on invested capital are non-GAAP financial measures. Management uses non-GAAP measures to assess the Company's operating performance by excluding certain disclosed special items that management believes are not representative of the Company's core business. Management believes that excluding these special items enables them to make better period-over-period comparisons and benchmark the Company's operational performance against other companies in its industry more meaningfully. Furthermore, management believes that non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with meaningful information that provides a more complete understanding of Company operating results and enables investors to analyze financial and business trends more thoroughly. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be viewed in isolation, are not a substitute for GAAP measures and have limitations including, but not limited to, their usefulness as comparative measures as other companies may define their non-GAAP measures differently.
(2)
Return on invested capital is defined as rolling 12 months of Adjusted net income excluding tax-effected interest income and expense divided by invested capital.





Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
 
 
Three months ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
24,181

 
$
53,395

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries’ income
 
4

 
6

Net income including non-controlling interests
 
24,185

 
53,401

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

 
 

Rationalization and asset impairment charges
 
1,441

 

Bargain purchase adjustment
 
1,935

 

Net impact of U.S. Tax Act
 
28,616

 

Depreciation and amortization
 
17,658

 
16,578

Equity earnings in affiliates, net
 
(121
)
 
(197
)
Pension expense, settlements and curtailments
 
1,701

 
1,516

Pension contributions and payments
 
(1,959
)
 
(325
)
Other non-cash items, net
 
7,352

 
3,588

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

 
 

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable
 
7,489

 
(358
)
Decrease in inventories
 
41,974

 
22,274

Increase in trade accounts payable
 
26,803

 
15,705

Net change in other current assets and liabilities
 
(70,003
)
 
(41,592
)
Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities
 
2,420

 
1,787

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
89,491

 
72,377

 
 
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
 
(22,697
)
 
(10,500
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
 
307

 
191

Purchase of marketable securities
 
(49,999
)
 
(38,920
)
Proceeds from marketable securities
 
50,158

 

Other investing activities
 

 
(426
)
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
(22,231
)
 
(49,655
)
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

 
 

Net change in borrowings
 
109

 
168,060

Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
2,294

 
14,631

Purchase of shares for treasury
 
(20,152
)
 
(53,409
)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders
 
(23,369
)
 
(21,150
)
Other financing activities
 
9

 
(799
)
NET CASH (USED BY) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
(41,109
)
 
107,333

 
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents
 
1,097

 
(7,804
)
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
27,248

 
122,251

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
299,453

 
256,928

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
326,701

 
$
379,179

 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends paid per share
 
$
0.35

 
$
0.32





Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
Twelve months ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
247,503

 
$
198,399

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries’ loss
 
(28
)
 
(26
)
Net income including non-controlling interests
 
247,475

 
198,373

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

 
 

Rationalization and asset impairment charges
 
1,441

 

Loss on deconsolidation of Venezuelan subsidiary
 

 
34,348

Bargain purchase gain
 
(49,650
)
 

Net impact of U.S. Tax Act
 
28,616

 

Depreciation and amortization
 
68,115

 
65,073

Equity earnings in affiliates, net
 
(337
)
 
(261
)
Pension expense, settlements and curtailments
 
2,517

 
13,988

Pension contributions and payments
 
(4,683
)
 
(22,484
)
Other non-cash items, net
 
22,841

 
(3,549
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:
 
 
 
 

Increase in accounts receivable
 
(16,811
)
 
(12,314
)
Decrease in inventories
 
19,448

 
14,601

Increase in trade accounts payable
 
17,871

 
29,627

Net change in other current assets and liabilities
 
(8,156
)
 
(7,754
)
Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities
 
6,158

 
2,909

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
334,845

 
312,557

 
 
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
 
(61,656
)
 
(49,877
)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
 
(72,468
)
 
(71,567
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
 
2,301

 
1,127

Purchase of marketable securities
 
(195,552
)
 
(38,920
)
Proceeds from marketable securities
 
55,348

 

Other investing activities
 

 
(709
)
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
(272,027
)
 
