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LS Starrett Co.M E N U WHEN THE WORLD IS COUNTING ON YOU, YOU CAN COUNT ON US. 2020 ANNUAL REPORT & 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Years ended December 31 (dollars in millions, except per share) Net Sales Operating Income Margin* GAAP non-GAAP $3,029 $3,003 $2,655 12.4% 13.4% 12.4% 12.9% 12.4% 10.6% Net Income* GAAP non-GAAP $317 $287 $293 $295 $250 $206 2018 2019 2020 2018 2019 2020 2018 2019 2020 Return on Invested Capital* Earnings Per Common Share* 20.7% 19.9% 17.7% GAAP non-GAAP $4.82 $4.68 $4.70 $4.37 $4.15 $3.42 Average Operating Working Capital Ratio* 16.5% 16.8% 18.0% 2018 2019 2020 2018 2019 2020 2018 2019 2020 Cash Flow From Operations Cash Conversion Ratio* Annual Cash Dividend Per Common Share $329 $403 $351 81% 113% 117% $1.88 $1.96 $1.56 2018 2019 2020 2018 2019 2020 2018 2019 2020 *Please see Appendix A for definitions and reconciliation of non-GAAP results to the most comparable GAAP results. SUSTAINABILITY HIGHLIGHTS Record safety and environmental performance Safety 2020 GOAL: 75% REDUCTION GHG Emissions 2020 GOAL: 15% REDUCTION Energy Intensity 2020 GOAL: 30% REDUCTION 85% DART Reduction (2020 vs 2011) 36% Reduction (2020 vs 2011) 25% Reduction (2020 vs 2011) Recycling 2020 GOAL: 70% RATE 75% in 2020 Landfill Avoidance 95% in 2020 Water Usage 37% Reduction (2020 vs 2011) “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC. The CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion within the U.S. workplace. Please visit: https://sustainability.lincolnelectric.com to learn more about sustainability programs and performance. “ Operating to a higher standard requires excellence and resilience, which our team proudly demonstrated in 2020.” —Chris Mapes, Chairman, President & CEO M E N U 0 1 | L I N C O L N E L E C T R I C : 2 0 2 0 A N N U A L R E P O R T DEAR SHAREHOLDERS In an unprecedented year, we operated as an essential business to ensure our employees, customers and communities could count on us. While tested by the challenges of operating in a pandemic and an economic crisis, we remained anchored to our values and our guiding principle, The Golden Rule, treating others as you would like to be treated. With over 125 years of successfully navigating disruptive cycles and crises, we leveraged our flexible business model to service customers, optimize our financial per- formance and safeguard our employees’ wages, benefits and bonuses. The unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic required extraordinary adjustments to our operating model to provide employees with the safety and flexibility needed to persevere. Our most impactful changes were our aggressive rollout of CDC and WHO- best practice health and safety protocols, which sup- ported record safety performance in 2020. We also redefined work for most Lincoln Electric employees by maximizing flexible and remote work practices. By har- nessing IT investments and accelerating digitization of our work, we boosted productivity, continued to drive innovation, and successfully executed on our Higher Standard 2025 strategic initiatives. Among a year of extraordinary change, I am proud of our solid performance. While sales declined approximately 12% to $2.7 billion, $88 million generated in temporary and permanent cost savings mitigated volume declines and protected profitability. Our adjusted operating income margin held relatively steady, declining 50 basis points to 12.4% versus the prior year. We achieved our third high- est earnings performance with an adjusted earnings per share of $4.15. Cash generation was also our third high- est and cash conversion was 117%. We continued to return cash to shareholders through $114 million in share repurchases and the 25th consecutive increase in divi- dend per share. Our balance sheet strengthened with increased liquidity and lower debt; positioning us for con- tinued investments in growth to drive long-term value cre- ation. I am pleased to report that we exited 2020 with good recovery momentum in all regions and across most end markets. Our teams are eager and ready to service growth with ample product availability and a strong portfo- lio of industry-leading solutions. During 2020, travel restrictions and social distancing did not hamper customer engagement. Our commercial teams rapidly developed and launched an extensive series of new virtual seminars, product demonstrations, webinars and tradeshows, which engaged over 5,000 cus- tomers globally. These events supported the launch of M E N U 0 2 | L I N C O L N E L E C T R I C : 2 0 2 0 A N N U A L R E P O R T “ We increased our community outreach with emergency funding for COVID-relief programs, food banks, and donated critical PPE to first responders and hospitals.” 75 impactful new product families, which further increased our equipment vitality index1 100-basis points to 54%. The strong value proposition of our new equipment systems expanded our skills training and career pathway programs by nearly doubling our course offering on our new, global Lincoln Electric Employee Development (LEed) platform generated higher equipment sales than in prior downturns and engaged over 3,400 participants. In 2021, this platform – emphasizing the value of our R&D investments. In 2020, will extend to several thousand courses. we maintained R&D funding and developed a strong pipe- line of new 2021 product introductions. We expect to con- tinue to leverage interactive, digital programming in 2021 to complement our global network of 38 weld tech cen- ters. This hybrid approach allows us to optimize the safety of our team and customers, while maximizing collabora- tion. We are also excited about an inflection to growth in our automation offering and continued development of our new, large-scale metal additive solutions portfolio as a future innovation for the Company. In 2020, we continued to progress our strategic operational initiatives, environmental performance and investments in employee development – all key components of our Higher Standard 2025 strategy. We continued to harmonize processes to support standardized ERP and CRM solutions and invested in regional shared service centers to generate greater administrative efficiency. These investments, com- bined with joint product development platforms across our two welding segments has led to stronger alignment and productivity, which will generate improved long-term profit- ability. Achieving our environmental goals remained a priority and I am pleased to report that we exceeded our long-term 2020 environmental targets with record reductions in carbon emissions and waste. With rigorous ESG initiatives, 38% of Lincoln’s electrical energy sourced from renewable and clean energy, and new 2025 safety and environmental goals, we have a solid foundation to invest upon. Ensuring our number one asset, our employees, are engaged and have ample professional development and training opportunities is critical for the recruitment and retention of our industry-leading team. In 2020, we Reflecting upon the resilience, creativity and drive of our organization this past year, I am reminded of James F. Lincoln’s favorite quote, “the actual is limited; the possi- ble is immense”. I am grateful to the teamwork and resil- ience of our employees who worked together and proved that our capabilities and opportunities are stronger than we first imagined. While we will continue to operate within the pandemic in 2021, I am confident in our busi- ness, our Higher Standard 2025 strategy, and our ability to achieve our 2021 priorities: • Keep our team safe; • Continue to be the partner all of our stakeholders can count on; • Return to growth with innovative solutions; • Mitigate inflation with pricing actions and operational initiatives; • Exceed our financial and ESG goals; and • Drive our Higher Standard 2025 strategy for all of our stakeholders. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Executive Team, we thank all of our stakeholders for their tremendous support and helping us Build a Better World. Chris Mapes Chairman, President & CEO (1) Vitality Index represents the percentage of 2020 sales from products launched in the last five years. Excludes international welding and customized automation sales. M E N U 0 3 2021 PROXY STATEMENT |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 0 5 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS ITEMS TO BE VOTED ON RECOMMENDATION PROPOSAL 1 To elect twelve Director nominees named in this Proxy Statement to hold office until the 2022 Annual Meeting or until their successors are duly elected and qualified PROPOSAL 2 To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Lincoln Electric’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2021 PROPOSAL 3 To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers (NEOs) for 2020 ✔ FOR all Director nominees PAGE 19 ✔ FOR this proposal PAGE 87 ✔ FOR this proposal PAGE 89 By Order of the Board of Directors, Christopher L. Mapes Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jennifer I. Ansberry Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary WE WILL BEGIN MAILING THIS PROXY STATEMENT ON OR ABOUT MARCH 19, 2021. Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on April 22, 2021: This Proxy Statement and the related form of proxy, along with our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, are available free of charge at www.lincolnelectric.com/proxymaterials. DATE & TIME THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 11:00 AM ET PLACE Online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/LECO2021 ACCESS Online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/LECO2021. You must have your 16-digit control number which is printed on your proxy card. PARTICIPATION Submit pre-meeting questions online by visiting www.proxyvote.com before Monday, April 19, 2021 at 5:00 pm ET. RECORD DATE Shareholders of record on the close of business on February 26, 2021 are entitled to vote at the 2021 Annual Meeting. HOW TO CAST YOUR VOTE Your vote is important! Please vote your shares promptly in one of the following ways: BY INTERNET Visit www.proxyvote.com until April 21, 2021 BY PHONE Call 1-800-690-6903 by April 21, 2021 BY MAIL Sign, date and return your proxy card or voting instruction form, which must be received by April 21, 2021 DURING MEETING Vote online on April 22, 2021 during the Annual Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/LECO2021 | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 0 6 BUSINESS OVERVIEW OUR PURPOSE: OPERATING BY A HIGHER STANDARD TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, automated joining, assembly and cutting systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment, and has a leading global position in brazing and soldering alloys. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S., we operate 55 manufacturing locations in 18 countries and distribute to over 160 countries. In 2020, we generated $2.7 billion in sales. As an innovation leader with the broadest portfolio of solutions and the industry’s largest team of technical sales representatives and application experts, we are known as the Welding Experts®. Our portfolio of welding and cutting solutions is designed to help customers achieve greater productivity and quality in their manufacturing and fabrication processes. We leverage our global presence and broad distribution network to serve an array of customers across various end markets including: general metal fabrication, energy, structural steel construction and infrastructure (commercial buildings and bridges), heavy industries (agricultural, mining, construction and rail equipment, as well as shipbuilding), and automotive/transportation. OUR GLOBAL FOOTPRINT FAST FACTS FOUNDED 1895 COUNTRY FOOTPRINT/ DISTRIBUTION 18/160+ BROADEST SOLUTIONS PORTFOLIO GLOBALLY EMPLOYEES WORLDWIDE 10,700 MANUFACTURING FACILITIES 55 CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS CLEVELAND, OH 2020 REVENUE $2.7B LARGEST GLOBAL NETWORK OF WELD TECH CENTERS 38 NEW PRODUCT VITALITY INDEX1 31% LARGEST COMMERCIAL & TECHNICAL TEAM (1) Vitality index represents the percentage of 2020 sales from new products launched in the last five years. Excludes the International Welding segment and customized automation sales. LOCATIONS Global Headquarters Cleveland, Ohio USA Manufacturing Tech Center Sales Of f ices | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 0 7 OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE: THE GOLDEN RULE TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED For over 125 years, we have achieved success through innovation and business practices that seek to align our stakeholders. Our long-term strategic initiatives and investments drive alignment by providing: • Customers with market-leading solutions that are manufactured • Suppliers with a shared commitment to responsible operations responsibly, operate safely and efficiently, and are supported by that are safe, compliant and efficient; our superior technical application capabilities; • Communities with a responsible and engaged partner who is • Employees with an incentive and results-driven culture where focused on helping communities thrive; and engagement and professional growth and development is a • Shareholders with above-market returns. priority; We are pursuing our long-term strategy, the “Higher Standard 2025 Strategy” (“2025 Strategy”), which was launched in 2019 to deliver superior value to all stakeholders. The 2025 Strategy leverages an active acquisition program and investments to drive organic growth through differentiated, value-added solutions and technologies. The strategy focuses on achieving best-in- class operational, financial and sustainability performance, as well as amplifying employee engagement. 2025 Strategy initiatives advance performance in four key areas: CUSTOMER FOCUSED: Enhance our value proposition and the ease of doing business with us by leveraging our CRM system and investments in industry-segment market-facing teams, product portfolios and weld tech centers. EMPLOYEE DE VELOPMENT: Improve opportunities for our employees to learn and grow through new development programs, resource groups, engagement initiatives, and enhanced HR systems and tools. SOLUTIONS & VALUE: Develop solutions that improve customers’ ability to make their products better, safer and easier. Key initiatives include accelerating growth in automated solutions and additive services, enhanced software (IoT and AI), and designing greater efficiency and sustainability into new products. OPER ATIONAL E XCELLENCE: Improve our quality, costs and processes by maximizing continuous improvement through our Lincoln Business System, further digitization of our operations and processes, and achievement of our sustainability goals. The 2025 Strategy’s key financial and sustainability targets align with substantially all of the Company’s key short-term and long-term com- pensation metrics and are incorporated in the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation goals and cascade throughout the organization. KEY FINANCIAL METRICS 2025 GOAL SHORT-TERM COMPENSATION METRICS LONG-TERM COMPENSATION METRICS Average Annual Sales Growth (organic & inorganic) Mid-to-high single-digit percent 2020–2025 X (Individual Performance Goals or Business Unit Performance Goals May include Sales Growth) X1 (Three-Year Cumulative Growth of Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes) Average Adjusted Operating Income Margin Average 15% 2020–2025 X1 (Representative of EBITB) Average Operating Working Capital Ratio 15% in 2025 X1 Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) Top quartile performance vs. proxy peers X1 (1) Performance measures used in the design of the executive compensation program are defined in Appendix A | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 0 8 Employee engagement and development is a key focus of our 2025 Strategy as a highly engaged workforce is safer, innovative, productive, and generates long-term value for the organization. Our 2025 Strategy human capital investments enhance employee development and training through a range of online self-guided and instructor-led educational and experiential programs, skills training and career resources. This programming continues to expand to reach employees globally with learning and development opportunities targeted to all levels of the organization to promote personal development, career pathways and employee retention at Lincoln Electric. In addition to our educational and career development programs, our annual talent and succession planning process reviews 100% of our global professional staff to ensure an appropriate talent pipeline for critical roles in general management, engineering and operations. This evaluation includes our CEO and all segment and functional leaders who use this process to identify and support high potential and diverse talent in a succession planning for the next generation of Lincoln Electric’s leaders. The 2025 Strategy also incorporates the following long-term 2025 safety and environmental goals: 2025 STRATEGY SUSTAINABILITY GOALS Goals reflect targeted 2025 performance versus our 2018 baseline: SAFETY 52% REDUCTION (-10% YoY) Total Recordable Case Rates GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) EMISSIONS 10% REDUCTION (-1.5% YoY) ENERGY INTENSITY 16% REDUCTION (-2.5% YoY) RECYCLING & LANDFILL AVOIDANCE 80% RATE (All Waste) 97% RATE (Landfill Avoidance) WATER USE 14% REDUCTION (-2.1% YoY) *Our GHG target is aligned with methodology 2 for science based targets and exceeds the annual threshold rate. In addition, we focus on product stewardship in the design and manufacture of our products to improve safety, advance energy efficiency and reduce waste in our customers’ welding operations. We measure energy efficiency improvements achieved in our welding equipment as we transition our equipment portfolio from a transformer-based platform to a more efficient digital, inverter-based system. Product stewardship initiatives also include efforts to reduce packaging waste, digitization of product reference material, and the increased use of intermodal transportation to reduce the carbon footprint of our products in the supply chain. