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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20112013 Commission file number 0-1402

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio

34-1860551
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 34-1860551

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

22801 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio

44117
(Address of principal executive offices)
 

44117

(Zip Code)

(216) 481-8100

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Common Shares, without par value

(Title of each class)
 The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

(Title of each class)(Name of each exchange on which registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ    No o¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o¨    No þ

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 þ    No o¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes þ    No o¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-Kþ¨

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

þ Large accelerated filer
 
¨o Accelerated filer
 
¨o Non-accelerated filer
(Do
 (Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)
 
¨o Smaller reporting company

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o¨    No þ

The aggregate market value of the common shares held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 20112013 was $2,979,840,528$4,591,044,854 (affiliates, for this purpose, have been deemed to be Directors and Executive Officers of the Company and certain significant shareholders).

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common shares as of December 31, 20112013 was 83,757,366.

81,010,084.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporates by reference certain information from the registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed on or about March 23, 201221, 2014 with respect to the registrant's 20122014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.





PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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 Lincoln Electric Company began operations in 1895 and was incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio in 1906. During 1998, The Lincoln Electric Company reorganized into a holding company structure, and Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. became the publicly-held parent of Lincoln Electric subsidiaries worldwide, including The Lincoln Electric Company.

The Company is one of only a few worldwide broad-line manufacturers of welding, cutting and brazing products. Welding products include arc welding power sources, wire feeding systems, robotic welding packages, fume extraction equipment, consumable electrodes and fluxes. The Company's product offering also includes computer numeric controlled ("CNC") plasma and 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 arc welding power sources and wire feeding systems manufactured by the Company range in technology from basic units used for light manufacturing and maintenance to highly sophisticated robotic applications for high volume production welding and fabrication. Three primary types of arc welding electrodes are produced: (1) coated manual or stick electrodes; (2) solid electrodes produced in coil, reel or drum forms for continuous feeding in mechanized welding; and (3) cored electrodes produced in coil form for continuous feeding in mechanized welding.

The Company has, through wholly-owned subsidiaries or joint ventures, manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Venezuela, of which 3539 are ISO 9001 certified.

The Company has aligned its business units into five operating segments to enhance the utilization of the Company's worldwide resources and global end user and sourcing initiatives. The operating segments consist of North America Welding, Europe Welding, Asia Pacific Welding, South America Welding and The Harris Products Group. The North America Welding segment includes welding operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Europe Welding segment includes welding operations in Europe, Russia, Africa and Africa.the Middle East. The other two welding segments include welding operations in Asia Pacific and South America, respectively. The fifth segment, The Harris Products Group, includes the Company's global cutting, soldering and brazing businesses as well as the retail business in the United States. See Note 45 to the Company's consolidated financial statements for segment and geographic area information, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Customers

The Company's products are sold in both domestic and international markets. In North America, products are sold principally through industrial distributors, retailers and also directly to users of welding products. Outside of North America, 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 major end-user markets include:


1



The Company is not dependent on a single customer or a few customers and no individual customer currently accounts for more than ten percent of total Net sales. However, the loss of a large customer could have an adverse effect on the Company's business. The Company's operating results are sensitive to changes in general economic conditions. The arc welding and cutting industry is generally a mature industry in developed markets such as North America and Western Europe, and is cyclical in nature. Overall demand for arc welding and cutting products is largely determined by economic cycles and the level of capital spending in manufacturing and other industrial sectors. The Company experiences some variability in reported period-to-period results as demand for the Company's products are mildly seasonal with generally higher demand in the second and third quarters. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors" for further discussion regarding risks associated with customers, general economic conditions and demand.

Competition

Conditions in the arc welding and cutting industry are highly competitive. The Company believes it is the world's largest manufacturer of consumables and equipment with relatively few major broad-line competitors worldwide, but numerous smaller competitors in specific geographic markets. The Company continues to pursue strategies to heighten its competitiveness in domestic and international markets, which includes positioning low cost manufacturing facilities in most geographical markets. Competition in the arc welding and cutting industry is based on brand preference, product quality, price, performance, warranty, delivery, service and technical support. The Company believes its performance against these factors has contributed to the Company's position as the leader in the industry.

Most of the Company's products may be classified as standard commercial articles and are manufactured for stock. The Company believes it has a competitive advantage in the marketplace because of its highly trained technical sales force and the support of its welding research and development staff to assist customers in optimizing their welding applications. This allows the Company to introduce its products to new users and to establish and maintain close relationships with its customers. This close relationship between the technical sales force and the direct customers, together with its supportive relationship with its distributors, who are particularly interested in handling the broad range of the Company's products, is an important element of the Company's market success and a valuable asset of the Company.

Raw Materials

The principal raw materials essential to the Company's business are steel, electronic components, engines, brass, copper, silver, aluminum alloys and various chemicals, all of which are normally available for purchase in the open market.


Patents and Trademarks

The Company holds many valuable patents, primarily in arc welding, and has increased the application process as research and development has progressed in both the United States and major international jurisdictions. The Company believes its trademarks are an important asset and aggressively pursues brand management.

Environmental Regulations

The Company's facilities are subject to environmental regulations. To date, compliance with these environmental regulations has not had a material adverse effect on the Company's earnings. The Company is ISO 14001 certified at most significant manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe and is progressing towards certification at its remaining facilities worldwide. In addition, the Company is ISO 9001 certified at nearly all facilities worldwide.

International Operations

The Company conducts a significant amount of its business and has a number of operating facilities in countries outside the United States. As a result, the Company is subject to business risks inherent to non-U.S. activities, including political uncertainty, import and export limitations, exchange controls and currency fluctuations.

Research and Development

Research activities, which the Company believes provide a competitive advantage, relate to the development of new products and the improvement of existing products. Research activities are Company-sponsored. Refer to Note 1 to the Company's consolidated financial statements with respect to total costs of research and development, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Employees
Employees

The number of persons employed by the Company worldwide at December 31, 20112013 was 9,929.approximately 10,000. See "Part III,I, Item 10"1C" for information regarding the Company's executive officers, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Stock Split

On April 29, 2011, the Company announced a two-for-one stock split of the Company's common shares effective in the form of a 100% stock dividend. The record date for the stock split was May 16, 2011 and the additional shares were distributed on May 31, 2011. Accordingly, all per share amounts, average shares outstanding, shares outstanding, shares repurchased and equity based compensation presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split. Shareholders' equity has been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the stock split for all periods presented by reclassifying the stated value of the additional shares issued in connection with the stock split to Common shares from Additional paid-in capital.


2



Website Access

The Company's website, www.lincolnelectric.com, is used as a channel for routine distribution of important information, including news releases and financial information. The Company posts its filings as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC, including annual, quarterly, and current reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K; proxy statements; and


any amendments to those reports or statements. The Company also posts its Code of Corporate Conduct and Ethics on its website. All such postings and filings are available on the Company's website free of charge. In addition, this website allows investors and other interested persons to sign up to automatically receive e-mail alerts when news releases and financial information is posted on the website. The SEC also maintains a website, www.sec.gov, that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The content on any website referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report unless expressly noted.



ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

From time to time, information we provide, statements by our employees or information included in our filings with the SEC may contain forward-looking statements that are not historical facts. Those statements are "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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. Forward-looking statements, and our future performance, operating results, financial position and liquidity, are subject to a variety of factors that could materially affect results, including those risks described below. Any forward-looking statements made in this report or otherwise speak only as of the date of the statement, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update those statements. Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.

In the ordinary course of our business, we face various strategic, operating, compliance and financial risks. These risks could have a material impact on our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

Our Enterprise Risk Management ("ERM") process seeks to identify and address significant risks. Our ERM process is a company-wide initiative that is designed with the intent of prioritizing risks and assigning appropriate consideration for such risks. We use the integrated risk framework of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations to assess, manage and monitor risks.

Management has identified and prioritized critical risks based on the severity and likelihood of each risk and assigned an executive to address each major identified risk area and lead action plans to monitor and mitigate risks, where possible. Our Board of Directors provides oversight of the ERM process and systematically reviews identified critical risks. The Audit Committee also reviews major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control them.

Our goal is to proactivelypro-actively manage risks in a structured approach and in conjunction with the strategic planning process, with the intent to preserve and enhance shareholder value. However, these and other risks and uncertainties could cause our results to vary materially from recent results or from our anticipated future results. The risk factors and uncertainties described below, together with information incorporated by reference or otherwise included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, should be carefully considered. Additional risks and uncertainties of which we are currently unaware or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business.


General economic and market conditions may adversely affect the Company's financial condition, results of operations and access to capital markets.

The Company's operating results are sensitive to changes in general economic conditions. RecessionaryFurther recessionary economic cycles, higher interest rates, inflation, higher labor costs, trade barriers in the world markets, financial turmoil related to sovereign debt and changes in tax laws or other economic factors affecting the countries and industries in which we do business could adversely affect demand for the Company's products, thereby impacting our results of operations, collection of accounts receivable and our expected cash flow generation from current and acquired businesses, which may adversely impact our financial condition and access to capital markets.


3



Economic and supply disruptions associated with events beyond our control, such as war, acts of terror, political unrest, public health concerns, labor disputes or natural disasters could adversely affect our supply chain and distribution channels or result in loss of sales and customers.

Our facilities and operations, and the facilities and operations of our suppliers and customers, could be disrupted by events beyond our control, such as war, political unrest, public health concerns, labor disputes or natural disasters. Any such disruption could cause delays in the production and distribution of our products and the loss of sales and customers. Insurance proceeds may not adequately compensate the Company for the losses.

Availability of and volatility in energy costs or raw material prices may adversely affect our performance.

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risks related to the availability of and price fluctuations in the purchase of energy and commodities used in the manufacture of our products (primarily steel, brass, copper, silver, aluminum alloys, electronic components, electricity and natural gas). The availability and prices for energy costs and raw materials, including steel, nonferrous metals and chemicals, are subject to volatility and are influenced by worldwide economic conditions, speculative action, world supply and demand balances, inventory levels, availability of substitute materials, currency exchange rates, our competitors' production costs, anticipated or perceived shortages and other factors. The price of steel used to manufacture our products has experienced periods of significant price volatility and has been subject to periodic shortages due to global economic factors. We have also experienced substantial volatility in prices for other raw materials, including nonferrous metals, chemicals and energy costs.

Increases in the cost of raw materials and components may adversely affect our profitability if we are unable to pass along to our customers these cost increases in the form of price increases or otherwise reduce our cost of goods sold. Although most of the raw materials and components used in our products are commercially available from a number of sources and in adequate supply, any disruption in the availability of such raw materials and components, our inability to timely or otherwise obtain substitutes for such items, or any deterioration in our relationships with or the financial viability of our suppliers could adversely affect our business.

We are a co-defendant in litigation alleging manganese induced illness and litigation alleging asbestos induced illness. Liabilities relating to such litigation could reduce our profitability and impair our financial condition.

At December 31, 2011,2013, we were a co-defendant in cases alleging manganese induced illness involving claims by approximately 806 plaintiffs and a co-defendant in cases alleging asbestos induced illness involving claims by approximately 16,78114,601 plaintiffs. In each instance, we are one of a large number of defendants. In the manganese cases, theThe asbestos claimants allege that exposure to manganese contained in welding consumables caused the plaintiffs to develop adverse neurological conditions, including a condition known as manganism. In the asbestos cases, the claimants allege that exposure to asbestos


contained in welding consumables caused the plaintiffs to develop adverse pulmonary diseases, including mesothelioma and other lung cancers.

Since January 1, 1995, we have been a co-defendant in manganese cases that have been resolved as follows: 16,031 of those claims were dismissed, 23 were tried to defense verdicts in favor of us and five were tried to plaintiff verdicts (three of which were reversed on appeal and one of which has post-trial motions pending). In addition, 13 claims were resolved by agreement for immaterial amounts and one claim was decided in favor of the Company following a summary judgment motion.

Since January 1, 1995, we have been a co-defendant in asbestos cases that have been resolved as follows: 39,19941,832 of those claims were dismissed, 1822 were tried to defense verdicts, seven were tried to plaintiff verdicts (two(one of which areis being appealed), one was resolved by agreement for an immaterial amount and 585633 were decided in favor of the Company following summary judgment motions.

Defense costs remain significant.

The long-term impact of the manganese and asbestos loss contingencies, in each casecontingency, in the aggregate, on operating results, operating cash flows and access to capital markets is difficult to assess, particularly since claims are in many different stages of development and we benefit significantly from cost-sharing with co-defendants and insurance carriers. While we intend to contest these lawsuits vigorously, and believe we have applicable insurance relating to these claims, there are several risks and uncertainties that may affect our liability for personal injury claims relating to exposure to manganese and asbestos, including the future impact of changing cost sharing arrangements or a change in our overall trial experience. In addition, in January 2012, the Company and 18 co-defendants entered into an agreement that provides for the dismissal with prejudice of substantially all of the pending manganese claims if certain conditions precedent are satisfied. Failure to satisfy those conditions could lead to the resumption of that litigation and increased defense costs.

Manganese is an essential element of steel and cannot be eliminated from welding consumables.

Asbestos use in welding consumables in the U.S. ceased in 1981.

We may incur material losses and costs as a result of product liability claims that may be brought against us.

Our business exposes us to potential product liability risks that are inherent in the design, manufacture, sale and application of our products and the products of third-party suppliers that we utilize or resell. Our products are used in a variety of applications, including infrastructure projects such as oil and gas pipelines and platforms, buildings, bridges and power generation facilities, the manufacture of transportation and heavy equipment and machinery and various other construction projects. We face risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that accidents or failures on these projects result, or are alleged to result, in bodily injury or property damage. Further, our products are designed for use in specific applications, and if a product is used inappropriately, personal injury or property damage may result.


4



The occurrence of defects in or failures of our products, or the misuse of our products in specific applications, could cause termination of customer contracts, increased costs and losses to us, our customers and other end users. We cannot be assured that we will not experience any material product liability losses in the future or that we will not incur significant costs to defend those claims. Further, we cannot be assured that our product liability insurance coverage will be adequate for any liabilities that we may ultimately incur or that product liability insurance will continue to be available on terms acceptable to us.


The cyclicalitycyclical nature and maturity of the arc welding and cutting industry in developed markets may adversely affect our performance.

The arc welding and cutting industry is generally a mature industry in developed markets such as North America and Western Europe and is cyclical in nature. Overall demand for arc welding and cutting products is largely determined by the level of capital spending in manufacturing and other industrial sectors, and the welding industry has historically experienced contraction during periods of slowing industrial activity. If economic, business and industry conditions deteriorate, capital spending in those sectors may be substantially decreased, which could reduce demand for our products, our revenues and our results of operations.

We may not be able to complete our acquisition strategy or successfully integrate acquired businesses.

Part of our business strategy is to pursue targeted business acquisition opportunities, including foreign investment opportunities. For example, we have completed and continue to pursue acquisitions in emerging markets including, but not limited to, Brazil, Russia, India and China in order to strategically position resources to increase our presence in growing markets. We cannot be certain that we will be successful in pursuing potential acquisition candidates or that the consequences of any acquisition would be beneficial to us. Future acquisitions may expose us to unexpected liabilities and involve the expenditure of significant funds and management time. Further, we may not be able to successfully integrate any acquired business with our existing businesses or recognize the expected benefits from any completed acquisition.

Depending on the nature, size and timing of future acquisitions, we may be required to raise additional financing, which may not be available to us on acceptable terms. Our current operational cash flow is sufficient to fund our current acquisition plans, but a significant acquisition could require access to the capital markets.

If we cannot continue to develop, manufacture and market products that meet customer demands, our revenues and gross margins may suffer.

Our continued success depends, in part, on our ability to continue to meet our customers' needs for welding and cutting products through the introduction of innovative new products and the enhancement of existing product design and performance characteristics. We must remain committed to product research and development and customer service in order to remain competitive. We cannot be assured that new products or product improvements, once developed, will meet with customer acceptance and contribute positively to our operating results, or that we will be able to continue our product development efforts at a pace to sustain future growth. Further, we may lose customers to our competitors if they demonstrate product design, development or manufacturing capabilities superior to ours.

The competitive pressures we face could harm our revenue, gross margins and prospects.

We operate in a highly competitive global environment and compete in each of our businesses with other broad-line manufacturers and numerous smaller competitors specializing in particular products. We compete primarily on the basis of brand, product quality, price, performance, warranty, delivery, service and technical support. We have previously initiated, and may in the future initiate significant rationalization activities to align our business to market conditions. Such rationalization activities could fail to deliver the desired competitive cost structure and could result in disruptions in customer service. If our products, services, support and cost structure do not enable us to compete successfully based on any of the criteria listed above, our operations, results and prospects could suffer.


Further, in the past decade, the arc welding industry in the United States and other developed countries has been subject to increased levels of foreign competition as low cost imports have become more readily available. Our competitive position could also be harmed if new or emerging competitors become more active in the arc welding business. For example, while steel manufacturers traditionally have not been significant competitors in the domestic arc welding industry, some foreign integrated steel producers manufacture selected consumable arc welding products. Our sales and results of operations, as well as our plans to expand in some foreign countries, could be adversely affected by this practice.


5



The loss of any of our largest customers could adversely affect our revenue, gross margins and profit.

We have a large and varied customer base due, in part, to our extensive distribution channels in the industries and regions that we serve. Although no individual customer currently accounts for more than ten percent of total Netnet sales, there are customers to which we sell a large amount of product. The loss of any of these customers could have an adverse effect on our revenue, gross margins and profit.

We conduct our sales and distribution operations on a worldwide basis and maintain manufacturing facilities in a number of foreign countries, which subjects us to risks associated with doing business outside the United States.

Our long-term strategy is to continue to increase our market share in growing international markets, particularly Asia (with emphasis in China and India), Latin America, Eastern Europe, Russia and other developing markets.

The share of sales and profits we derive from our international operations and exports from the United States is significant and growing. This trend increases our exposure to the performance of many developing economies in addition to the developed economies outside of the United States.

For example, during 2013, approximately 8% of our net sales were generated from China and approximately 17% of our property, plant and equipment were located there. If the Chinese economy were to experience a significant slowdown, it could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

There are a number of risks in doing business internationally, which may impede our ability to achieve our strategic objectives relating to our foreign operations. Many developing countries have a significant degree of political and economic uncertainty and social turmoil that may impede our ability to implement and achieve our international growth objectives. Conducting business internationally subjects us to corporate governance and management challenges in consideration of the numerous U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, including regulations relating to import-export control, technology transfer restrictions, repatriation of earnings and funds, exchange controls, labor regulations, nationalization, anti-boycott provisions and anti-bribery laws (such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Convention). Failure by the Company or its sales representatives, agents or distributors to comply with these laws and regulations could result in administrative, civil or criminal liabilities, all or any of which could negatively impact our business and reputation. Our foreign operations also subject us to the risks of international terrorism and hostilities.

In particular, the economic and political environment in Venezuela exposes us to various risks. Currency exchange restrictions limit our ability to convert bolivars to U.S. dollars, which impacts our ability to repatriate earnings and to purchase goods and services necessary to operate our Venezuelan business. The restrictions could cause a slowdown, temporary shutdown or complete shutdown of operations at our Venezuelan subsidiary, which could negatively affect our earnings and cash flows.
Our operations depend on maintaining a skilled workforce, and any interruption in our workforce could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.

Our success depends in part on the efforts and abilities of our management team and key employees. Their skills, experience and industry knowledge significantly benefit our operations and performance. Our future success will also depend on our ability to identify, attract, and retain highly qualified managerial, technical (including research and development), sales and marketing, and customer service personnel. Competition for these individuals is intense, and we may not succeed in identifying, attracting, or retaining qualified personnel. With our strategy to expand internationally into developing markets, we may incur additional risks as some developing economies lack a sufficiently trained labor pool.


Any interruption of our workforce, including interruptions due to unionization efforts, changes in labor relations or shortages of appropriately skilled individuals could impact our results of operations and financial condition.

Our revenues and results of operations may suffer if we cannot continue to enforce the intellectual property rights on which our business depends or if third parties assert that we violate their intellectual property rights.

We rely upon patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws in the United States and similar laws in foreign countries, as well as agreements with our employees, customers, suppliers and other third parties, to establish and maintain our intellectual property rights. However, any of our intellectual property rights could be challenged, invalidated or circumvented, or our intellectual property rights may not be sufficient to provide a competitive advantage. Further, the laws and their application in certain foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as U.S. laws. Accordingly, in certain countries, we may be unable to protect our proprietary rights against unauthorized third-party copying or use, which could impact our competitive position.


6



Further, third parties may claim that we or our customers are infringing upon their intellectual property rights. Even if we believe that those claims are without merit, defending those claims and contesting the validity of patents can be time-consuming and costly. Claims of intellectual property infringement also might require us to redesign affected products, enter into costly settlement or license agreements or pay costly damage awards, or face a temporary or permanent injunction prohibiting us from manufacturing, marketing or selling certain of our products.

Our defined benefit pension plans are subject to financial market trends, such as changes in discount rates and actual investment return on pension assets, which could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.

The performance of the financial markets and interest rates impact our funding obligations under our defined benefit pension plans. Significant changes in discount rates, decreases in the fair value of plan assets and investment losses on plan assets may increase our benefit obligations and adversely impact our results of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows through our annual measurement of plan assets and liabilities. For a discussion regarding how the financial statements have been affected by significant changes in 2011,2013, refer to the pension related disclosure under "Part II, Item 7 – Critical Accounting Policies" and Note 1011 to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

We are subject to changes in the U.S. regulatory environment, which could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Our businesses, results of operations or financial condition could be adversely affected if laws, regulations or standards relating to us, our products or the markets in which we operate are newly implemented or changed. New or revised laws, regulations or standards could increase our cost of doing business or restrict our ability to operate our business or execute our strategies.
A significant fluctuation between the U.S. dollar and other currencies could adversely impact our operating income.

Although our financial results are reported in U.S. dollars, a significant portion of our sales and operating costs are realized in other currencies. Our profitability is affected by movements of the U.S. dollar against other foreign currencies in which we generate revenues and incur expenses. Significant long-term fluctuations in relative currency values, in particular an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, could have an adverse effect on our profitability and financial condition.

Changes in tax rates or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could affect profitability.

Our business is subject to income taxes in the United States and various foreign jurisdictions. Domestic and international tax liabilities are subject to the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate could be adversely affected by changes in the mix among earnings in countries


with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation allowanceallowances of deferred tax assets or changes in tax laws.

The amount of income taxes paid is subject to ongoing audits by United States federal, state and local tax authorities and by foreign tax authorities. If these audits result in assessments different from amounts reserved, future financial results may include unfavorable adjustments which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We are subject to risks relating to our information technology systems.

The conduct and management of our business relies extensively on information technology systems. If these systems are damaged, cease to function properly or are subject to a significant cyber security breach, we may suffer an interruption in our ability to manage and operate the business and our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Our global operations are subject to increasingly complex environmental regulatory requirements.

We are subject to increasingly complex environmental regulations affecting international manufacturers, including those related to air and water emissions, waste management and climate change.

There is a growing political and scientific belief that emissions of greenhouse gases ("GHG") alter the composition of the global atmosphere in ways that are affecting the global climate. Various stakeholders, including legislators and regulators, shareholders and non-governmental organizations, as well as companies in many business sectors, are considering ways to reduce GHG emissions. These concerns may lead to international, national, regional or local legislative or regulatory responses in the future. Such regulation could result in new or additional regulatory or product standard requirements for the Company's global businesses. We are unable, at this time, to predict the significance of these requirements as the impact of any future GHG legislative, regulatory or product standards is dependent on the timing and design of the mandates or standards. Furthermore, the potential physical impacts of theorized climate change on the Company's customers, and therefore on the Company's operations, are speculative and highly uncertain, and would be particular to the circumstances developing in various geographical regions. These may include changes in weather patterns (including drought and rainfall levels), water availability, storm patterns and intensities, and temperature levels. These potential physical effects may adversely impact the cost, production, sales and financial performance of the Company's operations which we are unable, at this time, to predict.


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It is our policy to apply strict standards for environmental protection to all of our operations inside and outside the United States, even when we are not subject to local government regulations. We may incur substantial costs, including cleanup costs, fines and civil or criminal sanctions, liabilities resulting from third-party property damage or personal injury claims, or our products could be enjoined from entering certain jurisdictions, if we were to violate or become liable under environmental laws or if our products become non-compliant with environmental laws.

We also face increasing complexity in our products design and procurement operations as we adjust to new and future requirements relating to the design, production and labeling of our products that are sold worldwide in multiple jurisdictions. The ultimate costs under environmental laws and the timing of these costs are difficult to predict, and liability under some environmental laws relating to contaminated locations can be imposed retroactively and on a joint and several basis.



ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

None.

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ITEM 1C. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
NameAgePosition
Christopher L. Mapes52
Chairman of the Board effective December 21, 2013. President and Chief Executive Officer effective December 31, 2012; Chief Operating Officer from September 1, 2011 to December 31, 2012; Director since February 2010. Prior to his service with the Company, Mr. Mapes was an Executive Vice President of A.O. Smith Corporation (a global manufacturer with a water heating and water treatment technologies business) a position he held from 2004 through August 2011, and the President of its former Electrical Products unit, a position he held from September 2004 through August 2011.
Vincent K. Petrella53
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since October 7, 2005.
Frederick G. Stueber60
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since 1996.
George D. Blankenship51
Senior Vice President; President, Lincoln Electric North America since July 30, 2009; Senior Vice President, Global Engineering from October 7, 2005 to July 30, 2009; Senior Vice President; President, Lincoln Cleveland of The Lincoln Electric Company from January 8, 2008 to July 30, 2009; Senior Vice President, U.S. Operations of The Lincoln Electric Company from October 7, 2005 to January 8, 2008.

Gabriel Bruno46
Vice President, Chief Information Officer since May 1, 2012; Vice President, Corporate Controller from 2005 to May 1, 2012.

Gretchen A. Farrell51
Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Compliance since July 30, 2009; Vice President, Human Resources from May 5, 2005 to July 30, 2009.

Thomas A. Flohn53
Vice President, Regional President, Lincoln Electric Asia Pacific Region since November 4, 2013. Vice President; President, Lincoln Electric Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) from July 1, 2010 to November 4, 2013; Vice President; President, Lincoln Asia Pacific from January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2010.

Mathias Hallmann51
Vice President; President, Lincoln Electric Europe since November 4, 2013. Prior to his service with the Company, Mr. Hallmann was Chief Executive Officer of Bohler Welding Holding GmbH (a leading manufacturer and provider of auxiliary materials and consumables for industrial welding and soldering applications) from December 2008 to March 2012, and its Chief Operating Officer from April 2008 to November 2008.

Steven B. Hedlund47
Vice President, Strategy and Business Development since September 15, 2008. Prior to his service with the Company, Mr. Hedlund was the Vice President, Growth and Innovations with Master Lock, LLC (a security products company) from June 1, 2005 to July 1, 2008.

David J. Nangle57
Vice President, Group President of Brazing, Cutting and Retail Subsidiaries since January 12, 2006.
The Company has been advised that there is no arrangement or understanding among any one of the officers listed and any other persons pursuant to which he or she was elected as an officer. The executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors normally for a term of one year and/or until the election of their successors.


9



ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The Company's corporate headquarters and principal United States manufacturing facilities are located in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Total Cleveland area property consists of 233 acres, of which present manufacturing facilities comprise an area of approximately 2,940,000 square feet.

The Company has 4248 manufacturing facilities, including operations and joint ventures in 19 countries, the significant locations (grouped by operating segment) of which are as follows:

North America Welding:  

United States

 Cleveland and Fort Loramie, Ohio; San Diego and Oceanside,Anaheim, California; Reno, Nevada; Baltimore, Maryland.Maryland; Ladson, South Carolina; Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Canada

 Toronto; Mississauga.Mississauga; Hamilton.

Mexico

 Mexico City; Torreon.


Europe Welding:

 

 

France

 Grand-Quevilly.

Germany

 Essen.

Italy

 Genoa; Corsalone.

Netherlands

 Nijmegen.

Poland

 Bielawa; Dzierzoniow.

Portugal

 Lisbon.

Russia

 Mtsensk; Orel.Mtsensk.

Turkey

 Istanbul.

United Kingdom

 Sheffield; Chertsey.Sheffield and Chertsey, England.


Asia Pacific Welding:

 

 

Australia

Sydney.

China

 Shanghai; Jinzhou; Nanjing; Zhengzhou; Luan County.

India

 Chennai.

Indonesia

 Cikarang.


South America Welding:

 

 

Brazil

 Sao Paulo.

Colombia

 Bogota.

Venezuela

 Maracay.


The Harris Products Group:

 

 

United States

 Mason, Ohio; Gainesville, Georgia; Santa Fe Springs, California.

Brazil

 Guarulhos.

Mexico

 Tijuana.

Poland

 Dzierzoniow.

All properties relating to the Company's Cleveland, Ohio headquarters and manufacturing facilities are owned by the Company. Most of the Company's foreign subsidiaries own manufacturing facilities in the country where they are located. The Company believes that its existing properties are in good condition and are suitable for the conduct of its business. At December 31, 2011, $0.8 million of indebtedness under capital leases was secured by property with a book value of $3.8 million.

In addition, the Company maintains operating leases for many of its distribution centers and sales offices throughout the world. See Note 1516 to the Company's consolidated financial statements for information regarding the Company's lease commitments.



10



ITEM 3. 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.

At December 31, 2011,2013, the Company was a co-defendant in cases alleging asbestos induced illness involving claims by approximately 16,78114,601 plaintiffs, which is a net decrease of 116455 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: 39,19941,832 of those claims were dismissed, 1822 were tried to defense verdicts, seven were tried to plaintiff verdicts (two(one of which areis being appealed), one was resolved by agreement for an immaterial amount and 585633 were decided in favor of the Company following summary judgment motions.

At December 31, 2011,

In July 2012, the Company wasreceived a co-defendant in cases alleging manganese induced illness involving claimsNotice of Reassessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”) for 2004 to 2011, which would disallow the deductibility of inter-company dividends. These adjustments would increase Canadian federal and provincial tax due. The Company disagrees with the position taken by approximately 806 plaintiffs, whichthe CRA and believes it is a net decreasewithout merit. The Company will vigorously contest the assessment through the Tax Court of 52 claims from those previously reported. Canada. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.
In each instance,connection with the litigation process, the Company is onerequired to deposit no less than one-half of the tax and interest assessed by the CRA. The Company has elected to deposit the entire amount of the dispute in order to suspend the continuing accrual of a large number of defendants. The claimants in cases alleging manganese induced illness seek compensatory and punitive damages, in most cases for unspecified sums. The claimants allege that exposure to manganese contained in welding consumables caused the plaintiffs to develop adverse neurological conditions, including a condition known as manganism. At December 31, 2011, cases involving 87 claimants were filed in or transferred to federal court where the Judicial Panel on MultiDistrict Litigation has consolidated these cases for pretrial proceedings5% interest charge. Any Canadian tax ultimately due will be creditable in the Northern Districtparent company's U.S. federal tax return. The Company expects to be able to utilize the full amount of Ohio. Since January 1, 1995,foreign tax credits generated in the statutorily allowed carry-back and carry-forward periods. Accordingly, should the Company not prevail in this dispute, the income statement charge will approximate the deficiency interest, net of tax.
The Company believes it will prevail on the merits of the tax position. In accordance with prescribed recognition and measurement thresholds, no income tax accrual has been made for any uncertain tax positions related to the CRA reassessment. An unfavorable resolution of this matter could have a co-defendant in similar cases that have been resolved as follows: 16,031 of those claims were dismissed, 23 were tried to defense verdicts in favor ofmaterial effect on the Company and five were tried to plaintiff verdicts (three of which were reversed on appeal and one of which has post-trial motions pending). In addition, 13 claims were resolved by agreement for immaterial amounts and one claim was decided in favor of the Company following a summary judgment motion. On January 18, 2012, the Company and 18 co-defendants entered into an agreement with plaintiffs' counsel that provides for the dismissal with prejudice of substantially all of the pending manganese claims provided certain conditions precedent are satisfied.

On December 13, 2006, the Company filed a complaint in U.S. District Court (Northern District of Ohio) against Illinois Tool Works, Inc. seeking a declaratory judgment that eight patents owned by the defendant relating to certain inverter power sources have not and are not being infringed and that the subject patents are invalid. Illinois Tool Works filed a motion to dismiss this action, which the Court denied on June 21, 2007. On September 7, 2007, the Court stayed the litigation, referencing pending reexaminations before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. On June 17, 2008, the Company filed a motion to amend its pleadingsCompany's financial statements in the foregoing matter to include several additional counts, including specific allegations of fraud on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office with respect to portable professional welding machines and resulting monopoly powerperiod in that market.

which a judgment is reached.



ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.



11



PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The Company's common shares are traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "LECO." The number of record holders of common shares at December 31, 20112013 was 1,748.

1,719.

The total amount of dividends paid in 20112013 was $51.9 million.$49.3 million. During 2011,2013, dividends were paid quarterly on January 14, April 15, July 15 and October 14.