(159,946
)
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

 
 

Net change in borrowings
 
(496
)
 
351,319

Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
16,627

 
25,049

Purchase of shares for treasury
 
(43,164
)
 
(342,003
)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders
 
(92,452
)
 
(87,330
)
Other financing activities
 
(15,552
)
 
(19,043
)
NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
(135,037
)
 
(72,008
)
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents
 
19,741

 
(5,607
)
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
(52,478
)
 
74,996

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
379,179

 
304,183

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
326,701

 
$
379,179

 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends paid per share
 
$
1.40

 
$
1.28





Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Segment Highlights (1) 
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Americas Welding
 
International Welding
 
The Harris
Products
Group
 
Corporate /
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Three months ended
  December 31, 2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
 
$
423,019

 
$
256,021

 
$
68,145

 
$

 
$
747,185

Inter-segment sales
 
22,002

 
3,646

 
1,427

 
(27,075
)
 

Total
 
$
445,021

 
$
259,667

 
$
69,572

 
$
(27,075
)
 
$
747,185

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBIT (1)
 
$
70,590

 
$
4,246

 
$
8,951

 
$
(5,611
)
 
$
78,176

As a percent of total sales
 
15.9
%
 
1.6
%
 
12.9
%
 
 

 
10.5
%
Special items charges (gains) (3)
 
3,959

 
7,762

 

 
5,551

 
17,272

Adjusted EBIT (2)
 
$
74,549

 
$
12,008

 
$
8,951

 
$
(60
)
 
$
95,448

As a percent of total sales
 
16.8
%
 
4.6
%
 
12.9
%
 
 

 
12.8
%
Three months ended
   December 31, 2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
 
$
370,082

 
$
130,605

 
$
63,141

 
$

 
$
563,828

Inter-segment sales
 
23,939

 
4,020

 
1,726

 
(29,685
)
 

Total
 
$
394,021

 
$
134,625

 
$
64,867

 
$
(29,685
)
 
$
563,828

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBIT (1)
 
$
71,709

 
$
7,447

 
$
6,628

 
$
(1,248
)
 
$
84,536

As a percent of total sales
 
18.2
%
 
5.5
%
 
10.2
%
 
 

 
15.0
%
Adjusted EBIT (2)
 
$
71,709

 
$
7,447

 
$
6,628

 
$
(1,248
)
 
$
84,536

As a percent of total sales
 
18.2
%
 
5.5
%
 
10.2
%
 
 

 
15.0
%
Twelve months ended
   December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
 
$
1,609,779

 
$
724,024

 
$
290,628

 
$

 
$
2,624,431

Inter-segment sales
 
97,382

 
18,860

 
8,190

 
(124,432
)
 

Total
 
$
1,707,161

 
$
742,884

 
$
298,818

 
$
(124,432
)
 
$
2,624,431

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBIT (1)
 
$
282,624

 
$
31,645

 
$
36,442

 
$
34,957

 
$
385,668

As a percent of total sales
 
16.6
%
 
4.3
%
 
12.2
%
 
 

 
14.7
%
Special items charges (gains) (3)
 
9,242

 
10,076

 

 
(34,648
)
 
(15,330
)
Adjusted EBIT (2)
 
$
291,866

 
$
41,721

 
$
36,442

 
$
309

 
$
370,338

As a percent of total sales
 
17.1
%
 
5.6
%
 
12.2
%
 
 

 
14.1
%
Twelve months ended
   December 31, 2016
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
 
$
1,494,982

 
$
507,289

 
$
272,343

 
$

 
$
2,274,614

Inter-segment sales
 
93,612

 
15,975

 
8,709

 
(118,296
)
 

Total
 
$
1,588,594

 
$
523,264

 
$
281,052

 
$
(118,296
)
 
$
2,274,614

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBIT (1)
 
$
266,633

 
$
29,146

 
$
32,380

 
$
(33,784
)
 
$
294,375

As a percent of total sales
 
16.8
%
 
5.6
%
 
11.5
%
 
 

