Exhibit 99.1
Investor Relations: Amanda Butler (216) 383-2534
Amanda_Butler@lincolnelectric.com
LINCOLN ELECTRIC REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2023 RESULTS
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Fourth Quarter 2023 Highlights |
◾ Net sales increase 13.7% to record $1.1 billion ◾ Record operating income margin of 19.3% and adjusted operating income margin of 17.2% ◾ Record EPS of $2.70 and adjusted EPS of $2.45 Full Year 2023 Highlights ◾ Net sales increase 11.4% to record $4.2 billion ◾ Record operating income margin and adjusted operating income margin of 17.1% ◾ Record EPS of $9.37 and adjusted EPS of $9.41 ◾ Cash flows from operations increase 74% to record $668 million with 105% cash conversion(1) ◾ Returned $347 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases |
CLEVELAND, Thursday, February 15, 2024 - Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LECO) today reported fourth quarter 2023 net income of $156.6 million, or diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.70, which includes special item after-tax net gains of $14.6 million, or $0.25 EPS. This compares with prior year period net income of $109.1 million, or $1.87 EPS, which included special item after-tax net charges of $4.1 million. Excluding special items, fourth quarter 2023 adjusted net income was $142 million, or $2.45 adjusted EPS. This compares with adjusted net income of $113.2 million, or $1.94 adjusted EPS, in the prior year period.
Fourth quarter 2023 sales increased 13.7% to $1.1 billion reflecting a 2.6% increase in organic sales, a 9.8% benefit from acquisitions and 1.3% favorable foreign exchange. Operating income for the fourth quarter 2023 was $204 million, or 19.3% of sales. This compares with operating income of $141.5 million, or 15.2% of sales, in the prior year period. Excluding special items, adjusted operating income was $182.1 million, or 17.2% of sales, as compared with $146.8 million, or 15.8% of sales, in the prior year period.
“I am pleased to report that we achieved record performance in 2023, reflecting strong demand for our solutions and effective execution of our Higher Standard strategy,” commented Steven B. Hedlund, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This achievement is a fitting capstone to Chris Mapes’ eleven year tenure leading the company. We finished the year with good momentum across most end markets.” Hedlund concluded, “Looking ahead, we will continue to advance the business by focusing on our customers, bringing innovative products to market and driving operational excellence.”
Twelve Months 2023 Summary
Net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 was $545.2 million, or $9.37 EPS, which includes special item after-tax net charges of $2.7 million, or $0.04 EPS. This compares with prior period net income of $472.2 million, or $8.04 EPS, which included special item after-tax net charges of $13.4 million, or $0.23 EPS. Excluding special items, adjusted net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 increased 12.8% to $548 million, or $9.41 EPS, compared with $485.7 million, or $8.27 EPS, in the prior year period.
Sales increased 11.4% to $4.2 billion in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 reflecting a 4% increase in organic sales, a 7.4% benefit from acquisitions and 0.1% favorable foreign exchange. Operating income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 was $717.8 million, or 17.1% of sales. This compares with operating income of $612.3 million, or 16.3% of sales, in the prior year period. Excluding special items, adjusted operating income was $718.8 million, or 17.1% of sales, as compared with $631.2 million, or 16.8% of sales, in the prior year period.