15. The dividend that the Company would normally have paid in January 2013 was paid on December 28, 2012.

Quarterly high and low stock prices and dividends declared per share for the last two years were:


 2011 2010(1) 

 Stock Price  
 Stock Price  
  2013 2012

 Dividends
Declared
 Dividends
Declared
  Stock Price 
Dividends
Declared
 Stock Price 
Dividends
Declared

 High Low High Low  High Low High Low 

First quarter(1)

 $38.50 $32.69 $0.155 $29.21 $23.05 $0.14  $57.63
 $49.06
 $0.20
 $47.87
 $38.96
 $0.17

Second quarter(1)

 39.62 32.30 0.155 31.43 25.01 0.14  60.58
 49.94
 0.20
 50.36
 41.42
 0.17

Third quarter

 39.18 27.47 0.155 29.32 24.14 0.14  69.35
 56.75
 0.20
 46.11
 37.83
 0.17

Fourth quarter

 40.10 26.84 0.17 33.59 28.05 0.155  74.57
 65.45
 0.23
 49.00
 37.63
 0.20
(1)
Stock prices and dividends declared have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the two-for-one stock split on May 31, 2011.

Issuer purchases of equity securities for the fourth quarter 20112013 were:

Period
 Total Number of
Shares Repurchased
 Average Price
Paid Per Share
 Total Number of
Shares Repurchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
 Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(2) 

October 1-31, 2011

   $    5,367,322 

November 1-30, 2011

  178,547(1) 36.45  168,200  5,199,122 

December 1-31, 2011

  77,365  36.96  77,365  5,121,757 
            

Total

  255,912  36.60  245,565    
            
Period 
Total Number of
Shares Repurchased
 
Average Price
Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Repurchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)
October 1-31, 2013 162,100
 $67.84
 162,100
 16,257,131
November 1-30, 2013 270,847
 71.26
 270,847
 15,986,284
December 1-31, 2013 334,584
(1) 
71.56
 315,525
 15,670,759
Total 767,531
 70.67
 748,472
  
(1)
The above share repurchases include the surrender of 19,059 shares of the Company's common shares in connection with the vesting of restricted shares granted pursuant to the Company's 2006 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan.
(2)
On July 26, 2013, the Company announced a new share repurchase program, which increased the total number the Company’s common shares authorized to be repurchased to 45 million shares of the Company's common stock. Total shares purchased through the share repurchase program were 29,329,241 shares at a cost of $594.9 million for a weighted average cost of $20.28 per share through December 31, 2013.

(1)
The above share repurchases include the surrender of 10,347 shares of the Company's common stock to satisfy minimum income tax withholding requirements related to the vesting of 44,600 restricted shares granted pursuant to the Company's 2006 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan.

(2)
The Company's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to 30 million shares of the Company's common stock. Total shares purchased through the share repurchase programs were 24,878,243 shares at a cost of $349.9 million for a weighted average cost of $14.07 per share through December 31, 2011.
12



The following line graph compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company's common stock against the cumulative total return of the S&P Composite 500 Stock Index ("S&P 500") and the S&P 400 MidCap Index ("S&P 400") for the five-year calendar period commencing January 1, 20072009 and ending December 31, 2011.2013. This graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 20062008 in each of the Company's common stock,shares, the S&P 500 and the S&P 400. A peer-group index for the welding industry, in general, was not readily available because the industry is comprised of a large number of privately held competitors and competitors that are smaller parts of large publicly traded companies.



13



ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


 Year Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31,

 2011(2) 2010(3) 2009(4) 2008(5) 2007(6)  
2013 (1)
 
2012 (2)
 
2011 (3)
 
2010 (4)
 
2009 (5)

Net sales

 $2,694,609 $2,070,172 $1,729,285 $2,479,131 $2,280,784  $2,852,671
 $2,853,367
 $2,694,609
 $2,070,172
 $1,729,285

Net income

 217,186 130,244 48,576 212,286 202,736  293,780
 257,411
 217,186
 130,244
 48,576

Basic earnings per share(1)

 2.60 1.54 0.57 2.49 2.36 

Diluted earnings per share(1)

 2.56 1.53 0.57 2.47 2.34 

Cash dividends declared per share(1)

 0.635 0.575 0.545 0.51 0.455 
Basic earnings per share 3.58
 3.10
 2.60
 1.54
 0.57
Diluted earnings per share 3.54
 3.06
 2.56
 1.53
 0.57
Cash dividends declared per share 0.830
 0.710
 0.635
 0.575
 0.545

Total assets

 1,976,776 1,783,788 1,705,292 1,718,805 1,645,296  2,151,867
 2,089,863
 1,976,776
 1,783,788
 1,705,292

Long-term debt

 1,960 84,627 87,850 91,537 117,329  3,791
 1,599
 1,960
 84,627
 87,850
(1)
Earnings per share and cash dividends declared per share have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the two-for-one stock split on May 31, 2011.

(2)
Results for 2011 include rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $282 ($237 after-tax) resulting from rationalization activities primarily initiated in 2009 and a gain of $4,844 related to a favorable adjustment for tax audit settlements.

(3)
Results for 2010 include rationalization and asset impairment net gains of $384 ($894 after-tax) which include net gains of $3,684 ($3,725 after-tax) related to the sale of property and asset disposals, impairment charges of $883 ($801 after-tax) and $2,417 ($2,030 after-tax) in rationalization charges. Results also include a net charge of $3,123 ($3,560 after-tax) related to the change in functional currency and devaluation of the Venezuelan currency, income of $5,092 was recognized due to an adjustment in tax liabilities for a change in applicable tax regulations, a gain of $108 after-tax in noncontrolling interests related to the impairment of assets for a majority-owned consolidated subsidiary and a charge of $1,890 after-tax in noncontrolling interests related to gains on the disposal of assets in a majority-owned consolidated subsidiary.

(4)
Results for 2009 include rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $29,897 ($23,789 after-tax). The net charges include rationalization charges of $26,957 ($21,529 after-tax) and impairment charges of $2,940 ($2,260 after-tax) for certain indefinite-lived intangible assets. Results also include a loss of $7,943 ($7,943 after-tax) associated with the acquisition of a business in China and the related disposal of an interest in Taiwan, a pension settlement gain of $2,144 ($2,144 after-tax), a charge of $601 after-tax in noncontrolling interests associated with the pension settlement gain for a majority-owned consolidated subsidiary, and a gain on the sale of a property by the Company's joint venture in Turkey of $5,667 ($5,667 after-tax).

(5)
Results for 2008 include a charge of $2,447 ($1,698 after-tax) relating to the Company's rationalization programs that began in the fourth quarter 2008. Results for 2008 also include $16,924 ($16,615 after-tax) in asset impairment charges including $13,194 of goodwill and $2,388 of long-lived assets related to two businesses in China (with no tax benefit) as well as an impairment charge of $1,342 ($1,033 after-tax) for intangible assets.

(6)
Results for 2007 include a net gain of $188 ($107 after-tax) relating to the Company's rationalization programs.
(1)
Results for 2013 include rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $8,463 ($7,573 after-tax) which include $3,658 ($2,965 after-tax) in rationalization charges and impairment charges net of gains on disposals of $4,805 ($4,608 after-tax). Results also include a charge of $12,198 ($12,198 after-tax) related to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency and a loss of $705 ($705 after-tax) related to a loss on the sale of land. Associated with the impairment of long-lived assets and loss on the sale of land is an offsetting special item of $1,068 representing portions attributable to non-controlling interests.
(2)Results for 2012 include rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $9,354 ($7,442 after-tax) which include $7,512 ($6,153 after-tax) in rationalization charges and asset disposal and impairment charges of $1,842 ($1,289 after-tax). Results also include a charge of $1,381 ($906 after-tax) related to the change in Venezuelan labor law, which provides for increased employee severance obligations.
(3)Results for 2011 include rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $282 ($237 after-tax) resulting from rationalization activities primarily initiated in 2009 and a gain of $4,844 related to a favorable adjustment for tax audit settlements.
(4)Results for 2010 include rationalization and asset impairment net gains of $384 ($894 after-tax) which include net gains of $3,684 ($3,725 after-tax) related to the sale of property and asset disposals, impairment charges of $883 ($801 after-tax) and $2,417 ($2,030 after-tax) in rationalization charges. Results also include a net charge of $3,123 ($3,560 after-tax) related to the change in functional currency and devaluation of the Venezuelan currency, income of $5,092 was recognized due to an adjustment in tax liabilities for a change in applicable tax regulations, a gain of $108 after-tax in non-controlling interests related to the impairment of assets for a majority-owned consolidated subsidiary and a charge of $1,890 after-tax in non-controlling interests related to gains on the disposal of assets in a majority-owned consolidated subsidiary.
(5)Results for 2009 include rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $29,897 ($23,789 after-tax). The net charges include rationalization charges of $26,957 ($21,529 after-tax) and impairment charges of $2,940 ($2,260 after-tax) for certain indefinite-lived intangible assets. Results also include a loss of $7,943 ($7,943 after-tax) associated with the acquisition of a business in China and the related disposal of an interest in Taiwan, a pension settlement gain of $2,144 ($2,144 after-tax), a charge of $601 after-tax in non-controlling interests associated with the pension settlement gain for a majority-owned consolidated subsidiary and a gain on the sale of a property by the Company's joint venture in Turkey of $5,667 ($5,667 after-tax).



14



ITEM 7. 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 "Selected Financial Data," the Company's consolidated financial statements and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors" for more information regarding forward-looking statements.

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.

The Company is one of only a few worldwide broad-line manufacturers of welding, cutting and brazing products. Welding products include arc welding power sources, wire feeding systems, robotic welding packages, fume extraction equipment, consumable electrodes and fluxes. The Company's product offering also includes CNC plasma and oxy-fuel cutting systems, 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 invests in the research and development of arc welding products in order to continue its market leading product offering. The Company continues to invest in technologies that improve the quality and productivity of welding products. In addition, the Company continues to actively increase its patent application process in order to secure its technology advantage in the United States and other major international jurisdictions. The Company believes its significant investment in research and development and its highly trained technical sales force coupled with its extensive distributor network provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

The Company's products are sold in both domestic and international markets. In North America, products are sold principally through industrial distributors, retailers and also directly to users of welding products. Outside of North America, 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 major end-user markets include:

general metal fabrication,
power generation and process industry,
structural steel construction (buildings and bridges),
heavy equipment fabrication (farming, mining and rail),
shipbuilding,
automotive,
pipe mills and pipelines, and
offshore oil and gas exploration and extraction.

The Company has, through wholly-owned subsidiaries or joint ventures, manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Venezuela.


The Company has aligned its business units into five operating segments to enhance the utilization of the Company's worldwide resources and global end user and sourcing initiatives. The operating segments consist of North America Welding, Europe Welding, Asia Pacific Welding, South America Welding and The Harris Products Group. The North America Welding segment includes welding operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Europe Welding segment includes welding operations in Europe, Russia, Africa and Africa.the Middle East. The other two welding segments include welding operations in Asia Pacific and South America, respectively. The fifth segment, The Harris Products Group, includes the Company's global cutting, soldering and brazing businesses as well as the retail business in the United States. See Note 45 to the Company's consolidated financial statements for segment and geographic area information, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The principal raw materials essential to the Company's business are steel, electronic components, engines, brass, copper, silver, aluminum alloys and various chemicals, all of which are normally available for purchase in the open market.


15



The Company's facilities are subject to environmental regulations. To date, compliance with these environmental regulations has not had a material adverse effect on the Company's earnings. The Company is ISO 9001 certified at nearly all facilities worldwide. In addition, the Company is ISO 14001 certified at most significant manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe and is progressing towards certification at its remaining facilities worldwide.

Key Indicators

Key economic measures relevant to the Company include industrial production trends, steel consumption, purchasing manager indices, capacity utilization within durable goods manufacturers and consumer confidence indicators. Key industries which provide a relative indication of demand drivers to the Company include steel, farm machinery and equipment, construction and transportation, fabricated metals, electrical equipment, ship and boat building, defense, truck manufacturing, energy and railroad equipment. Although these measures provide key information on trends relevant to the Company, the Company does not have available a more direct correlation of leading indicators which can provide a forward-looking view of demand levels in the markets which ultimately use the Company's welding products.

Key operating measures utilized by the operating units to manage the Company include orders, sales, inventory and fill-rates, all of which provide key indicators of business trends. These measures are reported on various cycles including daily, weekly and monthly depending on the needs established by operating management.

Key financial measures utilized by the Company's executive management and operating units in order to evaluate the results of its business and in understanding key variables impacting the current and future results of the Company include: sales; gross profit; selling, general and administrative expenses; operating income; earnings before interest and taxes; earnings before interest, taxes and bonus; net income; adjusted operating income; adjusted net income; adjusted diluted earnings per share; operating cash flows; and capital expenditures, including applicable ratios such as return on invested capital and average operating working capital to sales. These measures are reviewed at monthly, quarterly and annual intervals and compared with historical periods, as well as objectives established by the Board of Directors of the Company.


Results of Operations

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


 Year Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31,

 2011 2010 2009  2013 2012 2011

 Amount % of Sales Amount % of Sales Amount % of Sales  Amount % of Sales Amount % of Sales Amount % of Sales

Net sales

 $2,694,609 100.0% $2,070,172 100.0% $1,729,285 100.0%  $2,852,671
 100.0% $2,853,367
 100.0% $2,694,609
 100.0%

Cost of goods sold

 1,957,872 72.7% 1,506,353 72.8% 1,273,017 73.6%  1,910,017
 67.0% 1,986,711
 69.6% 1,957,872
 72.7%
             

Gross profit

 736,737 27.3% 563,819 27.2% 456,268 26.4%  942,654
 33.0% 866,656
 30.4% 736,737
 27.3%

Selling, general & administrative expenses

 439,775 16.3% 377,773 18.2% 333,138 19.3%  527,206
 18.5% 495,221
 17.4% 439,775
 16.3%

Rationalization and asset impairment charges (gains)

 282  (384)  29,897 1.7% 
             
Rationalization and asset impairment
charges
 8,463
 0.3% 9,354
 0.3% 282
 

Operating income

 296,680 11.0% 186,430 9.0% 93,233 5.4%  406,985
 14.3% 362,081
 12.7% 296,680
 11.0%

Interest income

 3,121 0.1% 2,381 0.1% 3,462 0.2%  3,320
 0.1% 3,988
 0.1% 3,121
 0.1%

Equity earnings (loss) in affiliates

 5,385 0.2% 3,171 0.2% (5,025) (0.3%)
Equity earnings in affiliates 4,806
 0.2% 5,007
 0.2% 5,385
 0.2%

Other income

 2,849 0.1% 1,817 0.1% 3,589 0.2%  4,194
 0.1% 2,685
 0.1% 2,849
 0.1%

Interest expense

 (6,704) (0.2%) (6,691) (0.3%) (8,521) (0.5%) (2,864) (0.1%) (4,191) (0.1%) (6,704) (0.2%)
             

Income before income taxes

 301,331 11.2% 187,108 9.0% 86,738 5.0%  416,441
 14.6% 369,570
 13.0% 301,331
 11.2%

Income taxes

 84,318 3.1% 54,898 2.7% 37,905 2.2%  124,754
 4.4% 112,354
 3.9% 84,318
 3.1%
             

Net income including noncontrolling interests

 217,013 8.1% 132,210 6.4% 48,833 2.8% 

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries' (loss) earnings

 (173)  1,966 0.1% 257  
             
Net income including non-controlling
interests
 291,687
 10.2% 257,216
 9.0% 217,013
 8.1%
Non-controlling interests in
subsidiaries' loss
 (2,093) (0.1%) (195) 
 (173) 

Net income

 $217,186 8.1% $130,244 6.3% $48,576 2.8%  $293,780
 10.3% $257,411
 9.0% $217,186
 8.1%
             

16



20112013 Compared with 2010

2012

Net Sales: Net sales for 2013 remained flat with 2012. The sales change reflects volume decreases of 2.7%, price increases of 0.1%, increases from acquisitions of 3.2% and unfavorable impacts from foreign exchange of 0.6%. Sales volumes decreased as a result of soft demand in both domestic and international markets. Product pricing increased from prior year levels reflecting the highly inflationary environment in Venezuela offset by pricing declines in The Harris Products Group segment due to significant decreases in the costs of silver and copper. Net sales for 2013 include $109,139 in sales from the Company's Venezuelan operations.
Gross Profit:  Gross profit increased8.8% to $942,654 during 2013 compared with $866,656 in 2012. As a percentage of Net sales, Gross profit increased to 33.0% in 2013 compared with 30.4% in 2012. The increase was the result of geographic mix and pricing stability in the wake of lower year over year input costs. The current period includes incremental costs of $4,117 due to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency and charges of $2,521 for inventory write-downs, partially offset by a gain of $1,672 from insurance proceeds associated with a fire at a manufacturing operation. In the prior year period, the Company recorded charges of $2,334 related to the initial accounting for recent acquisitions and charges of $1,039 due to a change in Venezuelan labor law, which provides for increased employee severance obligations. Foreign currency exchange rates had a $5,622 unfavorable translation impact in 2013.
Selling, General & Administrative ("SG&A") Expenses:  SG&A expenses increased6.5% to $527,206 during 2013 compared with $495,221 in 2012. The increase was primarily due to incremental SG&A expenses from acquisitions of $18,620, general and administrative spending primarily related to additional employee compensation costs of $17,160 and higher foreign exchange transaction losses of $3,280, which include a charge of $8,081 due to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency, partially offset by foreign currency translation of $3,264, lower bonus expense of $3,112 and lower U.S. retirement costs of $1,415.
Rationalization and Asset Impairment Charges:  In 2013, the Company recorded $8,463 in charges primarily related to asset impairments and rationalization actions. See "Rationalization and Asset Impairments" for additional information.
Equity Earnings in Affiliates:  Equity earnings in affiliates were $4,806 in 2013 compared with earnings of $5,007 in 2012. The decrease was due to decreased earnings in Chile of $161 and Turkey of $40.
Interest Expense:  Interest expense decreased to $2,864 in 2013 from $4,191 in 2012, primarily as a result of lower levels of debt in the current period.
Income Taxes:  The Company recorded $124,754 of tax expense on pre-tax income of $416,441, resulting in an effective tax rate of 30.0% for 2013. The effective income tax rate is lower than the Company's statutory rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions and the utilization of foreign tax loss carry-forwards for which valuation allowances had been previously provided.
The effective income tax rate of 30.4% for 2012 was lower than the Company's statutory rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions and the utilization of foreign tax loss carry-forwards for which valuation allowances had been previously provided.
Net Income:  Net income for 2013 was $293,780 compared with $257,411 in the prior year. Diluted earnings per share for 2013 were $3.54 compared with diluted earnings of $3.06 per share in 2012. Net income for 2013 included $25,614, or $0.31 per diluted share, from the Company's Venezuelan operations. Foreign currency exchange rate movements had an unfavorable translation effect of $1,572 and $2,879 on Net income for 2013 and 2012, respectively.

17



Segment Results
Net Sales:  The table below summarizes the impacts of volume, acquisition,acquisitions, price and foreign currency exchange rates on Net sales for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013:
    Change in Net Sales due to:  
  
Net Sales
2012
 Volume Acquisitions Price Foreign Exchange 
Net Sales
2013
Operating Segments  
  
  
  
  
  
North America Welding $1,580,818
 $(22,962) $91,442
 $7,785
 $(4,314) $1,652,769
Europe Welding 452,227
 (18,518) 
 (5,696) 1,535
 429,548
Asia Pacific Welding 324,482
 (48,964) 
 (4,947) (4,289) 266,282
South America Welding 161,483
 13,269
 
 29,730
 (8,587) 195,895
The Harris Products Group 334,357
 1,276
 
 (24,748) (2,708) 308,177
Consolidated $2,853,367
 $(75,899) $91,442
 $2,124
 $(18,363) $2,852,671
% Change  
  
  
  
  
  
North America Welding  
 (1.5%) 5.8% 0.5% (0.3%) 4.6%
Europe Welding  
 (4.1%) 
 (1.3%) 0.3% (5.0%)
Asia Pacific Welding  
 (15.1%) 
 (1.5%) (1.3%) (17.9%)
South America Welding  
 8.2% 
 18.4% (5.3%) 21.3%
The Harris Products Group  
 0.4% 
 (7.4%) (0.8%) (7.8%)
Consolidated  
 (2.7%) 3.2% 0.1% (0.6%) 
Net sales volumes for 2013 decreased for all operating segments except for the South America Welding and The Harris Products Group segments, as a result of soft demand in both domestic and international markets. Net sales volumes in the South America Welding segment increased as a result of improved demand in the South American markets. Net sales volumes in The Harris Products Group segment increased as a result of improved sales volumes on equipment. Product pricing in the North America Welding segment increased slightly due to the realization of price increases and improved pricing management. Product pricing in the Europe Welding segment decreased due to declining raw material costs. Product pricing decreased for the Asia Pacific Welding segment due to lower raw material costs and competitive pricing conditions. Product pricing in the South America Welding segment reflects a highly inflationary environment, particularly in Venezuela. Product pricing decreased for The Harris Products Group segment because of significant decreases in the costs of silver and copper as compared to the prior year period. The increase in Net sales from acquisitions was due to the acquisitions of Robolution GmbH ("Robolution") in November 2013, Burlington Automation Corporation ("Burlington") in November 2013, Tennessee Rand, Inc. ("Tenn Rand") in December 2012, Kaliburn, Burny and Cleveland Motion Control businesses (collectively, "Kaliburn") in November 2012, Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc. ("Wayne Trail") in May 2012 and Weartech International, Inc. ("Weartech") in March 2012 (see the "Acquisitions" section below for additional information regarding the acquisitions). With respect to changes in Net sales due to foreign exchange, all segments, except for the Europe Welding segment, decreased due to a stronger U.S. dollar.

18



Earnings Before Interest and Income Taxes (“EBIT”), as Adjusted: Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary profit measure being EBIT, as adjusted. The following table presents EBIT, as adjusted for 2013 by segment compared with 2012:
  Twelve Months Ended    
  December 31,    
  2013 2012 $ Change % Change
North America Welding:        
Net sales $1,652,769
 $1,580,818
 71,951
 4.6%
Inter-segment sales 127,254
 131,062
 (3,808) (2.9%)
Total Sales $1,780,023
 $1,711,880
 68,143
 4.0%
         
EBIT, as adjusted $318,507
 $293,070
 25,437
 8.7%
As a percent of total sales 17.9% 17.1%   0.8%
         
Europe Welding:        
Net sales $429,548
 $452,227
 (22,679) (5.0%)
Inter-segment sales 19,911
 16,048
 3,863
 24.1%
Total Sales $449,459
 $468,275
 (18,816) (4.0%)
         
EBIT, as adjusted $36,247
 $37,299
 (1,052) (2.8%)
As a percent of total sales 8.1% 8.0%   0.1%
         
Asia Pacific Welding:        
Net sales $266,282
 $324,482
 (58,200) (17.9%)
Inter-segment sales 14,906
 14,829
 77
 0.5%
Total Sales $281,188
 $339,311
 (58,123) (17.1%)
         
EBIT, as adjusted $1,815
 $7,247
 (5,432) (75.0%)
As a percent of total sales 0.6% 2.1%   (1.5%)
         
South America Welding:        
Net sales $195,895
 $161,483
 34,412
 21.3%
Inter-segment sales 233
 38
 195
 513.2%
Total Sales $196,128
 $161,521
 34,607
 21.4%
         
EBIT, as adjusted $57,306
 $18,301
 39,005
 213.1%
As a percent of total sales 29.2% 11.3%   17.9%
         
The Harris Products Group:        
Net sales $308,177
 $334,357
 (26,180) (7.8%)
Inter-segment sales 9,605
 8,549
 1,056
 12.4%
Total Sales $317,782
 $342,906
 (25,124) (7.3%)
         
EBIT, as adjusted $27,826
 $29,477
 (1,651) (5.6%)
As a percent of total sales 8.8% 8.6%   0.2%
EBIT, as adjusted as a percent of total sales increased for all segments, except for the Asia Pacific Welding segment, in 2013 as compared with 2012. The North America Welding segment increase is primarily due to improved pricing management and lower material costs. The increase at the Europe Welding segment is primarily due to cost control on volume decreases of 4.1%. The Asia Pacific Welding segment decrease is due to lower profitability in China and Australia due to weaker demand. The South America Welding segment increase is a result of improved pricing management and manufacturing costs in Brazil and Colombia, and pricing increases as a result of the highly inflationary economy in Venezuela. The Harris Products Group segment growth is primarily a result of improved product mix on equipment sales volume.

19



In 2013, EBIT, as adjusted, for the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments excluded special item charges of $1,052, $2,045 and $922, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The Asia Pacific Welding segment EBIT, as adjusted, also excluded charges of $4,444 related to impairment of long-lived assets and a charge of $705 related to a loss on the sale of land. The South America Welding segment EBIT, as adjusted, excluded special item charges of $12,198, related to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency.
In 2012, EBIT, as adjusted, for the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments excluded special item charges of $827, $3,534 and $4,993, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The South America Welding segment EBIT, as adjusted, excluded a special item charge of $1,381, related to a change in Venezuelan labor law, which provides for increased employee severance obligations.
2012 Compared with 2011
Net Sales:  Net sales for 2012 increased 5.9% from 2011. The sales increase reflects volume increases of 1.3%, price increases of 1.7%, increases from acquisitions of 4.9% and unfavorable impacts from foreign exchange of 2.0%. Sales volumes increased because of growth in the domestic markets offset by lower demand in the international markets. Product pricing increased from prior year levels due to the realization of price increases implemented in response to increases in raw material costs.
Gross Profit:  Gross profit increased 17.6% to $866,656 during 2012 compared with $736,737 in 2011. As a percentage of Net sales, Gross profit increased to 30.4% in 2012 compared with 27.3% in 2011. The increase was the result of pricing increases and operating leverage partially offset by lower margins from the acquisitions of Kaliburn, Wayne Trail, Weartech, Techalloy Company, Inc. and certain assets of its parent company, Central Wire Industries Ltd. (collectively, "Techalloy") and OOO Severstal-metiz: welding consumables ("Severstal"). In 2012, the Company recorded charges of $2,334 related to the initial accounting for recent acquisitions and charges of $1,039 due to a change in Venezuelan labor law, which provides for increased employee severance obligations. Foreign currency exchange rates had a $13,166 unfavorable translation impact in 2012.
Selling, General & Administrative ("SG&A") Expenses:  SG&A expenses increased 12.6% to $495,221 during 2012 compared with $439,775 in 2011. The increase was primarily due to higher bonus expense of $20,439, incremental SG&A expenses from acquisitions of $15,403, higher general and administrative spending primarily related to additional employee compensation costs of $12,692, higher U.S. retirement costs of $3,986 and higher legal expenses of $2,142 partially offset by foreign currency translation of $8,821.
Rationalization and Asset Impairment Charges:  In 2012, the Company recorded $9,354 in charges primarily related to rationalization actions initiated in 2012. See "Rationalization and Asset Impairments" for additional information.
Equity Earnings in Affiliates:  Equity earnings in affiliates were $5,007 in 2012 compared with earnings of $5,385 in 2011. The decrease was due to a decrease in earnings of $542 in Chile being partially offset by an increase in earnings of $164 in Turkey.
Interest Expense:  Interest expense decreased to $4,191 in 2012 from $6,704 in 2011, primarily as a result of lower levels of debt in the current period.
Income Taxes:  The Company recorded $112,354 of tax expense on pre-tax income of $369,570, resulting in an effective tax rate of 30.4% for 2012. The effective income tax rate is lower than the Company's statutory rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions and the utilization of foreign tax loss carry-forwards for which valuation allowances had been previously provided.
The effective income tax rate of 28.0% for 2011 was lower than the Company's statutory rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions, the utilization of foreign tax loss carry-forwards for which valuation allowances had been previously provided and a tax benefit of $4,844 for tax audit settlements.
Net Income:  Net income for 2012 was $257,411 compared with $217,186 in the prior year. Diluted earnings per share for 2012 were $3.06 compared with diluted earnings of $2.56 per share in 2011. Foreign currency exchange rate movements had an unfavorable translation effect of $2,879 and a favorable translation effect of $2,948 on Net income for 2012 and 2011, respectively.

20



Segment Results
Net Sales:  The table below summarizes the impacts of volume, acquisitions, price and foreign currency exchange rates on Net sales for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011:

2012:


  
 Change in Net Sales due to:  
    Change in Net Sales due to:  

 Net Sales
2010
 Volume Acquisitions Price Foreign Exchange Net Sales
2011
  
Net Sales
2011
 Volume Acquisitions Price 
Foreign
Exchange
 
Net Sales
2012

Operating Segments

             

North America Welding

 $1,013,193 $194,618 $54,452 $41,839 $5,397 $1,309,499  $1,309,499
 $112,898
 $124,830
 $37,124
 $(3,533) $1,580,818

Europe Welding

 359,925 42,376 66,425 20,390 19,576 508,692  508,692
 (36,199) 8,322
 4,874
 (33,462) 452,227

Asia Pacific Welding

 324,092 26,198  3,305 22,681 376,276  376,276
 (54,289) 
 1,646
 849
 324,482

South America Welding

 117,419 24,209  11,618 3,438 156,684  156,684
 (1,284) 
 15,584
 (9,501) 161,483

The Harris Products Group

 255,543 18,625  65,753 3,537 343,458  343,458
 13,683
 
 (13,427) (9,357) 334,357
             

Consolidated

 $2,070,172 $306,026 $120,877 $142,905 $54,629 $2,694,609  $2,694,609
 $34,809
 $133,152
 $45,801
 $(55,004) $2,853,367
             

% Change

             

North America Welding

   19.2% 5.4% 4.1% 0.5% 29.2%   
 8.6% 9.5% 2.8% (0.3%) 20.7%

Europe Welding

   11.8% 18.5% 5.7% 5.4% 41.3%   
 (7.1%) 1.6% 1.0% (6.6%) (11.1%)

Asia Pacific Welding

   8.1%  1.0% 7.0% 16.1%   
 (14.4%) 
 0.4% 0.2% (13.8%)

South America Welding

   20.6%  9.9% 2.9% 33.4%   
 (0.8%) 
 9.9% (6.1%) 3.1%

The Harris Products Group

   7.3%  25.7% 1.4% 34.4%   
 4.0% 
 (3.9%) (2.7%) (2.6%)

Consolidated

   14.8% 5.8% 6.9% 2.6% 30.2%   
 1.3% 4.9% 1.7% (2.0%) 5.9%

Net sales volumevolumes for 20112012 increased for all operatingthe North America Welding and The Harris Products Group segments as abecause of growth within the domestic markets. Volume decreases for the Europe Welding, Asia Pacific Welding and South America Welding segments are the result of highersoftening demand levels from expanding industrial economies associated with the improved global economy and modest market share gains.in these international markets. Product pricing increased for all operating segments from prior year levels, except for The Harris Products Group segment, due to the realization of price increases implemented in response to increases in raw material costs. Product pricing in the South America Welding segment continues to reflectreflects a higher inflationary environment, particularly in Venezuela. Product pricing increased indecreased for The Harris Products Group segment duebecause of significant decreases in the costs of silver and copper as compared to the pass-through effect of higher commodity costs, particularly silver and copper.prior year period. The increase in Net sales from acquisitions was due to the acquisitions of Kaliburn in November 2012, Wayne Trail in May 2012, Weartech in March 2012, Techalloy in July 2011, Applied Robotics, Inc. (d/b/a Torchmate) ("Torchmate") in July 2011 and SSCO Manufacturing, Inc. (d/b/a Arc Products) ("Arc Products") in January 2011 Techalloy Company, Inc. and certain assets of its parent company, Central Wire Industries Ltd. (collectively, "Techalloy") and Applied Robotics, Inc. (d/b/a Torchmate) ("Torchmate") in July 2011 in the North America Welding segment and the acquisitionsacquisition of OOO Severstal-metiz: welding consumables ("Severstal")Severstal in March 2011 and Mezhgosmetiz-Mtsensk OAO ("MGM") in October 2010 in the Europe Welding segment (see the "Acquisitions" section below for additional information regarding the acquisitions). With respect to changes in Net sales due to foreign exchange, all segments, increasedexcept for the Asia Pacific Welding segment, decreased due to a weakerstronger U.S. dollar.



21



Gross Profit:Earnings Before Interest and Income Taxes (“EBIT”), as Adjusted: Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary profit measure being EBIT, as adjusted. The following table presents EBIT, as adjusted for 2012 Gross profit increased 30.7% to $736,737 during 2011by segment compared with $563,8192011:
  Twelve Months Ended    
  December 31,    
  2012 2011 $ Change % Change
North America Welding:   ��    
Net sales $1,580,818
 $1,309,499
 271,319
 20.7%
Inter-segment sales 131,062
 136,314
 (5,252) (3.9%)
Total Sales $1,711,880
 $1,445,813
 266,067
 18.4%
         
EBIT, as adjusted $293,070
 $227,924
 65,146
 28.6%
As a percent of total sales 17.1% 15.8%   1.3%
         
Europe Welding:        
Net sales $452,227
 $508,692
 (56,465) (11.1%)
Inter-segment sales 16,048
 17,422
 (1,374) (7.9%)
Total Sales $468,275
 $526,114
 (57,839) (11.0%)
         
EBIT, as adjusted $37,299
 $36,171
 1,128
 3.1%
As a percent of total sales 8.0% 6.9%   1.1%
         
Asia Pacific Welding:        
Net sales $324,482
 $376,276
 (51,794) (13.8%)
Inter-segment sales 14,829
 15,614
 (785) (5.0%)
Total Sales $339,311
 $391,890
 (52,579) (13.4%)
         
EBIT, as adjusted $7,247
 $2,629
 4,618
 175.7%
As a percent of total sales 2.1% 0.7%   1.4%
         
South America Welding:        
Net sales $161,483
 $156,684
 4,799
 3.1%
Inter-segment sales 38
 494
 (456) (92.3%)
Total Sales $161,521
 $157,178
 4,343
 2.8%
         
EBIT, as adjusted $18,301
 $12,895
 5,406
 41.9%
As a percent of total sales 11.3% 8.2%   3.1%
         
The Harris Products Group:        
Net sales $334,357
 $343,458
 (9,101) (2.6%)
Inter-segment sales 8,549
 8,496
 53
 0.6%
Total Sales $342,906
 $351,954
 (9,048) (2.6%)
         
EBIT, as adjusted $29,477
 $25,151
 4,326
 17.2%
As a percent of total sales 8.6% 7.1%   1.5%
EBIT, as adjusted as a percent of total sales increased for all segments in 2010. As a percentage of Net sales, Gross profit increased slightly to 27.3% in 20112012 as compared with 27.2%2011. The North America Welding segment growth was primarily due to improved leverage on an 8.6% increase in 2010.volumes and price increases of 2.8%. The increase at the Europe Welding segment was the result of pricing increasesprimarily due to improved product mix. The Asia Pacific Welding segment increase was due to improved profitability resulting from prior rationalization actions in Australia and operating leverage offset by rising material costs and lower margins from the acquisitions of MGM, Severstal and Techalloy. In the prior year period, theimproved product mix. The South America Welding segment recorded charges of $5,755 resulting from the change in functional currency and related devaluation of the Venezuelan currency. Foreign currency exchange rates had an $11,125 favorable translation impact in 2011.