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 0 9 PROXY SUMMARY This section provides an overview of important items related to this Proxy Statement and the 2021 Annual Meeting. We encourage you to read the entire Proxy Statement for more information before voting. 2020 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS We operated as an “essential business” in 2020 and continued to manufacture and service customers globally, while maintaining the health and safety of our employees and communities through best practice Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization health and safety measures and remote work arrangements. Despite the unprecedented operational and safety challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, our employees and operating model were resilient. Our strong balance sheet and liquidity allowed us to minimize the impact on wages, benefits and bonus programs, with the objective of maintaining our workforce through the pandemic, while investing in long-term growth and advancing our strategic commercial and operational initiatives. In addition, early implementation of cost reduction actions helped mitigate the impact of lower demand. To ensure product availability, we maintained higher levels of working capital to minimize the risk of supply chain disruptions during the pandemic. These actions resulted in solid returns, cash flow generation, and 117% cash conversion in 2020. Sales decreased 11.6% to approximately $2.7 billion primarily due to 12.2% lower organic sales, which were partially offset by a 1.3% benefit to sales from an acquisition. Operating income margin declined 180 basis points to 10.6% versus the prior year, primarily due to lower sales and rationalization and asset impairment charges. Adjusted operating income margin held relatively steady, declining 50 basis points to 12.4% as price management and approximately $88 million in cost reduction benefits substantially mitigated the unfavorable impact of lower volumes. CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS AVERAGE OPERATING WORKING CAPITAL TO NET SALES RATIO RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL $351M 18.0% 17.7% OPERATING INCOME MARGIN DILUTED EPS Reported Adjusted Reported Adjusted 10.6% 12.4% (180) bps vs. 2019 (50) bps vs. 2019 $3.42 (26.9%) vs. 2019 $4.15 (11.7%) vs. 2019 See Appendix A for definitions and/or reconciliation of these metrics to results reported in accordance with GAAP. Performance measures used in the design of the executive compensation program are presented within the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Despite challenging operating conditions, we continued to pursue a balanced capital allocation strategy to generate strong shareholder returns. In 2020, we returned $232 million to shareholders through our dividend program and share repurchases. In addition, the Board approved the Company’s 25th consecutive dividend increase, raising the dividend payout by 4.1%. M E N U 1 0 $232M RETURNED TO SHAREHOLDERS IN 2020 = $114M IN SHARE REPURCHASES + $118M IN DIVIDENDS TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN +23% +35% 3-Year 1-Year +148% 5-Year Safety and operational excellence are a priority at Lincoln Electric and we proudly achieved record safety, carbon reduction and recycling performance in 2020. This achievement, combined with improved environmental performance across most metrics, demonstrates the con- tinued structural improvements achieved in the business through our 2025 Strategy and our commitment to best-in-class performance. Safety (DART) Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Absolute) Energy Intensity Recycling (All Waste) 2020 GOAL (VS. 2011 BASELINE) 75% Reduction 15% Reduction 30% Reduction 70% Rate 2020 PERFORMANCE (VS. 2011 BASELINE) Record 85% Reduction Record 36% Reduction 25% Reduction1 Record 75.1% Rate (1) Our 2020 energy intensity performance was unfavorably impacted by production hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased outreach was critical in 2020 to safeguard local communities facing the health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pan- demic. Internally, the Company minimized the impact on wages, benefits and bonus programs, with the objective of maintaining its work- force through the pandemic. In addition, the Company’s employee assistance program supported eligible employees who required extra financial support. Community engagement was extended beyond our standard program of grants, scholarships, employee matching, in-kind donations and volunteerism. Emergency grants to foodbank programs, participation in a COVID-19 rapid response fund in Cleveland (our global headquarters), and personal protection equipment donations to first responders were key 2020 initiatives. In addi- tion, we maintained our community educational/career programming among secondary and high school students to address skills gaps in industry and maintain awareness of attractive career pathways in manufacturing. This programming, along with expanded training and development opportunities for our employees in 2020, were key efforts to ensure long-term success for our key stakeholders. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 1 1 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS Lincoln Electric has a solid track record of integrity and corporate governance practices that promote thoughtful management by its offi- cers and Board of Directors, facilitating profitable growth while strategically balancing risk to maximize shareholder value. Below is a sum- mary of certain Board and governance information with respect to 2020: BOARD COMPOSITION AND PRACTICES Size of Board Number of independent Directors Average age of Directors 12* 11 63 Number of fully independent Board committees Independent Directors meet without management Director attendance at Board and committee meetings 4 ✔ >75% Percent diverse (among independent directors) 36% Mandatory retirement age (75) Female Directors Non-white Directors Board meetings held in 2020 New Directors in the last 5 years Average tenure (years) Annual election of Directors Majority voting policy for Directors Lead Independent Director 3 2 6 3 Stock ownership guidelines for Directors Annual Board and committee self-assessments Code of Conduct and Ethics for Directors, officers & employees No overboarded Directors (per ISS or Glass Lewis) 12.2 Succession planning and implementation process Strategy, ESG and risk management oversight Corporate culture, diversity and inclusion oversight ✔ ✔ ✔ * Following the election of one director in October 2020, there were 12 Directors (11 were independent) during the 2020 calendar year. SHAREHOLDER PROTECTIONS One share, One vote standard Dual-class common stock or Poison pill Cumulative voting Vote standard for Code of Regulations amendment Shareholder right to call a special meeting Annual election of Directors Majority voting policy for Directors Lead Independent Director Executive sessions without management present ✔ ✘ ✘ 67% ✔* ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ * Special meetings can be called by shareholders holding not less than 25% of the voting power COMPENSATION PRACTICES Pay for Performance Annual Say-on-Pay Advisory Vote Compensation aligned with strategic goals and individual performance Incentive plans do not encourage excessive risk taking No excessive perquisites Robust stock ownership guidelines for NEOs Clawback policy Double-trigger change-in-control Anti-hedging/pledging policy CEO Pay Ratio ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 145:1 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE (ESG) POLICIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS Compensation and Executive Development Committee oversight of corporate culture, diversity and inclusion Audit Committee oversight of ESG matters, including environmental, health & safety Audit Committee oversight of information security matters ESG performance incorporated into CEO’s annual performance goals Global Code of Conduct and Ethics Human Rights Policy No-Harassment Policy Anti-Corruption Policy Supplier Code of Conduct Environmental, Health, Safety & Quality Policy Environment management system Long-term safety and environmental goals ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 1 2 DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND BOARD SUMMARY PROPOSAL 1 Election of 12 Directors to serve until 2022 Annual Meeting or until their successors are duly elected and qualified ✔ ➜ The Board recommends a vote FOR all Director Nominees. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and our Board of Directors have determined that each of the Director nominees possesses the right skills, qualifications and experience to effectively oversee Lincoln Electric’s long-term business strategy. See “Proposal 1—Election of Directors” beginning on page 19 of this Proxy Statement. You are being asked to vote on the election of twelve Director nominees. Selected biographical information of each Director nominee, as well as committee membership and committee chair information is listed below. Additional information can be found in the Director biogra- phies under Proposal 1. DIRECTOR NOMINEES Name Director Since Age Independent Audit Compensation& Executive Development Nominating & Corporate Governance Finance Other Public Company Boards Curtis E. Espeland (Lead Independent Director) Retired Executive Vice President and CFO, Eastman Chemical Company Patrick P. Goris Senior Vice President and CFO, Carrier Global Corporation Stephen G. Hanks Retired President and CEO, Washington Group International Michael F. Hilton Retired President and CEO, Nordson Corporation G. Russell Lincoln President, N.A.S.T. Inc. Kathryn Jo Lincoln Chair and CIO, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy William E. MacDonald, III Retired Vice Chairman, National City Corporation Christopher L. Mapes (Chairman) President and CEO, Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. Phillip J. Mason Retired President, EMEA Sector of Ecolab, Inc. Ben P. Patel Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Hellene S. Runtagh Retired President and CEO, Berwind Group Kellye L. Walker Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel Eastman Chemical Company u Chair l Member 56 2012 49 2018 70 2006 66 2015 74 1989 66 1995 74 2007 59 2010 70 2013 53 2018 72 2001 54 2020 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ l l u l l l l l l u — — — 2 — — — 1 — — — — l l u l l l l l u l l l | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT COMPOSITION OF DIRECTOR NOMINEES M E N U 1 3 ETHNICITY AND GENDER TENURE 36% Ethnic and gender diversity among independent directors 25% 33% 25% 17% AGE 8% 42% 33% 17% 0-5 years 6-9 years Under 50 50-59 10-14 years 15 years or more 60-69 70-75 (mandatory retirement age) SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND Senior Leadership Management Manufacturing Expertise Other Public Company Board Service Financial Acumen & Expertise International Operations Excellence M&A Experience Innovation Experience Sales/Marketing Experience 100% 75% 50% 100% 75% 92% 50% 67% |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 1 4 RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM SUMMARY PROPOSAL 2 Ratification of independent registered public accounting firm ✔ ➜ The Board recommends a vote FOR this proposal. Our Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment Ernst & Young LLP as Lincoln Electric’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2021. See “Proposal 2—Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” beginning on page 87 of this Proxy Statement. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS PROPOSAL 3 Approval, on an advisory basis, of NEO Compensation ✔ ➜ The Board recommends a vote FOR this proposal. Our Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote “FOR” the approval, on an advisory basis, of compensation of our NEOs for 2020. See “Proposal 3—Approval, on an Advisory Basis, of Named Executive Officer Compensation” beginning on page 89 of this Proxy Statement and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” beginning on page 38 of this Proxy Statement. We have a long history of driving an incentive management culture, emphasizing pay for performance to align compensation with the achievement of enterprise, segment and individual goals. We believe our compensation program and practices provide an appropriate balance between profitability, cash flow and returns, on the one hand, and suitable levels of risk-taking, on the other. This balance, in turn, aligns compensation strategies with shareholder interests, as reflected by the consistently high level of shareholders voting for the compensation of our NEOs. 2020 NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) provides information regarding our executive compensation program for the following NEOs in 2020: Christopher L. Mapes Steven B. Hedlund Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President, President, Americas and International Welding Gabriel Bruno Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Jennifer I. Ansberry Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Michele R. Kuhrt Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer Vincent K. Petrella (retired during 2020) Former Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer George D. Blankenship (retired during 2020) Former Executive Vice President, President, Americas Welding | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 1 5 ACTIONS TO FURTHER ALIGN EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION WITH SHAREHOLDER INTERESTS The Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board reviews the framework of our executive compensation program and seeks to align executive pay with our pay for performance philosophy. Each year, our Compensation and Executive Development Committee monitors our executive compensation program and how it relates to our corporate performance and shareholder interests. The historically high approval of our “say-on-pay” proposals on the compensation of our NEOs, including at the 2020 Annual Meeting, demon- strate the alignment of our executive compensation program with corporate performance and shareholder interests. In 2020, our Compensation and Executive Development Committee reviewed the overall design of our executive compensation program, particularly in light of the transition to the 2025 Strategy. The overall design of our executive compensation program was held consistent with policies developed in prior years. Throughout the year, our Compensation and Executive Development Committee monitored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our executive compensation program, including pay for performance, alignment with stockholder’s interests, and motivation and retention of key talent. 