 
12.9
%
Special items charges (gains) (4)
 

 

 

 
34,348

 
34,348

Adjusted EBIT (2)
 
$
266,633

 
$
29,146

 
$
32,380

 
$
564

 
$
328,723

As a percent of total sales
 
16.8
%
 
5.6
%
 
11.5
%
 
 

 
14.5
%

(1)
EBIT is defined as Operating income plus Equity earnings in affiliates and Other income.
(2)
The primary profit measure used by management to assess segment performance is Adjusted EBIT.  EBIT for each operating segment is adjusted for special items to derive Adjusted EBIT.
(3)
Special items reflect rationalization and asset impairment charges, pension settlement charges, the net impact of the U.S. Tax Act and charges (gains) related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition.
(4)
Special items reflect a charge related to the deconsolidation of the Company's Venezuelan subsidiary in the second quarter 2016.




Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Change in Net Sales by Segment
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended December 31st Change in Net Sales by Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in Net Sales due to:
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
2016
 
Volume
 
Acquisitions
 
Price
 
Foreign
Exchange
 
Net Sales
2017
Operating Segments
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Americas Welding
 
$
370,082

 
$
37,378

 
$
2,638

 
$
10,784

 
$
2,137

 
$
423,019

International Welding
 
130,605

 
(3,209
)
 
111,910

 
7,259

 
9,456

 
256,021

The Harris Products Group
 
63,141

 
4,380

 

 
(64
)
 
688

 
68,145

Consolidated
 
$
563,828

 
$
38,549

 
$
114,548

 
$
17,979

 
$
12,281

 
$
747,185

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
% Change
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Americas Welding
 
 

 
10.1
%
 
0.7
%
 
2.9
%
 
0.6
%
 
14.3
%
International Welding
 
 

 
(2.5
%)
 
85.7
%
 
5.6
%
 
7.2
%
 
96.0
%
The Harris Products Group
 
 

 
6.9
%
 

 
(0.1
%)
 
1.1
%
 
7.9
%
Consolidated
 
 

 
6.8
%
 
20.3
%
 
3.2
%
 
2.2
%
 
32.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31st Change in Net Sales by Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in Net Sales due to:
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
2016
 
Volume
 
Acquisitions
 
Price
 
Foreign
Exchange
 
Net Sales
2017
Operating Segments
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Americas Welding
 
$
1,494,982

 
$
67,306

 
$
8,470

 
$
36,009

 
$
3,012

 
$
1,609,779

International Welding
 
507,289

 
12,503

 
173,430

 
18,327

 
12,475

 
$
724,024

The Harris Products Group
 
272,343

 
15,362

 

 
742

 
2,181

 
$
290,628

Consolidated
 
$
2,274,614

 
$
95,171

 
$
181,900

 
$
55,078

 
$
17,668

 
$
2,624,431

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas Welding (excluding Venezuela)
 
$
1,484,168

 
$
78,120

 
$
8,470

 
$
36,009

 
$
3,012

 
$
1,609,779

Consolidated (excluding Venezuela)
 
$
2,263,801

 
$
105,984

 
$
181,900

 
$
55,078

 
$
17,668

 
$
2,624,431

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
% Change
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Americas Welding
 
 

 
4.5
%
 
0.6
%
 
2.4
%
 
0.2
%
 
7.7
%
International Welding
 
 

 
2.5
%
 
34.2
%
 
3.6
%
 
2.5
%
 
42.7
%
The Harris Products Group
 
 

 
5.6
%
 

 
0.3
%
 
0.8
%
 
6.7
%
Consolidated
 
 

 
4.2
%
 
8.0
%
 
2.4
%
 
0.8
%
 
15.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas Welding (excluding Venezuela)
 
 
 
5.3
%
 
0.6
%
 
2.4
%
 
0.2
%
 
8.5
%
Consolidated (excluding Venezuela) (1)
 
 
 
4.7
%
 
8.0
%
 
2.4
%
 
0.8
%
 
15.9
%

(1) Venezuelan sales in the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 were $11 million.