Selling, General & Administrative ("SG&A") Expenses:    SG&A expenses increased 16.4% to $439,775 during 2011 compared with $377,773 in 2010. The increase was primarily due to higher bonus expense of $30,714, higher selling, administrative and research and development expenses of $15,546, incremental SG&A expenses from acquisitions of $8,600, higher foreign currency translation of $7,257 and higher foreign exchange transaction losses of $4,531 partially offset by lower legal expenses of


$4,124. In the prior year period, the South America Welding segment recorded a gain of $2,632 resulting from the change in Venezuela's functional currency to the U.S. dollar and the devaluation of the bolivar.

Rationalization and Asset Impairment Charges (Gains):    In 2011, the Company recorded $282 ($237 after-tax) in charges primarily related to rationalization actions initiated in 2009. See "Rationalization and Asset Impairments" for additional information.

Interest Income:    Interest income increased to $3,121 in 2011 from $2,381 in 2010. The increase was largely due to interest income received on a sales tax refund.

Equity Earnings (Loss) in Affiliates:    Equity earnings in affiliates were $5,385 in 2011 compared with earnings of $3,171 in 2010. The increase was due to an increase in earnings of $1,895 in Turkey and an increase of $319 in Chile.

Interest Expense:    Interest expense remained flat at $6,704 in 2011 as compared to $6,691 in 2010, primarily as a result of higher interest rates offset by lower levelsproduct pricing increases of debt in the current period.

Income Taxes:9.9% The Company recorded $84,318 of tax expense on pre-tax income of $301,331, resulting in an effective tax rate of 28.0% for 2011. The effective income tax rate is lower than the Company's statutory rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions, the utilization of foreign tax loss carryforwards for which valuation allowances had been previously provided and a tax benefit of $4,844 for tax audit settlements.

The effective income tax rate of 29.3% for 2010 was primarily due to income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions and the utilization of foreign tax loss carryforwards for which valuation allowances had been previously provided.

Net Income:    Net income for 2011 was $217,186 compared with $130,244 in the prior year. Diluted earnings per share for 2011 were $2.56 compared with diluted earnings of $1.53 per share in 2010. Foreign currency exchange rate movements had a favorable translation effect of $2,948 and $762 on Net income for 2011 and 2010, respectively.


2010 Compared with 2009

Net Sales:    The table below summarizes the impacts of volume, acquisition, price and foreign currency exchange rates on Net sales for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010:

 
  
 Change in Net Sales due to:  
 
 
 Net Sales
2009
 Volume Acquisitions Price Foreign
Exchange
 Net Sales
2010
 

Operating Segments

                   

North America Welding

 $858,180 $150,814 $ $(7,709)$11,908 $1,013,193 

Europe Welding

  346,383  30,175  5,331  (9,668) (12,296) 359,925 

Asia Pacific Welding

  208,280  20,077  86,235  (3,165) 12,665  324,092 

South America Welding

  99,171  25,724    7,432  (14,908) 117,419 

The Harris Products Group

  217,271  16,264    19,303  2,705  255,543 
              

Consolidated

 $1,729,285 $243,054 $91,566 $6,193 $74 $2,070,172 
              

% Change

                   

North America Welding

     17.6%    (0.9%) 1.4%  18.1% 

Europe Welding

     8.7%  1.5%  (2.8%) (3.5%) 3.9% 

Asia Pacific Welding

     9.6%  41.4%  (1.5%) 6.1%  55.6% 

South America Welding

     25.9%    7.5%  (15.0%) 18.4% 

The Harris Products Group

     7.5%    8.9%  1.2%  17.6% 

Consolidated

     14.1%  5.3%  0.4%    19.7% 

Net sales volume for 2010 increased for all operating segments as a result of higher demand levels associated with the improved global economy. Increased sales volumes in the South America Welding segment also reflect market share expansion. Product pricing was higher in the South America Welding segment primarily due to high inflation in Venezuela. Product pricing increased inexceeding inflationary cost. The Harris Products Group segment due to the pass-through effect of higher commodity costs, particularly silver and copper. Product pricing decreased due to changes in pricing required to remain competitive asgrowth was primarily a result of lower material costs inimproved product mix on equipment sales volume.


22



In 2012, EBIT, as adjusted, for the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments. The increase in Net sales from acquisitions was duesegments excluded special item charges of $827, $3,534 and $4,993, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the acquisitionconsolidation of Jinzhou Jin Tai Welding and Metal Co, Ltd. ("Jin Tai") in July 2009 in the Asia Pacific Welding segment and the acquisition of MGM in October 2010 in the Europe Welding segment (see the "Acquisitions" section below for additional information regarding the acquisitions).

With respect to changes in Net sales due to foreign exchange, the North America Welding segment increased primarily due to a stronger Canadian dollar and Mexican peso. The Europe Welding segment decreased primarily due to a weaker euro offset by a stronger Polish zloty. The Asia Pacific Welding segment increased primarily due to a stronger Australian dollar and Chinese renminbi.manufacturing operations. The South America Welding segment decreased primarily due to the devaluationEBIT, as adjusted, excluded a special item charge of the Venezuelan bolivar offset by a stronger Brazilian real and Colombian peso. The Harris Products Group segment increased primarily due$1,381, related to a stronger Brazilian real offset by a weaker euro.

Gross Profit:    Gross profit increased 23.6% to $563,819 during 2010 compared with $456,268 in 2009. As a percentage of Net sales, Gross profit increased to 27.2% in 2010 from 26.4% in 2009. The increase was primarily a result of higher sales and production volumes, cost reduction initiatives and lower product liability costs of $2,905 (See "Product Liability Costs" for additional information) partially offset by an increase to the LIFO reserve of $8,459 compared with a decrease of $28,467 in the prior year. In addition, the South America Welding segment experienced higher inventory costs of $5,755 resulting from the change in Venezuela's functional currency to the U.S. dollar and the devaluation of the bolivar. Foreign currency exchange rates had a $4,135 favorable translation impact in 2010.


Selling, General & Administrative ("SG&A") Expenses:    SG&A expensesVenezuelan labor law, which provides for increased 13.4% to $377,773 during 2010 compared with $333,138 in 2009. The increase was primarily due to higher bonus expense of $28,890, higher selling, administrative and research and development expenses of $11,562, incremental SG&A expenses from acquisitions of $4,743 and higher legal expense of $4,237 partially offset by lower retirement costs in the U.S. of $3,794 and a gain of $2,632 resulting from the change in Venezuela's functional currency to the U.S. dollar and the devaluation of the bolivar.

Rationalization and Asset Impairment Charges (Gains):    In 2010, the Company recorded $384 ($894 after-tax) in gains primarily related to the sale of assets at rationalized operations. Gains recognized on the sale of assets of $4,555 ($4,596 after-tax) in the Asia Pacific Welding segment were offset by net charges of $871 ($871 after-tax) relating to environmental costs associated with the sale of property in The Harris Products Group segment. Also, charges of $3,300 ($2,831 after-tax), consisting of employee severance and other related costs of $2,417 ($2,030 after-tax) and asset impairment charges of $883 ($801 after-tax)obligations.

In 2011, were recognized on the continuation of activities initiated in 2009 to consolidate certain manufacturing operations inEBIT, as adjusted, for the Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments. See "Rationalizationsegments excluded special item net charges of $188 and Asset Impairments" for additional information.

Interest Income:    Interest income decreased$93, respectively, primarily related to $2,381 in 2010 from $3,462 in 2009.employee severance and other cost associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The decrease was primarily due to lower interest rates on Cash and cash equivalents in 2010 when compared with 2009.

Equity Earnings (Loss) in Affiliates:    Equity earnings in affiliates were $3,171 in 2010 compared withEurope Welding segment special items also include a loss of $5,025 in 2009. The equity loss in 2009 includes a loss of $7,943 associated with the acquisition of Jin Tai and the related disposal of the Company's 35% interest in Kuang Tai Metal Industry Co., Ltd. ("Kuang Tai") and earnings of $5,667 on the Company's share of a gain realized$204 on the sale of assets at a property by the Company's joint venture in Turkey. See "Acquisitions" for additional information.

Interest Expense:    Interest expense decreased to $6,691 in 2010 from $8,521 in 2009 primarily as a result of the translation impact of the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency that resulted in lower interest expense from the Company's Venezuelan operation and a decrease in average debt levels.

Income Taxes:rationalized operation. The Company recorded $54,898 of tax expense on pre-tax income of $187,108, resulting in an effective tax rate of 29.3% for 2010. The effective income tax rate is lower than the Company's statutory rate primarily because of income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions and the utilization of foreign tax loss carryforwards for which valuation allowances had been previously recognized offset by losses with no tax benefit at certain non-U.S. entities. In addition, tax expense includes a decrease of $5,092 in unrecognized tax benefits in the Asia Pacific Welding segment resulting fromspecial items also include a change in applicable tax regulations.

The effective income tax rategain of 43.7% for 2009 was primarily due to losses$203 on the sale of assets at certain non-U.S. entities for which no tax benefit was provided, partially offset by a benefit for the utilization of foreign tax credits.

Net Income:rationalized operation.    Net income for 2010 was $130,244 compared with $48,576 in the prior year. Diluted earnings per share for 2010 were $1.53 compared with diluted earnings of $0.57 per share in 2009. Foreign currency exchange rate movements had a favorable translation effect of $762 and $612 on Net income for 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company reviews Adjusted operating income, Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted earnings per share, 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 ("GAAP") financial measures, as non-GAAP measures are a supplement to, and not a replacement for, GAAP financial measures.

The following table presents a reconciliation of Operating income as reported to Adjusted operating income:

 
 Year Ended December 31, 
 
 2011 2010 2009 

Operating income as reported

 $296,680 $186,430 $93,233 

Special items (pre-tax):

          

Rationalization charges (gains)

  282  (1,267) 26,957 

Impairment charges

    883  2,940 

Venezuela – functional currency change and devaluation

    3,123   

Pension settlement gain

      (2,144)
        

Adjusted operating income

 $296,962 $189,169 $120,986 
        
  Year Ended December 31,
  2013 2012 2011
Operating income as reported $406,985
 $362,081
 $296,680
Special items (pre-tax):      
Rationalization and asset impairment charges 8,463
 9,354
 282
Loss on the sale of land 705
 
 
Venezuela currency devaluation 12,198
 
 
Venezuela statutory severance obligation 
 1,381
 
Adjusted operating income $428,351
 $372,816
 $296,962

Special items included in Operating income during 20112013 include net rationalization and asset impairment charges of $282,$8,463 primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations and impairment of long-lived assets and a loss on the sale of land of $705. Special items for 2013 also include charges of $12,198 related to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency.
Special items included in Operating income during 2012 include net rationalization and asset impairment charges of $9,354 primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations initiated in 2012, partially offset by gains on the disposal of assets at rationalized operations and a charge of $1,381 related to the change in Venezuelan labor law, which provides for increased employee severance obligations.
Special items included in Operating income during 2011 include net rationalization and asset impairment charges of $282 primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations resulting from actions initiated in 2009.

Special items included in Operating income during 2010 include net rationalization gains of $1,267 primarily related to gains on the disposal of assets at rationalized operations offset by charges associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations initiated in 2009, asset impairment charges of $883 and a net charge of $3,123 related to the change in functional currency for the Company's operation in Venezuela to the U.S. dollar and the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency. The net charge of $3,123 relating to the Venezuelan operations is recorded as an increase in Cost of goods sold of $5,755 and a reduction in SG&A expenses of $2,632.

Special items included in Operating income during 2009 include rationalization and asset impairment charges of $29,897. The Company's rationalization activities to align the business to current market conditions resulted in charges of $26,957 and impairment charges of $2,940 which were recognized for certain indefinite-lived intangible assets. Special items also include a pension settlement gain of $2,144.


23



The following table presents reconciliations of Net income and Diluted earnings per share as reported to Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted earnings per share:

 
 Year Ended December 31, 
 
 2011 2010 2009 

Net income as reported

 $217,186 $130,244 $48,576 

Special items (after-tax):

          

Rationalization charges (gains)

  237  (1,695) 21,529 

Impairment charges

    801  2,260 

Venezuela – functional currency change and devaluation

    3,560   

Pension settlement gain

      (2,144)

Loss associated with the acquisition of Jin Tai

      7,943 

Gain on sale of property

      (5,667)

Income from tax adjustment resulting from change in applicable tax regulations

    (5,092)  

Adjustment for tax audit settlements

  (4,844)    

Noncontrolling interests charges associated with special
items

    1,782  601 
        

Adjusted net income

 $212,579 $129,600 $73,098 
        

Diluted earnings per share as reported

 
$

2.56
 
$

1.53
 
$

0.57
 

Special items per share

  (0.05) (0.01) 0.29 
        

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

 $2.51 $1.52 $0.86 
        
  Year Ended December 31,
  2013 2012 2011
Net income as reported $293,780
 $257,411
 $217,186
Special items (after-tax):      
Rationalization and asset impairment charges 7,573
 7,442
 237
Loss on the sale of land 705
 
 
Venezuela currency devaluation 12,198
 
 
Venezuela statutory severance obligation 
 906
 
Adjustment for tax audit settlements 
 
 (4,844)
Non-controlling interests associated with special items (1,068) 
 
Adjusted net income $313,188
 $265,759
 $212,579
Diluted earnings per share as reported $3.54
 $3.06
 $2.56
Special items per share 0.23
 0.10
 (0.05)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share $3.77
 $3.16
 $2.51

Net income for 20112013 includes net rationalization and asset impairment charges of $237$7,573 primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations and impairment of long-lived assets and a loss on the sale of land of $705. Associated with the impairment of long-lived assets and loss on the sale of land is an offsetting special item of $1,068 attributable to non-controlling interests. Special items for 2013 also include charges of $12,198 related to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency. Adjusted net income for 2013 includes $37,812, or $0.46 per diluted share, from the Company's Venezuelan operations.
Net income for 2012 includes net rationalization and asset impairment charges of $7,442 primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations initiated in 2012 partially offset by gains on the disposal of assets at rationalized operations and a charge of $906 related to the change in Venezuelan labor law, which provides for increased employee severance obligations.
Net income for 2011 includes net rationalization and asset impairment charges of $237 primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations resulting from actions initiated in 2009. Special items for 2011 also include a gain of $4,844$4,844 related to a favorable adjustment for tax audit settlements.

The Company's 2010 rationalization activities to align the business to current market conditions resulted in net gains of $1,695 primarily related to the sale of property and asset disposals and asset impairment charges of $801. Net income also includes a net charge of $3,560 related to the change in functional currency and devaluation of the Venezuelan currency, income of $5,092 due to an adjustment in tax liabilities for a change in applicable tax regulations, a gain of $108 in noncontrolling interests related to the impairment of assets for a majority-owned consolidated subsidiary and a charge of $1,890 in noncontrolling interests related to the disposal of assets for a majority-owned consolidated subsidiary.

Net income for 2009 includes rationalization and asset impairment charges of $23,789. The Company's rationalization activities to align the business to current market conditions resulted in charges of $21,529 and impairment charges of $2,260, which were recognized for certain indefinite-lived intangible assets. Net income also includes a loss of $7,943 associated with the acquisition of Jin Tai, a pension settlement gain of $2,144, a charge of $601 in noncontrolling interests associated with the pension settlement gain for a majority-owned consolidated subsidiary and a gain on the sale of a property by the Company's joint venture in Turkey of $5,667.

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 businesses for the foreseeable future primarily


with cash generated by operations, existing cash balances and, if necessary, borrowings under its existing credit facilities.


24



The following table reflects changes in key cash flow measures:


 Year Ended December 31, $ Change 

 2011 2010 2009 2011 vs. 2010 2010 vs. 2009  Year Ended December 31, $ Change

Cash provided by operating activities:

 $193,518 $156,978 $250,350 $36,540 $(93,372)
 2013 2012 2011 2013 vs. 2012 2012 vs. 2011
Cash provided by operating activities $338,894
 $327,484
 $193,518
 $11,410
 $133,966

Cash used by investing activities:

  (130,796) (69,400) (63,581) (61,396) (5,819) (129,500) (187,471) (130,796) 57,971
 (56,675)

Capital expenditures

  (65,813) (60,565) (38,201) (5,248) (22,364) (76,015) (52,715) (65,813) (23,300) 13,098

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

  (66,229) (18,856) (25,449) (47,373) 6,593  (53,161) (134,602) (66,229) 81,441
 (68,373)

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment

  1,246 10,021 557 (8,775) 9,464  1,393
 1,387
 1,246
 6
 141
Other investing activities (1,717) (1,541) 
 (176) (1,541)

Cash used by financing activities:

  (63,370) (109,507) (89,072) 46,137 (20,435) (194,184) (216,838) (63,370) 22,654
 (153,468)

Proceeds (payments) on short-term borrowings, net

  8,981 (18,599) (12,954) 27,580 (5,645)
(Payments) proceeds on short-term borrowings, net (1,451) (4,533) 8,981
 3,082
 (13,514)

Payments on long-term borrowings, net

  (1,032) (8,580) (30,874) 7,548 22,294  (389) (84,770) (1,032) 84,381
 (83,738)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

  11,351 3,508 705 7,843 2,803  20,297
 18,776
 11,351
 1,521
 7,425

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

  2,916 1,210 195 1,706 1,015 
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation 10,602
 7,819
 2,916
 2,783
 4,903

Purchase of shares for treasury

  (36,997) (39,682) (343) 2,685 (39,339) (167,879) (81,018) (36,997) (86,861) (44,021)

Cash dividends paid to
shareholders

  (51,935) (47,364) (45,801) (4,571) (1,563) (49,277) (73,112) (51,935) 23,835
 (21,177)

Other

  3,346   3,346  

(Decrease) increase in Cash and cash equivalents

  (5,092) (21,943) 103,804     
Transactions with non-controlling interests (6,087) 
 
 (6,087) 
Other financing activities 
 
 3,346
 
 (3,346)
Increase (decrease) in Cash and cash equivalents 13,361
 (74,637) (5,092)  
  

Cash and cash equivalents decreased 1.4%increased4.7%, or $5,092,$13,361, to $361,101$299,825 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, from $286,464 as of December 31, 2011, from $366,193 as2012. This increase was predominantly due to cash provided by operating activities offset by capital expenditures of $76,015, cash used in the acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired of $53,161, purchases of common shares for treasury of $167,879 and cash dividends paid to shareholders of $49,277. Additionally, in the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. This compares with2012 a decreasedeposit of 5.7%, or $21,943,$89,448 for tax and interest assessed by the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) was made, which did not recur in Cash and cash equivalents during 2010.

the current period.

Cash provided by operating activities increased$11,410for 2011 increased $36,540 from 2010.the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 compared with the twelve months ended December 31, 2012. The increase was predominantly relateddue to an increase inincreased Net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, compared with the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 and a deposit of $89,448 for tax and interest assessed by the CRA made in 2012, which did not recur in the current period, offset by increasesa slight improvement in net operating working capital requiredrequirements in the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 as compared to support higher sales levels.a significant improvement in the twelve months ended December 31, 2012. Net operating working capital, defined as the sum of Accounts receivable and Total inventory less Trade accounts payable, increased $110,525decreased$8,667 in 20112013 compared with an increasea decrease of $29,547$102,155 in 2010.2012. Net operating working capital to sales, defined as net operating working capital divided by annualized rolling three months of Net sales, increaseddecreased to 21.0%17.6% at December 31, 20112013 compared with 20.7%18.8% at December 31, 2010.2012. Days sales in inventory increaseddecreased to 92.593.2 days at December 31, 20112013 from 89.894.3 days at December 31, 2010.2012. Accounts receivable days decreased to 53.550.3 days at December 31, 20112013 from 55.451.8 days at December 31, 2010.2012. Average days in accounts payable decreasedincreased to 35.145.5 days at December 31, 20112013 from 35.243.9 days at December 31, 2010.

2012.

Cash used by investing activities increased by $61,396 for 2011in the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 compared with 2010. This reflects an increase in capital expenditures of $5,248 from 2010 and an increasethe twelve months ended December 31, 2012 decreased by $57,971. The decrease was predominantly due to a decrease in the acquisition of businesses of $47,373 from 2010.$81,441 offset by an increase in capital expenditures of $23,300. The Company anticipates capital expenditures of $65,000$60,000 to $80,000 in 2012.2014. Anticipated capital expenditures reflect investments for capital maintenance, to improve operational effectiveness and the Company's continuing international expansion. Management critically evaluates all proposed capital expenditures and requires each project to increase efficiency, reduce costs, promote business growth, or to improve the overall safety and environmental conditions of the Company's facilities.

Cash used by financing activities for 2011 decreased $46,137 from 2010.$22,654 in the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 compared with the twelve months ended December 31, 2012. The decrease was predominantly due to higher net proceeds from short-term borrowings of $27,580, decreasedlower net payments of long-term borrowings of $7,548,$84,381, lower cash dividends paid to shareholders of $23,835 offset by higher proceeds from the exercisepurchases of stock options and related tax benefitscommon shares for treasury of $9,549 and $3,346 received in government grants. There were no Senior Unsecured Note maturities in 2011.

$86,861.


25



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 U.S., 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 Company's debt levels increaseddecreased from $97,705$20,275 at December 31, 20102012 to $103,378$19,087 at December 31, 2011 predominantly due to net increases in short-term borrowings at certain foreign subsidiaries.2013. Debt to total capitalization increasedinvested capital decreased to 8.0%1.2% at December 31, 20112013 from 7.8%1.5% at December 31, 2010. Included2012.
The Company paid $49,277 in cash dividends to its shareholders in the Company's debt levels attwelve months ended December 31, 2011 is a senior unsecured note with a balance of $80,000, which is due in March 2012. The Company expects to repay this balance with cash generated by operations, existing cash balances or through borrowings under its existing credit facilities.

A total of $51,935 in dividends was paid during 2011. In January 2012, the Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share, or $14,186, to shareholders of record on December 31, 2011.

2013.

The Company has a share repurchase program for up to 3045 million shares of the Company's common stock. At management's discretion, the Company repurchases its common stock from time to time in the open market, depending on market conditions, stock price and other factors. During the yeartwelve months ended December 31, 2011,2013, the Company purchased 1,041,2292,671,614 shares at a cost of $35,709.$164,755. As of December 31, 2011, 5,121,7572013, 15,670,759 shares remained available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program.

The Company made voluntary contributions to its U.S. defined benefit plans of $30,000, $41,500$75,216, $60,277 and $45,000$30,000 in 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 2009,2011, respectively. The Company expects to voluntarily contribute approximately $30,000$20,000 to its U.S. plans in 2012.2014. Based on current pension funding rules, the Company does not anticipate that contributions to the plans would be required in 2012.

2014.

Canada - Notice of Reassessment
As discussed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements, in July 2012, the Company received a Notice of Reassessment from the CRA for 2004 to 2011, which would disallow the deductibility of inter-company dividends. These adjustments would increase Canadian federal and provincial tax due by $58,824 plus approximately $16,022 of interest, net of tax. The Company disagrees with the position taken by the CRA and believes it is without merit. The Company will vigorously contest the assessment through the Tax Court of Canada. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.
In connection with the litigation process, the Company is required to deposit no less than one half of the tax and interest assessed by the CRA. The Company has elected to deposit the entire amount of the dispute in order to suspend the continuing accrual of a 5% interest charge. Additionally, deposited amounts will earn interest of approximately 1% due upon a favorable outcome. A deposit was made in 2012 and is recorded as a non-current asset as of December 31, 2013. Although the Company believes it will prevail on the merits of the tax position, the ultimate outcome of the assessment remains uncertain.
Rationalization and Asset Impairments

The

In 2013, the Company recorded rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $282 for$8,463 resulting from rationalization activities primarily initiated in 2012 and the year ended December 31,third quarter 2013. The 2013 net charges include $3,658 primarily related to employee severance and other related costs and $4,961 in asset impairment charges, partially offset by gains from sales of assets of $156.
In 2012, the Company recorded rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $9,354 resulting from rationalization activities primarily initiated in 2012. The Company initiated a number of rationalization activities in 2012 to align its business to current market conditions. The 2012 net charges include $7,512 primarily related to employee severance and other related costs, partially offset by gains from sales of assets at rationalized operations and $1,842 in asset impairment charges.
In 2011, the Company recorded rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $282 resulting from rationalization activities primarily initiated in the third and second quarters of 2009. The Company initiated a number of rationalization activities in 2009 to align its business to current market conditions. The 2011 net charges include $259 primarily related to employee severance and other related costs and $23 in asset impairment charges.

In 2010, the Company recorded rationalization and asset impairment net gains of $384 resulting from rationalization activities primarily initiated in the third and second quarters of 2009. The 2010 net gains include $4,555 primarily related to asset disposals offset by charges of $2,417 primarily related to employee severance and other related costs, $871 related to environmental costs associated with the sale of property and $883 in asset impairment charges.

In 2009, the Company recorded rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $29,897 resulting from rationalization activities primarily initiated in the third and second quarters. The 2009 net charges include $27,142 primarily related to employee severance costs, $2,061 in long-lived asset impairment charges and a gain of $185 recognized in connection with the partial settlement of a pension plan. Rationalization activities during the year affected 1,063 employees and included the closure of two manufacturing operations. Impairment charges on certain indefinite-lived intangible assets of $879 were also included under this caption.

Fair values of impaired assets were determined using projected discounted cash flows.

Acquisitions
During November 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of Robolution.  Robolution, based outside of Frankfurt, Germany, is a leading European provider of robotic arc welding systems. The acquisition added to the Company's growing automation business and will enable the Company to seamlessly support automation customers across three continents.

26



AcquisitionsDuring November 2013, the Company acquired an ownership interest in Burlington. Burlington, based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, is a leader in the design and manufacture of 3D robotic plasma cutting systems whose products are sold under the brand name Python X

®. The acquisition broadens the Company's portfolio of automated cutting and welding process solutions.

Combined revenues for Robolution and Burlington in 2013 were approximately $35,000. The Company acquired Robolution and Burlington for approximately $54,023 in cash, net of cash acquired, and assumed debt and a $17,225 liability to acquire the remaining financial interest in Burlington. The fair value of net assets acquired was $30,051, resulting in goodwill of $41,197. The purchase price allocations are preliminary and subject to final opening balance sheet adjustments. In addition, during 2013 the Company acquired a greater interest in its majority-owned joint venture, Lincoln Electric Heli (Zhengzhou) Welding Materials Company Ltd.
On December 31, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of the privately-held automated systems and tooling manufacturer, Tenn Rand. Tenn Rand, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a leader in the design and manufacture of tooling and robotic systems for welding applications. The acquisition added tool design, system building and machining capabilities that will enable the Company to further expand its welding automation business. Annual sales for Tenn Rand at the date of acquisition were approximately $35,000.
On November 13, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of Kaliburn from ITT Corporation. Kaliburn, headquartered in Ladson, South Carolina, is a designer and manufacturer of shape cutting solutions, producer of shape cutting control systems and manufacturer of web tension transducers and engineered machine systems. The acquisition added to the Company's cutting business portfolio. Annual sales for Kaliburn as of the date of acquisition were approximately $36,000.
On May 17, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of Wayne Trail. Wayne Trail, based in Ft. Loramie, Ohio, is a manufacturer of automated systems and tooling, serving a wide range of applications in the metal processing market.  The acquisition added to the Company’s welding and automated solutions portfolio.  Annual sales for Wayne Trail at the date of acquisition were approximately $50,000.
On March 6, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of Weartech. Weartech, based in Anaheim, California, is a producer of cobalt-based hard facing and wear-resistant welding consumables.  The acquisition added to the Company’s consumables portfolio.  Sales for Weartech during 2011 were approximately $40,000.
The Company acquired Tenn Rand, Kaliburn, Wayne Trail and Weartech for approximately $144,423 in cash, net of cash acquired, and assumed debt. The fair value of net assets acquired was $73,257, resulting in goodwill of $71,166.
On July 29, 2011, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Techalloy, for approximately $36,900 in cash and assumed debt. The fair value of assets acquired was $32,814, resulting in goodwill


of $4,086.Techalloy. Techalloy, based in Baltimore, Maryland, wasis a privately-held manufacturer of nickel alloy and stainless steel welding consumables. The acquisition added to the Company's consumables portfolio. Annual sales for Techalloy at the date of acquisition were approximately $70,000.

$70,000.

On July 29, 2011, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Torchmate for approximately $8,280 in cash. The fair value of assets acquired was $2,361, resulting in goodwill of $5,919.Torchmate. Torchmate, based in Reno, Nevada, provides a wide selection of computer numeric controlled plasma cutter and oxy-fuel cutting systems. The acquisition added to the Company's plasma and oxy-fuel cutting product offering. Annual sales for Torchmate at the date of acquisition were approximately $13,000.

$13,000.

On March 11, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of Severstal for approximately $16,861 in cash and assumed debt. The fair value of the assets acquired was $8,049, resulting in goodwill of $8,812.Severstal. Severstal is a leading manufacturer of welding consumables in Russia and was a subsidiary of OAO Severstal, one of the world's leading vertically integrated steel and mining companies. This acquisition expanded the Company's capacity and distribution channels in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States ("CIS"). Sales for Severstal during 2010 were approximately $40,000.

$40,000.

On January 31, 2011, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Arc Products for approximately $3,280 in cash and a contingent consideration liability fair valued at $3,806. The contingent consideration is based upon estimated sales for the five-year period ending December 31, 2015 and will be paid in 2016 based on actual sales during the five-year period. The fair value of the assets acquired was $3,613, resulting in goodwill of $3,473.Products. Arc Products wasis a privately-held manufacturer of orbital welding systems and welding automation components based in Southern California. Orbital welding systems are designed to automatically weld pipe and tube in difficult to access locations and for mission-critical applications requiring high weld integrity and sophisticated quality monitoring capabilities. The acquisition will complement the Company's ability to serve global customers in the nuclear, power generation and process industries worldwide. Sales for Arc Products during 2010 were not significant.

On October 29, 2010, thesignificant.

The Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of MGM, a privately-held welding wire manufacturer based in the Orel region of Russia,Techalloy, Torchmate, Severstal and Arc Products for approximately $28,500$65,321 in cash and assumed debt. This acquisition represented the Company's first manufacturing operation in Russia as well as established distribution channels to serve the growing Russiandebt and CIS welding markets. Annuala contingent consideration liability fair valued at $3,806. The contingent consideration is based upon estimated sales for MGM at the date ofrelated acquisition were approximately $30,000.

On July 29, 2009,for the Company completedfive-year period ending December 31, 2015 and will be paid in 2016 based on actual sales during the acquisition of 100% of Jin Tai, based in Jinzhou, China. This transaction expanded the Company's customer base and gave the Company control of significant cost-competitive solid wire manufacturing capacity. The Company previously held a 21% direct interest in Jin Tai and a further 27% indirect interest via its 35% ownership in Kuang Tai. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Company exchanged its 35% interest in Kuang Tai, which had an estimated fair value of $22,723, paid cash of $35,531 and committed to pay an additional $4,181 in cash over a three-year period after close.five-year period. The fair value of the Company's previous non-controlling direct interestnet assets acquired was $46,837, resulting in Jin Tai was $8,675. The carrying valuesgoodwill of the Company's interests in Kuang Tai and Jin Tai were $29,368 and $9,973, respectively. The excess carrying value over fair value of these interests resulted in a loss on the transaction of $7,943 recorded in "Equity earnings (loss) in affiliates." The Company previously reported its proportional share of Jin Tai's net income under the equity method in "Equity earnings (loss) in affiliates." Jin Tai's sales were $186,774 in 2008 and $74,834 in 2009 prior to the acquisition. Jin Tai's sales of $53,956 after the acquisition were included in "Net sales" for 2009.

$22,290.

Pro forma information related to these acquisitions has not been presented because the impact on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income is not material. Acquired companies are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements as of the date of acquisition.


27



Debt
Debt

During March 2002, the Company issued Senior Unsecured Notes (the "Notes") totaling $150,000 through a private placement. The Notes have original maturities ranging from five to ten years with a weighted-average interest rate of 6.1% and an average tenure of eight years. Interest is payable semi-annually in March and September. The proceeds are being used for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions, and are generally invested in short-term, highly liquid investments. The Notes contain certain affirmative and negative covenants, including restrictions on asset dispositions and financial covenants (interest coverage and funded debt-to-EBITDA, as defined in the Notes agreement, ratios). As of December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants under the Notes agreement. The Company repaid the $40,000 Series A Notes and the $30,000 Series B Notes in March 2007 and March 2009, respectively, reducing the balance outstanding of the Notes to $80,000, which is due in March 2012.