2020 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PRACTICES What We Do What We Don’t Do We have long-term compensation programs focused on profitability, net income growth, ROIC and total shareholder returns We use targeted performance metrics to align pay with performance We maintain stock ownership guidelines (5x base salary for CEO; 3x base salary for other NEOs) We have shareholder-approved incentive plans We have a broad clawback policy We have a double-trigger change in control policy ✔ We do not allow hedging or pledging of our shares ✔ We do not reprice stock options and do not issue discounted stock options without shareholder approval ✔ We do not provide excessive perquisites ✔ ✔ ✔ We do not have multi-year guarantees for compensation increases ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ NO ADJUSTMENTS TO COMPENSATION PROGRAMS FOR THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ✔ During 2020 we did not make any changes or adjustments to our executive compensation program specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Compensation and Executive Development Committee did not modify individual performance goals or the corporate performance goals that were established at the beginning of the fiscal year, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pan- demic, for the annual bonus (EMIP) or outstanding performance share awards. COMPENSATION FRAMEWORK & PHILOSOPHY Our compensation program is designed to attract and retain exceptional employees. We also maintain a strong pay for performance cul- ture. As indicated below, we design our compensation system to reflect current best practices, including setting base pay below the com- petitive market for each position, targeting incentive-based cash compensation above the competitive market and promoting quality corporate governance in compensation decisions. We believe these practices result in sustained, long-term shareholder value and reflect our philosophy that the pay for our best performers should align with the results of our long-term goals. Percentile Rank 25th 45th 50th 65th 75th 100th Base Salary LTI Benefits Target Total Cash Compensation (base + annual bonus) Our executive compensation program consists of three primary elements of total direct compensation: base salary (fixed), short-term incentive compensation (at-risk) in the form of an annual bonus (EMIP), and long-term incentive compensation (at-risk) in the form of stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance shares. • Base salary is the only component of total direct compensation that • Long-term incentive compensation is based on our financial is fixed performance over a three-year cycle • Short-term incentive compensation is based on annual • Variable, “at risk,” pay is a significant percentage of total consolidated and, if applicable, segment performance, and compensation individual performance |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT AVERAGE MIX OF KEY COMPENSATION COMPONENTS AND KEY COMPENSATION METRICS The following charts present the mix of 2020 target direct compensation for our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and all of our other NEOs, as established in the beginning of 2020. As shown below, 85% of our CEO’s compensation value and, on average, 69% of all of our other NEOs’ compensation value was “at risk,” with the actual amounts realized based on annual and long-term performance as well as our stock price. M E N U 1 6 CEO Target Compensation Mix All Other NEOs Target Compensation Mix 21% 15% 85% At Risk 21% 22% 21% 14% 31% 14% 14% 27% 69% At Risk Base (fixed) Annual Bonus (EMIP) Stock Options Restricted Stock Units Performance Shares Long-Term We use the following key performance measures in our short-term and long-term compensation programs. Key Performance Metrics Tied to Executive Compensation Metric Short-Term Compensation (Annual Bonus) Long-Term Incentive Compensation Program (3-yr Performance Cycle) EBITB1,2 (Earnings before interest, taxes and bonus) Average Operating Working Capital to Sales2 ratio Consolidated, segment and individual performance Adjusted Net Income2 growth Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)2 Total Shareholder Return (TSR)2 Individual Performance Goals3 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ (1) EBITB is an internal measure that tracks our adjusted operating income. (2) Financial performance measures used in the design of the executive compensation program are defined in Appendix A. Average Operating Working Capital to Sales for Compensation Purposes, Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes, and Return on Investment Capital for Compensation Purposes have discrete definitions relative to our executive compensation program. (3) Individual performance goals are set annually and a significant portion of our executive officers’ individual performance goals are tied to one or more aspect of our 2025 Strategy including sustainability and human capital matters. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING BUSINESS OVERVIEW PROXY SUMMARY PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Director Nominees Corporate Governance Compensation-Related Risk Related-Party Transactions Our Board Committees Director Compensation EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Compensation Discussion And Analysis Compensation Committee Report Executive Compensation Tables Termination And Change In Control Arrangements Pay Ratio MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP OF SHARES Beneficial Ownership Table Equity Compensation Plan Information OTHER OWNERSHIP OF SHARES COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION ANNUAL MEETING PROPOSALS Proposal 1—Election Of Directors Proposal 2—Ratification Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Proposal 3—Approval, On An Advisory Basis, Of Named Executive Officer Compensation AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT FAQS APPENDIX A—DEFINITIONS AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES 2020 FORM 10-K M E N U 1 7 IFC 1 5 6 9 19 20 26 30 30 31 33 37 38 63 64 77 82 83 83 84 85 86 87 87 87 89 92 93 97 101 |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 1 8 Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements: This Proxy Statement contains forward-looking statements regarding Lincoln Electric’s strategy and current expectations within the applicable securities laws and regulations. These statements reflect management’s current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “guidance,” or words of similar meaning. Actual results may differ materially from such statements due to a variety of factors that could adversely affect the Company’s operating results. The factors include, but are not limited to: general economic, financial and market conditions; the effectiveness of operating initiatives; completion of planned divestitures; interest rates; disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit markets that may limit our access to capital; currency exchange rates and devaluations; adverse outcome of pending or potential litigation; actual costs of the Company’s rationalization plans; possible acquisitions, including the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquisitions; market risks and price fluctuations related to the purchase of commodities and energy; global regulatory complexity; the effects of changes in tax law; tariff rates in the countries where the Company conducts business; and the possible effects of events beyond our control, such as political unrest, acts of terror, natural disasters and pandemics, including the current coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) outbreak, on the Company or its customers, suppliers and the economy in general. The Company has experienced the negative impacts of COVID-19 on its markets and operations; however, the ultimate duration and severity on the Company’s business remains unknown. Although the Company’s customers have re-opened and increased operating levels, such customers may be forced to close or limit operations should a resurgence of COVID-19 cases occur. Given this continued level of economic and operational uncertainty over the impacts of COVID-19, the ultimate financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. For additional discussion, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements were made, and we undertake no obligation to update these statements except as required by federal securities law. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 1 9 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS DIRECTOR NOMINEES Curtis E. Espeland Patrick P. Goris Stephen G. Hanks Michael F. Hilton G. Russell Lincoln Kathryn Jo Lincoln William E. MacDonald, III Christopher L. Mapes Phillip J. Mason Ben P. Patel Hellene S. Runtagh Kellye L. Walker Our shareholders are being asked to elect twelve Directors to serve until the 2022 Annual Meeting or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. All of the Director nominees, other than Ms. Walker, who was elected to the Board on October 20, 2020, have been previously elected by our shareholders. Each of the nominees has agreed to stand for re-election. The biographies of all of our Director nominees can be found later in this section. If any Director nominee is unable to stand for election, the Board may provide for a lesser number of nominees or designate a substitute. In the latter event, shares represented by proxies solicited by the Directors may be voted for the substitute. We have no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unable to stand for election. MAJORITY VOTING POLICY The Director nominees receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected (plurality standard). However, our majority voting policy states that any Director who fails to receive a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested director election in his/her favor is required to submit his/her resignation to the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board would then consider each resignation and determine whether to accept or reject it, with full Board approval of such decision. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the election of a Director and are not counted under our majority voting policy. Holders of common stock do not have cumulative voting rights with respect to the election of a Director. YOUR BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH DIRECTOR NOMINEE LISTED ABOVE ANNUAL MEETING ATTENDANCE; NO SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS Directors are expected to attend each annual meeting. The Director nominees plan to attend this year’s virtual Annual Meeting. At the 2020 Annual Meeting, all of our then-current Directors attended our virtual annual meeting. None of the Director nominees has any special arrangement or understanding with any other person pursuant to which the Director nominee was or is to be selected as a Director or nominee. There are no family relationships, as defined by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules, among any of our Directors or executive officers. SEC rules define the term “family relationship” to mean any relationship by blood, marriage or adoption, not more remote than first cousin. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 2 0 DIRECTOR NOMINEES CURTIS E. ESPELAND Director since 2012 Lead Independent Director since 2018 COMMITTEES: Audit Finance AGE: 56 OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS: None PATRICK P. GORIS Director since 2018 COMMITTEES: Audit Nominating and Corporate Governance AGE: 49 OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS: None Experience Experience Mr. Espeland is the former Executive Vice President and Chief Mr. Goris has served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Eastman Chemical Company, an advanced Financial Officer of Carrier Global Corporation, a leading materials and specialty additives manufacturer, a position he global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and held from 2014 until his retirement in 2020. Mr. Espeland cold chain solutions, since November 2020. Prior to joining joined Eastman Chemical Company in 1996 and, during his Carrier, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief tenure, he also served as Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Rockwell Automation, a global industrial Accounting Officer from 2005 to 2008, and Senior Vice automation and information solutions provider, since February President and Chief Financial Officer from 2008 to 2014. 2017. He also served as Vice President, Investor Relations Reasons for Nomination • Extensive experience in corporate finance and accounting, having served in various finance and accounting roles, and ultimately as the Chief Financial Officer, at a large publicly- traded company. • Significant experience in the areas of strategy, mergers and acquisitions, taxation and enterprise risk management. • International auditing experience having served as an independent auditor at Arthur Andersen LLP, working in both the United States and abroad (Europe and Australia). • The Board has determined that Mr. Espeland’s extensive accounting and financial experience qualifies him as an “audit committee financial expert.” and Vice President, Finance, Architecture and Software from 2015 to 2017 and Vice President, Finance, Architecture and Software and Operations and Engineering Services from 2013 to 2015 at Rockwell Automation. Reasons for Nomination • Relevant global financial expertise from serving in various finance roles, and ultimately as the Chief Financial Officer, of publicly-traded, multinational organizations. • Extensive experience in accounting, financial planning and analysis, investor relations and mergers and acquisitions. • Experience with a global industrial automation and informa- tion solutions company provides Mr. Goris with broad expo- sure to digital operations and “smart” manufacturing solutions using data and analytics, which enhances operational intelli- • Valuable insight into advancing the business priorities of gence, productivity and risk management in manufacturing Lincoln Electric’s international operations gained from his processes. These are key initiatives for our business and our international business experience. customers’ businesses. • Valuable knowledge of key governance matters gained as a • The Board has determined that Mr. Goris’ extensive director of Lincoln Electric. accounting and financial experience qualifies him as an “audit committee financial expert.” • Valuable knowledge of key governance matters gained as a director of Lincoln Electric. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 2 1 STEPHEN G. HANKS Director since 2006 COMMITTEES: Audit (Chair) Finance AGE: 70 OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS: McDermott International, Inc. (NYSE: MDR) through May 2018 Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: BW) through March 2018 MICHAEL F. HILTON Director since 2015 COMMITTEES: Compensation and Executive Development Nominating and Corporate Governance AGE: 66 OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS: Ryder Systems, Inc. (NYSE: R) since 2012 Regal Beloit Corporation (NYSE: RBC) since December 2019 Nordson Corporation (NASDAQ: NDSN) through 2019 Experience Experience Mr. Hanks’ 30-year tenure with global engineering and Mr. Hilton is the former President and Chief Executive Officer construction company Morrison Knudsen Corporation and its of Nordson Corporation (Nasdaq: NDSN), a company that successor, Washington Group International, Inc. included engineers, manufactures and markets differentiated products serving the last eight years as President, Chief Executive and systems used for precision dispensing of adhesives, coat- Officer and a member of its Board of Directors, retiring in ings, sealants, biomaterials, polymers, plastics and other mate- January 2008. Mr. Hanks also formerly served as Washington rials, fluid management, test inspection, UV curing and plasma Group’s Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and surface treatment, a position he held from 2010 until his retire- Secretary. In addition, Mr. Hanks has extensive board ment in 2019. During his tenure at Nordson Corporation, experience, previously serving as a director of McDermott Mr. Hilton also served as a director. Prior to joining Nordson, International, Inc. from 2009 to May 2018 and Babcock & Mr. Hilton was Senior Vice President and General Manager for Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. from 2010 to March 2018. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., a global company that pro- Reasons for Nomination • Executive leadership experience, both as CEO and CFO, of a U.S. publicly-traded company with international reach. • Diverse professional skill set, including finance (having served as CFO of Morrison Knudsen) and legal and governance competencies (such as enterprise risk management, corporate compliance and legal strategy). • The Board has determined that Mr. Hanks’ experience as a CEO and CFO of a publicly-traded company qualifies him as an “audit committee financial expert.” vides a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services, with specific responsibility for leading its $2 billion global Electronics and Performance Materials segment. Reasons for Nomination • With over 30 years of global manufacturing experience, Mr. Hilton brings to the Board an intimate understanding of management leadership. • Extensive experience with strategy development and day-to- day operations of a multi-national company, including product line management, new product technology, talent • Valuable knowledge of key governance matters gained as a development, manufacturing, distribution and other sales director of Lincoln Electric and several other publicly-traded channels, business processes, international operations and companies. global markets expertise. • Valuable knowledge of key governance matters gained as a director of Lincoln Electric and several other publicly-traded companies. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 2 2 G. RUSSELL LINCOLN Director since 1989 COMMITTEES: Audit Finance AGE: 74 OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS: None K ATHRYN JO LINCOLN Director since 1995 COMMITTEES: Compensation and Executive Development Nominating and Corporate Governance (Chair) AGE: 66 OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS: None Experience Experience Mr. Lincoln has served as the president of N.A.S.T. Inc., a Ms. Lincoln has served as the Board Chair and Chief personal investment firm, since 1996. Prior to joining N.A.S.T. Investment Officer of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, an Inc., Mr. Lincoln served as the Chairman and Chief Executive independent, global foundation focused on addressing signifi- Officer of Algan, Inc. Reasons for Nomination • As an entrepreneurial businessman with executive leadership and investment experience, including 25 years running a $50 million business, Mr. Lincoln understands business risk and the importance of hands on management. cant policy issues through innovation land use and taxation methods, since 1996. As Chief Investment Officer, Ms. Lincoln manages and directs all aspects of the Institute’s endowment, including strategic asset allocation and policy development, which have contributed to its current $650 million asset base. In her role as Chair, she plays a crucial role in the strategic direction and planning of the Institute, with ongoing involvement • Experience as a board member of various organizations, in the development of education programs, demonstration including as a board member of the Cleveland Museum of projects and impact measurement. Ms. Lincoln is a member of Natural History. • As the grandson of James F. Lincoln and as a long-term trustee, Mr. Lincoln provides the Board with his historic perspective on the Company’s unique culture and its incentive management system. • Valuable knowledge of key governance matters gained as a director of Lincoln Electric. the Board of HonorHealth Network, and Claremont Lincoln University, and formerly served as a director of Johnson Bank Arizona, N.A. She is also the Co-Chair of the International Center for Land Policy Studies and Training in Taiwan. Reasons for Nomination • Extensive leadership experience, addressing strategic planning, asset allocation matters and corporate governance. • As a Lincoln family member and long-standing Director of Lincoln Electric, Ms. Lincoln has a keen sense of knowledge about Lincoln Electric, its culture and the founding principles. • Broad experience and commitment to board and corporate governance excellence, named as a Board Leadership Fellow of the National Association of Corporate Directors. Named by WomenInc. as one of 2019’s most influential corporate directors. • Valuable knowledge of key governance matters gained through her various directorships, including as a director of Lincoln Electric. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 2 3 WILLIAM E. MACDONALD, III Director since 2007 COMMITTEES: Compensation and Executive Development (Chair) Finance AGE: 74 OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS: None CHRISTOPHER L. MAPES Director since 2010 Chairman since 2013 COMMITTEES: None AGE: 59 OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS: The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR) since 2014 Experience Experience Mr. MacDonald is the former Vice Chairman of National City Mr. Mapes is the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Corporation, a diversified financial holding company, a posi- Officer of Lincoln Electric. Mr. Mapes has served as President tion he held from 2001 until his retirement in 2006, where he and Chief Executive Officer since December 2012. In was responsible for its seven-state regional and national cor- December 2013, Mr. Mapes was appointed as Chairman of the porate banking businesses, the Risk Management and Credit Board in addition to his other responsibilities. From September Administration unit, Capital Markets and the Private Client 2011 to December 2012, Mr. Mapes served as the Chief Group. Mr. MacDonald joined National City in 1968 and, Operating Officer of Lincoln Electric. From 2004 to August during his tenure, held a number of key management posi- 2011, Mr. Mapes served as an Executive Vice President of tions, including Senior Executive Vice President of National A.O. Smith Corporation, a global manufacturer with a water City Corporation and President and Chief Executive Officer of heating and water treatment technologies business, which has National City’s Ohio bank. Reasons for Nomination • Extensive experience leading a large corporate organization with over 35,000 employees and structuring complex financing solutions for large and middle-market businesses. • Experience addressing human resources and development challenges facing a publicly-traded company. residential, commercial, industrial and consumer applications, and the President of its former Electrical Products unit. Mr. Mapes started his career with General Motors and has held roles in industrial manufacturing for over 35 years. In addition, Mr. Mapes has served as a director of The Timken Company since 2014. Reasons for Nomination • Extensive leadership experience in large, global publicly- • Valuable knowledge of key governance matters gained as a traded companies engaged in manufacturing operations. director of Lincoln Electric and several other publicly-traded companies. • Keen understanding of the manufacturing industry and challenges organizations face growing globally. • In addition to business management experience, Mr. Mapes has an MBA and a law degree. • Valuable knowledge of key governance matters gained as a director of Lincoln Electric. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 2 4 PHILLIP J. MASON Director since 2013 COMMITTEES: Compensation and Executive Development Finance (Chair) AGE: 70 OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS: GCP Applied Technologies (NYSE: GCP) through May 2020 BEN P. PATEL Director since 2018 COMMITTEES: Audit Nominating and Corporate Governance AGE: 53 OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS: None Experience Experience Mr. Mason is the former President of the Europe, Middle East & Mr. Patel has served as Senior Vice President, Chief Africa Sector (EMEA Sector) of Ecolab, Inc., a leading provider Technology Officer of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, a of food safety, public health and infection prevention products global manufacturer of specialized passenger car, light truck, and services, a position he held from 2010 until his retirement medium truck, motorcycle and racing tires since November in 2012. Prior to leading Ecolab’s EMEA Sector, Mr. Mason had 2019. He previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief responsibility for Ecolab’s Asia Pacific and Latin America Technology Officer of Tenneco, Inc., a manufacturer of auto- businesses as President of Ecolab’s International Sector from motive emission control and ride control products and sys- 2005 to 2010 and as Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning tems. During his 8-year tenure at Tenneco, beginning in 2011, in 2004. In addition, Mr. Mason has public company board he held roles leading regional advanced technology develop- experience, previously serving as a director of GCP Applied ment and establishing a global research and development Technologies from 2016 to May 2020. organization. Prior to joining Tenneco, Mr. Patel held numerous Reasons for Nomination • Executive leadership experience in an international business unit for a U.S. publicly-traded company, providing Mr. Mason extensive international business expertise, business-to- positions with increasing responsibility, including senior scien- tist, at the General Electric Company during his thirteen-year tenure with the organization. Reasons for Nomination business and industrial sector experience. • Over 20 years of experience serving with publicly-traded, • Extensive international business experience, starting, global products and technology companies. developing and growing businesses abroad, in both mature • Broad expertise in material science, automation and “smart” and emerging markets, having established businesses in systems, as well as extensive research and development China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Brazil, India, Russia, experience. Africa and the Middle East. • Mr. Patel has been a leader in global innovation and research • Strong finance and strategic planning proficiency, including initiatives, which lends tremendous support to our focus on merger and acquisition experience, along with significant being an innovation leader in our industry and our advanced experience working with and advising boards on diverse manufacturing growth strategy, which helps customers issues confronting companies with international operations. identify value and efficiencies in their welding and cutting • Valuable knowledge of key governance matters gained as a operations. director of Lincoln Electric. • Valuable knowledge of key governance matters gained as a director of Lincoln Electric. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 2 5 HELLENE S. RUNTAGH Director since 2001 COMMITTEES: Compensation and Executive Development Nominating and Corporate Governance AGE: 72 OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS: Harman International Industries (NYSE: HAR) through 2017 NeuStar, Inc. (NYSE: NSR) through 2017 KELLYE L. WALKER Director since 2020 COMMITTEES: Compensation and Executive Development Nominating and Corporate Governance AGE: 54 OTHER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS: None Experience Experience Ms. Runtagh is the former President and Chief Executive Ms. Walker has served as the Executive Vice President and Officer of the Berwind Group, a diversified pharmaceutical Chief Legal Officer of Eastman Chemical Company, an services, industrial manufacturing and real estate company, advanced materials and specialty additives manufacturer, since a position she held in 2001. From 1997 through 2001, April 2020. In this role, Ms. Walker has overall leadership and Ms. Runtagh was Executive Vice President of Universal responsibility for Eastman’s legal organization. She also served Studios, a media and entertainment company. Prior to joining as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of Universal Studios, Ms. Runtagh spent 27 years at General Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc., America’s largest military Electric Company, a diversified industrial company, in a variety shipbuilder, from 2015 to 2020. Prior to joining Huntington of leadership positions. In addition, Ms. Runtagh has extensive Ingalls Industries, Inc., Ms. Walker served as Senior Vice board experience, previously serving as a director of Harman President, General Counsel and Secretary at American Water International Industries from 2008 to 2017, NeuStar, Inc. from Works Company, Inc. 2006 to 2017, and several other publicly-traded companies. Reasons for Nomination Reasons for Nomination • Seasoned senior executive with 25 years of experience with • Over 30 years of experience in management positions with publicly-traded companies, helping to increase organizational technology focused global companies, with responsibilities in value through forward thinking, strategic discipline and a management ranging from marketing and sales to finance, as well as engineering and manufacturing. focus on continuous improvement. • Extensive experience in corporate governance, compliance • Diverse management experience, including growing and litigation management, government affairs, strategy businesses while maintaining high corporate governance development, product stewardship and regulatory affairs, standards. • Extensive experience as a director of publicly-traded companies. • Valuable knowledge of key governance matters gained as a director of Lincoln Electric and several other publicly-traded companies. global business conduct and global health, safety, environment and security. • Long-standing general counsel of publicly-traded companies and has also served as Chief Administrative Officer, leading human resources, information technologies, government affairs and corporate communications functions. • Extensive leadership across various industries including global public companies, government organizations and utility companies that will lend value to advance our 2025 Strategy. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 2 6 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK We are committed to effective corporate governance and high ethical standards. We adhere to our ethical commitments in every aspect of our business, including our commitments to each other, in the marketplace and in the global, governmental and political arenas. These commitments are spelled out in our Code of Corporate Conduct and Ethics, which applies to all of our employees (including our CEO and our other NEOs) and Directors. We encourage you to visit our website at www.lincolnelectric.com, where you can find detailed information about our corporate governance programs/policies including: • Code of Corporate Conduct and Ethics • Charters for our Board Committees • Governance Guidelines • Director Independence Standards CORPORATE GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD ALIGNMENT WITH SHAREHOLDERS • Our Board held six meetings in 2020 • Annual equity grants align interests of Directors and • During 2020, each of our Directors attended at least 75% of the total full Board meetings and meetings officers with shareholders • Annual advisory approval of named executive officer of committees on which he or she served during the compensation time he or she served as a Director • Size of Board: 12 • No poison pill • Stock ownership guidelines for Directors and • Plurality vote with director resignation policy for officers failures to receive a majority vote in uncontested director elections • Lead Independent Director • All Directors are expected to attend the Annual Meeting BOARD COMPOSITION COMPENSATION • No employment agreements • Executive compensation is tied to performance: 85% of CEO target pay and 69% of all of our other NEO target pay is performance-based (at risk) • Anti-hedging and anti-pledging policies for Directors • Number of independent Directors: 11 and officers • Diverse Board including a complementary mix of • Recoupment/clawback policy backgrounds, experiences and expertise, as well as balanced mix of ages, tenure of service and gender • Several current and former CEOs • Global experience • Audit Committee has multiple financial experts BOARD PROCESSES INTEGRITY AND COMPLIANCE • Code of Corporate Conduct and Ethics for employees, officers and Directors • Environmental, health and safety guidelines and goals, including long-term sustainability goals • Annual compliance training relative to ethical • Independent Directors meet without management behavior present • Enterprise risk management program with Board • Annual Board and Committee self-assessments oversight • Board orientation program • Governance Guidelines approved by Board • Board has an active role in risk oversight • Full Board review of succession planning annually | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 2 7 SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT We are committed to engaging in constructive conversations with shareholders and nurturing long-term relationships with the investment community. We maintain an active shareholder engagement program where executives and management from various departments meet with shareholders regularly to discuss a variety of topics including business performance, strategic initiatives, corporate governance practices, corporate sustainability initiatives, executive compensation, and other matters of shareholder interest. The Board values an active investor relations program as it believes that shareholder input strengthens its role as an informed and engaged fiduciary. Our shareholder engagement program includes participation at investor conferences, holding meetings and tours at Lincoln Electric, visiting investors at their offices, hosting tradeshow tours, being accessible to shareholder inquiries throughout the year and communicating with transparency. In 2020, we maintained active engagement with the investment community despite COVID-19 restrictions with calls/videoconferencing, a virtual annual shareholder meeting, virtual investor conferences and non-deal roadshows, as well as a virtual Lincoln Electric product exposition. Our efforts were recognized by Institutional Investors’ “All-American Executive Team” 2020 rankings, where our CEO, CFO and Investor Relations were among the top-3 midcap machinery executives in their respective areas. In addition, we reached out to investors representing approximately 