During March 2002, the Company entered into floating rate interest rate swap agreements totaling $80,000 to convert a portion of the Notes outstanding from fixed to floating rates. These swaps were designated as fair value hedges and, as such, the gains or losses on the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting gains or losses on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, were recognized in earnings. Net payments or receipts under these agreements were recognized as adjustments to "Interest expense." In May 2003, these swap agreements were terminated. The gain of $10,613 on the termination of these swaps was deferred and is being amortized as an offset to "Interest expense" over the remaining life of the Notes. The amortization of this gain reduced "Interest expense" by $206 in 2011, $206 in 2010 and $313 in 2009, and is expected to reduce annual "Interest expense" by $30 in 2012.

During July 2003 and April 2004, the Company entered into various floating rate interest rate swap agreements totaling $110,000 to convert a portion of the Notes outstanding from fixed to floating rates based on the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). These swaps were designated and qualified as fair value hedges and, as such, the gains or losses on the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting gains or losses on the hedged item, were recognized in earnings. Net payments or receipts under these agreements were recognized as adjustments to "Interest expense."

During February 2009, the Company terminated swaps with a notional value of $80,000 and realized a gain of $5,079. This gain was deferred and is being amortized over the remaining life of the Notes. The amortization of this gain reduced "Interest expense" by $1,661 in 2011, $1,661 in 2010 and $1,429 in 2009, and is expected to reduce annual "Interest expense" by $328 in 2012.

During March 2009, swaps designated as fair value hedges that converted the $30,000 Series B Notes from fixed to floating interest rates matured with the underlying Notes. The Company has no interest rate swaps outstanding at December 31, 2011. The weighted average effective rate on the Notes, net of the impact of swaps, was 4.0% for both 2011 and 2010.

At December 31, 20112013 and 2010,2012, the fair value of long-term debt, including the current portion, was approximately $84,110$4,212 and $88,120,$1,919, respectively, which was determined using available market information and methodologies requiring judgment. Since considerable 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.

Revolving Credit Agreement

On November 18, 2009, the

The Company entered into anhas a line of credit totaling $300,000 through the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement ("Credit Agreement"(the “Credit Agreement”) for a $150,000 revolving credit facility to be used for general corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement has a three-year term that is set to expire in November 2012. At any time not


later than 180 days prior to the last day of the term, the Credit Agreement may be increased, subject to certain conditions, by an additional amount up to $75,000. The interest rate, which was entered into 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. A quarterly facility fee is payable based upon the daily aggregate amount of commitments and the Company's leverage ratio. The Company expects to replace the Credit Agreement prior to its expiration in NovemberJuly 26, 2012 although there can be no assurances that the Company can replace the Credit Agreement or that satisfactory terms will be reached.

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 December 31, 2011,2013, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement, but had letters of credit outstanding totaling $60, which reduced the availability under theAgreement.  The Credit Agreement has a five-year term and may be increased, subject to $149,940.

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.

Short-term Borrowings

The Company's short-term borrowings included in "AmountsAmounts due banks"banks were $19,922$14,581 and $11,283$18,220 at December 31, 20112013 and 2010,2012, respectively, and represent the borrowings of foreign subsidiaries at weighted average interest rates of 11.6%11.3% and 17.1%11.3%, respectively. The primary reason for the decrease in the weighted average interest rate is the shift during 2011 in short-term borrowings from geographic areas with higher interest rates to areas with lower interest rates.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The Company's contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 20112013 are as follows:

  Payments Due By Period
  Total 2014 2015 to
2016
 2017 to
2018
 2019 and
Beyond
Long-term debt, including current portion $2,722
 $644
 $854
 $450
 $774
Interest on long-term debt 311
 107
 104
 54
 46
Capital lease obligations 236
 72
 127
 37
 
Short-term debt 14,581
 14,581
 
 
 
Interest on short-term debt 1,019
 1,019
 
 
 
Operating leases 48,170
 13,263
 18,631
 9,708
 6,568
Purchase commitments(1)
 164,232
 160,987
 2,983
 175
 87
Total $231,271
 $190,673
 $22,699
 $10,424
 $7,475

(1)Purchase commitments include contractual obligations for raw materials and services.
 
 Payments Due By Period 
 
 Total 2012 2013 to
2014
 2015 to
2016
 2017 and
Beyond
 

Long-term debt, including current portion

 $82,197 $80,496 $721 $272 $708 

Interest on long-term debt

  2,816  2,634  90  34  58 

Capital lease obligations

  901  643  136  76  46 

Short-term debt

  19,922  19,922       

Interest on short-term debt

  1,034  1,034       

Operating leases

  36,216  10,620  13,163  7,169  5,264 

Purchase commitments(1)

  197,859  197,173  673  13   
            

Total

 $340,945 $312,522 $14,783 $7,564 $6,076 
            

(1)
Purchase commitments include contractual obligations for raw materials and services.

As of December 31, 2011,2013, there was $26,656$25,907 of tax liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits. Because of the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash outflows associated with these liabilities, the Company is unable to estimate the years in which settlement will occur with the respective taxing authorities. See Note 1112 to the Company's consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

The Company expects to voluntarily contribute approximately $30,000$20,000 to the U.S. pension plans in 2012.


2014.

Stock-Based Compensation

On April 28, 2006, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2006 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan, as amended ("EPI Plan"), which replaced the 1998 Stock Plan, as amended and restated in May 2003. The EPI Plan provides for the granting of options, appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units and performance-based awards up to an additional 6,000,000 of the Company's common shares. In addition, on April 28, 2006, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2006 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended ("Director Plan"), which replaced the Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors adopted in 2000. The Director Plan provides for the granting of options, restricted shares and restricted stock units up to an additional 600,000 of the Company's common shares. At December 31, 2011,2013, there were 3,061,3462,315,239 common shares available for future grant under all plans.


28



Under these plans, options, restricted shares and restricted stock units granted were 357,494 in 2013, 567,023 in 2012 and 648,561 in 2011 603,874 in 2010 and 772,610 in 2009.. The Company issued shares of common stock from treasury upon all exercises of stock options and the granting of restricted stock awards in 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 2009.

2011.

Expense is recognized for all awards of stock-based compensation by allocating the aggregate grant date fair value over the vesting period. No expense is recognized for any stock options, restricted or deferred shares or restricted stock units ultimately forfeited because recipients fail to meet vesting requirements. Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 20092011 was $6,610, $8,213$9,734, $8,961 and $5,432,$6,610, respectively. The related tax benefit for 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 20092011 was $2,515, $3,112$3,727, $3,409 and $2,058,$2,515, respectively. As of December 31, 2011,2013, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvestednon-vested stock options, restricted shares and restricted stock units was $18,898,$21,633, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 37 months.

3.3 years.

The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable thatwhich would have been received by the optionees had all awards been exercised at December 31, 2011,2013, was $47,467$85,404 and $41,192,$76,076, respectively. The total intrinsic value of awards exercised during 20112013, 2012 and 20102011 was $15,781$20,297, $18,776 and $5,006,$10,028 respectively.

Product Liability Costs

Product liability costs have historically been significant particularly with respect to welding fumeasbestos claims. Costs incurred are volatile and are largely related to trial activity. The costs associated with these claims are predominantly defense costs which are recognized in the periods incurred. Product liability costs decreased $1,387$767 in 20112013 compared with 20102012 primarily due to reduced trial activity.

The long-term impact of the welding fumeasbestos loss contingency, in the aggregate, on operating results, operating cash flows and access to capital markets is difficult to assess, particularly since claims are in many different stages of development and the Company benefits significantly from cost sharing with co-defendants and insurance carriers. Moreover, the Company has been largely successful to date in its defense of these claims and indemnity payments have been immaterial. In January 2012, the Company and 18 co-defendants entered into an agreement that provides for the dismissal with prejudice of substantially all of the pending manganese claims if certain conditions precedent are satisfied. Lastly, if cost sharing dissipates for some currently unforeseen reason, or the Company's trial experience changes overall, it is possible on a longer term basis that the cost of resolving this loss contingency could materially reduce the Company's operating results, cash flows and restrict capital market access.


claims.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company utilizes letters of credit to back certain payment and performance obligations. Letters of credit are subject to limits based on amounts outstanding under the Company's Credit Agreement.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Standards to be Adopted:

In September 2011,July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2011-09,2013-11, "Compensation – Retirement Benefits-Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80)Income Taxes (Topic 740): Disclosures aboutPresentation of an Employer's Participation inUnrecognized Tax Benefit When a Multiemployer Plan." The objective of ASU 2011-09 is to address concerns regarding the lack of transparency with respect to an employer's participation inNet Operating Loss Carryforward, a multiemployer pension plan. For employers that participate in multiemployer pension plans, the update will require additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures including: the significant multiemployer plans in which the employer participates; the level of participations in those plans; the financial health of the plans, including funded status and; the nature of the employer commitments to the plan. This standard is effective for annual periods for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2011. The amendments should be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented. ASU 2011-09 was adopted by the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 and did not haveSimilar Tax Loss, or a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-29,Tax Credit Carryforward Exists."Business Combinations (Topic 805): Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force." The objective of ASU 2010-29 is to address diversity in practice about the interpretation of the pro forma revenue and earnings disclosure requirements for business combinations. This standard is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. ASU 2010-29 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2011 and did not have an impact on the Company's financial statements.

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13,"Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force." This update provides amendments to the criteria in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Subtopic 605-25. ASU 2009-13 provides principles for allocating consideration among multiple-elements and accounting for separate deliverables under an arrangement. ASC 605-25, as amended, introduces an estimated selling price method for valuing the elements of a bundled arrangement if vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of selling price is not available and significantly expands related disclosure requirements. This standard is effective on a prospective basis for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Alternatively, adoption may be on a retrospective basis. ASU 2009-13 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2011 and did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.

New Accounting Standards to be Adopted:

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11,"Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities." ASU 2011-112013-11 requires an entity to disclose information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are subject to offsetting, master netting or other similar arrangements, to illustrate the effect or potential effect of those arrangements on the Company's financial position. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. The amendments should be applied


retrospectively for all prior periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2011-11 on the Company's financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08,"Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment." ASU 2011-08 providespresent an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstance leads to the determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if the entity concludes otherwise, it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have an impact on the Company's financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income." This update provides amendments to ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-05 provides an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income eitherunrecognized tax benefit in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Under both options, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income and a total amount for comprehensive income. Further, ASC 2011-05 requires the presentation on the face of the financial statements items that are reclassified from other comprehensive incomeas a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented.operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward, with limited exceptions. The amendment to present reclassification adjustments was deferred in December 2011, when the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12,"Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in ASU No. 2011-05." All remaining amendments of ASU 2011-05 are unaffected by this update. ASU 2011-05 should be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS's." ASU 2011-04 amends ASC Topic 820, resulting in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). Consequently, the amendments change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. These amendments are to be applied prospectively and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.2013. Early adoption and retrospective application is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2013-11, but does not expect adoption of this standard toit will have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, "Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity." ASU 2013-05 clarifies the applicable guidance for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment under current U.S. GAAP by emphasizing that the accounting for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income for sales or transfers of a controlling financial interest within a foreign entity is the same irrespective of whether the sale or transfer is of a subsidiary or a group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or business. When a reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity, the parent is required to apply the guidance in Subtopic 830-30 to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income. The amendments are effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2013-05 on the Company's financial statements.

29



Critical Accounting Policies

The Company's consolidated financial statements are based on the selection and application of significant accounting policies, which require management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically by management and compared to historical trends to determine the accuracy of estimates and assumptions used. If warranted, these estimates and assumptions may be changed as current trends are assessed and updated. Historically, the Company's estimates have been determined to be reasonable. No material changes to the Company's accounting policies were made during 2011.2013. The Company believes the following accounting policies are some of the more critical


judgment areas in the application of its accounting policies that affectaffecting its financial condition and results of operations.

Legal and Tax Contingencies

The Company, like other manufacturers, is subject from time to time to a variety of civil and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Such claims and litigation include, without limitation, product liability claims and health, safety and environmental claims, some of which relate to cases alleging asbestos and manganese-inducedinduced illnesses. The costs associated with these claims are predominantly defense costs, which are recognized in the periods incurred. Insurance reimbursements mitigate these costs and, where reimbursements are probable, they are recognized in the applicable period. With respect to costs other than defense costs (i.e., for liability and/or settlement or other resolution), reserves are recorded when it is probable that the contingencies will have an unfavorable outcome. The Company accrues its best estimate of the probable costs, after a review of the facts with management and counsel and taking into account past experience. If an unfavorable outcome is determined to be reasonably possible but not probable, or if the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated, disclosure is provided for material claims or litigation. Many of the current cases are in differing procedural stages and information on the circumstances of each claimant, which forms the basis for judgments as to the validity or ultimate disposition of such actions, varies greatly. Therefore, in many situations a range of possible losses cannot be made. Reserves are adjusted as facts and circumstances change and related management assessments of the underlying merits and the likelihood of outcomes change. Moreover, reserves only cover identified and/or asserted claims. Future claims could, therefore, give rise to increases to such reserves. See Note 16 to the Company's consolidated financial statements and "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of legal contingencies.

The Company is subject to taxation from U.S. federal, state, municipal and international jurisdictions. The calculation of current income tax expense is based on the best information available and involves significant management judgment. The actual income tax liability for each jurisdiction in any year can in some instances be ultimately determined several years after the financial statements are published.

The Company maintains reserves for estimated income tax exposures for many jurisdictions. Exposures are settled primarily through the completion of audits within each individual tax jurisdiction or the closing of a statute of limitation. Exposures can also be affected by changes in applicable tax law or other factors, which may cause management to believe a revision of past estimates is appropriate. Management believes that an appropriate liability has been established for income tax exposures; however, actual results may materially differ from these estimates.

See Note 12 to the Company's consolidated financial statements and the "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of tax contingencies.

Translation of Foreign Currencies

Asset and liability accounts are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the dates of the Consolidated Balance Sheets; revenue and expense accounts are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Translation adjustments are reflected as a component of Total equity. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, both historical and current exchange rates are used in translating balance sheet accounts and translation adjustments are included in Net income.

Foreign currency transaction losses are included in "Selling,Selling, general & administrative expenses"expenses and were $7,759, $4,608 and $4,904 $118in 2013, 2012 and $226 in 2011 2010 and 2009,, respectively.


30


Venezuela – Foreign Currency

Effective January 1, 2010, the financial statements of the Company's Venezuelan operation have been remeasured into the Company's reporting currency (U.S. dollar). A currency control board exists in Venezuela that is responsible for foreign exchange procedures, including approval of requests for exchanges of the Venezuelan currency (the "bolivar") for U.S. dollars at the official (government established) exchange rates. An unregulated parallel market that existed for exchanging bolivars for U.S. dollars through securities transactions was terminated by the Venezuelan government on May 17, 2010 and subsequently established as a regulated market on June 9, 2010.

The official exchange rate in Venezuela had been fixed at 2.15 bolivars to 1 U.S. dollar for several years. On January 8, 2010, the Venezuelan government announced the devaluation of its currency relative to the U.S. dollar. The official exchange rate for imported goods classified as essential changed from 2.15 to 2.60 (the "Essential Rate"), while the official exchange rate for other non-essential goods moved to an exchange rate of 4.30 (the "Non-Essential Rate"). In remeasuring the financial statements the Non-Essential Rate is used as this is the rate expected to be applicable to dividend repatriations.

In December 2010, the Venezuelan government announced the elimination of the Essential Rate effective as of January 1, 2011. The impact of the elimination of the Essential Rate did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


Venezuela – Highly Inflationary Economy

Venezuela is a highly inflationary economy under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").GAAP. As a result, the financial statements of the Company's Venezuelan operation are reported under highly inflationary accounting rules as of January 1, 2010. Under highly inflationary accounting, the financial statements of the Company's Venezuelan operation have been remeasured into the Company's reporting currency and exchange gains and losses from the remeasurementre-measurement of monetary assets and liabilities are reflected in current earnings.

On February 8, 2013, the Venezuelan government announced the devaluation of its currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Effective February 13, 2013 the official rate moved from 4.3 to 6.3 bolivars to the U.S. dollar. The devaluation of the bolivar resulted in a foreign currency transaction loss of $8,081 in Selling, general & administrative expenses and higher Cost of goods sold of $4,117 due to the liquidation of inventory valued at the historical exchange rate. In January 2014, the Venezuelan government announced the formation of the National Center of Foreign Trade ("CENCOEX") to replace the Commission for the Administration of Currency Exchange ("CADIVI"). In addition, the government announced the CENCOEX would utilize the rate used in the SICAD auction-based exchange rate program (the "SICAD rate") for certain transactions as opposed to the official rate. Transactions executed at the SICAD rate most recently used a rate of 11.7 bolivars to the U.S. dollar. In February 2014, the government announced a new foreign exchange system, SICAD 2, which is expected to use a currency mechanism based on bond swaps. At this time, the Company expects to continue to use the official rate of 6.3 bolivars to the U.S. dollar to translate its Venezuelan subsidiary's financial results. The Company will continue to assess the information available relative to Venezuelan exchange rates, however, the future impact on the Company's financial statements is uncertain.

Future impacts to earnings of applying highly inflationary accounting for Venezuela on the Company's consolidated financial statements will be dependent upon movements in the applicable exchange rates between the bolivar and the U.S. dollar and the amount of monetary assets and liabilities included in the Company's Venezuelan operation's balance sheet. The bolivar-denominated monetary net asset position was $6,826$38,633 at December 31, 2011, compared to a net liability position2013, which includes $50,642 of $4,715cash and cash equivalents, and $31,545 at December 31, 2010.2012, which includes $32,610 of cash and cash equivalents. The increased exposure was due to the limited opportunities to convert bolivars into U.S. dollars.
The Company's ability to effectively manage sales and profit levels in Venezuela will be impacted by several factors. These include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to mitigate the effect of any potential devaluation and Venezuelan government price exchange controls. If in the future the Company were to convert bolivars at a rate other than the official exchange rate or the official exchange rate is revised, the Company may realize a loss to earnings.

In 2010, For example, a future devaluation in the Venezuelan currency to a rate of 12.6 would result in the Company participated in Venezuelan sovereign debt offerings as a meansrealizing additional charges of converting bolivarsapproximately $3,000 to U.S. dollars. The conversionCost of bolivarsgoods sold based on current inventory levels and $20,000 to U.S. dollars through Venezuelan sovereign debt offerings generated foreign currency transaction losses as the debt was purchased at the Non-Essential Rate and subsequently sold at a discount. During 2010, the Company acquired $7,672 of Venezuelan sovereign debt at the Non-Essential Rate, which was immediately sold at a discount for $6,022. The sale of the Venezuelan sovereign debt resulted in a loss of $1,650 recognized in "Selling,Selling, general and administrative expenses." In 2011,expenses based upon the Company was not successful in utilizing this vehicle as a meanscurrent bolivar-denominated monetary net asset position. Additionally, the various restrictions on the distribution of converting bolivars to U.S. dollars.

The devaluation of the bolivar and the change to the U.S. dollar as the functional currency resulted in a foreign currency transaction gain of $2,632by the Venezuelan government could affect the Company's ability to pay obligations and maintain normal production levels in "Selling, general & administrative expenses" and higher "Cost of goods sold" of $5,755 due to the liquidation of inventory valued at the historical exchange rate for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Venezuela.

Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are recognized at currently enacted tax rates for temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.carry-forwards. The Company does not provide deferred income taxes on unremitted earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries, which are deemed permanently reinvested. It is not practicable to calculate the deferred taxes associated with the remittance of these earnings. Deferred income taxes associated with earnings of $3,776$8,354 that are not expected to be permanently reinvested were not significant. At December 31, 2011,2013, the Company had approximately $160,271$102,128 of gross deferred tax assets related to deductible temporary differences and tax loss and credit carryforwardscarry-forwards which may reduce taxable income in future years.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company assesses whether it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies, and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. At December 31, 2011,2013, a valuation allowance of $31,713$49,684 was recorded against these deferred tax assets based on this assessment. The Company believes it is more likely than not that the tax benefit of the remaining net deferred tax assets will be realized. The amount of net deferred tax assets considered realizable could be increased or reduced in the future if the Company's assessment of future taxable income or tax planning strategies changes.


31



Pensions

The Company maintains a number of defined benefit and defined contribution plans to provide retirement benefits for employees. These plans are maintained and contributions are made in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), local statutory law or as determined by the Board of Directors. The plans generally provide benefits based upon years of service and compensation. Pension plans are funded except for a domestic non-qualified pension plan for certain key employees and certain foreign plans.

A substantial portion of the Company's pension amounts relates to its defined benefit plan in the United States. The fair value of plan assets is determined at December 31 of each year.

A significant element in determining the Company's pension expense is the expected return on plan assets. At the end of each year, the expected return on plan assets is determined based on the weighted average expected return of the various asset classes in the plan's portfolio and the targeted allocation of plan assets. The asset class return is developed using historical asset return performance as well as current market conditions such as inflation, interest rates and equity market performance. The Company determined this rate to be 7.9%7.4% and 7.7% at December 31, 20112013 and 2010.2012, respectively. The assumed long-term rate of return on assets is applied to the market value of plan assets. This produces the expected return on plan assets included in pension expense. The difference between this expected return and the actual return on plan assets is deferred and amortized over the average remaining service period of active employees expected to receive benefits under the plan. The amortization of the net deferral of past losses will increase future pension expense. During 2011,2013, investment returns were 4.1%12.4% compared with a return of 13.2%11.1% in 2010.2012. A 25 basis point change in the expected return on plan assets would increase or decrease pension expense by approximately $1,600.

$1,900.

Another significant element in determining the Company's pension expense is the discount rate for plan liabilities. To develop the discount rate assumption, to be used, the Company refers to the yield derived from matching projected pension payments with maturities of a portfolio of available non-callable bonds rated AA- or better. The Company determined this rate to be 4.2%4.7% at


December 31, 20112013 and 5.3%3.8% at December 31, 2010.2012. A 10 basis point change in the discount rate would increase or decrease pension expense by approximately $1,000.

$1,100.

Pension expense relating to the Company's defined benefit plans was $26,370, $29,123$29,908, $36,258 and $34,774$26,370 in 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 2009,2011, respectively. The Company expects 20122014 defined benefit pension expense to increasedecrease by a range of approximately $7,000$15,000 to $9,000 as a result of actuarial losses.

$18,000.

The Accumulated other comprehensive loss, excluding tax effects, recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet was $408,000$256,260 as of December 31, 20112013 and $280,652$417,967 as of December 31, 2010.2012. The increasedecrease is primarily the result of an increase in actuarial losses.gains recorded during the year. Actuarial lossesgains arising during 20112013 are primarily attributable to a lowerhigher discount rate and lower actual return on plan assets compared with the expected return on plan assets.

rate.

The Company made voluntary contributions to its U.S. defined benefit plans of $30,000, $41,500$75,216, $60,277 and $45,000$30,000 in 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 2009,2011, respectively. The Company expects to voluntarily contribute $30,000$20,000 to its U.S. plans in 2012.2014. Based on current pension funding rules, the Company does not anticipate that contributions to the plans would be required in 2012.

2014.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Fixed manufacturing overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on normal production capacity and abnormal manufacturing costs are recognized as period costs. For most domestic inventories, cost is determined principally by the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method, and for non-U.S. inventories, cost is determined by the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. An actualThe valuation of the inventory under the LIFO method can beinventories is made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on management's estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs. Because these estimates are subject to many factors beyond management's control, annual resultsActual year-end costs and inventory levels may differ from interim results as they are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation.valuations. The excess of current cost over LIFO cost was $78,292$70,882 at December 31, 20112013 and $70,906$72,173 at December 31, 2010.

2012.

The Company reviews the net realizable value of inventory on an on-going basis, with consideration given to deterioration, obsolescence and other factors. If actual market conditions differ from those projected by management, and the Company's estimates prove to be inaccurate, write-downs of inventory values and adjustments to Cost of goods sold may be required. Historically, the Company's reserves have approximated actual experience.

Accounts Receivable

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses from the failure of its customers to make required payments for products delivered. The Company estimates this allowance based on the age of the related receivable, knowledge of the financial condition of customers, review of historical receivables and reserve trends and other pertinent information. If the financial condition of customers deteriorates or an unfavorable trend in receivable collections is experienced in the future, additional allowances may be required. Historically, the Company's reserves have approximated actual experience.


32



Long-Lived Assets

The Company periodically evaluates whether current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of its depreciable long-lived assets to be held and used may not be recoverable. If such circumstances are determined to exist, an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows produced by the


long-lived asset, or the appropriate grouping of assets, is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. If an asset is determined to be impaired, a loss is recognized to the extent that carrying value exceeds fair value. Fair value is measured based on quoted market prices in active markets, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on various valuation techniques, including the discounted value of estimated future cash flows.

Goodwill and Intangibles

The Company performs an annual impairment test of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter using the same dates each year or more frequently if changes in circumstances or the occurrence of events indicate potential impairment. The fair value of each indefinite-lived intangible asset is compared to its carrying value and an impairment charge is recorded if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Goodwill is tested by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the implied value of goodwill is compared to its carrying value and impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value.

Fair values are determined using established business valuation multiples and models developed by the Company that incorporate allocations of certain assets and cash flows among reporting units, estimates of market participant assumptions of future cash flows, future growth rates and the applicable discount rates to value estimated cash flows. Changes in economic and operating conditions impacting these assumptions could result in asset impairments in future periods.

The fair value of goodwill for all of the Company's operating business units exceeded its carrying value by at least 10%20% as of the testing date during the fourth quarter of 2011.2013. Key assumptions in estimating the reporting unit's fair value include assumed market participant assumptions of revenue growth, operating margins and the rate used to discount future cash flows. Actual revenue growth and operating margins below the assumed market participant assumptions or an increase in the discount rate would have a negative impact on the fair value of the reporting unit that could result in a goodwill impairment charge in a future period.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option pricing model for estimating fair values of options. The Black-Scholes model requires assumptions regarding the volatility of the Company's stock, the expected life of the stock award and the Company's dividend yield. The Company utilizes historical data in determining these assumptions. An increase or decrease in the assumptions or economic events outside of management's control could have a direct impact on the Black-Scholes model.



ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company's primary financial market risks include fluctuations in currency exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates. The Company manages these risks by using derivative financial instruments in accordance with established policies and procedures. The Company does not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Included below is a sensitivity analysis based upon a hypothetical 10% weakening or strengthening in the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currency exchange rates at December 31, 2011,2013, a 10% change in commodity prices, and a 100 basis point increase in effective interest rates under the Company's current borrowing arrangements. The contractual derivative and borrowing arrangements in effect at December 31, 20112013 were compared to the hypothetical foreign exchange, commodity price, or interest rates in the sensitivity analysis to determine the effect on income before taxes, interest expense, or


accumulated other comprehensive loss. The analysis takes into consideration any offset that would result from changes in the value of the hedged asset or liability.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

The Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts principally to hedge the currency fluctuations in transactions denominated in foreign currencies, thereby limiting the Company's risk that would otherwise result from changes in exchange rates. At December 31, 2011,2013, the Company hedged certain third-party and intercompanyinter-company purchases and sales. At December 31, 2011,2013, the Company had foreign exchange contracts with a notional value of approximately $65,721.$36,880. At December 31, 2011,2013, a hypothetical 10% weakening of the U.S. dollar would not materially affect the Company's financial statements.


33



Commodity Price Risk

From time to time, the Company uses various hedging arrangements to manage exposures to price risk from commodity purchases. These hedging arrangements have the effect of locking in for specified periods the prices the Company will pay for the volume to which the hedge relates. A hypothetical 10% adverse change in commodity prices on the Company's open commodity futures at December 31, 20112013 would not materially affect the Company's financial statements.

Interest Rate Risk

As of December 31, 2011,2013, the Company had no interest rate swaps outstanding. Additionally, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement, therefore an interest rate increase would have no effect on interest expense.

The fair value of the Company's Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 20112013 approximated carrying value. The Company's financial instruments are subject to concentrations of credit risk. The Company has minimized this risk by entering into investments with a number of major banks and financial institutions and investing in high-quality instruments. The Company does not expect any counterpartiescounter-parties to fail to meet their obligations.



ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The response to this item is submitted in a separate section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K following the signature page.



ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

None.



ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20112013 based on the 1992 framework in "Internal Control – Integrated Framework" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the Company's evaluation under such framework, management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.

2013.

The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20112013 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of 20112013 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.



ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.

None.

34



PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Company is expected to file its 20122014 proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act prior to April 30, 2012.

2014.

Except for the information set forth belowwithin Part I, Item 1C section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K concerning our Executive Officers, the information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the 20122014 proxy statement.


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Name
AgePosition

John M. Stropki, Jr.

61Chairman of the Board since October 13, 2004; Director since 1998; Chief Executive Officer and President since June 3, 2004; Chief Operating Officer from May 1, 2003 to June 3, 2004; Executive Vice President from 1995 to June 3, 2004; and President, North America from 1996 to 2003.

Christopher L. Mapes

50

Director since February 2010 and Chief Operating Officer since September 1, 2011. Prior to his service with the Company, Mr. Mapes was Executive Vice President of A.O. Smith Corporation (a global manufacturer with a water heating and water treatment technologies business and an electric motor and motor solutions business) a position he held from 2006 through August 2011, and the President of its Electrical Products unit, a position he held from September 2004 through August 2011.

Vincent K. Petrella

51

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since October 7, 2005; Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from February 4, 2004 to October 7, 2005; and Vice President, Corporate Controller from 2001 to 2003.

Frederick G. Stueber

58

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since 1996.

George D. Blankenship

49

Senior Vice President; President, Lincoln Electric North America since July 30, 2009; Senior Vice President, Global Engineering from October 7, 2005 to July 30, 2009; Vice President, Global Engineering from May 5, 2005 to October 7, 2005; President, Lincoln Electric North America of The Lincoln Electric Company since July 30, 2009; Senior Vice President; President, Lincoln Cleveland of The Lincoln Electric Company from January 8, 2008 to July 30, 2009; Senior Vice President, U.S. Operations of The Lincoln Electric Company from October 7, 2005 to January 8, 2008; Vice President, Cleveland Operations of The Lincoln Electric Company from June 6, 2005 to October 7, 2005; and Vice President, Engineering and Quality Assurance of The Lincoln Electric Company from 2000 to June 6, 2005.

Gabriel Bruno

44

Vice President, Corporate Controller since 2005.

Gretchen A. Farrell

49

Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Compliance since July 30, 2009; Vice President, Human Resources from May 5, 2005 to July 30, 2009; and Vice President, Human Resources of The Lincoln Electric Company since March 5, 2003.


Name
AgePosition

Thomas A. Flohn

51

Vice President; President, Lincoln Electric Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) since July 1, 2010; Vice President; President, Lincoln Asia Pacific from January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2010; and Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Lincoln Electric Asia Pacific from May 1, 1999 to December 31, 2004.

Steven B. Hedlund

45

Vice President, Strategy and Business Development since September 15, 2008. Prior to his service with the Company, Mr. Hedlund was the Vice President, Growth and Innovations with Master Lock, LLC (a security products company) from June 1, 2005 to July 1, 2008.

David M. LeBlanc

47

Senior Vice President; President, Lincoln Electric International since July 30, 2009; Vice President; President, Lincoln Electric Europe and Russia from March 10, 2008 to July 30, 2009; Vice President; President, Lincoln Electric Europe from September 1, 2005 to March 10, 2008; and Vice President; President, Lincoln Electric Latin America from January 1, 2002 to August 31, 2005.

The Company has been advised that there is no arrangement or understanding among any one of the officers listed and any other persons pursuant to which he or she was elected as an officer. The executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors normally for a term of one year and/or until the election of their successors.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the 20122014 proxy statement.



ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the 20122014 proxy statement.

For further information on the Company's equity compensation plans, see Note 1 and Note 89 to the Company's consolidated financial statements.



ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the 20122014 proxy statement.



ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the 20122014 proxy statement.



35



PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)(1) Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements of the Company are included in a separate section of this report following the signature page and certifications:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 20112013 and 2010

2012

Consolidated Statements of Income – Years ended December 31, 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 2009

2011

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
Consolidated Statements of Equity – Years ended December 31, 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 2009

2011

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years ended December 31, 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 2009

2011

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

The following consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company is included in a separate section of this report
following the signature page:

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange
Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore, have been omitted.

(a)(3) Exhibits

Exhibit No.Description
3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on September 27, 2011, SEC file No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

3.2

 

Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (as Amended on November 3, 2009) (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the three months ended September 30, 2009, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.1

 

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated November 18, 2009as of July 26, 2012, by and among Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., The Lincoln Electric Company, Lincoln Electric International Holding Company, J.W. Harris Co., Inc., Vernon Tool Co.Techalloy, Inc., Ltd.Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc., Lincoln Global, Inc., the financial institutions listed in Annex A thereof,Lenders and KeyBank National Association, as Letter of Credit Issuer and Administrative Agent (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on November 20, 2009,July 31, 2012, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

Exhibit No.Description
10.210.2* Note Purchase Agreement dated March 12, 2002 between Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and The Lincoln Electric Company and the Purchasers listed in Schedule A thereof (filed as Exhibit 10(q) to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the three months ended March 31, 2002, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.3


Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement between Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., The Lincoln Electric Company and The Prudential Insurance Company of America dated as of April 30, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10(v) to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the three months ended June 30, 2002, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.4


Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated as of December 14, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10(d) to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2006, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.5*


1998 Stock Plan (Amended, Restated and Renamed as of May 1, 2003) (filed as Appendix B to the Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. proxy statement dated March 31, 2003, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.6*10.3*

 

Amendment No. 1 to the 1998 Stock Plan (Amended, Restated and Renamed Effective May 1, 2003) dated October 20, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2007, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.7*10.4*

 

1988 Incentive Equity Plan (filed as Exhibit 28 to the Form S-8 Registration Statement of The Lincoln Electric Company, SEC File No. 33-25209 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof) as adopted and amended by Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. pursuant to an Instrument of Adoption and Amendment dated December 29, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10(d) to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1998, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.8*10.5*

 

Amendment No. 2 to the 1988 Incentive Equity Plan dated October 20, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2007, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.9*10.6*

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement (filed as Exhibit A to The Lincoln Electric Company 1987 proxy statement, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.10*


Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (Amended and Restated as of December 31, 2008) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on January 7, 2009, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made part hereof).

36




10.11*


Exhibit No.Description
10.7*Deferred Compensation Plan for Certain Retention Agreements and Other Contractual Arrangements (Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2004) (filed as Exhibit 10(i) to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2003, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

Exhibit No.Description
10.12*10.8* Non-Employee Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan (Amended and Restated as of December 31, 2008) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on January 7, 2009, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.13*10.9*

 

2005 Deferred Compensation Plan for Executives (Amended and Restated as of August 1, 2011) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on August 4, 2011, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.14*10.10*

 

Description of Management Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(e) to Form 10-K of The Lincoln Electric Company for the year ended December 31, 1995, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.15*10.11*

 

Description of Long-Term Performance Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(f) to Form 10-K of The Lincoln Electric Company for the year ended December 31, 1997, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.16*10.12*

 

Form of Severance Agreement (as entered into by the Company and the following executive officers: Messrs. Stropki, Mapes, Petrella, Stueber, LeBlanc and Blankenship) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the three months ended June 30, 2009, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.17*10.13*

 

Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (filed as Exhibit 10(p) to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the three months ended March 31, 2000, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.18*10.14*

 

Amendment No. 1 to the Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors dated October 20, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.26 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2007, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.19*10.15*

 

Summary of Cash Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on April 6, 2005, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.20*10.16*

 

Letter Agreement between John M. Stropki, Jr.2006 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (Restated as of March 3, 2011) (filed as Annex A to the Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. proxy statement dated October 12, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on OctoberMarch 18, 2004,2011, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.21*


2006 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (filed as Appendix B to the Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. proxy statement dated March 28, 2006, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.22*


Amendment No. 1 to the 2006 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan dated October 20, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the three months ended March 31, 2007, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.23*


Amendment No. 2 to the 2006 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on January 7, 2009, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

Exhibit No.Description
10.24*10.17* 2006 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (filed as Appendix C to the Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. proxy statement dated March 28, 2006, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.25*10.18*

 

Amendment No. 1 to the 2006 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors dated October 20, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the three months ended March 31, 2007, SEC file No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.26*10.19*

 

Amendment No. 2 to the 2006 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors dated July 26, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the three months ended September 30, 2007, SEC file No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.27*10.20*

 

2007 Management Incentive Compensation Plan (Amended and Restated as of December 31, 2008) (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on January 7, 2009, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.28*10.21*

 

Form of Restricted Shares Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the three months ended September 30, 2010, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.29*10.22*

 

Form of Restricted Shares Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the three months ended September 30, 2010, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.30*10.23*

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the three months ended September 30, 2010, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.31*10.24*

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the three months ended September 30, 2010, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.32*10.25*

 

Form of Restricted Shares Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (for awards made on or after December 1, 2010) (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to Form 10-K of the Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2010, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

37




10.33*


Exhibit No.Description
10.26*Form of Restricted Shares Agreement for Executive Officers (for awards made on or after December 1, 2010) (filed as Exhibit 10.36 to Form 10-K of the Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2010, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.34*10.27*

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers (for awards made on or after December 1, 2010) (filed as Exhibit 10.37 to Form 10-K of the Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2010, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

Exhibit No.Description
10.35*10.28* Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on August 4, 2011, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part thereof).

2110.29*

 
Form of Officer Indemnification Agreement (effective February 23, 2012) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on February 29, 2012, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.30*
Form of Director Indemnification Agreement (effective February 23, 2012) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on February 29, 2012, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).

10.31*Form of Amendment to Restricted Shares Agreement for Executive Officers (for awards granted prior to December 2013) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on December 20, 2013, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).
10.32*Form of Amendment to Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Executive Officers (for awards granted prior to December 2013) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on December 20, 2013, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof).
10.33*Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Executive Officers (for awards granted on or after December 16, 2013) (filed herewith).
21Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

23

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

24

 

Powers of Attorney.

31.1

 

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

31.2

 

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

32.1

 

Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS**101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH**101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL**101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB**101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE**101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF**101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

*
Reflects management contract or other compensatory arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 15(b) of this report.


**
In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K shall not be deemed to be "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be part of any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

*Reflects management contract or other compensatory arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 15(b) of this report.



38



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

By:

By:


/s/ VINCENT K. PETRELLA

Vincent K. Petrella
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer
(principal financial and accounting officer)
February 24, 201221, 2014

39



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

/s/ JOHN M. STROPKI, JR.

John M. Stropki, Jr., Chairman of the
Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer (principal executive officer)
February 24, 2012
CHRISTOPHER L. MAPES
 /s/ VINCENT K. PETRELLA

Christopher L. Mapes,
President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
February 21, 2014
Vincent K. Petrella,
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer (principal financial and accounting officer)
February 24, 201221, 2014

/s/ VINCENT K. PETRELLA

Vincent K. Petrella as
Attorney-in-Fact for
Christopher L. Mapes, Director and Chief Operating Officer
February 24, 2012

 

/s/ VINCENT K. PETRELLA

Vincent K. Petrella as
Attorney-in-Fact for
Harold L. Adams, Director
February 24, 201221, 2014



Vincent K. Petrella as
Attorney-in-Fact for
Curtis E. Espeland, Director
February 24, 201221, 2014

 

/s/ VINCENT K. PETRELLA

Vincent K. Petrella as
Attorney-in-Fact for
David H. Gunning, Director
February 24, 2012

/s/ VINCENT K. PETRELLA

Vincent K. Petrella as
Attorney-in-Fact for
David H. Gunning, Director
February 21, 2014
Vincent K. Petrella as
Attorney-in-Fact for
Stephen G. Hanks, Director
February 24, 201221, 2014

 

/s/ VINCENT K. PETRELLA

Vincent K. Petrella as
Attorney-in-Fact for
Robert J. Knoll, Director
February 24, 2012

/s/ VINCENT K. PETRELLA

Vincent K. Petrella as
Attorney-in-Fact for
Robert J. Knoll, Director
February 21, 2014
Vincent K. Petrella as
Attorney-in-Fact for
G. Russell Lincoln, Director
February 24, 201221, 2014

 

/s/ VINCENT K. PETRELLA

/s/ VINCENT K. PETRELLA
Vincent K. Petrella as
Attorney-in-Fact for
Kathryn Jo Lincoln, Director
February 24, 201221, 2014

/s/ VINCENT K. PETRELLA

Vincent K. Petrella as
Attorney-in-Fact for
William E. MacDonald, III, Director
February 24, 201221, 2014

 

/s/ VINCENT K. PETRELLA

Vincent K. Petrella as
Attorney-in-Fact for
Hellene S. Runtagh, Director
February 24, 2012

/s/ VINCENT K. PETRELLA

Vincent K. Petrella as
Attorney-in-Fact for
Phillip J. Mason, Director
February 21, 2014
Vincent K. Petrella as
Attorney-in-Fact for
Hellene S. Runtagh, Director
February 21, 2014
/s/ VINCENT K. PETRELLA
Vincent K. Petrella as
Attorney-in-Fact for
George H. Walls, Jr., Director
February 24, 201221, 2014

 

 

40



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 20112013 and 2010,2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.2013. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index as Item 15 (a) (2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 20112013 and 2010,2012, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011,2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011,2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework) and our report dated February 24, 201221, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
February 24, 2012

21, 2014

F-1



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

We have audited Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011,2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework) (the COSO criteria). Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries' management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting in Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011,2013, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 20112013 and 2010,2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20112013 of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries and our report dated February 24, 201221, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
February 24, 2012

21, 2014

F-2



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)


 December 31,  December 31,

 2011 2010  2013 2012

ASSETS

     

Current Assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

 $361,101 $366,193  $299,825
 $286,464

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,079 in 2011; $7,855 in 2010)

 386,197 321,948 
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,398 in
2013; $8,654 in 2012)
 367,134
 360,662

Inventories

     

Raw materials

 117,194 85,232  112,478
 119,963

Work-in-process

 42,103 38,706  38,963
 41,805

Finished goods

 213,941 167,792  198,522
 203,122
     

Total inventory

 373,238 291,730  349,963
 364,890

Deferred income taxes

 
19,687
 
26,754
  10,922
 16,670

Other current assets

 79,047 75,887  102,931
 104,130
     

Total Current Assets

 1,219,270 1,082,512  1,130,775
 1,132,816

Property, Plant and Equipment

     

Land

 42,891 43,701  48,369
 44,510

Buildings

 322,626 313,861  373,373
 343,867

Machinery and equipment

 724,801 712,362  723,715
 732,461
      1,145,457
 1,120,838

 1,090,318 1,069,924 

Less accumulated depreciation

 619,867 591,358  661,452
 634,602
     

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

 470,451 478,566  484,005
 486,236

Other Assets

     

Prepaid pensions

  588  36,116
 

Equity investments in affiliates

 24,618 22,909  26,618
 24,606

Intangibles, net

 94,471 81,258  147,012
 132,902

Goodwill

 65,101 45,952  174,715
 132,903

Long-term investments

 30,176 29,803  32,763
 31,187

Deferred income taxes

 57,568 22,161  3,556
 44,639

Other non-current assets

 15,121 20,039  116,307
 104,574
     

Total Other Assets

 287,055 222,710  537,087
 470,811
     

TOTAL ASSETS

 
$

1,976,776
 
$

1,783,788
  $2,151,867
 $2,089,863
     

See notes to these consolidated financial statements.


F-3



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)


 December 31,  December 31,

 2011 2010  2013 2012

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

     

Current Liabilities

     

Amounts due banks

 $19,922 $11,283  $14,581
 $18,220

Trade accounts payable

 176,312 147,111  212,799
 209,647

Accrued employee compensation and benefits

 55,670 48,976  68,263
 68,698

Accrued expenses

 30,243 29,647  29,613
 29,420

Accrued taxes, including income taxes

 21,964 21,760  46,109
 45,505

Accrued pensions

 10,348 4,068  10,564
 3,639

Dividends payable

 14,186 12,987  18,619
 
Customer advances 24,319
 26,335

Other current liabilities

 60,901 57,965  31,335
 38,347

Current portion of long-term debt

 81,496 1,795  715
 456
     

Total Current Liabilities

 471,042 335,592  456,917
 440,267

Long-Term Liabilities

     

Long-term debt, less current portion

 1,960 84,627  3,791
 1,599

Accrued pensions

 232,175 121,994  26,999
 216,189

Deferred income taxes

 17,606 19,766  48,103
 8,349

Accrued taxes

 35,693 48,837  36,149
 35,550

Other long-term liabilities

 25,058 23,494  49,220
 29,588
     

Total Long-Term Liabilities

 312,492 298,718  164,262
 291,275

Shareholders' Equity

     

Preferred shares, without par value – at stated capital amount; authorized – 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding – none

    
 

Common shares, without par value – at stated capital amount; authorized – 240,000,000 shares; issued – 98,581,434 shares in 2011 and 2010; outstanding – 83,757,366 shares in 2011 and 84,241,600 shares in 2010

 9,858 9,858 
Common shares, without par value – at stated capital amount;
authorized – 240,000,000 shares; issued – 98,581,434 shares in 2013 and 2012;
outstanding – 81,010,084 shares in 2013 and 82,944,817 shares in 2012
 9,858
 9,858

Additional paid-in capital

 179,104 162,447  240,519
 205,124

Retained earnings

 1,484,393 1,320,552  1,908,462
 1,682,668

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 (247,881) (141,948) (151,941) (235,400)

Treasury shares, at cost – 14,824,068 shares in 2011 and 14,339,834 shares in 2010

 (248,528) (217,412)
     
Treasury shares, at cost – 17,571,350 shares in 2013 and 15,636,617 shares in 2012 (480,296) (319,877)

Total Shareholders' Equity

 1,176,946 1,133,497  1,526,602
 1,342,373

Noncontrolling interests

 16,296 15,981 
     
Non-controlling interests 4,086
 15,948

Total Equity

 1,193,242 1,149,478  1,530,688
 1,358,321
     

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 
$

1,976,776
 
$

1,783,788
  $2,151,867
 $2,089,863
     

See notes to these consolidated financial statements.



F-4



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)


 Year Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31,

 2011 2010 2009  2013 2012 2011

Net sales

 $2,694,609 $2,070,172 $1,729,285  $2,852,671
 $2,853,367
 $2,694,609

Cost of goods sold

 1,957,872 1,506,353 1,273,017  1,910,017
 1,986,711
 1,957,872
       

Gross profit

 736,737 563,819 456,268  942,654
 866,656
 736,737

Selling, general & administrative expenses

 
439,775
 
377,773
 
333,138
  527,206
 495,221
 439,775

Rationalization and asset impairment charges (gains)

 282 (384) 29,897 
       
Rationalization and asset impairment charges 8,463
 9,354
 282

Operating income

 296,680 186,430 93,233  406,985
 362,081
 296,680

Other income (expense):

       

Interest income

 3,121 2,381 3,462  3,320
 3,988
 3,121

Equity earnings (loss) in affiliates

 5,385 3,171 (5,025)
Equity earnings in affiliates 4,806
 5,007
 5,385

Other income

 2,849 1,817 3,589  4,194
 2,685
 2,849

Interest expense

 (6,704) (6,691) (8,521) (2,864) (4,191) (6,704)
       

Total other income (expense)

 4,651 678 (6,495) 9,456
 7,489
 4,651
       

Income before income taxes

 
301,331
 
187,108
 
86,738
  416,441
 369,570
 301,331

Income taxes

 84,318 54,898 37,905  124,754
 112,354
 84,318
       

Net income including noncontrolling interests

 217,013 132,210 48,833 

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries' (loss) earnings

 (173) 1,966 257 
       
Net income including non-controlling interests 291,687
 257,216
 217,013
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries' loss (2,093) (195) (173)

Net income

 $217,186 $130,244 $48,576  $293,780
 $257,411
 $217,186
             

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 
83,681
 
84,407
 
84,782
 

Effect of dilutive securities – stock options and awards

 1,027 816 486 
       

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 84,708 85,223 85,268 
       

Basic earnings per share

 
$

2.60
 
$

1.54
 
$

0.57
  $3.58
 $3.10
 $2.60
       

Diluted earnings per share

 $2.56 $1.53 $0.57  $3.54
 $3.06
 $2.56
             

Cash dividends declared per share

 $0.635 $0.575 $0.545  $0.830
 $0.710
 $0.635
       

See notes to these consolidated financial statements.


F-5



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

thousands)

 
 Common
Shares
Outstanding
 Common
Stock
 Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 Retained
Earnings
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Treasury
Shares
 Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total 

Balance January 1, 2009

  85,044 $9,858 $150,609 $1,236,810 $(218,254)$(183,807)$14,757 $1,009,973 

Comprehensive income:

                         

Net income

           48,576        257  48,833 

Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $12,242

              20,835     452  21,287 

Unrealized gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax of $1,477

              1,444        1,444 

Currency translation adjustment

              46,571     659  47,230 
                         

Total comprehensive loss

                       118,794 

Cash dividends declared – $0.545 per share

           (46,382)          (46,382)

Issuance of shares under benefit plans

  246     3,902        2,527     6,429 

Purchase of noncontrolling interest shares

                    (2,796) (2,796)

Purchase of shares for treasury

  (16)             (343)    (343)
  

Balance December 31, 2009

  85,274  9,858  154,511  1,239,004  (149,404) (181,623) 13,329  1,085,675 

Comprehensive income:

                         

Net income

           130,244        1,966  132,210 

Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $893

              (2,024)       (2,024)

Unrealized gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax of $302

              292        292 

Currency translation adjustment

              9,188     686  9,874 
                         

Total comprehensive income

                       140,352 

Cash dividends declared – $0.575 per share

           (48,696)          (48,696)

Issuance of shares under benefit plans

  374     7,936        3,893     11,829 

Purchase of shares for treasury

  (1,406)             (39,682)    (39,682)
  

Balance December 31, 2010

  84,242  9,858  162,447  1,320,552  (141,948) (217,412) 15,981  1,149,478 

Comprehensive income:

                         

Net income

           217,186        (173) 217,013 

Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $47,413

              (79,936)       (79,936)

Unrealized gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax of $264

              1,264        1,264 

Currency translation adjustment

              (27,261)    488  (26,773)
                         

Total comprehensive income

                       111,568 

Cash dividends declared – $0.635 per share

           (53,345)          (53,345)

Issuance of shares under benefit plans

  593     16,657        5,881     22,538 

Purchase of shares for treasury

  (1,078)             (36,997)    (36,997)
  

Balance December 31, 2011

  83,757 $9,858 $179,104 $1,484,393 $(247,881)$(248,528)$16,296 $1,193,242 
  
  Year Ended December 31,
  2013 2012 2011
Net income including non-controlling interests $291,687
 $257,216
 $217,013
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:      
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(141) in 2013; $(201) in 2012; $264 in 2011 289
 (832) 1,264
Defined pension plan activity, net of tax of $60,556 in 2013; $(3,492) in 2012; $(47,413) in 2011 101,151
 (6,475) (79,936)
Currency translation adjustment (19,955) 19,635
 (26,773)
Transactions with non-controlling interests 155
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) 81,640
 12,328
 (105,445)
Comprehensive income 373,327
 269,544
 111,568
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests (3,912) (348) 315
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders $377,239
 $269,892
 $111,253

See notes to these consolidated financial statements.




F-6



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
EQUITY
(In thousands)

thousands, except per share amounts)

 
 Year Ended December 31, 
 
 2011 2010 2009 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

          

Net income

 $217,186 $130,244 $48,576 

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries' (loss) earnings

  (173) 1,966  257 
        

Net income including noncontrolling interests

  217,013  132,210  48,833 

Adjustments to reconcile Net income including noncontrolling interests to Net cash provided by operating activities:

          

Rationalization and asset impairment charges (gains)

  23  (4,391) 2,940 

Depreciation and amortization

  62,051  57,357  56,598 

Equity (earnings) loss in affiliates, net

  (1,971) (600) 8,554 

Deferred income taxes

  15,139  4,387  (7,090)

Stock-based compensation

  6,610  8,213  5,432 

Amortization of terminated interest rate swaps

  (1,867) (1,867) (1,742)

Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs

  21,754  20,786  25,064 

Other non-cash items, net

  2,928  (1,553) 1,770 

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

          

(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable

  (67,518) (47,958) 60,913 

(Increase) decrease in inventories

  (51,679) (28,912) 127,739 

(Increase) decrease in other current assets

  (2,857) 4,956  10,222 

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

  8,672  47,323  (30,364)

Increase (decrease) increase in other current liabilities

  20,838  8,836  (22,778)

Decrease in accrued pensions

  (31,776) (38,806) (39,185)

Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities

  (3,842) (3,003) 3,444 
        

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

  193,518  156,978  250,350 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

          

Capital expenditures

  (65,813) (60,565) (38,201)

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

  (66,229) (18,856) (25,449)

Additions to equity investment in affiliates

      (488)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

  1,246  10,021  557 
        

NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES

  (130,796) (69,400) (63,581)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

          

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

  23,224  13,319  12,452 

Payments on short-term borrowings

  (15,446) (12,896) (34,780)

Amounts due banks, net

  1,203  (19,022) 9,374 

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

  909  150  531 

Payments on long-term borrowings

  (1,941) (8,730) (31,405)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

  11,351  3,508  705 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

  2,916  1,210  195 

Purchase of shares for treasury

  (36,997) (39,682) (343)

Cash dividends paid to shareholders

  (51,935) (47,364) (45,801)

Other

  3,346     
        

NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

  (63,370) (109,507) (89,072)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

  
(4,444

)
 
(14

)
 
6,107
 
        

(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

  (5,092) (21,943) 103,804 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

  
366,193
  
388,136
  
284,332
 
        

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

 $361,101 $366,193 $388,136 
        
 
Common
Shares
Outstanding
 
Common
Shares
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Treasury
Shares
 
Non-controlling
Interests
 Total
Balance at December 31, 201084,242
 $9,858
 $162,447
 $1,320,552
 $(141,948) $(217,412) $15,981
 $1,149,478
Net income      217,186
     (173) 217,013
Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax 
  
  
   (79,936)  
   (79,936)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax 
  
  
   1,264
  
  
 1,264
Currency translation adjustment 
  
  
   (27,261)  
 488
 (26,773)
Cash dividends declared – $0.635 per
   share
 
  
  
 (53,345)  
  
  
 (53,345)
Issuance of shares under benefit plans593
  
 16,657
  
  
 5,881
  
 22,538
Purchase of shares for treasury(1,078)  
  
  
  
 (36,997)  
 (36,997)
Balance at December 31, 201183,757
 9,858
 179,104
 1,484,393
 (247,881) (248,528) 16,296
 1,193,242
Net income      257,411
     (195) 257,216
Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax 
  
  
   (6,475)  
  
 (6,475)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax 
  
  
   (832)  
  
 (832)
Currency translation adjustment 
  
  
   19,788
  
 (153) 19,635
Cash dividends declared – $0.710 per
   share
 
  
  
 (59,136)  
  
  
 (59,136)
Issuance of shares under benefit plans985
  
 26,020
  
  
 9,669
  
 35,689
Purchase of shares for treasury(1,797)  
  
  
  
 (81,018)  
 (81,018)
Balance at December 31, 201282,945
 9,858
 205,124
 1,682,668
 (235,400) (319,877) 15,948
 1,358,321
Net income      293,780
     (2,093) 291,687
Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax 
  
  
   101,151
  
  
 101,151
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax 
  
  
   289
  
  
 289
Currency translation adjustment 
  
  
   (18,136)  
 (1,819) (19,955)
Cash dividends declared – $0.83 per
   share
 
  
  
 (67,986)  
  
  
 (67,986)
Issuance of shares under benefit plans787
  
 33,693
    
 7,460
  
 41,153
Purchase of shares for treasury(2,722)  
  
  
  
 (167,879)  
 (167,879)
Transactions with non-controlling interests    1,702
   155
   (7,950) (6,093)
Balance at December 31, 201381,010
 $9,858
 $240,519
 $1,908,462
 $(151,941) $(480,296) $4,086
 $1,530,688

See notes to these consolidated financial statements.


F-7



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
  Year Ended December 31,
  2013 2012 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES      
Net income $293,780
 $257,411
 $217,186
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries' loss (2,093) (195) (173)
Net income including non-controlling interests 291,687
 257,216
 217,013
Adjustments to reconcile Net income including non-controlling interests to Net cash provided by operating activities:      
Rationalization and asset impairment charges 5,092
 1,740
 23
Depreciation and amortization 68,883
 65,334
 62,051
Equity (earnings) loss in affiliates, net (1,660) 160
 (1,971)
Deferred income taxes 17,817
 (2,137) 15,139
Stock-based compensation 9,734
 8,961
 6,610
Pension expense 29,774
 35,515
 26,370
Pension contributions and payments (87,356) (69,646) (36,322)
Other, net 1,910
 2,688
 991
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:      
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable (5,437) 57,759
 (67,518)
Decrease (increase) in inventories 13,310
 28,286
 (51,679)
Decrease (increase) in other current assets 2,811
 (9,506) (2,857)
Increase in accounts payable 794
 16,110
 8,672
(Decrease) increase in other current liabilities (7,785) 21,887
 20,838
Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities (680) (86,883) (3,842)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 338,894
 327,484
 193,518
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES      
Capital expenditures (76,015) (52,715) (65,813)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (53,161) (134,602) (66,229)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 1,393
 1,387
 1,246
Other investing activities (1,717) (1,541) 
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES (129,500) (187,471) (130,796)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES      
Proceeds from short-term borrowings 1,230
 2,518
 23,224
Payments on short-term borrowings (2,164) (4,293) (15,446)
Amounts due banks, net (517) (2,758) 1,203
Proceeds from long-term borrowings 61
 918
 909
Payments on long-term borrowings (450) (85,688) (1,941)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 20,297
 18,776
 11,351
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation 10,602
 7,819
 2,916
Purchase of shares for treasury (167,879) (81,018) (36,997)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders (49,277) (73,112) (51,935)
Transactions with non-controlling interests (6,087) 
 
Other financing activities 
 
 3,346
NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES (194,184) (216,838) (63,370)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (1,849) 2,188
 (4,444)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 13,361
 (74,637) (5,092)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 286,464
 361,101
 366,193
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $299,825
 $286,464
 $361,101
See notes to these consolidated financial statements.

F-8



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

NOTE 1 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries for which it has a controlling interest (the "Company") after elimination of all intercompanyinter-company accounts, transactions and profits.

General Information

The Company is a manufacturer of welding, cutting and brazing products. Welding products include arc welding power sources, wire feeding systems, robotic welding packages, fume extraction equipment, consumable electrodes and fluxes. The Company's product offering also includes CNCcomputer numeric controlled ("CNC") plasma and oxy-fuel cutting systems, regulators and torches used in oxy-fuel welding, cutting and brazing and consumables used in the brazing and soldering alloys market.

On April 29, 2011, the Company announced a two-for-one stock split of the Company's common shares effective in the form of a 100% stock dividend. The record date for the stock split was May 16, 2011 and the additional shares were distributed on May 31, 2011. Accordingly, all per share amounts, average shares outstanding, shares outstanding, shares repurchased and equity based compensation presented have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split. Shareholders' equity has been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the stock split for all periods presented by reclassifying the stated value of the additional shares issued in connection with the stock split to Common shares from Additional paid-in capital.

Translation of Foreign Currencies

Asset and liability accounts are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the dates of the Consolidated Balance Sheets; revenue and expense accounts are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Translation adjustments are reflected as a component of Total equity. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, both historical and current exchange rates are used in translating balance sheet accounts and translation adjustments are included in Net income.

The translation of assets and liabilities originally denominated in foreign currencies into U.S. dollars is for consolidation purposes, and does not necessarily indicate that the Company could realize or settle the reported value of those assets and liabilities in U.S. dollars. Additionally, such a translation does not necessarily indicate that the Company could return or distribute the reported U.S. dollar value of the net equity of its foreign operations to shareholders.
Foreign currency transaction losses are included in "Selling,Selling, general & administrative expenses"expenses and were $7,759, $4,608 and $4,904 $118in 2013, 2012 and $226 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Venezuela – Foreign Currency

Effective January 1, 2010, the financial statements of the Company's Venezuelan operation have been remeasured into the Company's reporting currency (U.S. dollar). A currency control board exists in Venezuela that is responsible for foreign exchange procedures, including approval of requests for exchanges of the Venezuelan currency (the "bolivar") for U.S. dollars at the official (government established) exchange rates. An unregulated parallel market that existed for exchanging bolivars for U.S. dollars through securities transactions was terminated by the Venezuelan government on May 17, 2010 and subsequently established as a regulated market on June 9, 2010.



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)2011

NOTE 1 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

The official exchange rate in Venezuela had been fixed at 2.15 bolivars to 1 U.S. dollar for several years. On January 8, 2010, the Venezuelan government announced the devaluation of its currency relative to the U.S. dollar. The official exchange rate for imported goods classified as essential changed from 2.15 to 2.60 (the "Essential Rate"), while the official exchange rate for other non-essential goods moved to an exchange rate of 4.30 (the "Non-Essential Rate"). In remeasuring the financial statements the Non-Essential Rate is used as this is the rate expected to be applicable to dividend repatriations.

In December 2010, the Venezuelan government announced the elimination of the Essential Rate effective as of January 1, 2011. The impact of the elimination of the Essential Rate did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

respectively.

Venezuela – Highly Inflationary Economy

Venezuela is a highly inflationary economy under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). As a result, the financial statements of the Company's Venezuelan operation are reported under highly inflationary accounting rules as of January 1, 2010. Under highly inflationary accounting, the financial statements of the Company's Venezuelan operation have been remeasured into the Company's reporting currency and exchange gains and losses from the remeasurementre-measurement of monetary assets and liabilities are reflected in current earnings.

On February 8, 2013, the Venezuelan government announced the devaluation of its currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Effective February 13, 2013 the official rate moved from 4.3 to 6.3 bolivars to the U.S. dollar. The devaluation of the bolivar resulted in a foreign currency transaction loss of $8,081 in Selling, general & administrative expenses and higher Cost of goods sold of $4,117 due to the liquidation of inventory valued at the historical exchange rate.

Future impacts to earnings of applying highly inflationary accounting for Venezuela on the Company's consolidated financial statements will be dependent upon movements in the applicable exchange rates between the bolivar and the U.S. dollar and the amount of monetary assets and liabilities included in the Company's Venezuelan operation's balance sheet. The bolivar-denominated monetary net asset position was $6,826$38,633 at December 31, 2011, compared to a net liability position2013, which includes $50,642 of $4,715cash and cash equivalents and $31,545 at December 31, 2010.2012, which includes $32,610 of cash and cash equivalents. The increased exposure was due to the limited opportunities to convert bolivars into U.S. dollars.

In 2010, the Company participated in Venezuelan sovereign debt offerings as a means of converting bolivars to U.S. dollars. The conversion of bolivars to U.S. dollars through Venezuelan sovereign debt offerings generated foreign currency transaction losses as the debt was purchased at the Non-Essential Rate and subsequently sold at a discount. During 2010, the Company acquired $7,672 of Venezuelan sovereign debt at the Non-Essential Rate, which was immediately sold at a discount for $6,022. The sale of the Venezuelan sovereign debt resulted in a loss of $1,650 recognized in "Selling, general and administrative expenses."

The devaluation of the bolivar and the change to the U.S. dollar as the functional currency resulted in a foreign currency transaction gain of $2,632 in "Selling, general & administrative expenses" and higher "Cost of goods sold" of $5,755 due to the liquidation of inventory valued at the historical exchange rate for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.



F-9



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

NOTE 1 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)


Accounts Receivable

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses from the failure of its customers to make required payments for products delivered. The Company estimates this allowance based on the age of the related receivable, knowledge of the financial condition of customers, review of historical receivables and reserve trends and other pertinent information. If the financial condition of customers deteriorates or an unfavorable trend in receivable collections is experienced in the future, additional allowances may be required. Historically, the Company's reserves have approximated actual experience.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Fixed manufacturing overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on normal production capacity and abnormal manufacturing costs are recognized as period costs. For most domestic inventories, cost is determined principally by the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method, and for non-U.S. inventories, cost is determined by the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method.

Reserves are maintained for estimated obsolescence or excess inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Historically, the Company's reserves have approximated actual experience.

Equity Investments

Investments in businesses in which the Company does not have a controlling interest and holds between a 20% and 50% ownership interest are accounted for using the equity method of accounting on a one-month lag basis.accounting. The Company's 50% ownership interest in equity investments includes investments in Turkey and Chile. The amount of retained earnings that represents undistributed earnings of 50% or less owned equity investments was $15,190$16,694 at December 31, 20112013 and $13,219$15,034 at December 31, 2010.

2012.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and include improvements which significantly increase capacities or extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment. Depreciation and amortization are computed using a straight-line method over useful lives ranging from three to 20 years for machinery, tools and equipment, and up to 50 years for buildings. Net gains or losses related to asset dispositions are recognized in earnings in the period in which dispositions occur.

Routine maintenance, repairs and replacements are expensed as incurred. The Company capitalizes interest costcosts associated with long-term construction in progress.



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 1 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Goodwill and Intangibles

Goodwill is recorded when the cost of acquired businesses exceeds the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Intangible assets other than goodwill are recorded at fair value at the time acquired or at cost, if applicable. Intangible assets that do not have indefinite lives are amortized in line with the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed. If the pattern of economic benefit cannot be reliably determined, the intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the legal or estimated life.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment in the fourth quarter using the same dates each year or more frequently if changes in circumstances or the occurrence of events indicate potential impairment. The fair value of each indefinite-lived intangible asset is compared to its carrying value and an impairment charge is recorded if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Goodwill is tested by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the implied value of goodwill is compared to its carrying value and impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value.

Fair values are determined using established business valuation multiples and models developed by the Company that incorporate allocations of certain assets and cash flows among reporting units, estimates of market participant assumptions of future cash flows, future growth rates and the applicable discount rates to value estimated cash flows. Changes in economic and operating conditions impacting these assumptions could result in asset impairments in future periods. The Company's annual impairment test of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in 2013 resulted in no impairment loss being recognized.

F-10

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Long-Lived Assets

The Company periodically evaluates whether current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of its depreciable long-lived assets to be held and used may not be recoverable. If such circumstances are determined to exist, an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows produced by the long-lived asset, or the appropriate grouping of assets, is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. If an asset is determined to be impaired, a loss is recognized to the extent that carrying value exceeds fair value. Fair value is measured based on quoted market prices in active markets, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on various valuation techniques, including the discounted value of estimated future cash flows.