49 percent of our outstanding shares to discuss corporate governance and sustainability (ESG) matters. We continued to gain good insights on our practices and policies and received positive feedback on the execution of our strategy, corporate governance, executive compensation, environmental, health and safety practices, and our investor relations program. CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS The Board recognizes the importance of achieving our goals responsibly, and this alignment with our key stakeholders also drives long-term value creation. Our approach to sustainability began 125 years ago by our founders who established the Company under the guiding principle of The Golden Rule: Treating others how you would like to be treated. Our culture, values and our commitment to diversity and inclusion reflect The Golden Rule and our Purpose of Operating by a Higher Standard to Build a Better World. Our governance structure for sustainability includes Board oversight, primarily driven by the Audit Committee, and sustainability metrics are incorporated into the annual goals of our CEO and our other executives. Our Executive Vice President and General Counsel oversees corporate environmental, health and safety (EH&S) initiatives and global reporting, and works closely with business unit leadership and local facilities to implement, monitor and measure our results. During 2020, we established an internal sustainability counsel with a primary focus on enhancing product stewardship for sustainable solutions. The following policies and business practices exemplify our commitment to ESG matters: • Our guiding principle is The Golden Rule; • Community engagement through employee-led • Our Code of Corporate Conduct and Ethics; • Our Supplier Code of Conduct; fundraisers, grants provided by The Lincoln Electric Foundation, scholarships, in-kind gifts, and an employee matching and “Dollars for Doers” program to support • Health, safety and wellness initiatives for our employees, volunteerism; customers and communities; • Our Human Rights Policy; • Positively impacting manufacturing and industry by promoting the art and science of welding among • Equal employment opportunities, along with our pledge students and young professionals through our business to treat employees fairly, with dignity, and without initiatives, partnerships with schools and associations, discrimination in any form; and programming at the J.F. Lincoln Foundation; and • Focus on improving environmental performance, including long-term safety and environmental goals and • Enhancing diversity and inclusion through employee resource groups including our Diversity Councils, performance reporting, and an emphasis on product Veterans, Women in Lincoln Leadership, and Young stewardship; Professionals organization. • Training and development programs to attract and retain high performing employees and help them reach their full potential; |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 2 8 OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Our Board oversees management in the long-term interest of Lincoln Electric and our stakeholders. The Board’s major responsibilities include: • Overseeing the conduct of our business • Establishing an appropriate governance structure, • Reviewing and approving key financial objectives, strategic including appropriate Board composition and succession and operating plans and other significant actions planning • Evaluating CEO and senior management performance and • Overseeing enterprise risk management determining executive compensation • Overseeing the ethics and compliance program • Planning for CEO succession and monitoring management’s • Overseeing ESG and diversity and inclusion matters succession planning for other key executives HOW WE SELECT DIRECTOR NOMINEES In evaluating Director candidates, including persons nominated by shareholders, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee expects that any candidate must have these minimum qualifications: • Demonstrates character, integrity and judgment • Specialized experience and background that will add to the • High-level managerial experience or experience dealing depth and breadth of the Board with complex business matters • Independence as defined by the Nasdaq listing standards • Ability to work effectively with others (for non-employee Directors) • Sufficient time to devote to the affairs of Lincoln Electric • Financial literacy BOARD DIVERSITY To maintain Board diversity, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is committed to include in each director candi- date search individuals that represent diversity of race and gender. The Nominating and Corporate Governance committee also considers diversity of national origin, professional background and capabilities, knowledge of specific industries, and geographic experience. Throughout 2020, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviewed the skills, qualifications and experi- ence of each Director nominee to ensure that each can effectively oversee our long-term business strategy. We are also committed to having Director candidates that can provide perspective on the industry challenges that we face and our long-term commitment to a pay for performance culture. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s process for identifying and evaluating nominees for Director includes annually discussing prospective Director specifications, which serve as the baseline to evaluate candidates. When recruiting new Director candidates, we may involve a recognized search firm, and the CEO and/or a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (usually, the Chair) will contact the prospective director to gauge his or her interest and availability. The candidate will then meet with several members of the Board, including our Lead Independent Director. At the same time, references for the prospect will be contacted. A background check is generally completed before a final recommendation is made to the Board to appoint a candidate to the Board. In October 2020, Ms. Kellye Walker was elected to the Board. In recruiting Ms. Walker, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considered her background and skills and determined that her extensive leadership experience across various industries in legal, corporate governance and strategy development would be integral in helping advance our 2025 Strategy. Shareholders may nominate one or more persons for election as Director of Lincoln Electric. The process for doing so is set forth in the FAQs section of this Proxy Statement. Director candidates recommended by our shareholders will be considered by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in accordance with the criteria outlined above. DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE Each of our non-employee Directors meets the independence standards set forth in the Nasdaq listing standards, which are reflected in our Director Independence Standards. To be considered independent, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee must affirmatively determine that the director has no material relationship with Lincoln Electric. In addition to out- lining the independence standards set forth in the NASDAQ listing standards, the Director Independence Standards outline specific relationships that are deemed to be categorically immaterial for purposes of director independence. The Director Independence Standards are available on our website at www.lincolnelectric.com. During 2020, the independent Directors met in regularly scheduled Executive Sessions in conjunction with each of the Board meetings. The Lead Independent Director presided over these sessions. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 2 9 BOARD LEADERSHIP Mr. Mapes, our President and CEO, serves as Chairman of the Board, in addition to his other responsibilities. As Chairman, he is responsible for planning, formulating and coordinating the development and execution of our corporate strategy, policies, goals and objectives. He is accountable for Lincoln Electric’s performance and: • reports directly to our Board, who reviews and approves • establishes procedures to govern our Board’s work; his annual performance objectives; • oversees the execution of the financial and other decisions • works closely with our management to develop our of our Board; strategic plan; • works with our management on transactional matters by • makes available to all members of our Board opportunities to acquire sufficient knowledge and understanding of our networking with strategic relationships; business to enable them to make informed judgments; • promotes and monitors the Board’s fulfillment of its • presides over meetings of our shareholders; and oversight and governance responsibilities; • sets the agenda for, and presides over, Board meetings. • encourages the Board to set and implement our goals and strategies; Our Board believes having one individual serve as Chairman and CEO is beneficial to us because the dual role enhances Mr. Mapes’ ability to provide direction and insight on strategic initiatives impacting us and our shareholders. The Board also believes the dual role is consistent with good corporate governance practices because it is complemented by a Lead Independent Director. LEAD INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR Our Lead Independent Director focuses on overseeing the Board’s processes and prioritizing the right areas of focus. Our Lead Independent Director is appointed each year by the independent Directors and serves as a liaison between the Chairman of the Board and the independent Directors. Specifically, the Lead Independent Director has the following duties, responsibilities, and expectations: Mr. Curtis Espeland currently serves as our Lead Independent Director, a position he has held since 2018. Mr. Espeland was elected to our Board in February 2012. During his tenure on our strong working relationships with his fellow directors, and assisted with the onboarding of our three most recently elected • Collaborates with the Chairman, the Secretary and senior directors. management on the format and adequacy of the information that Directors receive and on the effectiveness of the Board meeting process. • Calls meetings of the independent Directors as he sees fit, • Acts independently of the Chairman to review and approve presiding over such meetings. Board meeting agendas and schedules. • Speaks on behalf of Lincoln Electric, as the Board • Acts as a sounding board to the Chairman of the Board on determines necessary. key aspects of the business, and assists in promoting sound corporate governance practices. BOARD ROLE IN ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT In the ordinary course of business, we face various strategic, operating and compliance risks. Our enterprise risk manage- ment process seeks to identify and address risks to the organization. Our Board oversees the management of these risks on an enterprise-wide basis, and the Lead Independent Director promotes our Board’s engagement in this process. A funda- mental part of the process is to understand the Company’s risks, and to provide oversight as to how management is address- ing these risks. The full Board reviews with management its process for enterprise risk management. In addition, the Audit Committee is charged with overseeing the Company’s risk assessment and management process each year, including ensur- ing that management has instituted processes to identify critical risks and has developed plans to manage such risks. The Company maintains a risk management review process where risk is assessed throughout our entire organization, and is reported to a corporate risk committee comprised of members of our various business units and control functions. Each year, the committee identifies critical risks to the organization and those that are determined to be “high-priority” risks are reported to the executive management committee and the Board. Thereafter, “high-priority” risks are assigned, as appropriate, to various Board Committees, or to the Board as a whole, for further review, analysis and development of appropriate plans for management and mitigation. Information security is a high-priority risk, and the Audit Committee receives updates at each meeting relative to this risk and the Company maintains a related cyber risk insurance policy. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 3 0 BOARD ROLE IN STRATEGY OVERSIGHT One of the Board’s key responsibilities is overseeing the Company’s strategic planning process, including reviewing the steps taken to develop strategic plans and approving the final plans. In 2020, this included receiving periodic updates regarding the Company’s execution and performance during the initial year of the 2025 Strategy. Our Board regularly discusses the key priorities of our Company, taking into consideration global economic, consumer and other significant trends. The Company’s long-term strategic plan is reviewed regularly with the Board, along with its annual operating plan, capital structure and sustainability performance. COMPENSATION-RELATED RISK We regularly assess risks related to our compensation and benefit programs, including our executive compensation program, and our Compensation and Executive Development Committee is actively involved in those assessments. In addition, Willis Towers Watson, a compensation consultant engaged by management, has provided a risk assessment of our executive compensation program in the past. Although we have a long history of pay for performance and incentive- based compensation, we believe our compensation programs contain many mitigating factors to ensure that our employees are not encouraged to take unnecessary risks. As a result of all these efforts, we do not believe the risks arising from our executive compensation policies and practices are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Lincoln Electric. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS The Board has adopted a policy regarding the review and approval of transactions between the Company and its subsidiar- ies and certain related parties that are required to be disclosed in proxy statements, which are referred to as “related-party transactions.” Related parties include our Directors, Director nominees, executive officers, persons controlling 5% of our common shares, and the immediate family members of these individuals. Pursuant to the policy, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving related-party transactions and will consider information it deems appropriate, including, but not limited to, whether the terms of the transaction are no less favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third-party under the same or similar circumstances, the approximate dollar value of the transaction, and the nature and extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction. No Director will participate in any discussion or approval of a related-party transaction for which he or she is a related party, other than to provide material information concerning the transaction. We define “related-party transactions” generally as transactions collectively over $120,000 in any calendar year, in which any related party had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. We have a monitoring and reporting program, which includes requirements to report all actual or potential related party transactions during the year and information regarding all relationships with entities involving a related party. In February 2020, the Audit Committee considered and approved the on-going related-party transaction involving P&R Specialty, Inc., a supplier to Lincoln Electric. Greg D. Blankenship, the brother of George D. Blankenship, our former Executive Vice President, President, Americas Welding, is the sole stockholder and President of P&R Specialty, Inc. During 2020, we purchased approximately $2.0 million worth of products from P&R Specialty in ordinary course of business trans- actions. George D. Blankenship has no ownership interest in or any involvement with P&R Specialty. We believe that the transactions with P&R Specialty were, and are, on terms no less favorable to us than those that could have been obtained from unaffiliated parties. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 3 1 OUR BOARD COMMITTEES We have separately designated standing Audit, Compensation and Executive Development, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees established in accordance with applicable provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and SEC and Nasdaq rules. The Board also has designated a standing Finance Committee. Each committee has a charter, which details all of the committee’s roles and responsibilities. The following summaries set forth the principal responsibilities of each of committee, as well as other information regarding their makeup and operations. A copy of each committee’s charter may be found on our website at www.lincolnelectric.com. Chair: Stephen G. Hanks Audit Committee Members: Curtis E. Espeland Patrick P. Goris G. Russell Lincoln Ben P. Patel Meetings held in 2020: 6 Compensation and Executive Development Committee Chair: William E. MacDonald, III Members: Michael F. Hilton Kathryn Jo Lincoln Phillip J. Mason Hellene S. Runtagh Kellye L. Walker Key Responsibilities Meetings held in 2020: 7 • Independent auditor engagement • Reviews financial statements and disclosures, interim financial reports and earnings press releases • Reviews significant litigation and legal matters • Oversees enterprise risk management, risk assessment, ethics and compliance programs, including ESG performance and general information security matters • Reviews and evaluates the scope and performance of the internal audit function • Reviews internal controls over financial reporting Each member of our Audit Committee meets the independence standards set forth in the Nasdaq listing standards and have likewise been determined by the Board to have the financial competency required by the listing standards. In addition, because of the professional training Key Responsibilities • Reviews and recommends to the Board total compensation of our CEO, and reviews and establishes total compensation of our other executive officers • Evaluates performance (along with full Board) of our CEO and other executive officers • Monitors development, selection process and succession planning of key management • Reviews and recommends to the Board, in conjunction with the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the appointment and removal of elected officers • Oversees executive compensation policies, practices and programs, as further described in the CD&A • Reviews and recommends to the Board new or amended executive compensation plans with our executive officers and past employment experience of Messrs. Hanks, • Oversees diversity and inclusion programming Espeland and Goris, the Board has determined that they are financially sophisticated Audit Committee members under the Nasdaq listing standards and qualify as “audit committee financial experts” in accordance with SEC rules. Shareholders should understand that the designation of Messrs. Hanks, Espeland and Goris as “audit committee financial experts” is a disclosure requirement and that it does not impose upon them any duties, obligations or liabilities that are greater than those generally imposed on them as members of the Audit Committee and the Board. Each member of our Compensation and Executive Development Committee meets the independence standards set forth in the Nasdaq listing standards and each is deemed to be (1) an outside Director within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and (2) a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act. The Compensation and Executive Development Committee may, in its discretion, delegate specific duties, responsibilities and authority to a subcommittee, one or more Committee members or one or more executive officers, to the extent permitted by applicable law and stock exchange rules and regulations. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 3 2 Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair: Kathryn Jo Lincoln Members: Patrick P. Goris Michael F. Hilton Ben P. Patel Hellene S. Runtagh Kellye L. Walker Meetings held in 2020: 5 Key Responsibilities • Reviews our corporate governance framework including external developments related to corporate governance matters • Reviews appropriate composition of the Board, identifies Board candidates and recommends Director nominees • Reviews shareholder proposals and shareholder engagement activities • Reviews non-employee Director compensation program in light of best practices and makes recommendations to the Board • Reviews and determines Director independence Chair: Phillip J. Mason Finance Committee Members: Curtis E. Espeland Stephen G. Hanks G. Russell Lincoln William E. MacDonald, III Meetings held in 2020: 5 Key Responsibilities • Reviews financial performance, including comparing financial performance to budgets and goals • Reviews capital allocation, dividend and share repurchasing strategies • Reviews operating budgets • Reviews capital expenditures • Reviews M&A activity and integration performance • Oversees strategic planning and financial policy matters Each member of our Finance Committee meets the independence standards set forth in the Nasdaq listing standards. All of our Directors typically attend the Finance Committee meetings, a practice that has been in place for • Oversees the self-evaluation process of the Board and the past several years. Committees • Reviews environmental, social and governance matters Each member of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meets the independence standards set forth in the Nasdaq listing standards. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 3 3 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION OUR BOARD COMPENSATION PROGRAM Based upon the recommendations of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board determines our non- employee Director compensation. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee periodically reviews all elements of Board compensation in relation to our proxy peer group (as identified in the CD&A), trends in Board compensation and other factors it deems appropriate. In consultation with Korn Ferry as an independent advisor, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee did not recommend any adjustments to Board compensation during 2020. The objectives of our non-employee Director compensation program are to attract highly qualified and diverse individuals to serve on our Board and to align their interests with those of our shareholders. An employee of Lincoln Electric who also serves as a Director does not receive any additional compensation for serving as a Director. All non-employee Directors receive cash retainers and an annual stock-based award for serving on our Board. Stock-based compensation is provided under our 2015 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors. GOOD GOVERNANCE PRACTICES Lincoln Electric seeks to attract and retain highly qualified individuals to serve on the Board of Directors. To that end, Lincoln Electric maintains the philosophy of paying non-employee Directors fairly and reasonably, considering external market factors, consistent with good governance practices. With respect to our non-employee Director compensation program, our governance practices include: What We Do What We Don’t Do Reasonable limits on non-employee Directors’ annual equity awards included in 2015 Stock Plan for Non- Employee Directors ✔ No Hedging or Pledging of Lincoln Electric Stock Total compensation is positioned at the peer median ✔ No Excessive Perquisites Non-employee Director compensation approved by full Board ✔ No Excise Tax Gross-Ups or Tax Reimbursements ✘ ✘ ✘ Full-value equity award granted at a fixed-value Double Trigger Provisions for Change in Control Stock Ownership Guidelines Independent Advisor ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 3 4 The following is a summary of our current Director compensation program: Director Compensation Mix 60% 36% 4% Restricted Stock Units Committee and Chair Fees Board Retainer Fees Board Level Lead Independent Director Committee Chairs h s a C y t i u q E Retainer1 $ 80,000 Additional $28,000 Meeting Fees2 — Annual Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Award approx. value3 Initial RSU Award approx. value3,4 $135,000 $135,000 – – – Additional $20,000 for Audit $15,000 for Compensation and Executive Development, Finance and Nominating and Corporate Governance – – – (1) Directors have the ability to defer annual cash compensation under the Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan. (2) We do not have separate meeting fees, except if there are more than eight full Board or Committee meetings in any given year, Directors will receive $1,500 for each full Board meeting in excess of eight meetings and Committee members will receive $1,000 for each Committee meeting in excess of eight meetings in total. (3) Directors have the ability to defer RSUs under the Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan. (4) The initial award will be pro-rated based on the Director’s length of service during the twelve-month period preceding the next regularly scheduled annual equity grant, which normally occurs in the fourth quarter of each year. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 3 5 2020 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE Name Curtis E. Espeland Patrick P. Goris Stephen G. Hanks Michael F. Hilton G. Russell Lincoln Kathryn Jo Lincoln William E. MacDonald, III Phillip J. Mason Ben P. Patel Hellene S. Runtagh Kellye L. Walker Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) Stock Awards1 ($) 108,0002 134,916 80,0002 134,916 2,3083 100,000 80,000 80,000 134,916 134,916 134,916 95,0002 134,916 95,000 95,000 134,916 134,916 80,0002 134,916 80,000 15,870 134,916 153,680 Total ($) 242,916 217,224 234,916 214,916 214,916 229,916 229,916 229,916 214,916 214,916 169,550 (1) On December 10, 2020, 1,129 RSUs were granted to each non-employee Director under our 2015 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors. For Ms. Walker, 184 RSUs were also granted to her on October 20, 2020 upon her initial election to the Board. The Stock Awards column represents the grant date fair value under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic No. 718 based on a closing price of $119.50 per share on December 10, 2020, and, with respect to the award granted to Ms. Walker, a closing price of $101.98 per share on October 20, 2020. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 10 to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 19, 2021. As of December 31, 2020, the number of RSUs held by each non-employee Director was 1,129, except for Ms. Walker, who held 1,313. Each of Messrs. Goris, Hanks, Hilton and Patel and Ms. Lincoln elected to defer receipt of the RSUs that were granted in 2020 under our Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan. (2) All of Messrs. Espeland’s, Goris’ and Patel’s and Ms. Lincoln’s Board fees were deferred under our Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan. (3) The amount shown for 2020 represents the difference in earnings under the Moody’s Corporate Bond Index fund in our Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan and a hypothetical rate. OTHER ARRANGEMENTS We reimburse Directors for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board meetings, or when traveling in connection with the performance of their services for Lincoln Electric. CONTINUING EDUCATION Directors are generally reimbursed up to $5,000 for continuing education expenses (inclusive of travel expenses) for programs each Director may elect to attend. We also incorporate continuing education topics for Directors into our Board meetings from time to time. STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES In keeping with the philosophy that Directors’ interests should be aligned with the shareholders’ interest and as part of the Board’s continued focus on corporate governance, all of our non-employee Directors must adhere to our stock ownership guidelines. RSUs, including any RSUs that have been deferred under the Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, count toward the stock ownership amount; shares held in another person’s name (including a relative) do not. The stock ownership guidelines can be met by satisfying one of the two thresholds noted in the chart below. As of December 31, 2020, all of our non-employee Directors had satisfied the stock ownership guidelines, except for Ms. Walker who was elected to the Board in 2020. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 3 6 Directors have five years from the date of election to the Board to satisfy the stock ownership guidelines. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews the guidelines at least every two-and-a-half years to ensure that the components and values are appropriate—a review was conducted during 2019, with the assistance of Korn Ferry as an independent advisor, and it was determined that no changes to the guidelines were necessary at this time, as the 5 times annual retainer guideline was consistent with the peer group median. As there was no modification and this was a mid-cycle review, the absolute share target remained unchanged. The next review is anticipated to occur in 2021. Retainer Multiple Shares valued at 5x annual Board retainer ($400,000) OR Number of Shares 4,368* * Represents shares equal to $400,000 based on the closing price of Lincoln Electric stock as of December 29, 2017 (the last trading day of the calendar year) of $91.58. EQUITY AWARDS The non-employee Directors’ RSUs awards are granted under the 2015 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Under the terms of the awards, RSUs vest in full one year after the date of grant, with accelerated vesting in the event of a change in control of Lincoln Electric if the Director’s service is terminated or if the award is not assumed upon the change in control, or upon the death or disability of the Director. During the period in which RSUs remain unvested, dividend equivalents pay out in cash when dividends are generally paid to shareholders. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN The Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan allows the non-employee Directors to defer payment of all or a portion of their annual cash compensation and RSUs granted to them. This plan allows each participating non-employee Director to elect to begin payment of the deferred amounts as of the earlier of termination of services as a Director, death or a date not less than one full calendar year after the year the fees are initially deferred. The investment elections available under the plan for cash compensation deferred are the same as those available to executives under our Top Hat Plan, which is discussed in the narrative under 2020 Deferred Compensation Benefits. RSU deferrals are deemed invested solely in a Lincoln Electric Stock fund, and no other plan deferrals are eligible for investment into that fund. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 3 7 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Our long-term strategy is focused on key actions and initiatives that generate long-term profitable growth within our targeted markets through value-added solutions and operational excellence. We believe this approach engages our business team in creating a long-term value proposition for shareholders that generates above-market returns through an economic cycle while maintaining a short-term focus on improving profitability and driving operating excellence. More information on our business and strategy can be found in the “Business Overview” section at the beginning of this Proxy Statement. The Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) describes our executive compensation programs and how they apply to our NEOs. The CD&A contains statements regarding future performance targets and goals. These targets and goals are disclosed in the context of our compensation programs and should not be understood to be statements of management’s expectations or estimates of results or other guidance. We caution investors not to apply these statements in other contexts. Executive Compensation Table of Contents For 2020, our NEOs were: Executive Summary Our Compensation Philosophy Elements of Executive Compensation Other Arrangements, Policies and Practices Summary of 2020 Compensation Elements 2020 Summary Compensation Table 2020 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table Holdings of Equity-Related Interests 2020 Pension Benefits Table 2020 Deferred Compensation Benefits Termination and Change in Control Arrangements 38 45 50 59 64 65 68 71 74 75 77 CHRISTOPHER L. MAPES Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer GABRIEL BRUNO Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer STEVEN B. HEDLUND Executive Vice President, President, Americas and International Welding JENNIFER I. ANSBERRY Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary MICHELE R. KUHRT Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer VINCENT K. PETRELLA (retired during 2020) Former Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer GEORGE D. BLANKENSHIP (retired during 2020) Former Executive Vice President, President, Americas Welding |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 3 8 COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Our approach to executive compensation is generally the same as our approach to employee-wide compensation, with a strong belief in pay for performance and a long-standing commitment to incentive-based compensation. While maintaining our performance-driven culture, our executive compensation program is designed to achieve the following objectives: Align Interests Align the interests of management Incentivize Management Design