Fair Value Measurements

Financial assets and liabilities, such as the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets and derivative contracts, are valued at fair value using the market and income valuation approaches. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The Company uses the market approach to value similar assets and liabilities in active markets and the income approach that consists of discounted cash flow models that take into account the present value of future cash flows



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 1 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

under the terms of the contracts using current market information as of the reporting date. The following hierarchy is used to classify the inputs used to measure fair value:

Level 1 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2

 

Inputs to the valuation methodology include:
  Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
  Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
  Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and
  Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

 

 

If the asset or liability has a specific (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3

 

Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

Product Warranties

The Company accrues for product warranty claims based on historical experience and the expected material and labor costs to provide warranty service. Warranty services are provided for periods up to three years from the date of sale. The accrual for product warranty claims is included in "Accrued expenses."

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue

Substantially all of the Company's revenues are recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership and title to the product have transferred to the customer which generally occurs at point of shipment. The Company recognizes any discounts, credits, returns, rebates and incentive programs based on reasonable estimates as a reduction of Sales to arrive at Net sales at the same time the related revenue is recorded.

For contracts accounted for under the percentage of completion method, revenue recognition is based upon the ratio of costs incurred to date compared with estimated total costs to complete. The cumulative impact of revisions to total estimated costs is reflected in the period of the change, including anticipated losses.
Distribution Costs

Distribution costs, including warehousing and freight related to product shipments, are included in "CostCost of goods sold."

Stock-Based Compensation

Expense is recognized for all awards of stock-based compensation by allocating the aggregate grant date fair value over the vesting period. No expense is recognized for any stock options, restricted or deferred shares or restricted stock units ultimately forfeited because the recipients fail to meet vesting requirements.



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 1 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Common stock issuable upon the exercise of employee stock options is excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share when the calculation of option equivalent shares is anti-dilutive. The calculation of diluted earnings

F-11

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share excludes anti-dilutive shares of 626,135 in 2011, 1,504,346 in 2010 and 1,419,024 in 2009.

amounts)


Financial Instruments

The Company uses forward contracts to hedge exposures to commodity prices and exchange rate fluctuations on certain purchase and sales transactions, and balance sheet and net investment exposures. Contracts are generally written on a short-term basis but may cover exposures for up to two years and are not held for trading or speculative purposes. The Company uses interest rate swaps from time to time to hedge changes in the fair value of debt. The Company recognizes derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivative instruments depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and on the type of hedging relationship.

For derivative instruments that qualify as a fair value hedge (i.e., hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset or a liability), the gain or loss on the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item are recognized in earnings. For derivative instruments that qualify as a cash flow hedge (i.e., hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows), the effective portion of the unrealized gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of "AccumulatedAccumulated other comprehensive loss"loss with offsetting amounts recorded as "OtherOther current assets," "Other Other non-current assets," "Other Other current liabilities"liabilities or "OtherOther long-term liabilities"liabilities depending on the position and the duration of the contract. At settlement, the realized gain or loss is reflected in earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument is recognized in earnings. For derivative instruments not designated as hedges, the gain or loss from changes in the fair value of the instruments is recognized in earnings. The Company does not hedge its net investments in foreign subsidiaries.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are charged to "Selling, general & administrative expenses" as incurred and totaled $11,269, $9,222 and $7,982 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are charged to "Selling,Selling, general & administrative expenses"expenses as incurred and totaled $32,834, $29,489$42,126, $37,305 and $27,567$32,834 in 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 2009,2011, respectively.

Bonus
Bonus

Included in "Selling,Selling, general & administrative expenses"expenses are the costs related to the Company's discretionary employee bonus programs, which for certain U.S.- based employees are net of hospitalization costs. Bonus costs of $104,361were $123,571 in 2011, $73,1972013, $124,947 in 20102012 and $43,919$104,361 in 2009.



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)2011

NOTE 1 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued).

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are recognized at currently enacted tax rates for temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax basis of assets and liabilities and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.carry-forwards. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company assesses whether it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Reclassification

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to current year classifications.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Standards to be Adopted:

In September 2011,July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2011-09,2013-11, "Compensation – Retirement Benefits-Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80)Income Taxes (Topic 740): Disclosures aboutPresentation of an Employer's Participation inUnrecognized Tax Benefit When a Multiemployer Plan." The objective of ASU 2011-09 is to address concerns regarding the lack of transparency with respect to an employer's participation inNet Operating Loss Carryforward, a multiemployer pension plan. For employers that participate in multiemployer pension plans, the update will require additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures including: the significant multiemployer plans in which the employer participates; the level of participations in those plans; the financial health of the plans, including funded status and; the nature of the employer commitments to the plan. This standard is effective for annual periods for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2011. The amendments should be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented. ASU 2011-09 was adopted by the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 and did not haveSimilar Tax Loss, or a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-29,Tax Credit Carryforward Exists."Business Combinations (Topic 805): Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force." The objective of ASU 2010-29 is to address diversity in practice about the interpretation of the pro forma revenue and earnings disclosure requirements for business combinations. This standard is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. ASU 2010-29 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2011 and did not have an impact on the Company's financial statements.



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 1 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13,"Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force." This update provides amendments to the criteria in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Subtopic 605-25. ASU 2009-13 provides principles for allocating consideration among multiple-elements and accounting for separate deliverables under an arrangement. ASC 605-25, as amended, introduces an estimated selling price method for valuing the elements of a bundled arrangement if vendor-specific objective evidence or third-party evidence of selling price is not available and significantly expands related disclosure requirements. This standard is effective on a prospective basis for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Alternatively, adoption may be on a retrospective basis. ASU 2009-13 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2011 and did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.

New Accounting Standards to be Adopted:

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11,"Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities." ASU 2011-112013-11 requires an entity to disclose information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are subject to offsetting, master netting or other similar arrangements, to illustrate the effect or potential effect of those arrangements on the Company's financial position. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. The amendments should be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2011-11 on the Company's financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08,"Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment." ASU 2011-08 providespresent an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstance leads to the determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if the entity concludes otherwise, it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have an impact on the Company's financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income." This update provides amendments to ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-05 provides an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income eitherunrecognized tax benefit in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Under both options, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income and a total amount for comprehensive income. Further, ASC 2011-05 requires the presentation on the face of the financial statements items that are reclassified from other comprehensive incomeas a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented.operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward, with limited exceptions. The amendment to present reclassification adjustments was



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 1 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

deferred in December 2011, when the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12,"Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in ASU No. 2011-05." All remaining amendments of ASU 2011-05 are unaffected by this update. ASU 2011-05 should be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS's." ASU 2011-04 amends ASC Topic 820, resulting in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). Consequently, the amendments change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. These amendments are to be applied prospectively and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.2013. Early adoption and retrospective application is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2013-11, but does not expect adoption of this standard toit will have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.


F-12

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, "Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity." ASU 2013-05 clarifies the applicable guidance for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment under current U.S. GAAP by emphasizing that the accounting for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income for sales or transfers of a controlling financial interest within a foreign entity is the same irrespective of whether the sale or transfer is of a subsidiary or a group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or business. When a reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity, the parent is required to apply the guidance in Subtopic 830-30 to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income. The amendments are effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2013-05 on the Company's financial statements.

NOTE 2 - EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 Year Ended December 31,
 2013 2012 2011
Numerator:     
Net income$293,780
 $257,411
 $217,186
Denominator:     
Basic weighted average shares outstanding81,978
 83,087
 83,681
Effect of dilutive securities - Stock options and awards1,064
 1,088
 1,027
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding83,042
 84,175
 84,708
Basic earnings per share$3.58
 $3.10
 $2.60
Diluted earnings per share$3.54
 $3.06
 $2.56
For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, common shares subject to equity-based awards of 45,850, 107,814 and 626,135, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of their exercise would be anti-dilutive.

NOTE 3 – ACQUISITIONS
During November 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of Robolution GmbH ("Robolution").  Robolution, based outside of Frankfurt, Germany, is a leading European provider of robotic arc welding systems. The acquisition added to the Company's growing automation business and will enable the Company to seamlessly support automation customers across three continents.
During November 2013, the Company acquired an ownership interest in Burlington Automation Corporation ("Burlington"). Burlington, based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, is a leader in the design and manufacture of 3D robotic plasma cutting systems whose products are sold under the brand name Python X

®. The acquisition broadens the Company's portfolio of automated cutting and welding process solutions.

Combined revenues for Robolution and Burlington in 2013 were approximately $35,000. The Company acquired Robolution and Burlington for approximately $54,023 in cash, net of cash acquired, and assumed debt and a $17,225 liability to acquire the remaining financial interest in Burlington. The fair value of net assets acquired was $30,051, resulting in goodwill of $41,197. The purchase price allocations are preliminary and subject to final opening balance sheet adjustments. In addition, during 2013 the Company acquired a greater interest in its majority-owned joint venture, Lincoln Electric Heli (Zhengzhou) Welding Materials Company Ltd.
On December 31, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of the privately-held automated systems and tooling manufacturer, Tennessee Rand, Inc. ("Tenn Rand").  Tenn Rand, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a leader in the design and manufacture of tooling and robotic systems for welding applications. The acquisition added tool design, system building and machining capabilities that will enable the Company to further expand its welding automation business. Annual sales for Tenn Rand in 2012 were approximately $35,000.

F-13

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

On November 13, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of the Kaliburn, Burny and Cleveland Motion Control businesses (collectively, "Kaliburn") from ITT Corporation. Kaliburn, headquartered in Ladson, South Carolina, is a designer and manufacturer of shape cutting solutions, producer of shape cutting control systems and manufacturer of web tension transducers and engineered machine systems. The acquisitions added to the Company's cutting business portfolio. Annual sales for Kaliburn at the date of acquisition were approximately $36,000.
On May 17, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc. (“Wayne Trail”).  Wayne Trail, based in Ft. Loramie, Ohio, is a manufacturer of automated systems and tooling, serving a wide range of applications in the metal processing market.  The acquisition added to the Company’s welding and automated solutions portfolio.  Annual sales for Wayne Trail at the date of acquisition were approximately $50,000.
On March 6, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of Weartech International, Inc. (“Weartech”).  Weartech, based in Anaheim, California, is a producer of cobalt-based hard facing and wear-resistant welding consumables.  The acquisition added to the Company’s consumables portfolio.  Sales for Weartech during 2011 were approximately $40,000.
The Company acquired Tenn Rand, Kaliburn, Wayne Trail and Weartech for approximately $144,423 in cash, net of cash acquired, and assumed debt. The fair value of net assets acquired was $73,257, resulting in goodwill of $71,166.
On July 29, 2011, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Techalloy Company, Inc. and certain assets of its parent company, Central Wire Industries Ltd. (collectively, "Techalloy"), for approximately $36,900 in cash and assumed debt. The fair value of assets acquired was $32,814, resulting in goodwill of $4,086.. Techalloy, based in Baltimore, Maryland, wasis a privately-held manufacturer of nickel alloy and stainless steel welding consumables. The acquisition added to the Company's consumables portfolio. Annual sales for Techalloy at the date of acquisition were approximately $70,000.

$70,000.

On July 29, 2011, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Applied Robotics, Inc. (d/b/a Torchmate) ("Torchmate") for approximately $8,280 in cash. The fair value of assets acquired was $2,361, resulting in goodwill of $5,919.. Torchmate, based in Reno, Nevada, provides a wide selection of computer numeric controlled plasma cutter and oxy-fuel cutting systems. The acquisition added to the Company's plasma and oxy-fuel cutting product offering. Annual sales for Torchmate at the date of acquisition were approximately $13,000.

$13,000.

On March 11, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of OOO Severstal-metiz: welding consumables ("Severstal") for approximately $16,861 in cash and assumed debt. The fair value of the assets acquired was $8,049, resulting in goodwill of $8,812.. Severstal is a leading manufacturer of welding consumables in Russia and was a subsidiary of OAO Severstal, one of the world's leading vertically integrated steel and mining companies. This acquisition expanded the Company's capacity and distribution channels in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States ("CIS"). Sales for Severstal during 2010 were approximately $40,000.

$40,000.

On January 31, 2011, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of SSCO Manufacturing, Inc. (d/b/a Arc Products) ("Arc Products") for approximately $3,280 in cash and a contingent consideration



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 2 – ACQUISITIONS (Continued)

liability fair valued at $3,806. The contingent consideration is based upon estimated sales for the five-year period ending December 31, 2015 and will be paid in 2016 based on actual sales during the five-year period. The fair value of the assets acquired was $3,613, resulting in goodwill of $3,473.. Arc Products wasis a privately-held manufacturer of orbital welding systems and welding automation components based in Southern California. Orbital welding systems are designed to automatically weld pipe and tube in difficult to access locations and for mission-critical applications requiring high weld integrity and sophisticated quality monitoring capabilities. The acquisition will complement the Company's ability to serve global customers in the nuclear, power generation and process industries worldwide. Sales for Arc Products during 2010 were not significant.

On October 29, 2010, thesignificant.

The Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Mezhgosmetiz-Mtsensk OAO ("MGM"), a privately-held welding wire manufacturer based in the Orel region of Russia,Techalloy, Torchmate, Severstal and Arc Products for approximately $28,500$65,321 in cash and assumed debt. This acquisition represented the Company's first manufacturing operation in Russia as well as established distribution channels to serve the growing Russiandebt and CIS welding markets. Annuala contingent consideration liability fair valued at $3,806. The contingent consideration is based upon estimated sales for MGM at the date ofrelated acquisition were approximately $30,000.

On July 29, 2009,for the Company completedfive-year period ending December 31, 2015 and will be paid in 2016 based on actual sales during the acquisition of 100% of Jinzhou Jin Tai Welding and Metal Co. ("Jin Tai"), based in Jinzhou, China. This transaction expanded the Company's customer base and gave the Company control of significant cost-competitive solid wire manufacturing capacity. The Company previously held a 21% direct interest in Jin Tai and a further 27% indirect interest via its 35% ownership in Kuang Tai Metal Industry Co., Ltd. ("Kuang Tai"). Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Company exchanged its 35% interest in Kuang Tai, which had an estimated fair value of $22,723, paid cash of $35,531 and committed to pay an additional $4,181 in cash over a three-year period after close.five-year period. The fair value of the Company's previous non-controlling direct interestnet assets acquired was $46,837, resulting in Jin Tai was $8,675. The carrying valuesgoodwill of the Company's interests in Kuang Tai and Jin Tai were $29,368 and $9,973, respectively. The excess carrying value over fair value of these interests resulted in a loss on the transaction of $7,943 recorded in "Equity earnings (loss) in affiliates." The Company previously reported its proportional share of Jin Tai's net income under the equity method in "Equity earnings (loss) in affiliates." Jin Tai's sales were $186,774 in 2008 and $74,834 in 2009 prior to the acquisition. Jin Tai's sales of $53,956 after the acquisition were included in "Net sales" for 2009.

$22,290.

Pro forma information related to these acquisitions has not been presented because the impact on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income is not material. Acquired companies are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements as of the date of acquisition.


F-14

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

NOTE 34 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES

The Company performs an annual impairment test of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter using the same dates each year or more frequently if changes in circumstances or the occurrence of events indicate potential impairment. The fair value of each indefinite-lived intangible asset is compared to its carrying value and an impairment charge is recorded if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Goodwill is tested by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the implied value of



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 3 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES (Continued)

goodwill is compared to its carrying value and impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value.

Fair values are determined using established business valuation multiples and models developed by the Company that incorporate allocations of certain assets and cash flows among reporting units, estimates of market participant assumptions of future cash flows, future growth rates and the applicable discount rates to value estimated cash flows. Changes in economic and operating conditions impacting these assumptions could result in asset impairments in future periods. The Company's annual impairment test of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in 2011 resulted in no impairment loss being recognized.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segmentsegments for the years ended December 31, 20112013 and 20102012 were as follows:

 
 North
America
Welding
 Europe
Welding
 Asia
Pacific
Welding
 South
America
Welding
 The Harris
Products
Group
 Consolidated 

Balance as of January 1, 2010

 $4,993 $9,292 $4,914 $531 $19,824 $39,554 

Additions
and adjustments

  (3) 7,473      (1,246) 6,224 

Foreign currency translation

  79  (386) 116  34  331  174 
              

Balance as of December 31, 2010

  5,069  16,379  5,030  565  18,909  45,952 

Additions
and adjustments

  13,478  9,543      (1,247) 21,774 

Foreign currency translation

  (33) (2,055) 179  (5) (711) (2,625)
              

Balance as of December 31, 2011

 $18,514 $23,867 $5,209 $560 $16,951 $65,101 
              
  
North
America
Welding
 
Europe
Welding
 
Asia
Pacific
Welding
 
South
America
Welding
 
The Harris
Products
Group
 Consolidated
Balance at December 31, 2011 $18,514
 $23,867
 $5,208
 $561
 $16,951
 $65,101
Additions and adjustments 67,740 66
 
 
 (1,109) 66,697
Foreign currency translation 23 1,424
 40
 53
 (435) 1,105
Balance as of December 31, 2012 86,277
 25,357
 5,248
 614
 15,407
 132,903
Additions and adjustments 44,446 
 
 
 (1,027) 43,419
Foreign currency translation (284) (927) 111
 (52) (455) (1,607)
Balance as of December 31, 2013 $130,439
 $24,430
 $5,359
 $562
 $13,925
 $174,715

Additions and adjustments to goodwill primarily reflect goodwill recognized in the acquisitionacquisitions of MGMRobolution and Burlington in 20102013 and the acquisitions of Arc Products, Severstal, TorchmateWeartech, Wayne Trail, Kaliburn and TechalloyTenn Rand in 20112012 (see Note 2), and3). Reductions to goodwill result from the tax benefit attributable to the amortization of tax deductible goodwill.



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollarsgoodwill in thousands, except per share amounts)

excess of goodwill recorded for financial reporting purposes.

NOTE 3 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES (Continued)

Gross and net intangible assets other than goodwill by asset class as of December 31, 20112013 and 20102012 were as follows:


  
 December 31, 2011    December 31, 2013

 Weighted
Average Life
 Gross
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Indefinite
Lived Assets
 Total Intangible,
Net
  
Weighted
Average Life
 
Gross
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Indefinite
Lived Assets
 
Total Intangible,
Net

Trademarks and trade names

 13 $18,559 $8,020 $18,081 $28,620  12 $38,566
 $11,898
 $18,310
 $44,978

Customer relationships

 19 40,818 7,875  32,943  14 74,935
 16,837
 
 58,098

Patents

 18 18,677 3,927  14,750  20 23,861
 6,205
 
 17,656

Other

 17 33,148 14,990  18,158  14 49,578
 23,298
 
 26,280
         

Total

   $111,202 $34,812 $18,081 $94,471    $186,940
 $58,238
 $18,310
 $147,012
         



  
 December 31, 2010  December 31, 2012

  
 Gross
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Indefinite
Lived Assets
 Total Intangible,
Net
  
Gross
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Indefinite
Lived Assets
 
Total Intangible,
Net

Trademarks and trade names

   $14,886 $7,180 $18,193 $25,899  $30,611
 $9,493
 $18,276
 $39,394

Customer relationships

   35,649 5,928  29,721  63,906
 12,099
 
 51,807

Patents

   16,224 3,124  13,100  20,882
 5,103
 
 15,779

Other

   25,321 12,783  12,538  44,769
 18,847
 
 25,922
         

Total

   $92,080 $29,015 $18,193 $81,258  $160,168
 $45,542
 $18,276
 $132,902
         

Additions to gross and net intangible assets primarily reflect assets and related amortization recognized in the acquisitions of Robolution and Burlington in 2013 and the acquisitions of Weartech, Wayne Trail, Kaliburn and Tenn Rand in 2012. Aggregate amortization expense was $6,661, $5,390$13,342, $10,641 and $4,524$6,661 for 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 2009,2011, respectively. Estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets for each of the next five years is $6,745$15,745 in 2012, $6,0232014, $15,337 in 2013, $5,3522015, $14,367 in 2014, $5,1262016, $12,228 in 20152017 and $4,882$11,484 in 2016.

2018.


F-15


LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


NOTE 45 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company's primary business is the design and manufacture of arc welding and cutting products, manufacturing a broad line of arc welding equipment, consumable welding products and other welding and cutting products. The Company also has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market. The Company has aligned its business units into five operating segments to enhance the utilization of the Company's worldwide resources and global end user and sourcing initiatives. The operating segments consist of North America Welding, Europe Welding, Asia Pacific Welding, South America Welding and The Harris Products Group. The North America Welding segment includes welding operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Europe Welding segment includes welding operations in Europe, Russia, Africa and Africa.the Middle East. The other two welding segments include welding operations in Asia Pacific and South America, respectively. The fifth segment, The Harris Products Group, includes the Company's global cutting, soldering and brazing businesses as well as the retail business in the United States.

Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary profit measure being earnings before interest and income taxes ("EBIT"), as adjusted. Segment 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 accounting principles applied at the operating segment level are generally the same as those applied at the consolidated financial statement level with the exception of LIFO. Segment assets include inventories measured on a FIFO basis while consolidated inventories are reported on a LIFO basis. Segment and consolidated income before interest and income taxes are reported on a LIFO basis. At December 31, 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 2009,2011, approximately 31%38%, 30%34% and 31%, respectively, of total inventories were valued using the LIFO method. LIFO is used for certain domestic inventories included in the North America Welding segment. Inter-segment sales are recorded at agreed upon prices that approximate arm's length prices and are eliminated in consolidation. Corporate-level expenses are allocated to the operating segments on a basis that management believes to be reasonable. Certain corporate-level expenses may not be allocated to the operating segments and are reported as Corporate/Eliminations.



F-16


LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

NOTE 4 – SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)


Financial information for the reportable segments follows:


 North
America
Welding
 Europe
Welding
 Asia
Pacific
Welding
 South
America
Welding
 The Harris
Products
Group
 Corporate /
Eliminations
 Consolidated 

For the year ended December 31, 2011

 
North
America
Welding
 
Europe
Welding
 
Asia
Pacific
Welding
 
South
America
Welding
 
The Harris
Products
Group
 
Corporate /
Eliminations
 Consolidated
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2013
             

Net sales

 $1,309,499 $508,692 $376,276 $156,684 $343,458 $ $2,694,609 $1,652,769
 $429,548
 $266,282
 $195,895
 $308,177
 $
 $2,852,671

Inter-segment sales

 136,314 17,422 15,614 494 8,496 (178,340)  127,254
 19,911
 14,906
 233
 9,605
 (171,909) $
               

Total

 $1,445,813 $526,114 $391,890 $157,178 $351,954 $(178,340)$2,694,609 $1,780,023
 $449,459
 $281,188
 $196,128
 $317,782
 $(171,909) $2,852,671
               

EBIT, as adjusted

 $227,924 $36,171 $2,629 $12,895 $25,151 $426 $305,196 $318,507
 $36,247
 $1,815
 $57,306
 $27,826
 $(4,350) $437,351

Special items charge (gain)

  392 (110)    282 1,052
 2,045
 6,071
 12,198
 
 
 $21,366
               

EBIT

 $227,924 $35,779 $2,739 $12,895 $25,151 $426 $304,914 $317,455
 $34,202
 $(4,256) $45,108
 $27,826
 $(4,350) $415,985

Interest income

             3,121             3,320

Interest expense

             (6,704)            (2,864)
   

Income before income taxes

             $301,331             $416,441
                

Total assets

 $771,315 $436,327 $380,282 $110,781 $181,916 $96,155 $1,976,776 $1,048,412
 $403,094
 $325,656
 $169,027
 $162,496
 $43,182
 $2,151,867

Equity investments in affiliates

  20,500  4,118   24,618 
 23,315
 
 3,303
 
 
 $26,618

Capital expenditures

 31,826 8,566 21,498 2,314 1,792 (183) 65,813 41,181
 10,305
 2,073
 20,840
 3,931
 (2,315) $76,015

Depreciation and amortization

 29,237 11,736 14,663 2,033 4,714 (332) 62,051 39,086
 10,933
 13,559
 1,893
 3,636
 (224) $68,883

For the year ended December 31, 2010

 
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2012
             

Net sales

 $1,013,193 $359,925 $324,092 $117,419 $255,543 $ $2,070,172 $1,580,818
 $452,227
 $324,482
 $161,483
 $334,357
 $
 $2,853,367

Inter-segment sales

 108,849 13,330 12,546 1,216 6,641 (142,582)  131,062
 16,048
 14,829
 38
 8,549
 (170,526) $
               

Total

 $1,122,042 $373,255 $336,638 $118,635 $262,184 $(142,582)$2,070,172 $1,711,880
 $468,275
 $339,311
 $161,521
 $342,906
 $(170,526) $2,853,367
               

EBIT, as adjusted

 $162,192 $17,023 $1,752 $7,554 $12,311 $(6,675)$194,157 $293,070
 $37,299
 $7,247
 $18,301
 $29,477
 $(4,886) $380,508

Special items charge (gain)

  2,486 (3,741) 3,123 871  2,739 827
 3,534
 4,993
 1,381
 
 
 $10,735
               

EBIT

 $162,192 $14,537 $5,493 $4,431 $11,440 $(6,675)$191,418 $292,243
 $33,765
 $2,254
 $16,920
 $29,477
 $(4,886) $369,773

Interest income

             2,381             3,988

Interest expense

             (6,691)            (4,191)
   

Income before income taxes

             $187,108             $369,570
                

Total assets

 $611,725 $413,789 $350,975 $94,836 $193,474 $118,989 $1,783,788 $980,093
 $451,654
 $350,189
 $134,650
 $195,881
 $(22,604) $2,089,863

Equity investments in affiliates

  19,194  3,715   22,909 
 21,798
 
 2,808
 
 
 $24,606

Capital expenditures

 25,746 10,373 22,973 3,573 884 (2,984) 60,565 36,834
 5,372
 8,833
 899
 831
 (54) $52,715

Depreciation and amortization

 27,652 9,527 13,542 1,564 5,012 60 57,357 33,479
 11,008
 15,102
 1,878
 3,934
 (67) $65,334

For the year ended December 31, 2009

 
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2011
             

Net sales

 $858,180 $346,383 $208,280 $99,171 $217,271 $ $1,729,285 $1,309,499
 $508,692
 $376,276
 $156,684
 $343,458
 $
 $2,694,609

Inter-segment sales

 85,630 8,725 4,051 308 7,739 (106,453)  136,314
 17,422
 15,614
 494
 8,496
 (178,340) $
               

Total

 $943,810 $355,108 $212,331 $99,479 $225,010 $(106,453)$1,729,285 $1,445,813
 $526,114
 $391,890
 $157,178
 $351,954
 $(178,340) $2,694,609
               

EBIT, as adjusted

 $134,544 $(2,196)$(18,835)$10,648 $1,009 $(3,344)$121,826 $227,924
 $36,171
 $2,629
 $12,895
 $25,151
 $426
 $305,196

Special items charge (gain)

 10,386 4,335 9,006 528 5,774  30,029 
 392
 (110) 
 
 
 $282
               

EBIT

 $124,158 $(6,531)$(27,841)$10,120 $(4,765)$(3,344)$91,797 $227,924
 $35,779
 $2,739
 $12,895
 $25,151
 $426
 $304,914

Interest income

             3,462             3,121

Interest expense

             (8,521)            (6,704)
   

Income before income taxes

             $86,738             $301,331
                

Total assets

 $606,846 $359,093 $310,329 $81,734 $181,753 $165,537 $1,705,292 $771,315
 $436,327
 $380,282
 $110,781
 $181,916
 $96,155
 $1,976,776

Equity investments in affiliates

  19,455  3,444   22,899 
 20,500
 
 4,118
 
 
 $24,618

Capital expenditures

 13,726 7,543 15,887 796 2,457 (2,208) 38,201 31,826
 8,566
 21,498
 2,314
 1,792
 (183) $65,813

Depreciation and amortization

 30,254 9,779 9,397 1,543 5,485 140 56,598 29,237
 11,736
 14,663
 2,033
 4,714
 (332) $62,051




F-17

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

In 2013, special items include net charges of $1,052, $2,045 and $922 in the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The Asia Pacific Welding segment special items also include charges of $4,444 related to impairment of long-lived assets and a charge of $705 related to a loss on the sale of land. The South America Welding segment special items represent charges of $12,198 related to the devaluation of the Venezuelan currency.
In 2012, special items include net charges of $827, $3,637 and $3,151 for rationalization actions in the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The Europe Welding segment special items also include a gain of $103 on the sale of assets. The Asia Pacific Welding segment special items also include a charge of $1,842 related to asset impairments. The South America Welding segment special item represents a charge of $1,381 related to a change in Venezuelan labor law, which provides for increased employee severance obligations.
In 2011, special items include net charges of $188$188 and $93$93 for rationalization actions in the Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The Europe Welding and



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 4 – SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)

Asia Pacific Welding segments special items also include a loss of $204$204 and a gain of $203,$203, respectively, on the sale of assets at rationalized operations.

In 2010, special items include a charge of $1,990 for rationalization actions and $496 in related asset impairment charges for the Europe Welding segment. The Asia Pacific Welding segment includes a gain of $4,555 related to the disposal of assets, a charge of $427 for rationalization actions and $387 in asset impairment charges. The South America Welding segment includes a net charge of $3,123 related to the change in functional currency and devaluation of the Venezuelan currency. The Harris Products Group segment includes a net charge of $871 related to environmental costs associated with the sale of property at a rationalized operation.

In 2009, special items include a charge of $10,386 for rationalization actions for the North America Welding segment. The Europe Welding segment includes a charge of $9,615 for rationalization actions, $253 in related asset impairment charges, $134 in intangible asset impairment charges and a gain of $5,667 on the sale of a property. The Asia Pacific Welding segment includes a charge of $1,692 for rationalization actions, $1,515 in related asset impairment charges, a gain of $2,144 on the settlement of a pension obligation and a loss of $7,943 associated with the acquisition of Jin Tai and related divestiture of Kuang Tai. The South America Welding segment includes a charge of $528 for rationalization actions. The Harris Products Group segment includes a charge of $4,736 for rationalization actions, $293 in related asset impairment charges and $745 in intangible asset impairment charges.

Export sales (excluding intercompanyinter-company sales) from the United States were $242,380$260,195 in 2011, $197,0572013, $268,331 in 20102012 and $154,526$242,380 in 2009.2011. No individual customer comprised more than 10% of the Company's total revenues for any of the three years ended December 31, 2011.

2013.

The geographic split of the Company's netNet sales, based on the location of the customer, and property, plant and equipment were as follows:


 Year Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31,

 2011 2010 2009  2013 2012 2011

Net sales:

       

United States

 $1,092,838 $825,371 $722,638  $1,350,309
 $1,283,066
 $1,092,838

China

 286,121 250,981 156,233  219,490
 229,996
 286,121

Other foreign countries

 1,315,650 993,820 850,414  1,282,872
 1,340,305
 1,315,650
       

Total

 $2,694,609 $2,070,172 $1,729,285  $2,852,671
 $2,853,367
 $2,694,609
       
  December 31,
  2013 2012 2011
Property, plant and equipment, net:      
United States $162,357
 $170,831
 $149,637
China 83,416
 92,744
 96,374
Other foreign countries 238,685
 223,050
 224,801
Eliminations (453) (389) (361)
Total $484,005
 $486,236
 $470,451


F-18


LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

NOTE 4 – SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)


 
 December 31, 
 
 2011 2010 2009 

Property, plant and equipment, net:

          

United States

 $149,637 $149,185 $153,342 

China

  96,374  87,722  73,559 

Other foreign countries

  224,801  242,084  233,514 

Eliminations

  (361) (425) (354)
        

Total

 $470,451 $478,566 $460,061 
        

NOTE 56 – RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS

The Company recorded rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $282$8,463, $9,354 and $282 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The 2013 net charges include $3,658 primarily related to employee severance and $4,961 in asset impairment charges, partially offset by gains of $156 related to sale of assets.  A description of each restructuring plan and the related costs follows:
North America Welding Plans:
During 2012, the Company initiated various rationalization plans within the North America Welding segment. Plans for the segment include consolidating its Oceanside, California operations and its Reno, Nevada operations to another facility in Reno, Nevada and consolidating its Baltimore, Maryland manufacturing operations into its current manufacturing operations in Cleveland, Ohio.  These actions impacted 72 employees within the North America Welding segment.  During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded charges of $1,052, which represent employee severance and other related costs. At December 31, 2013, a liability relating to these actions of $466 was recognized in Other current liabilities, which will be substantially paid in 2014. Additional charges related to the completion of this plan are expected to be immaterial.
Europe Welding Plans:
During 2013, the Company announced a rationalization plan within the Europe Welding segment to relocate the manufacturing of certain consumable products from its Portuguese operations to current facilities in Italy. These actions impacted 56 employees within the Europe Welding segment. During the year ended December 31, 2011 resulting from rationalization activities primarily initiated2013, the Company recorded charges of $1,832 related to these activities. The amount represents employee severance and other related costs of $1,599 and asset impairment charges of $233. At December 31, 2013, a liability relating to these actions of $1,209 was recognized in Other current liabilities. The Company expects to incur additional charges in the third and second quartersrange of 2009. The$400 to $700 related to the completion of this plan.
During 2012, the Company initiated a numbervarious rationalization plans within the Europe Welding segment. Plans for the segment include the consolidation of rationalization activitiesmanufacturing facilities in 2009 to alignRussia, relocation of its businessItalian machine manufacturing operations to current marketfacilities in Poland and headcount restructuring at various other manufacturing operations within the segment to better align the cost structure and capacity requirements with current economic needs and conditions. The 2011These actions impacted 285 employees within the Europe Welding segment. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded net charges include $259 primarilyof $213 related to these activities.  The amount represents employee severance and other related costs and $23 in asset impairment charges.

In 2010, the Company recorded rationalization and asset impairment net gains of $384 resulting from rationalization activities primarily initiated in the third and second quarters of 2009. The 2010 net gains include $4,555 primarily related to asset disposals offset by charges of $2,417 primarily related to employee severance and other related costs, $871 related to environmental costs associated with the sale of property and $883 in asset impairment charges.

In 2009, the Company recorded rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $29,897 resulting from rationalization activities primarily initiated in the third and second quarters. The 2009 net charges include $27,142 primarily related to employee severance costs, $2,061 in long-lived asset impairment charges, andpartially offset by a gain on sale of $185 recognized in connection with the partial settlement of a pension plan. Rationalization activities during the year affected 1,063 employees and included the closure of two manufacturing operations. Impairment charges on certain indefinite-lived intangible assets of $879 were also included under this caption.

During the third quarter of 2009, the Company initiated various rationalization actions including the consolidation of certain manufacturing operations. These actions impacted 81 employees in the Europe Welding segment, 193 employees in the Asia Pacific Welding segment and nine employees in the South America Welding segment in 2009. The Company recognized a net charge of $282 for the year ended assets.  At December 31, 2011 related to these activities. This net charge includes a charge of $204 and a gain of $203 on the sale of property and other assets at rationalized operations. The Company also recognized charges associated with the continuation of the consolidation of certain manufacturing operations of $166 and $93 in the Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, and asset impairment charges of $22 in the Europe Welding segment. At December 31, 2011,2013, a liability relating to these actions of $173$1,226 was recognized in "OtherOther current liabilities." The Company does not expect to recognize any material costs associated with these actions in 2012 as they were substantially completed in 2011 and should be substantially paid by the end of 2012.



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 5 – RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS (Continued)

During the second quarter of 2009, the Company initiated various rationalization activities including the closure of a manufacturing operation in The Harris Products Group segment. No additional charges related to this action were recognized in the year ended December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2011, a liability of $82 related primarily to employee severance benefits due to these rationalization actions was recognized in "Other current liabilities",liabilities, which will be substantially paid in 2012.

2014. Additional charges related to the completion of this plan are expected to be immaterial.

Asia Pacific Welding Plans:
During 2012, the Company initiated various rationalization plans within the Asia Pacific Welding segment. These included the rationalization of the Australian manufacturing operations and headcount reductions at various other manufacturing operations within the segment to better align the cost structure and capacity requirements with current economic needs and conditions. These actions impacted 268 employees within the Asia Pacific Welding segment. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded net charges of $922, which represent employee severance and other related costs of $841 and asset impairment charges of $235, partially offset by gains of $154 from the sale of assets.  At December 31, 2013, a liability relating to these actions of $375 was recognized in Other current liabilities, which will be substantially paid in 2014.  Additional charges related to the completion of this plan are expected to be immaterial.
The Company continues evaluating its cost structure and additional rationalization actions may result in charges in future periods.

During 2013, the Company recorded long-lived asset impairment charges of $4,444 in Rationalization and asset impairment charges. The charge is the result of the Company removing capacity to align itself with current market conditions and improve operating efficiency.

F-19

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The following tables summarize the activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
  North America Welding 
Europe
Welding
 
Asia
Pacific
Welding
 
The Harris
Products
Group
 Consolidated
Balance at December 31, 2011 $
 $173
 $
 $82
 $255
Payments and other adjustments (827) (1,797) (2,107) (82) (4,813)
Charged to expense 827
 3,637
 3,151
 
 7,615
Balance at December 31, 2012 $
 $2,013
 $1,044
 $
 $3,057
Payments and other adjustments (586) (1,343) (1,510) 
 (3,439)
Charged to expense 1,052
 1,765
 841
 
 3,658
Balance at December 31, 2013 $466
 $2,435
 $375
 $
 $3,276

NOTE 7 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME ("AOCI")
The following tables set forth the total changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes, for the years ended December 31, 20112013 and 2010:

2012:
 
 Europe
Welding
 Asia
Pacific
Welding
 The Harris
Products
Group
 Consolidated 

Balance at December 31, 2010

 $411 $90 $930 $1,431 

Payments and other adjustments

  (404) (183) (848) (1,435)

Charged to expense

  166  93    259 
          

Balance at December 31, 2011

 $173 $ $82 $255 
          
  Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges Defined benefit pension plan activity Currency translation adjustment Total
Balance at December 31, 2011 $912
 $(255,369) $6,576
 $(247,881)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification (1,997) (26,373)
2 
19,555
3 
(8,815)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI 1,165
1 
19,898
2 
233
3 
21,296
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (832) (6,475) 19,788
 12,481
Balance at December 31, 2012 $80
 $(261,844) $26,364
 $(235,400)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification (681) 82,050
2 
(19,316)
3 
62,053
Amounts reclassified from AOCI 970
1 
19,101
2 
1,335
3 
21,406
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 289
 101,151
 (17,981) 83,459
Balance at December 31, 2013 $369
 $(160,693) $8,383
 $(151,941)
         


 
 Europe
Welding
 Asia
Pacific
Welding
 The Harris
Products
Group
 Consolidated 

Balance at December 31, 2009

 $3,081 $831 $2,445 $6,357 

Payments and other adjustments

  (4,660) (1,168) (1,515) (7,343)

Charged to expense

  1,990  427    2,417 
          

Balance at December 31, 2010

 $411 $90 $930 $1,431 
          

NOTE 6 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:

 
 December 31, 
 
 2011 2010 

Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax

 $(255,369)$(175,433)

Currency translation adjustment

  6,576  33,837 

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

  912  (352)
      

Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 $(247,881)$(141,948)
      

The balance of Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in noncontrolling interests relates to foreign currency translation and amounted to $1,798 and $1,631 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

1
During the 2013 period, this AOCI reclassification is a component of Net sales of $619 (net of tax of $99), Cost of goods sold of $418 (net of tax of $295) and SG&A of $(67) with no tax effect; during the 2012 period, the reclassification is a component of Net sales of $931 (net of tax of $157) and Cost of goods sold of $234 (net of tax of $169). (See Note 13 - Derivatives for additional details.)
2
This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $60,556 and $(3,492) during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively). (See Note 11 - Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans for additional details.)
3
The Other comprehensive income before reclassifications excludes $(1,819) and $(153) attributable to Non-controlling interests in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The reclassified AOCI component is included in the computation of Non-controlling interests. (See Consolidated Statements of Equity for additional details.)


F-20


LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


NOTE 78 – DEBT

At December 31, 20112013 and 2010,2012, debt consisted of the following:


 December 31,  December 31,

 2011 2010  2013 2012

Long-term debt

     

Senior Unsecured Notes due 2012, interest at 6.36%

 $80,358 $82,225 

Capital leases due through 2017, interest at .90% to 6.25%

 901 1,869 

Other borrowings due through 2023, interest up to 6.00%

 2,197 2,328 
     
Capital leases due through 2017, interest at 1.12% to 3.63% $236
 $267
Other borrowings due through 2023, interest up to 4.00% 4,270
 1,788

 83,456 86,422  4,506
 2,055

Less current portion

 81,496 1,795  715
 456
     

Total long-term debt

 1,960 84,627 
Long-term debt, less current portion 3,791
 1,599

Short-term debt

     

Amounts due banks, interest at 11.61% (17.10% in 2010)

 19,922 11,283 
Amounts due banks, interest at 11.28% (11.32% in 2012) 14,581
 18,220

Current portion long-term debt

 81,496 1,795  715
 456
     

Total short-term debt

 101,418 13,078  15,296
 18,676
     

Total debt

 $103,378 $97,705  $19,087
 $20,275
     

Senior Unsecured NotesAt

During March 2002, the Company issued Senior Unsecured Notes (the "Notes") totaling $150,000 through a private placement. The Notes have original maturities ranging from five to ten years with a weighted-average interest rate of 6.1% and an average tenure of eight years. Interest is payable semi-annually in March and September. The proceeds are being used for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions, and are generally invested in short-term, highly liquid investments. The Notes contain certain affirmative and negative covenants, including restrictions on asset dispositions and financial covenants (interest coverage and funded debt-to-EBITDA, as defined in the Notes agreement, ratios). As of December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants under the Notes agreement. The Company repaid the $40,000 Series A Notes2013 and the $30,000 Series B Notes in March 2007 and March 2009, respectively, reducing the balance outstanding of the Notes to $80,000, which is due in March 2012.

During March 2002, the Company entered into floating rate interest rate swap agreements totaling $80,000 to convert a portion of the Notes outstanding from fixed to floating rates. These swaps were designated as fair value hedges and, as such, the gains or losses on the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting gains or losses on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, were recognized in earnings. Net payments or receipts under these agreements were recognized as adjustments to "Interest expense." In May 2003, these swap agreements were terminated. The gain of $10,613 on the termination of these swaps was deferred and is being amortized as an offset to "Interest expense" over the remaining life of the Notes. The amortization of this gain reduced "Interest expense" by $206 in 2011, $206 in 2010 and $313 in 2009, and is expected to reduce annual "Interest expense" by $30 in 2012.



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)2012

NOTE 7 – DEBT (Continued)

During July 2003 and April 2004, the Company entered into various floating rate interest rate swap agreements totaling $110,000 to convert a portion of the Notes outstanding from fixed to floating rates based on the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). These swaps were designated and qualified as fair value hedges and, as such, the gains or losses on the derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting gains or losses on the hedged item, were recognized in earnings. Net payments or receipts under these agreements were recognized as adjustments to "Interest expense."

During February 2009, the Company terminated swaps with a notional value of $80,000 and realized a gain of $5,079. This gain was deferred and is being amortized over the remaining life of the Notes. The amortization of this gain reduced "Interest expense" by $1,661 in 2011, $1,661 in 2010 and $1,429 in 2009, and is expected to reduce annual "Interest expense" by $328 in 2012.

During March 2009, swaps designated as fair value hedges that converted the $30,000 Series B Notes from fixed to floating interest rates matured with the underlying Notes. The Company has no interest rate swaps outstanding at December 31, 2011. The weighted average effective rate on the Notes, net of the impact of swaps, was 4.0% for both 2011 and 2010.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010,, the fair value of long-term debt, including the current portion, was approximately $84,110$4,212 and $88,120,$1,919, respectively, which was determined using available market information and methodologies requiring judgment. Since considerable 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.

Revolving Credit Agreement

On November 18, 2009, the

The Company entered into anhas a line of credit totaling $300,000 through the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement ("Credit Agreement"(the “Credit Agreement”) for a $150,000 revolving credit facility to be used for general corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement has a three-year term that is set to expire in November 2012. At any time not later than 180 days prior to the last day of the term, the Credit Agreement may be increased, subject to certain conditions, by an additional amount up to $75,000. The interest rate, which was entered into 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. A quarterly facility fee is payable based upon the daily aggregate amount of commitments and the Company's leverage ratio. The Company expects to replace the Credit Agreement prior to its expiration in NovemberJuly 26, 2012 although there can be no assurances that the Company can replace the Credit Agreement or that satisfactory terms will be reached.

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 December 31, 2011,2013, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement, but had letters of credit outstanding totaling $60, which reduced the availability under theAgreement.  The Credit Agreement has a five-year term and may be increased, subject to $149,940.



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
certain conditions, by an additional amount up to
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)$100,000

NOTE 7 – DEBT (Continued).  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.

Capital Leases

At December 31, 20112013 and 2010, $9012012, $236 and $1,869$267 of capital lease indebtedness was secured by property, plant and equipment, respectively.

Other
Other

Maturities of long-term debt, including payments under capital leases and amounts due banks, for the five years succeeding December 31, 20112013 are $101,060$15,297 in 2012, $4632014, $535 in 2013, $3942015, $446 in 2014, $2172016, $285 in 2015, $1322017, $202 in 20162018 and $754$774 thereafter. Total interest paid was $6,979$2,864 in 2011, $7,4462013, $4,423 in 20102012 and $11,339$6,979 in 2009.2011. The primary difference between interest expense and interest paid in 2012 and 2011 is the amortization of the gains on terminated interest rate swaps.

The Company's short-term borrowings included in "AmountsAmounts due banks"banks were $19,922$14,581 and $11,283$18,220 at December 31, 20112013 and 2010,2012, respectively, and represent the borrowings of foreign subsidiaries at weighted average interest rates of 11.6%11.3% and 17.1%11.3%, respectively. The primary reason for the decrease

F-21

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in the weighted average interest rate is the shift during 2011 in short-term borrowings from geographic areas with higher interest rates to areas with lower interest rates.

thousands, except share and per share amounts)


NOTE 89 – STOCK PLANS

On April 28, 2006, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2006 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan, as amended ("EPI Plan"), which replaced the 1998 Stock Plan, as amended and restated in May 2003. The EPI Plan provides for the granting of options, appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units and performance-based awards up to an additional 6,000,000 of the Company's common shares. In addition, on April 28, 2006, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2006 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended ("Director Plan"), which replaced the Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors adopted in 2000. The Director Plan provides for the granting of options, restricted shares and restricted stock units up to an additional 600,000 of the Company's common shares. At December 31, 2011,2013, there were 3,061,3462,315,239 common shares available for future grant under all plans.



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 8 – STOCK PLANS (Continued)

Stock Options

The following table summarizes stock option activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, under all Plans:


 Year Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31,

 2011 2010 2009  2013 2012 2011

 Options Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 Options Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 Options Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Options 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 Options 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 Options 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Balance at beginning of year

 3,779,824 $23.99 3,596,884 $22.28 3,110,978 $21.37  3,060,944
 $30.98
 3,632,463
 $26.05
 3,779,824
 $23.99

Options granted

 459,263 35.34 491,010 31.29 583,660 26.31  273,105
 70.88
 412,980
 47.66
 459,263
 35.34

Options exercised

 (572,795) 19.82 (260,084) 13.49 (59,102) 11.92  (774,783) 26.20
 (962,029) 19.52
 (572,795) 19.82

Options canceled

 (33,829) 26.62 (47,986) 27.84 (38,652) 25.75  (106,618) 40.54
 (22,470) 24.07
 (33,829) 26.62
             

Balance at end of year

 3,632,463 26.05 3,779,824 23.99 3,596,884 22.28  2,452,648
 36.52
 3,060,944
 30.98
 3,632,463
 26.05
             

Exercisable at end of year

 2,677,071 23.73 2,749,168 22.40 2,668,692 20.91  1,837,014
 29.93
 2,208,455
 27.19
 2,677,071
 23.73

Options granted under both the EPI Plan and its predecessor plans may be outstanding for a maximum of ten10 years from the date of grant. The majority of options granted vest ratably over a period of three years from the grant date. The exercise prices of all options were equal to the quoted market price of the Company's common shares at the date of grant. The Company issued shares of common stock from treasury upon all exercises of stock options in 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 2009.

2011.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model for estimating fair values of options. In estimating the fair value of options granted, the expected option life is based on the Company's historical experience. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility. The weighted average assumptions for each of the three years ended December 31, 20112013 were as follows:


 Year Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31,

 2011 2010 2009  2013 2012 2011

Expected volatility

 41.92% 42.15% 40.48%  32.97% 45.67% 41.92%

Dividend yield

 1.63% 2.02% 2.15%  1.40% 1.66% 1.63%

Risk-free interest rate

 0.80% 1.64% 2.04%  1.52% 0.70% 0.80%

Expected option life (years)

 4.3 4.9 4.7  4.4
 4.5
 4.3

Weighted average fair value per option granted during the year

 $10.97 $10.01 $8.03  $18.14
 $15.87
 $10.97


F-22


LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


NOTE 8 – STOCK PLANS (Continued)

The following table summarizes nonvestednon-vested stock options for the year ended December 31, 2011:

2013:


 Year Ended
December 31, 2011
  Year Ended December 31, 2013

 Number of
Options
 Weighted
Average Fair
Value at Grant
Date
  
Number of
Options
 
Weighted
Average Fair
Value at Grant
Date

Balance at beginning of year

 980,926 $8.74  852,489
 $13.63

Granted

 459,263 12.02  273,105
 18.14

Vested

 (483,245) 7.95  (410,542) 12.50

Forfeited

 (27,562) 8.39  (99,418) 14.04
     

Balance at end of year

 929,382 10.78  615,634
 16.32
     

The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable which would have been received by the optionees had all awards been exercised at December 31, 2011,2013 was $47,467$85,404 and $41,192,$76,076, respectively. The total intrinsic value of awards exercised during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $20,297, $18,776and 2010 was $15,781 and $5,006,$10,028, respectively.

The following table summarizes information about awards outstanding as of December 31, 2011:

2013
:

 
 Outstanding Exercisable  
 
Exercise Price Range
 Number of
Stock
Options
 Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 Number of
Stock
Options
 Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life (years)
 

Under $17.50

  341,076 $12.59  341,076 $12.59  1.6 

$17.50 - $20.00

  755,547  18.88  755,547  18.88  3.4 

Over $20.00

  2,535,840  30.00  1,580,448  28.46  7.6 
               

  3,632,463     2,677,071     6.2 
               
  Outstanding Exercisable  
Exercise Price Range 
Number of
Stock
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Number of
Stock
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life (years)
Under $29.99 738,614
 $23.41
 738,614
 $23.41
 4.6
$30.00 - $39.99 1,092,456
 33.20
 1,001,199
 33.00
 6.2
Over $40.00 621,578
 57.93
 97,201
 47.85
 9.4
  2,452,648
  
 1,837,014
  
 6.5


LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 8 – STOCK PLANS (Continued)

Restricted Share Awards

("RSAs")

The following table summarizes restricted share award activity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, under all Plans:

  Year Ended December 31,
  2013 2012 2011
  Shares 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 Shares 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 Shares 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Balance at beginning of year 336,808
 $28.49
 379,233
 $28.06
 523,730
 $27.36
Shares granted 14,464
 70.88
 20,099
 47.81
 22,779
 35.55
Shares vested* (224,021) 25.68
 (62,524) 32.10
 (159,842) 26.97
Shares forfeited (11,935) 25.76
 
 
 (7,434) 24.67
Balance at end of year 115,316
 39.55
 336,808
 28.49
 379,233
 28.06

*Includes shares vested but not exercisable
 
 Year Ended December 31, 
 
 2011 2010 2009 
 
 Shares Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 Shares Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 Shares Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Balance at beginning of year

  523,730 $27.36  435,770 $26.61  321,056 $25.68 

Shares granted

  22,779  35.55  112,864  31.05  188,950  26.30 

Shares vested*

  (159,842) 26.97  (24,904) 31.07  (74,236) 21.82 

Shares forfeited

  (7,434) 24.67         
                 

Balance at end of year

  379,233  28.06  523,730  27.36  435,770  26.61 
                 

*
Includes shares vested but not exercisable

Restricted share awardsRSAs are valued at the quoted market price on the grant date. The majority of restricted share awardsRSAs vest over a period of three to five years. The Company issued shares of common stock from treasury upon the granting of restricted share awardsRSAs in 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 2009. Under the EPI Plan, the Company issued 82,9922011. All restricted shares at a weighted average market price of $30.97 per shareissued in 20102013, 2012 and 171,886 restricted shares at a weighted average market price of $26.29 per share in 2009. The Company issued 22,779 restricted shares at a weighted average market price of $35.55 per share, 29,872 restricted shares at a weighted average market price of $31.28 per share and 17,064 restricted shares at a market price of $26.362011, were under the the Director Plan in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.Plan. The remaining weighted average life of all nonvested restricted share awardsnon-vested RSAs is 2.41.8 years as of December 31, 2011.

2013.

F-23

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The following table summarizes nonvestednon-vested restricted share awards for the year ended December 31, 2011:

2013
:

 
 Year Ended
December 31, 2011
 
 
 Number of
Restricted
Shares
 Weighted
Average
Fair Value
at Grant Date
 

Balance at beginning of year

  492,430 $27.36 

Granted

  22,779  35.55 

Vested

  (151,842) 26.79 

Forfeited

  (7,434) 24.67 
       

Balance at end of year

  355,933  28.18 
       
  Year Ended December 31, 2013
  Number of Restricted Shares Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Balance at beginning of year 318,088
 $28.74
Shares granted 14,464
 70.88
Shares vested (205,301) 25.80
Shares forfeited (11,935) 25.76
Balance at end of year 115,316
 39.55


LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 8 – STOCK PLANS (Continued)

Restricted Stock Units

("RSUs")

The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity for the yearyears ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, under all Plans:

 
 Year Ended December 31, 2011 
 
 Units Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested at beginning of year

   $ 

Units granted

  166,519  34.55 

Units vested

     

Units canceled

     
       

Nonvested at end of year

  166,519  34.55 
       
  Year Ended December 31,
  2013 2012 2011
  Units 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 Units 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 Units 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Balance at beginning of year 288,669
 $40.83
 166,519
 $34.55
 
 $
Units granted 69,925
 67.17
 133,944
 47.97
 166,519
 34.55
Units vested (33,698) 39.20
 (10,499) 33.06
 
 
Units forfeited (40,952) 41.70
 (1,295) 35.55
 
 
Balance at end of year 283,944
 47.38
 288,669
 40.83
 166,519
 34.55

Restricted stock units

RSUs are valued at the quoted market price on the grant date. The majority of restricted stock unitsRSUs vest over a period of three to five years. UnderThe Company will issue shares of common stock from treasury upon the vesting of RSUs and any earned dividend equivalents. Conversion of 31,552 RSUs to common stock in 2013 were deferred as part of the 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan for Executives (the "2005 Plan"). As of December 31, 2013, 43,012 RSUs, including related dividend equivalents, have been deferred under the 2005 Plan. These units are reflected within dilutive shares in the calculation of earnings per share. All RSUs issued in 2013, 2012 and 2011, were under the the EPI Plan, the Company issued 166,519 restricted stock units at a weighted average market price of $34.55 per share in 2011. Restricted stock units were not granted prior to 2011.Plan. The remaining weighted average life of all nonvested restricted stock unitsnon-vested RSUs is 4.84.1 years as of December 31, 2011.

2013.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

Expense is recognized for all awards of stock-based compensation by allocating the aggregate grant date fair value over the vesting period. No expense is recognized for any stock options, restricted or deferred shares or restricted stock units ultimately forfeited because recipients fail to meet vesting requirements. Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 20092011 was $6,610, $8,213$9,734, $8,961 and $5,432,$6,610, respectively. The related tax benefit for 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 20092011 was $2,515, $3,112$3,727, $3,409 and $2,058,$2,515, respectively. As of December 31, 2011,2013, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvestednon-vested stock options, restricted shares and restricted stock units was $18,898,$21,633, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 37 months.

3.3 years.

Lincoln Stock Purchase Plan

The 1995 Lincoln Stock Purchase Plan provides employees the ability to purchase open market shares on a commission-free basis up to a limit of ten thousand dollars annually. Under this plan, 800,000 shares have been authorized to be purchased. Shares purchased were 4,4664,653 in 2011, 4,2402013, 4,908 in 20102012 and 7,6364,466 in 2009.

2011.


F-24


LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


NOTE 910 – COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

The Company has a share repurchase program for up to 3045 million shares of the Company's common stock. At management's discretion, the Company repurchases its common stock from time to time in the open market, depending on market conditions, stock price and other factors. During the year ended December 31, 2011,2013, the Company purchased 1,041,2292,671,614 shares at an average cost per share of $34.29.$61.67. As of December 31, 2011, there2013, 15,670,759 shares remained 5,121,757 shares available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program. The treasury shares have not been retired.


NOTE 1011 – RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS

The Company maintains a number of defined benefit and defined contribution plans to provide retirement benefits for employees. These plans are maintained and contributions are made in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), local statutory law or as determined by the Board of Directors. The plans generally provide benefits based upon years of service and compensation. Pension plans are funded except for a domestic non-qualified pension plan for certain key employees and certain foreign plans. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its plans.

The Company does not have, and does not provide for, any postretirement or postemployment benefits other than pensions and certain non-U.S. statutory termination benefits.


F-25

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Defined Benefit Plans

The defined benefit plans generally provide benefits based upon years of service and compensation. The plans are funded except for a domestic non-qualified pension plan for certain key employees and certain foreign plans. The contributions

Contributions are made in amounts sufficient to fund current service costs on a current basis and to fund past service costs, if any, over various amortization periods.



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 10 – RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Continued)

Obligations and Funded Status


 December 31,  December 31,

 2011 2010  2013 2012

Change in benefit obligations

     

Benefit obligations at beginning of year

 $851,948 $777,521  $1,033,725
 $991,979

Service cost

 17,331 15,371  23,188
 21,538

Interest cost

 44,161 42,730  37,225
 41,584

Plan participants' contributions

 365 365  221
 334

Actuarial loss

 121,800 57,707 
Plan amendments 1,623
 (3,681)
Actuarial (gain) loss (91,851) 70,015

Benefits paid

 (40,345) (38,839) (59,296) (86,722)

Settlement/curtailment

 (2,434) (4,553) (1,390) (3,946)

Currency translation

 (847) 1,646  (2,003) 2,624
Benefit obligations at end of year 941,442
 1,033,725
         

Benefit obligations at end of year

 991,979 851,948 

Change in plan assets

     

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

 726,474 636,758  813,897
 749,456

Actual return on plan assets

 29,470 83,750  101,044
 83,156

Employer contributions

 33,994 44,766  85,456
 68,029

Plan participants' contributions

 365 365  221
 334

Benefits paid

 (37,960) (36,529) (57,644) (85,238)

Settlement

 (2,415) (4,355) (1,390) (3,798)

Currency translation

 (472) 1,719  (1,589) 1,958
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 939,995
 813,897
         

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

 749,456 726,474 

Funded status at end of year

 
(242,523

)
 
(125,474

)
 (1,447) (219,828)

Unrecognized net loss

 408,474 281,431 
Unrecognized actuarial net loss 258,781
 422,042

Unrecognized prior service cost

 (515) (843) (2,547) (4,101)

Unrecognized transition assets, net

 41 64  26
 26
     

Net amount recognized

 $165,477 $155,178  $254,813
 $198,139
     

The actuarial gain arising during 2013 was primarily attributable to a higher discount rate. In 2012, the Company's U.S. defined benefit plans were amended to allow participants, including those with deferred vested pension benefits, additional payment options including a lump sum and a five year payment option. The decrease in benefits paid in 2013 primarily reflect the disbursements related to deferred vested participants taking lump sum payment options in the prior period.
The after-tax amounts of unrecognized actuarial net loss, prior service creditscosts and transition obligationsassets included in "AccumulatedAccumulated other comprehensive loss"loss at December 31, 20112013 were $255,795, $(461)$162,983, $(2,307) and $35,$17, respectively. The actuarial loss represents changes in the estimated obligation not yet recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement. Actuarial losses arising during 2011 are primarily attributable to a lower discount rate. The pre-tax amounts of unrecognized actuarial net loss, prior service credits and transition obligations expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost during 20122014 are $31,138, $(95)$16,104, $(618) and $4,$4, respectively.



F-26



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

NOTE 10 – RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Continued)


Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets


 December 31,  December 31,

 2011 2010  2013 2012

Prepaid pensions

 $ $588  $36,116
 $

Accrued pension liability, current

 (10,348) (4,068) (10,564) (3,639)

Accrued pension liability, long-term

 (232,175) (121,994) (26,999) (216,189)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, excluding tax effects

 408,000 280,652  256,260
 417,967
     

Net amount recognized in the balance sheets

 $165,477 $155,178  $254,813
 $198,139
     

Components of Pension Cost for Defined Benefit Plans


 Year Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31,

 2011 2010 2009  2013 2012 2011

Service cost

 $17,331 $15,371 $12,755  $23,188
 $21,538
 $17,331

Interest cost

 44,161 42,730 43,097  37,225
 41,584
 44,161

Expected return on plan assets

 (57,405) (50,424) (43,802) (61,244) (58,754) (57,405)

Amortization of prior service cost

 (62) (44) (23) (613) (90) (62)

Amortization of net loss

 21,816 20,830 25,087  30,929
 31,085
 21,816

Settlement/curtailment (gain) loss

 529 660 (2,340)
       
Settlement/curtailment loss 423
 895
 529

Pension cost for defined benefit plans

 $26,370 $29,123 $34,774  $29,908
 $36,258
 $26,370
       

Pension costs in 2011 for the

The Company's defined benefit plans costs decreased in 2013 primarily as a result of an increase ina lower interest cost and a higher expected return on plan assets partially offset by higher service cost, interest cost and amortization of prior year losses.

assets.

Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets


 December 31,  December 31,

 2011 2010  2013 2012

U.S. pension plans

     

Projected benefit obligation

 $921,469 $784,905  $37,355
 $956,837

Accumulated benefit obligation

 883,157 755,390  33,416
 905,541

Fair value of plan assets

 696,802 670,958  10,028
 755,491

Non-U.S. pension plans

     

Projected benefit obligation

 $70,507 $54,289  $49,990
 $76,884

Accumulated benefit obligation

 66,332 50,394  42,593
 70,492

Fair value of plan assets

 52,652 42,182  39,753
 58,403


LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 10 – RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Continued)

The total accumulated benefit obligation for all plans was $949,489$891,397 as of December 31, 20112013 and $818,292$976,033 as of December 31, 2010.

2012.

Contributions to Plans

The Company expects to contribute approximately $30,000$20,000 to all pensionits defined benefit plans during 2012.in the United States in 2014. The actual amounts to be contributed to the pension plans in 20122014 will be determined at the Company's discretion.


F-27

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Benefit Payments for Plans

Benefits expected to be paid for the U.S. plans are as follows:

Estimated Payments
  
  

2012

 $49,085 

2013

 41,549 

2014

 42,834 $61,755

2015

 48,615 53,992

2016

 46,130 61,654

2017 through 2021

 260,371 
201759,570
201858,422
2019 through 2023307,094

Assumptions
Assumptions

Weighted average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligation for the Company's significant defined benefit plans as of December 31, 20112013 and 20102012 were as follows:


 December 31,  December 31,

 2011 2010  2013 2012

Discount rate

 4.2% 5.3% 4.7% 3.8%

Rate of increase in compensation

 4.0% 4.0% 4.2% 4.0%

Weighted average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit cost for the Company's significant defined benefit plans for each of the three years ended December 31, 20112013 were as follows:


 December 31,  December 31,

 2011 2010 2009  2013 2012 2011

Discount rate

 5.3% 5.8% 6.2% 3.8% 4.2% 5.3%

Rate of increase in compensation

 4.0% 4.0% 4.0% 4.1% 4.0% 4.0%

Expected return on plan assets

 7.9% 7.9% 8.2% 7.4% 7.7% 7.9%

To develop the discount rate assumption to be used for U.S. plans, the Company refers to the yield derived from matching projected pension payments with maturities of a portfolio of available non-callable bonds rated AA- or better. The expected long-term rate of return assumption is based on the weighted average expected return of the various asset classes in the plans' portfolio and the



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 10 – RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Continued)

targeted allocation of plan assets. The asset class return is developed using historical asset return performance as well as current market conditions such as inflation, interest rates and equity market performance. The rate of compensation increase is determined by the Company based upon annual reviews.

Pension Plans' Assets

The primary objective of the pension plans' investment policy is to ensure sufficient assets are available to provide benefit obligations when such obligations mature. Investment management practices must comply with ERISA or any other applicable regulations and rulings. The overall investment strategy for the defined benefit pension plans' assets is to achieve a rate of return over a normal business cycle relative to an acceptable level of risk that is consistent with the long-term objectives of the portfolio. The target allocation for plan assets is 60% to 70% equity securities and 30% to 40% debt securities.


F-28

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the pension plans' assets as of December 31, 2011:

2013
:

 
 Pension Plans' Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2011 
 
 Quoted Prices
in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total 

Corporate stock(1)

 $94,407 $ $ $94,407 

Cash and cash equivalents

  1,582      1,582 

Insurance company nonpooled separate account(2)

             

Cash and cash equivalents

    15,371    15,371 

Corporate and other obligations

    8,288  650  8,938 

Common trusts and 103-12 investments(3)

    611,361    611,361 

Private equity funds(4)

      17,797  17,797 
          

Total assets at fair value

 $95,989 $635,020 $18,447 $749,456 
          
  Pension Plans' Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
  
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Common trusts and 103-12 investments (1)
        
Cash and cash equivalents $
 $4,686
 $
 $4,686
Common trusts and 103-12 investments 
 902,746
 
 902,746
Private equity funds (2)
 
 
 32,563
 32,563
Total assets at fair value $
 $907,432
 $32,563
 $939,995


LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 10 – RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Continued)

The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the pension plans' assets as of December 31, 2010:

2012:
  Pension Plans' Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2012
  
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total
Corporate stock (3)
 $107,763
 $
 $
 $107,763
Cash and cash equivalents 5,170
 
 
 5,170
Corporate and other obligations (4)
 
 412
 
 412
Common trusts and 103-12 investments (1)
 
 673,469
 
 673,469
Private equity funds (2)
 
 
 27,083
 27,083
Total assets at fair value $112,933
 $673,881
 $27,083
 $813,897

 
 Pension Plans' Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2010 
 
 Quoted Prices
in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Total 

Corporate stock(1)

 $111,828 $ $ $111,828 

Cash and cash equivalents

  2,440      2,440 

Insurance company nonpooled separate account(2)

             

Cash and cash equivalents

    21,757    21,757 

Corporate and other obligations

    9,806  1,489  11,295 

Common trusts and 103-12 investments(3)

    570,133    570,133 

Private equity funds(4)

      9,021  9,021 
          

Total assets at fair value

 $114,268 $601,696 $10,510 $726,474 
          

(1)
This investment category includes publicly traded equity investments directly held by the plans. Investments are valued at the unadjusted quoted close prices reported on the reporting date.

(2)
The insurance company nonpooled separate account is focused on capital preservation and invests in fixed-income securities and money market instruments. Account is composed of publically traded and privately held corporate bonds, money market and mortgage backed assets. Publically traded bonds, money market and mortgage backed securities are valued at the closing market price on the reporting date. Privately held bonds are valued at fair value as determined by the fund directors and general partners.

(3)
Common trusts and 103-12 investments are comprised of a number of investment funds that invest in a diverse portfolio of assets including equity securities, corporate and governmental bonds, equity and credit indexes, and money markets. Trusts are valued at the net asset value ("NAV") as determined by their custodian. NAV represent the accumulation of the unadjusted quoted close prices on the reporting date for the underlying investments divided by the total shares outstanding at the reporting dates.

(4)
Private equity funds consist of four funds seeking capital appreciation by investing in private equity investment partnerships and venture capital companies. Funds are comprised of unrestricted and restricted publicly traded securities and privately held securities. Unrestricted securities are valued at the closing market price on the reporting date. Restricted securities may be valued at a discount from such closing public market price, depending on facts and circumstances. Privately held securities are valued at fair value as determined by the fund directors and general partners.
(1)Common trusts and 103-12 investments are comprised of a number of investment funds that invest in a diverse portfolio of assets including equity securities, corporate and governmental bonds, equity and credit indexes, and money markets. Trusts are valued at the net asset value ("NAV") as determined by their custodian. NAV represents the accumulation of the unadjusted quoted close prices on the reporting date for the underlying investments divided by the total shares outstanding at the reporting dates.
(2)Private equity funds consist of four funds seeking capital appreciation by investing in private equity investment partnerships and venture capital companies. Funds are comprised of unrestricted and restricted publicly traded securities and privately held securities. Unrestricted securities are valued at the closing market price on the reporting date. Restricted securities may be valued at a discount from such closing public market price, depending on facts and circumstances. Privately held securities are valued at fair value as determined by the fund directors and general partners.
(3)This investment category includes publicly traded equity investments directly held by the plans. Investments are valued at the unadjusted quoted close prices reported on the reporting date.
(4)This investment category is composed of publicly traded bonds and asset backed securities which are valued at the quoted closing market prices on the reporting date.


F-29

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



NOTE 10 – RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Continued)

The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Level 3 pension plans' assets for the year ended December 31, 2011:

2013:


 Insurance
Company
Nonpooled
Separate
Account
 Private
Equity
Funds
 Total  
Private
Equity
Funds

Balance at the beginning of year

 $1,489 $9,021 $10,510  $27,083

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements

 (463) 7,294 6,831  2,186

Realized and unrealized (losses) gains

 (376) 1,482 1,106 
       
Realized and unrealized gains 3,294

Balance at the end of year

 $650 $17,797 $18,447  $32,563
       

The amount of total (losses) gains during the period attributable to the change in unrealized (losses) gains relating to Level 3 net assets still held at the reporting date

 $(264)$1,407 $1,143 
       
The amount of total gains during the period attributable to the change in unrealized gains relating to Level 3 net assets still held at the reporting date $3,035

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

The Company maintains a domestic unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan ("SERP") under which non-qualified supplemental pension benefits are paid to certain employees in addition to amounts received under the Company's qualified retirement plan which is subject to Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") limitations on covered compensation. The annual cost of this program has been included in the determination of total net pension costs shown above and was $2,110, $2,118$2,329, $2,254 and $2,088$2,110 in 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 2009,2011, respectively. The projected benefit obligation associated with this plan is also included in the pension disclosure shown above and was $23,930, $21,412$22,877, $25,646 and $20,442$23,930 at December 31, 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 2009,2011, respectively.

Defined Contribution Plans

Substantially all U.S. employees are covered under a 401(k) savings plan in which they may invest 1% or more of eligible compensation, limited to maximum amounts as determined by the IRS. For most participants the plan provides for Company matching contributions of 35% of the first 6% of employee compensation contributed to the plan. The Company suspended the match provision for all of 2009 as part of the Company's actions to reduce costs in light of existing market conditions. On January 1, 2010, the match provision was reinstated for the 401(k) savings plan.

The plan also includes a feature in which all participants hired after November 1, 1997 receive an annual Company contribution of 2% of their base pay. The plan allowed employees hired before November 1, 1997, at their election, to receive this contribution in exchange for forfeiting certain benefits under the pension plan. In 2006, the plan was amended to include a feature in which all participants receive an annual Company contribution ranging from 4% to 10% of base pay based on years of service.



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 10 – RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Continued)

The annual costs recognized for defined contribution plans were $8,478, $7,039$10,812, $9,405 and $4,810$8,478 in 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 2009,2011, respectively.

Multi-Employer Plans

The Company participates in multi-employer plans for several of its operations in Europe. Costs for these plans are recognized as contributions are funded. The Company's risk of participating in these plans is limited to the annual premium as determined by the plan. The annual costs of these programs were $966, $1,052$1,048, $972 and $1,322$966 in 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 2009,2011, respectively.

Other Benefits

The Cleveland, Ohio, area operations have a Guaranteed Continuous Employment Plan covering substantially all employees which, in general, provides that the Company will provide work for at least 75% of every standard work week (presently 40 hours). This plan does not guarantee employment when the Company's ability to continue normal operations is seriously restricted by events beyond the control of the Company. The Company has reserved the right to terminate this plan effective at the end of a calendar year by giving notice of such termination not less than six months prior to the end of such year.



F-30

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

NOTE 1112 – INCOME TAXES

The components of income (loss) before income taxes for the three years ended December 31, 20112013 were as follows:


 Year Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31,

 2011 2010 2009  2013 2012 2011

U.S.

 $204,667 $135,756 $110,909  $281,724
 $243,382
 $204,667

Non-U.S.

 96,664 51,352 (24,171) 134,717
 126,188
 96,664
       

Total

 $301,331 $187,108 $86,738  $416,441
 $369,570
 $301,331
       


LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 11 – INCOME TAXES (Continued)

The components of income tax expense (benefit) for the three years ended December 31, 20112013 were as follows:


 Year Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31,

 2011 2010 2009  2013 2012 2011

Current:

       

Federal

 $42,510 $30,642 $25,688  $58,099
 $72,809
 $42,510

Non-U.S.

 19,970 15,532 15,943  40,348
 33,510
 19,970

State and local

 6,699 4,337 3,364  8,490
 8,172
 6,699
        106,937
 114,491
 69,179

 69,179 50,511 44,995 

Deferred:

       

Federal

 12,140 6,802 (4,612) 21,946
 (1,673) 12,140

Non-U.S.

 2,768 (2,640) (2,735) (5,734) (750) 2,768

State and local

 231 225 257  1,605
 286
 231
        17,817
 (2,137) 15,139

 15,139 4,387 (7,090)
       

Total

 $84,318 $54,898 $37,905  $124,754
 $112,354
 $84,318
       

The differences between total income tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes for the three years ended December 31, 20112013 were as follows:


 Year Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31,

 2011 2010 2009  2013 2012 2011

Statutory rate of 35% applied to pre-tax income

 $105,466 $65,488 $30,358  $145,754
 $129,350
 $105,466

Effect of state and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

 4,585 3,044 2,443  7,124
 5,598
 4,585

Taxes (less) more than the U.S. tax rate on non-U.S. earnings, including utilization of tax loss carryforwards, losses with no benefit and changes in non-U.S. valuation allowance

 (13,637) (1,417) 18,484 
Taxes (less) more than the U.S. tax rate on non-U.S. earnings, including utilization of tax loss carry-forwards, losses with no benefit and changes in non-U.S. valuation allowance (17,352) (11,263) (13,637)

Manufacturing deduction

 (5,330) (3,900) (2,310) (6,386) (6,287) (5,330)

U.S. tax cost (benefit) of foreign source income

 145 (3,282) (14,486) 995
 (4,766) 145

Resolution and adjustments to uncertain tax positions

 (5,103) (3,204) 4,275  (313) (1,493) (5,103)

Other

 (1,808) (1,831) (859) (5,068) 1,215
 (1,808)
       

Total

 $84,318 $54,898 $37,905  $124,754
 $112,354
 $84,318
       

Effective tax rate

 27.98% 29.34% 43.70%  29.96% 30.40% 27.98%
       

The 20112013 effective tax rate is impacted by the geographic mix of earnings and taxes at lower rates in foreign jurisdictions, including Canada, Mexico, Poland and the U.K., as well as loss utilization in other foreign jurisdictions. Total income tax payments, net of refunds, were $62,600$84,567 in 2011, $40,9702013, $78,506 in 20102012 and $33,522$62,600 in 2009.

2011.


F-31


LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

NOTE 11 – INCOME TAXES (Continued)


Deferred Taxes

Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 20112013 and 2010,2012, were as follows:


 December 31,  December 31,

 2011 2010  2013 2012

Deferred tax assets:

     

Tax loss and credit carryforwards

 $32,313 $45,383 
Tax loss and credit carry-forwards $51,762
 $40,373

Inventory

 8,224 8,190  1,277
 1,328

Other accruals

 15,652 16,024  15,709
 14,981

Employee benefits

 17,600 17,304  18,909
 17,904

Pension obligations

 79,371 36,251  4,643
 82,903

Other

 7,111 13,662  9,828
 12,686
     

Deferred tax assets, gross

 160,271 136,814  102,128
 170,175

Valuation allowance

 (31,713) (38,451) (49,684) (38,799)
     

Deferred tax assets, net

 128,558 98,363  52,444
 131,376

Deferred tax liabilities:

     

Property, plant and equipment

 40,806 37,191  38,653
 41,380

Intangible assets

 13,251 15,170  24,014
 19,545

Inventory

 2,973 5,246  7,311
 5,783

Pension obligations

 1,676 2,239  7,315
 2,940

Other

 9,685 9,369  8,777
 8,769
     

Deferred tax liabilities

 68,391 69,215  86,070
 78,417
     

Total Deferred taxes

 $60,167 $29,148  $(33,626) $52,959
     

At December 31, 2011,2013, certain subsidiaries had tax loss carryforwardscarry-forwards of approximately $114,733$121,044 that will expire in various years from 20122014 through 2030, except for $30,070$77,380 for which there is no expiration date.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company assesses whether it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies, and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. At December 31, 2011,2013, a valuation allowance of $31,713$49,684 was recorded against certain deferred tax assets based on this assessment. The Company believes it is more likely than not that the tax benefit of the remaining net deferred tax assets will be realized. The amount of net deferred tax assets considered realizable could be increased or decreased in the future if the Company's assessment of future taxable income or tax planning strategies changes.

The Company does not provide deferred income taxes on unremitted earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries which are deemed permanently reinvested. It is not practicable to calculate the deferred



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 11 – INCOME TAXES (Continued)

taxes associated with the remittance of these earnings. Deferred income taxes associated with earnings of $3,776$8,354 that are not expected to be permanently reinvested were not significant.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits are classified as "Accrued taxes" non-current unless expected to be paid in one year. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in "Income taxes." Current income tax expense included a benefitan expense of $505$492 for the year ended December 31, 20112013 and an expense of $312$893 for the year ended December 31, 20102012 for interest and penalties. For those same years, the Company's accrual for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits totaled $9,039$10,257 and $10,443,$10,295, respectively.


F-32

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The following table summarizes the activity related to unrecognized tax benefits:


 2011 2010  2013 2012

Balance at January 1

 $38,393 $42,840  $25,255
 $26,656

Increase related to current year tax provisions

 2,221 1,830  1,990
 3,838

Increase related to prior years' tax positions

 3,250 1,163  208
 212

Increase related to acquisitions

  438  3,528
 1,274

Decrease related to settlements with taxing authorities

 (3,424) (507) (95) (940)

Resolution of and other decreases in prior years' tax liabilities

 (13,460) (4,950) (3,491) (5,964)

Other

 (324) (2,421) (1,488) 179
     

Balance at December 31

 $26,656 $38,393  $25,907
 $25,255
     

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $17,325$13,739 at December 31, 20112013 and $22,925$14,839 at December 31, 2010.

2012.

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 2003. The Company is currently subject to various U.S. state audits, a Russianan Indian tax audit for 20082012 - 2010, a German tax audit for 2007 - 2009, a Canadian tax audit for 2003 - 20072013 and an Indonesian tax audit for 2003 and 2005 - 2007.

The Company is generally not able to precisely estimate the ultimate settlement amounts or timing until after the close of an audit. The Company evaluates its tax positions and establishes liabilities for uncertain tax positions that may be challenged by local authorities and may not be fully sustained.

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 further reduction of $7,082$4,284 in prior years' unrecognized tax benefits in 2012.

2014.
In July 2012, the Company received a Notice of Reassessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”) for 2004 to 2011, which would disallow the deductibility of inter-company dividends. These adjustments would increase Canadian federal and provincial tax due by $58,824 plus approximately $16,022 of interest, net of tax. The Company disagrees with the position taken by the CRA and believes it is without merit. The Company will vigorously contest the assessment through the Tax Court of Canada. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.
In connection with the litigation process, the Company is required to deposit no less than one-half of the tax and interest assessed by the CRA. The Company has elected to deposit the entire amount of the dispute in order to suspend the continuing accrual of a 5% interest charge. Additionally, deposited amounts will earn interest of approximately 1% due upon a favorable outcome. A deposit was made and is recorded as a non-current asset valued at $84,128 as of December 31, 2013. Any Canadian tax ultimately due will be creditable in the parent company's U.S. federal tax return. The Company expects to be able to utilize the full amount of foreign tax credits generated in the statutorily allowed carry-back and carry-forward periods. Accordingly, should the Company not prevail in this dispute, the income statement charge will approximate the deficiency interest, net of tax.
The Company believes it will prevail on the merits of the tax position. In accordance with prescribed recognition and measurement thresholds, no income tax accrual has been made for any uncertain tax positions related to the CRA reassessment. An unfavorable resolution of this matter could have a material effect on the Company's financial statements in the quarter in which a judgment is reached.


LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 1213 – DERIVATIVES

The Company uses derivatives to manage exposures to currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices arising in the normal course of business. Derivative contracts to hedge currency and commodity exposures are generally written on a short-term basis but may cover exposures for up to two years while interest rate contracts may cover longer periods consistent with the terms of the underlying debt. The Company does not enter into derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.


F-33

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

All derivatives are recognized at fair value on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accounting for gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value depends on the use of the derivative and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting. The Company formally documents the relationship of the hedge with the hedged item as well as the risk-management strategy for all designated hedges. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness, when applicable. If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, or the derivative is terminated, hedge accounting is discontinued. The cash flows from settled derivative contracts are recognized in operating activities in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial for the three years ended December 31, 2011.

2013.

The Company is subject to the credit risk of the counterparties to derivative instruments. Counterparties include a number of major banks and financial institutions. The Company manages individual counterparty exposure by monitoring the credit rating of the counterparty and the size of financial commitments and exposures between the Company and the counterparty. None of the concentrations of risk with any individual counterparty was considered significant at December 31, 2011.2013. The Company does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations.

Cash flow hedges

Certain foreign currency forward contracts are qualified and designated as cash flow hedges. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these short-term contracts was $65,721$36,880 at December 31, 20112013 and $33,221$39,597 at December 31, 2010.2012. The effective portions of the fair value gains or losses on these cash flow hedges are recognized in "AccumulatedAccumulated other comprehensive income"income ("AOCI") and subsequently reclassified to "CostCost of goods sold"sold or "Sales"Sales for hedges of purchases and sales, respectively, as the underlying hedged transactions affected earnings.

Net investment hedges
The Company had a foreign currency forward contract that qualified as a designated net investment hedge.  No such contract was outstanding as of December 31, 2013. The effective portion of the fair value gain or loss on these net investment hedges were recognized in AOCI and subsequently reclassified to Selling, general and administrative expenses when the underlying hedged investment was liquidated.
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

The Company has certain foreign exchange forward contracts which 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 $161,026$186,158 at December 31, 20112013 and $173,116$189,259 at December 31, 2010.2012. The fair value gains or losses from these contracts are recognized in "Selling,Selling, general and administrative expenses," offsetting the losses or gains on the exposures being hedged.

The Company has short-term silver and copper forward contracts with a notional amountamounts of 340,000290,000 troy ounces and 375,000 pounds, respectively, at December 31, 20112013 and 380,000short-term silver and copper forward contracts with notional amounts of 275,000 troy ounces and 375,000 pounds, respectively, at December 31, 2010.2012. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts were recognized in earnings.

Cost of goods sold.


LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 12 – DERIVATIVES (Continued)

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


 December 31, 2011 December 31, 2010  December 31, 2013 December 31, 2012
Derivatives by hedge designation
 Other
Current
Assets
 Other
Current
Liabilities
 Other
Current
Assets
 Other
Current
Liabilities
  
Other
Current
Assets
 
Other
Current
Liabilities
 
Other
Current
Assets
 
Other
Current
Liabilities

Designated as hedging instruments:

         

Foreign exchange contracts

 $801 $531 $381 $728  $706
 $219
 $352
 $325

Not designated as hedging instruments:

         

Foreign exchange contracts

 726 1,026 252 1,228  766
 228
 510
 902

Commodity contracts

 1,559   1,051  262
 47
 731
 
         

Total derivatives

 $3,086 $1,557 $633 $3,007  $1,734
 $494
 $1,593
 $1,227
         


F-34

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The effects of undesignated derivative instruments on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 20112013 and 20102012 consisted of the following:


  
 Year Ended December 31,    Year Ended December 31,
Derivatives by hedge designation
 Classification of gains (losses) 2011 2010  Classification of gains (losses) 2013 2012

Not designated as hedges:

       

Foreign exchange contracts

 Selling, general & administrative expenses $92 $(1,481) Selling, general & administrative expenses $215
 $3,711

Commodity contracts

 Cost of goods sold 1,167 (4,451) Cost of goods sold 2,882
 (1,117)

Commodity contracts

 Other income (12) (112)

The effects of designated cash flow hedges on AOCI and the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 20112013 and 20102012 consisted of the following:


 December 31, 
Total gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net of tax
 2011 2010 
 December 31,
Total gain recognized in AOCI, net of tax 2013 2012

Foreign exchange contracts

 $912 $(352) $369
 $80

The Company expects a gain of $912$369 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.


  
 Year Ended December 31,    Year Ended December 31,
Derivative type
 Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to: 2011 2010  Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to: 2013 2012

Foreign exchange contracts

 Sales $(91)$137  Sales $619
 $931

 Cost of goods sold (1,292) (720) Cost of goods sold 418
 234

Commodity contracts

 Cost of goods sold  (1,029)
Net investment contracts Selling, general & administrative expenses (67) 


LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 1314 – FAIR VALUE

The following table provides a summary of fair value assets and liabilities as of December 31, 20112013 measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Description
 Balance as of
December 31, 2011
 Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets or
Liabilities
(Level 1)
 Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
  Balance as of December 31, 2013 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets or
Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)

Assets:

         

Foreign exchange contracts

 $1,527 $ $1,527 $  $1,472
 $
 $1,472
 $

Commodity contracts

 1,559  1,559   262
 
 262
 
         

Total assets

 $3,086 $ $3,086 $  $1,734
 $
 $1,734
 $
         

Liabilities:

         

Foreign exchange contracts

 $1,557 $ $1,557 $  $447
 $
 $447
 $
Commodity contracts 47
 
 47
 

Contingent consideration

 4,297   4,297  5,375
 
 
 5,375

Deferred Compensation

 14,936  14,936  
         
Forward contract 16,974
 
 
 16,974
Deferred compensation 20,132
 
 20,132
 

Total liabilities

 $20,790 $ $16,493 $4,297  $42,975
 $
 $20,626
 $22,349
         


F-35

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The following table provides a summary of fair value assets and liabilities as of December 31, 20102012 measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Description
 Balance as of
December 31, 2010
 Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets or
Liabilities
(Level 1)
 Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
  Balance as of December 31, 2012 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets or
Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)

Assets:

         

Foreign exchange contracts

 $633 $ $633 $  $862
 $
 $862
 $
         
Commodity contracts 731
 
 731
 
Total assets $1,593
 $
 $1,593
 $

Liabilities:

   
  
  
  

Foreign exchange contracts

 $1,956 $ $1,956 $  $1,227
 $
 $1,227
 $

Commodity contracts

 1,051  1,051  

Deferred Compensation

 14,380  14,380  
         
Contingent consideration 4,894
 
 
 4,894
Deferred compensation 16,882
 
 16,882
 

Total liabilities

 $17,387 $ $17,387 $  $23,003
 $
 $18,109
 $4,894
         

The Company's derivative contracts are valued at fair value using the market approach. The Company measures the fair value of foreign exchange contracts using Level 2 inputs based on observable spot and forward rates in active markets. The Company measures the fair value of commodity contracts using Level 2 inputs through observable market transactions in active markets provided by financial institutions. During the year ended December 31, 2011,2013, there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3.

In connection with the Arc Productsan acquisition, the Company recorded a contingent consideration fair valued at $3,806 at January 31, 2011 and $4,297 at $5,375 as of December 31, 2011, reflecting $491 of non-cash accretion.2013, which reflects a $481 increase in the liability from December 31, 2012. The contingent consideration is based upon estimated sales for the five-yearfive-year period ending



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 13 – FAIR VALUE (Continued)

December 31, 2015 and will be paid in 2016 based on actual sales during the five-year period. The fair value of the contingent consideration is considered a Level 3 valuation and is estimatedfair valued using a probability weighted discounted cash flow analysis.

In connection with an acquisition, the Company obtained a controlling financial interest in the acquired entity and at the same time entered into a contract to obtain the remaining financial interest in the entity over a three-year period. The amount to be paid to obtain the remaining financial interest will be based upon actual financial results of the entity. A liability was recorded for the contract at a fair value of $16,974 as of December 31, 2013. The fair value of the contract is a Level 3 valuation and is based on the present value of the expected future payments. The expected future payments are based on a multiple of forecast earnings and cash flows over the three-year period ending December 31, 2016, present valued utilizing a risk based discount rate. The present value calculations utilized an average discount rate of 16.3% and annual earnings growth rates ranging from 14.8% to 18.8%.
The deferred compensation liability is the Company's liabilityobligation under its executive deferred compensation plan. The Company measures the fair value of the liability using the net assetmarket values of the participants' underlying investment fund elections.

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. The fair value of "Cash and cash equivalents," "Accounts receivable," "Amounts due banks" and "Trade accounts payable" approximated book value due to the short-term nature of these instruments at both December 31, 20112013 and December 31, 2010.2012. See Note 78 for the fair value estimate of debt.



F-36

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

NOTE 1415 – INVENTORY

For most domestic inventories, cost is determined principally by the LIFO method, and for non-U.S. inventories, cost is determined by the FIFO method. An actualThe valuation of the inventory under the LIFO method can beinventories is made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on management's estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs. Because these estimates are subject to many factors beyond management's control, annual results may differ from interim results as they are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation. At December 31, 20112013 and 2010,2012, approximately 31%38% and 30%34%, respectively, of total inventories were valued using the LIFO method. The excess of current cost over LIFO cost was $78,292$70,882 at December 31, 20112013 and $70,906$72,173 at December 31, 2010.

2012.


NOTE 1516 – LEASES

The Company leases sales offices, warehouses and distribution centers, transportation equipment, office equipment and data processinginformation technology equipment. Such leases, some of which are noncancelable and, in many cases, include renewals, expire at various dates. The Company pays most insurance, maintenance and taxes relating to leased assets. Rental expense was $15,221$18,642 in 2011, $14,1552013, $17,751 in 20102012 and $14,275$15,221 in 2009.

2011.

At December 31, 2011,2013, total future minimum lease payments for noncancelable operating leases were $10,620$13,263 in 2012, $7,7202014, $10,391 in 2013, $5,4432015, $8,240 in 2014, $3,8392016, $5,637 in 2015, $3,3302017, $4,071 in 20162018 and $5,264$6,568 thereafter.



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 15 – LEASES (Continued)

The following table summarizes assets held under capital leases and included in property, plant and equipment:


 December 31,  December 31,

 2011 2010  2013 2012

Buildings

 $6,236 $6,449  $461
 $441

Machinery and equipment

 179 984  110
 209

Less: accumulated depreciation

 (2,494) (2,134) (100) (163)
     

Net capital leases

 $3,921 $5,299  $471
 $487
     


NOTE 1617 – CONTINGENCIES

The Company, like other manufacturers, is subject from time to time to a variety of civil and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Such claims and litigation include, without limitation, product liability claims and health, safety and environmental claims, some of which relate to cases alleging asbestos and manganese induced illnesses. The claimants in the asbestos and manganese cases seek compensatory and punitive damages, in most cases for unspecified amounts. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to these claims and intends to contest such suits vigorously.

The Company's accrual for contingent liabilities primarily for product liability claims, was $11,312$2,735 as of December 31, 20112013 and $5,711$5,636 as of December 31, 2010.2012. The accrual is included in "OtherOther current liabilities."
The Company also recognizedaccrues its best estimate of the probable costs, after a review of the facts with management and counsel and taking into account past experience. If an assetunfavorable outcome is determined to be reasonably possible but not probable, or if the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated, disclosure is provided for recoveries from insurance carriers relatedmaterial claims or litigation. Many of the current cases are in differing procedural stages and information on the circumstances of each claimant, which forms the basis for judgments as to the insured claims outstandingvalidity or ultimate disposition of $4,516such actions, varies greatly. Therefore, in many situations a range of possible losses cannot be made. Reserves are adjusted as of December 31, 2011facts and $1,616 as of December 31, 2010. The asset is included in "Other current assets." The increase in the accrual for contingent liabilitiescircumstances change and related recoveries from insurance carriers is due to an agreement the Company entered into in January 2012 with its co-defendants and plaintiffs' counsel that provides for the dismissal with prejudice of substantially allmanagement assessments of the pending manganeseunderlying merits and the likelihood of outcomes change. Moreover, reserves only cover identified and/or asserted claims.

Future claims could, therefore, give rise to increases to such reserves.

Based on the Company's historical experience in litigating product liability claims, including a significant number of dismissals, summary judgments and defense verdicts in many cases and immaterial settlement amounts, as well as the Company's current assessment of the underlying merits of the claims and applicable insurance, the Company believes resolution of these claims and proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.



F-37


LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


NOTE 1718 – PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS

The changes in the carrying amount of product warranty accruals for 2011, 20102013, 2012 and 20092011 were as follows:


 December 31,  December 31,

 2011 2010 2009  2013 2012 2011

Balance at beginning of year

 $16,879 $16,768 $13,736  $15,304
 $15,781
 $16,879

Accruals for warranties

 10,395 11,406 11,359  12,786
 10,872
 10,395

Settlements

 (11,260) (11,065) (8,718) (12,794) (11,477) (11,260)

Foreign currency translation

 (233) (230) 391  (116) 128
 (233)
       

Balance at end of year

 $15,781 $16,879 $16,768  $15,180
 $15,304
 $15,781
       


NOTE 1819 – QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)


 First Second Third Fourth 

2011

 
 First Second Third Fourth
2013        

Net sales

 $599,179 $699,293 $701,624 $694,513  $718,573
 $727,432
 $691,875
 $714,791

Gross profit

 161,438 195,504 185,452 194,343  226,572
 240,338
 232,697
 243,047

Income before income taxes

 60,537 81,494 75,873 83,427  90,679
 106,534
 97,840
 121,388

Net income

 46,910 57,013 55,530 57,733  66,806
 72,606
 66,044
 88,324

Basic earnings per share

 $0.56 $0.69 $0.66 $0.69  $0.81
 $0.88
 $0.81
 $1.09

Diluted earnings per share

 $0.55 $0.68 $0.66 $0.68  $0.80
 $0.87
 $0.80
 $1.07

2010

 
2012        

Net sales

 $470,958 $515,584 $519,338 $564,292  $727,122
 $744,045
 $697,552
 $684,648

Gross profit

 123,333 148,583 144,071 147,832  215,265
 224,997
 213,362
 213,032

Income before income taxes

 34,741 51,572 48,819 51,976  92,919
 98,157
 90,889
 87,605

Net income

 23,728 32,540 32,473 41,503  64,243
 66,319
 64,765
 62,084

Basic earnings per share

 $0.28 $0.38 $0.39 $0.49  $0.77
 $0.80
 $0.78
 $0.75

Diluted earnings per share

 $0.28 $0.38 $0.38 $0.49  $0.76
 $0.79
 $0.77
 $0.74

The quarter ended June 30, 2011December 31, 2013 includes rationalization and asset impairment net gains of $75 ($44 after-tax) primarily related to the gain on sale of assets at rationalized operations in the Asia Pacific Welding segment resulting from actions initiated in 2009.

The quarter ended March 31, 2011 includes rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $357$259 ($281223 after-tax) primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations in theNorth America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments resulting from actions initiated in 2009 and a gaincharge of $4,844$705 related to a favorable adjustment for tax audit settlements in the North America Welding segment.

The quarter ended December 31, 2010 includes a rationalization net charge of $1,788 ($1,697 after-tax) for costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations initiated in 2009 and related asset impairment charges of $387 ($305 after-tax) offset by gainsloss on the disposalsale of assets at rationalized operations, a gain of $108 after-tax in noncontrolling interests related to the impairment of



LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 18 – QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

assets for a majority-owned consolidated subsidiaryland in the Asia Pacific Welding segment and incomesegment. Associated with the loss on the sale of $5,092 recognized dueland is a charge of $47 attributable to an adjustment in tax liabilities for a change in applicable tax regulations in the Asia Pacific Welding segment.

non-controlling interests.

The quarter ended September 30, 20102013 includes rationalization net gains of $227 ($231 after-tax) primarily related to the costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations initiated in 2009 and related asset impairment charges of $496 ($496 after-tax) offset by gains on the disposal of assets at rationalized operations, a charge of $815 ($815 after-tax) in Cost of goods sold related to the change in functional currency for the Company's operation in Venezuela to the U.S. dollar and devaluation of the Venezuelan currency and a charge of $44 after-tax in noncontrolling interests associated with gains recognized on the disposal of assets for a majority-owned consolidated subsidiary.

The quarter ended June 30, 2010 includes rationalization net gains of $3,629 ($3,773 after-tax) primarily related to gains on the sale of assets at rationalized operations in the Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, a charge of $2,319 ($2,319 after-tax) in Cost of goods sold for the South America Welding segment related to the change in functional currency for the Company's operation in Venezuela to the U.S. dollar and devaluation of the Venezuelan currency and a charge of $1,846 after-tax in noncontrolling interests associated with the rationalization gain for a majority-owned consolidated subsidiary.

The quarter ended March 31, 2010 includes rationalization net charges of $801$1,627 ($6121,595 after-tax) primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations in theNorth America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments resulting from actions initiated in 2009 and a net gain of $11 (a net charge of $426$4,675 ($4,503 after-tax) forrelated to impairment of long-lived assets in the Asia Pacific Welding segment. Associated with impairment of long-lived assets is a charge of $1,021 attributable to non-controlling interests.

The quarter ended June 30, 2013 includes rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $851 ($579 after-tax) primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations in North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments and charges of $2,538 related to devaluation of Venezuelan currency in the South America Welding segmentsegment.
The quarter ended March 31, 2013 includes rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $1,051 ($673 after-tax) primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations in North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments and charges of $9,660 related to devaluation of Venezuelan currency in the South America Welding segment.

F-38

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The quarter ended December 31, 2012 includes rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $5,037 ($3,823 after-tax) primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations in North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments.
The quarter ended September 30, 2012 includes rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $3,059 ($2,704 after-tax) primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations in North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments.
The quarter ended June 30, 2012 includes rationalization net charges of $1,258 ($915 after-tax) primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations in North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments and a charge of $1,381 ($906 after-tax) related to a change in Venezuelan labor law, which provides for increased employee severance obligations in the functional currency for the Company's subsidiary in Venezuela to the U.S. dollar and devaluation of the Venezuelan currency.

South America Welding segment.

The quarterly earnings per share (EPS)("EPS") amounts are each calculated independently. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly EPS amounts may not equal the annual totals.


F-39



SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.
(In thousands)

 
  
 Additions  
  
 
Description
 Balance at
Beginning
of Period
 Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
 (1)
Charged to
Other
Accounts
 (2)
Deductions
 Balance at End of Period 

Allowance for doubtful accounts:

                

Year ended December 31, 2011

 $7,855 $2,173 $(303)$2,646 $7,079 

Year ended December 31, 2010

  8,174  3,146  (425) 3,040  7,855 

Year ended December 31, 2009

  7,673  2,685  368  2,552  8,174 
    Additions    
Description 
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
 
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
 
(1)
Charged to
Other
Accounts
 
(2)
Deductions
 Balance at End of Period
Allowance for doubtful accounts:          
Year Ended December 31, 2013 $8,654
 $2,671
 $49
 $2,976
 $8,398
Year Ended December 31, 2012 7,079
 3,368
 68
 1,861
 8,654
Year Ended December 31, 2011 7,855
 2,173
 (303) 2,646
 7,079
(1)Currency translation adjustment.
(2)Uncollectible accounts written-off, net of recoveries.

(1)
Currency translation adjustment.
F-40



(2)
Uncollectible accounts written-off, net of recoveries.
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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
SIGNATURES
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands)
LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands)
LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share amounts)
LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In thousands, except per share amounts)
LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (In thousands, except per share amounts)
LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands)
LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. (In thousands)