compensation elements to Support Long-Term Strategy Define performance drivers which support key (and employees) with long-term incentivize management to deliver financial and strategic business objectives interests of our shareholders and other above-market financial results stakeholders Good Governance Practices Help ensure we are following good Address Challenges Address specific business Pay for Performance Link incentive-based compensation to governance practices in the design challenges, including economic the company’s short-term and long-term and operation of our executive circumstances, employee turnover financial and operational performance compensation program, including and retention considerations consideration of the risks associated with those practices CEO Target Pay “At Risk” All Other NEOs Target Pay “At Risk” Say-on-Pay Vote 85% At Risk 69% At Risk 98% Approval At our 2020 Annual Meeting, shareholders again showed strong support for our executive compensation program with 98% of the shareholders who voted approving, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our NEOs | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 3 9 KEY FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE We have a strong track record of delivering increased value to our shareholders and we have typically delivered above- market performance across various financial metrics over many economic cycles. Our long-term strategy seeks to achieve profitable sales growth both organically and through acquisitions by emphasizing value-added solutions and differentiated technologies. We anticipate this strategy will yield improved profit margins and returns, and will generate best-in-class financial performance measured against our peer group. We operated as an “essential business” in 2020 to ensure product availability for customers. Despite the unprecedented safety and operational challenges posed by the global pandemic, we achieved solid returns with a 17.7% ROIC, strong cash flow generation, and 117% cash conversion. Sales decreased approximately 11.6% to approximately $2.7 billion primarily due to 12.2% lower organic sales, which were partially offset by a 1.3% benefit to sales from an acquisition. Operating income margin declined 180 basis points to 10.6% versus the prior year primarily due to lower sales and rationalization and asset impairment charges. Adjusted operating income margin held relatively steady, declining 50 basis points to 12.4% as price management and approximately $88 million in cost reduction benefits substantially mitigated the unfavorable impact of lower volumes. Our focus on operational excellence resulted in record safety performance for 2020 and we exceeded three of four of our 2020 environmental goals (with energy intensity not being achieved due to reduced working hours across the globe as a result of the pandemic, although actual energy consumption was down year over year). These results demonstrate the continued structural improvements achieved in the business as the organization pursues best-in-class performance. We also focused on the continued development and commercialization of innovative solutions and leveraged new digital solutions to engage with customers virtually to drive long-term growth. In 2020, we maintained our R&D spend of approximately 1.9% of revenue. Our investments in innovation generated a sales vitality index from new products launched in the last five years of 31%, and we increased our vitality index in equipment systems to 54%. The vitality index represents the percentage of 2020 sales from new products launched in the last five years, excluding the International Welding Segment and customized automation sales. OPERATING INCOME MARGIN DILUTED EPS Reported Adjusted Reported Adjusted 10.6% 12.4% (180) bps vs. 2019 (50) bps vs. 2019 $3.42 (26.9%) vs. 2019 $4.15 (11.7%) vs. 2019 CASH FLOW FROM AVERAGE OPERATING WORKING CAPITAL TO RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL OPERATIONS NET SALES RATIO $351M 18.0% 17.7% CASH CONVERSION RATIO 25TH CONSECUTIVE DIVIDEND RATE INCREASE NEW PRODUCT VITALITY INDEX 117% 4.1% 31% See Appendix A for definitions and/or reconciliation of these metrics to results reported in accordance with GAAP. Performance measures used in the design of the executive compensation program are presented within this Compensation Discussion and Analysis section. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 4 0 We remain focused on generating long-term value for our shareholders through a disciplined capital allocation strategy. In 2020, we deployed approximately $59 million towards capital projects focused primarily on growth and operational efficiency and returned approximately $232 million of cash to shareholders through our dividend program and share repurchases. In the last five years, we have repurchased an aggregate amount of $994 million in shares and have increased the dividend rate by 59%. Our Board increased the dividend payout rate for 2021 by an additional 4.1%, marking 25 years of consecutive dividend increases. $232M RETURNED TO SHAREHOLDERS IN 2020 = $114M IN SHARE REPURCHASES + $118M IN DIVIDENDS TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN +23% 1-Year +35% 3-Year +148% 5-Year FINANCIAL MEASURES USED FOR COMPENSATION PURPOSES We consider various types of widely reported financial metrics, each of which is related to our executive compensation program in some way. Some of these financial metrics directly impact our executive compensation program, while others are the closest approximation to the metrics that we use in our programs. We believe that all of these financial metrics are critical to the short-term and long-term growth and performance of our organization. Short-term financial metrics used to evaluate operational performance and used in our annual bonus (EMIP) design are: • Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes and bonus (EBITB), and • Average operating working capital to net sales ratio (AOWC/Sales) for Compensation Purposes. The following charts illustrate our performance in these or comparable metrics. Adjusted Operating Income1 Representative of EBITB ($ in millions) AOWC/Sales for Compensation Purposes2 $405 $388 $328 2018 2019 2020 21.7% 21.7% 24.8% 2018 2019 2020 (1) Excluding special items where applicable. Definitions and a reconciliation of non-GAAP results to our most closely comparable GAAP results are included in Appendix A. (2) See Appendix A for definition of AOWC/Sales for Compensation Purposes. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 4 1 Financial metrics considered in our long-term incentive compensation program include: • Growth of Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes • Share price appreciation, including dividends (TSR). (over a three-year cycle), • Three-year average ROIC for Compensation Purposes indexed to peer performance, and The following charts illustrate our Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes and ROIC for Compensation Purposes. The results for ROIC for Compensation Purposes are compared to our peer group, the S&P 400 Midcap Index (S&P 400), in which we participate, and the S&P 400 Midcap Manufacturing Index. The ROIC for Compensation Purposes percentile rankings show the position of our financial results compared to the particular group, with a 50th percentile ranking indicating median (or market) performance. Percentiles below 50 indicate below-market performance, while percentiles above 50 indicate above-market performance. Information is based on the most recently available public information (as accumulated by an independent third party), as of January 2021 when the analysis was performed. Adjusted Net Income Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes1 for Compensation Purposes1 ($ in millions) ($ in millions) Return on Invested Capital for Compensation Purposes1 Return on Invested Capital for Compensation Purposes1 $311 $311 $286 $286 $238 $238 2018 2018 2019 2020 2020 2019 18.1% 19.2% 13.7% 18.1% 19.2% 13.7% 2018 2019 2018 2020 2019 2020 3-Year Average ROIC for Compensation Purposes1,2 Performance and Percentile Rank 3-Year Average ROIC for Compensation to Peers and Select Indices Purposes1,2 Performance and Percentile Rank to Peers and Select Indices 93rd 93rd 78th 78th 93rd 93rd 17.2% 11.1% 6.2% 7.1% Line graph represents Lincoln Electric’s Line graph percentile rank represents Lincoln Electric’s percentile rank Lincoln Electric Peers 17.2% 11.1% 6.2% S&P 400 Lincoln Electric Peers S&P 400 S&P Midcap 400 Mfg 7.1% S&P Midcap 400 Mfg (1) Excludes certain items as approved by the Compensation and Executive Development Committee where applicable. See discussion and definitions on page 56 in the Performance Shares Financial Metrics section and in Appendix A. (2) As of September 30, 2020. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 4 2 TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN (TSR) The following 3-Year (2018-2020) TSR Performance Percentile Rank chart illustrates our TSR performance compared to our peer group, the S&P Composite 500 Stock Index (S&P 500), the S&P 400, and the S&P 400 Midcap Manufacturing Index. The TSR percentile rankings show the position of our TSR Performance compared to the particular group, with a 50th percentile ranking indicating median (or market) performance. Percentiles below 50 indicate below-market performance, while percentiles above 50 indicate above-market performance. This information is based on the most recently available public information (as accumulated by an independent third party), as of January 2021 when the analysis was performed. Total Shareholder Returns (TSR)1 3-Year (2018-2020) TSR Performance Percentile Rank to Peers and Select Indices (1) See Appendix A for definition of TSR. 40th 56th 68th 62nd Peers S&P 500 S&P 400 S&P Midcap 400 Mfg 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 The following line graph compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock against the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 and the S&P 400 for the five-year calendar year period commencing January 1, 2016 and ending December 31, 2020. This graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2015 in each of our common shares, the S&P 500 and the S&P 400. A peer-group index for the welding industry, in general, is 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. Five Year Performance Comparison Lincoln Electric’s Common Shares, S&P 500 and S&P 400 $250 $200 $150 $100 $50 $0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Lincoln Electric S&P 500 S&P 400 (1) See Appendix A for definition of TSR. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 4 3 PAY FOR PERFORMANCE, OBJECTIVES AND PROCESS In designing our executive compensation program, a core philosophy is that our executives should be rewarded when they deliver financial results that provide value to our shareholders. Therefore, we have established a program that ties executive compensation to superior financial performance. To assess pay for performance, we evaluate the relationship between CEO pay and TSR performance considering the ISS methodology. This allows us to understand the relative degree of alignment over a three-year period between the pay opportunity delivered to the CEO and the performance achieved by shareholders relative to the ISS peer group. The ISS peer group for this analysis is comprised of 24 companies of which 11 companies overlap with our peer group. In conjunction with ISS resources, this analysis is performed by management’s compensation consultant, Willis Towers Watson, which is reviewed by the Compensation and Executive Development Committee (the “Committee”) and by its independent consultant, Korn Ferry. In evaluating pay and performance alignment, the analysis focuses on CEO pay primarily as reflected in the Summary Compensation Table, with the exception of valuing equity-based awards. All stock-based awards (both time- and performance- vesting) are calculated by multiplying the number of underlying shares by the closing stock price on the grant date, and option awards are calculated using the ISS Black-Scholes option pricing model. This means that for us, the CEO is evaluated based on the following compensation elements for the applicable three-year period: • Base pay; • Annual bonus (EMIP); • The value of stock options granted (based on the ISS Black-Scholes pricing model as of the grant date); • The value of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted (based on • Actual nonqualified deferred compensation earnings; and the closing price of our common stock as of the grant date); • All other compensation for the applicable three-year period. • The value at target of performance shares granted (based on the closing price of our common stock as of the grant date); As the following chart demonstrates, for the 2018-2020 performance period, our ranking for TSR performance was slightly above the median of the ISS peer group for the most recent three-year period. For the same period, our ranking for CEO pay was above the median. The shaded area in the chart below highlights the area in which ISS has a low overall concern level. As shown in the chart below, our ranking for TSR performance and our ranking for CEO pay has consistently fallen within the shaded area and demonstrates an overall alignment over the three most recent three-year performance periods. Based on this analysis, the Committee is satisfied with the alignment of our CEO’s pay with the performance of the Company. k n a R e l i t n e c r e P R S T r a e Y - 3 ) s r e e P S S I o t e v i t a l e R ( 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. Pay for Performance 3-Year CEO Pay Percentile Rank vs. 3-Year TSR Percentile Rank Low Pay for High Performance Pay for Performance Alignment LECO Pay Rank = 61% TSR Rank = 53% LECO (2016-2018) LECO (2018-2020) LECO (2017-2019) 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 3-Year CEO Pay Rank (Relative to ISS Peers) High Pay for Low Performance |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 4 4 While we consider the ISS methodology in assessing pay for performance, we view it as one of the variables for evaluating pay for performance alignment. We have provided the ISS analysis in assessing pay for performance for investors that might be utilizing it in evaluating pay for performance. 2020 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ACTIONS During 2020, the Committee reviewed the design of our executive compensation program to help ensure consistency with our pay for performance philosophy. Each year, the Committee monitors our executive compensation program and how it relates to our corporate performance and shareholder interests. At our 2020 Annual Meeting, we received 98% approval, based on the total votes cast, for our annual advisory say-on-pay vote to approve the compensation of our NEOs. The Committee considered this result, in connection with its review of the overall design of our executive compensation program, particularly in light of the transition to the 2025 Strategy. The Committee believes the voting results demonstrate significant support for our executive compensation program, and the Committee chose not to make any substantial changes to the existing program for 2020 specifically in response to the 2020 say-on-pay voting results. The Committee expects, however, to continue to work with its compensation consultant to monitor changes in executive compensation trends to keep our executive compensation program aligned with best practices in our competitive market. In addition, beginning in March 2020, the Committee and senior leadership team closely monitored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our executive compensation program, to help ensure ongoing alignment between our executive’s incentives and our stockholders’ long-term interests during a period of extraordinary market volatility. Ultimately, the Committee made no changes or adjustments to our executive compensation program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. NO ADJUSTMENTS TO COMPENSATION PROGRAMS FOR THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ✔ During 2020 we did not make any changes or adjustments to our executive compensation program specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee did not modify individual performance goals or the corporate performance goals that were established at the beginning of the fiscal year, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, for the annual bonus (EMIP) or outstanding performance share awards. KEY EXECUTIVE TRANSITIONS During 2020, two NEOs, Vincent Petrella and George Blankenship, retired from the Company. Prior to their retirements, Mr. Petrella served as our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and Mr. Blankenship served as our Executive Vice President, President, Americas Welding. In connection with these retirements, Gabriel Bruno was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and Steven Hedlund was appointed Executive Vice President, President, Americas and International Welding. More information is provided below regarding the compensation for Messrs. Petrella and Blankenship for 2020, including in connection with their retirements. GOOD GOVERNANCE PRACTICES In addition to our emphasis on above-market financial performance and pay for performance, we design our executive compensation program to be current with best practices and good corporate governance. We also consider the risks associated with any particular program, design or compensation decision. We believe these assessments result in sustained, long-term shareholder value. Some of those governance practices are described in the Compensation-Related Risk section in this Proxy Statement. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 4 5 The following table highlights certain of our good governance practices relative to our executive compensation program: What We Do What We Don’t Do Pay for Performance Focus (Compensation programs weighted heavily toward variable, “at risk,” compensation; perform annual reviews of market competitiveness and the relationship of compensation to financial performance) Balanced Compensation (Compensation opportunities linked to both short-term and long-term periods of time, while aligning compensation with several financial performance metrics that are critical to achievement of sustained growth and shareholder value creation) ✔ No Guaranteed Pay (No multi-year guarantees for compensation increases, including base pay, and no guaranteed bonuses) ✔ No Repricing or Replacement of Underwater Stock Options without Prior Shareholder Approval Double Trigger Provisions for Change in Control ✔ No Payment of Dividends on Unvested Equity Stock Ownership Guidelines for all Executive Officers ✔ No Excessive Perquisites Clawback Policy ✔ No Excise Tax Gross-Ups or Tax Reimbursements Independent Compensation Committee and Consultant ✔ No Hedging or Pledging of Lincoln Electric Stock ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘ OUR COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY CORE PRINCIPLES The primary components of our executive compensation program, summarized below, help ensure that we maintain our performance-driven culture: Type Component and Competitive Target Philosophy and Objective Fixed Compensation Base Pay Incentive-Based Compensation Target Total Cash Compensation with Annual Bonus (EMIP) Long-Term Incentive Compensation 45th Percentile 45th Percentile 65th Percentile 45th Percentile 65th Percentile 50th Percentile 65th Percentile 50th Percentile 50th Percentile • Targeted at the 45th percentile of market (below market) to place stronger emphasis on incentive compensation • Provide market-competitive fixed pay reflective of an executive officer’s role, responsibilities and individual performance in order to attract and retain top talent • Targeted above the competitive market, so that target total cash compensation (base pay and annual bonus which incorporates financial targets and individual performance goals) is set at 65th percentile of market • Drive financial performance, including adjusted earnings before interest, taxes and bonus (EBITB) and average operating working capital to net sales ratio • Deliver individual performance against specific business objectives, including executing on our 2025 Strategy, increasing our customer satisfaction, developing and engaging a diverse and talented workforce, driving sustainable innovation and improving operating efficiencies • Targeted at the 50th percentile of market (at market) • Divided equally among 3 programs: (1) stock options; (2) restricted stock units (RSUs); and (3) Performance Shares • Incentivize achievement of long-term value creation through financial performance objectives weighted more heavily toward rewards for share price appreciation and long-term profitability |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 4 6 In addition to the primary components of our executive compensation program, we provide benefits and perquisites that we believe, taken as a whole, are at the market median. Individual performance also plays a key role in determining the amount of compensation delivered to an individual in many of our programs, with our philosophy being that the best performers should receive the greatest rewards. The following charts present the mix of 2020 target direct compensation for our CEO and all of our other NEOs, as established in the beginning of 2020. As shown below, 85% of the CEO’s compensation mix was “at risk” and 69% of our other NEOs’ compensation mix was “at risk,” with the actual amounts realized based on annual and long-term performance as well as our stock price. CEO Target Compensation Mix All Other NEOs Target Compensation Mix 21% 15% 85% At Risk 21% 22% 21% 14% 31% 14% 14% 27% 69% At Risk Base (fixed) Annual Bonus (EMIP) Stock Options Restricted Stock Units Performance Shares Long-Term | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 4 7 THE ROLES OF THE COMMITTEE, EXTERNAL ADVISORS AND MANAGEMENT The Committee, which consists solely of non-employee Directors, has primary responsibility for reviewing, establishing and monitoring all elements of our executive compensation program. The Committee is advised by its independent executive compensation consultant, Korn Ferry, and independent legal counsel as it deems appropriate. Management provides recommendations and analysis to the Committee, and is supported in those efforts by its own executive compensation consultant, Willis Towers Watson. ROLE OF THE COMMITTEE Compensation-Related Tasks Organizational Tasks Reviews, approves and administers all of our executive Evaluates the performance of the CEO, including compensation plans, including our equity plans consideration of tone and embodiment of core values, with input from all non-employee Directors Establishes performance objectives under our short-term and long-term incentive compensation programs1 Reviews the performance capabilities of the other executive officers, including consideration of tone and embodiment of core values, based on input from the CEO Determines the attainment of performance objectives and the Reviews succession planning for officer positions, including awards to be made to our executive officers under our short- term and long-term incentive compensation programs1 the position of the CEO Determines the compensation for our executive officers, Reviews proposed organization or responsibility changes at including salary and short-term and long-term incentive compensation opportunities1 the officer level Reviews compensation practices relating to key employees to Reviews our practices for the recruitment and development confirm that these practices remain equitable and competitive of a diverse talent pool Reviews employee benefit plans that relate to executive officers Retains the services of independent legal counsel from time and/or key employees to time to provide input on various matters (1) The independent members of the Board takes such action with respect to the CEO. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 4 8 ROLE OF EXTERNAL ADVISORS Korn Ferry • Independent executive compensation consultant for the • Discusses the CEO’s recommendations with the Committee Committee • Advises on matters including competitive compensation analysis, executive compensation trends and plan design, to help ensure the compensation recommendations are in line with stated compensation philosophies and are reasonable when compared to the competitive market peer group company configuration, competitive financial • The Committee is not bound by Korn Ferry’s performance and financial target setting recommendation • Reviews analysis and data collected by management • Considering all relevant factors (as required by (particularly the CEO, the CFO and the Chief Human compensation consultant independence standards set forth Resources Officer) and Willis Towers Watson in applicable SEC rules and Nasdaq listing standards), we • Reports directly to the Chairperson of the Committee • Meets with the Committee in executive session without the participation of management Willis Towers Watson have assessed Korn Ferry's independence, and are not aware of any conflict of interest that has been raised by the work performed by Korn Ferry • Provides executive compensation analysis and other • Considering all relevant factors (as required by services directly to management • Performs data analysis on competitive compensation, competitive financial performance and financial target setting • Provides analysis to Korn Ferry in advance to allow Korn Ferry to comment upon the findings and recommendations made by management compensation consultant independence standards set forth in applicable SEC rules and Nasdaq listing standards), we have assessed Willis Towers Watson’s independence, and are not aware of any conflict of interest that has been raised by the work performed by Willis Towers Watson ROLE OF CEO AND MANAGEMENT • Provides compensation-related recommendations to the • Performs individual performance assessments based on Committee achievement of various financial and leadership objectives • The CEO recommends the compensation for other set by the CEO executive management positions and provides the • Receives suggestions from the Committee for Committee with assessments of their individual modifications to financial and leadership objectives where performance (both of which are subject to Committee warranted review) OUR METHODOLOGIES SELECTION OF COMPENSATION ELEMENTS As part of its annual review, the Committee evaluates whether changes in the philosophy or structure are warranted in light of emerging trends, business needs and/or financial performance. The Committee then uses competitive market data, performance assessments, and independent executive compensation consultants and management recommendations to set the pay components along the targets described above (for example, 45th percentile for base pay). Actual pay for executive management will generally fall within a range of these targets (plus or minus 20%). Absent significant increases due to promotion, increases for break-through individual performance or significant changes in the competitive market data, pay increases are generally in line with national trends. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 4 9 MARKET COMPARISON DATA We collect competitive market compensation data from multiple nationally published surveys, from proxy data for a peer group of companies and from proxy data for companies in the S&P 400. Nationally published survey market compensation data is statistically determined (through regression analysis) to approximate our revenue size and aged to approximate more current data. We did not select the companies that comprise any of these survey groups, and the component companies’ identities were not a material factor in this analysis. The Company worked with Willis Towers Watson during 2020 with respect to the benchmarking methodology used, and based on the analysis, we will generally blend 50% survey and 50% peer data for benchmarking executive compensation for our NEOs commencing in 2021. PEER GROUP We use a peer group of publicly traded industrial companies that are headquartered in the U.S. that serve a number of different market segments and that have significant foreign operations. These are companies for which Lincoln Electric competes for talent and shareholder investment. In addition, we only select companies with solid historical financial results (removing companies from the peer group when their financial performance has consistently fallen below an acceptable level) and companies with sales that are within 2.5 times that of Lincoln Electric, with the exception of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), as ITW is a global competitor with its largest presence in the U.S. The Committee conducts an annual review of our peer group, with the assistance of Korn Ferry as an independent advisor. In 2020, the Committee determined that no changes to the peer group were necessary, but it acknowledged that additional consideration may be needed in 2021 to monitor changing business models of certain peers and due to the effect of the pandemic across the current peer group. For 2020, our peer group consisted of the following 18 publicly traded industrial corporations: Ametek Inc. Flowserve Corporation Kennametal Inc. SPX Corporation Carlisle Companies Incorporated Graco Inc. Nordson Corporation The Timken Company Colfax Corporation IDEX Corporation Regal Beloit Corporation The Toro Company Crane Co. Illinois Tool Works Inc. Roper Technologies, Inc. Donaldson Company, Inc. ITT Inc. Snap-On, Incorporated EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION STRUCTURE In evaluating our executive compensation structure, the Committee considers three primary elements: (1) business needs, (2) individual performance and (3) pay for performance review. Business Needs Individual Performance Organizational Tasks • Independent compensation • Individual performance is a • The Committee conducts an annual consultant (Korn Ferry) provides information about emerging trends in executive compensation, along with Committee members’ own reading and study significant factor in determining annual changes (up or down) to pay components assessment of our financial performance and pay for performance, in determining whether changes will be made to the existing philosophy or structure and before setting compensation levels for the upcoming year • Trends considered in light of our compensation philosophies and various business needs • Annual bonus (EMIP) includes an • The annual assessments are used to individual performance component in determining the percentage of target bonus to be paid (described below and noted in the 2020 EMIP Matrix) evaluate whether executive compensation is properly aligned with our financial performance • Business needs that are evaluated can include: talent attraction or retention strategies, growth expectations, strategic programs, cost-containment initiatives, management development needs and our company culture • Individual performance is measured against how well an executive demonstrates proficiency in key leadership competencies, as well as the executive’s achievement against objectives established for him or her at the beginning of the year • No single factor guides whether changes will be made, as the Committee uses a holistic approach, considering a variety of factors • For the past three years, individual performance ratings for the annual bonus for officers have ranged from 107% to 130% |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 5 0 The following chart highlights the process and timing of compensation determinations and payouts: Prior Year Fourth Quarter Current Year First Quarter Throughout Current Year • Committee reviews our compensation program and philosophy, including determining if our compensation levels are competitive with our peer group and if any changes should be made to the program for the next year • Committee determines the principal components of compensation for the NEOs • Management engages compensation consultant (Willis Towers Watson) to provide a competitive market assessment of pay levels for the executive officers, including the NEOs • Committee determines the individual performance goals of the CEO (with Board approval) and sets the performance goals for each corporate-based (financial) component • Committee meets regularly throughout the year, with management and in executive session • Ongoing review of Company performance against performance goals • CEO sets individual performance goals for each of the other NEOs, which are reviewed by the Committee • Individual performance goals of CEO and the other NEOs are designed to drive our corporate goals and our 2025 Strategy • Base pay, annual bonus targets and long- term incentive awards are set at a regularly scheduled Committee meeting • Payout amounts for the annual bonus (EMIP) and Performance Shares are Committee meeting (normally in February) or a subsequent special meeting (normally in March), once ELEMENTS OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Each compensation component for our NEOs is described below, with specific actions that were taken during 2020 noted. For 2020 compensation amounts, please refer to the Summary Compensation Table and other accompanying tables below. BASE PAY Base salary is provided to our executives to compensate them for their time and proficiency in their positions, as well as the value of their job relative to other positions at Lincoln Electric. Base salaries are set based on a subjective evaluation of the executive’s experience, expertise, level of responsibility, leadership qualities, individual accomplishments and other factors. That being said, we aim to set base salaries at approximately the 45th percentile of the market (slightly below market) in keeping with our philosophy that greater emphasis should be placed on variable compensation. 2020 AND 2021 BASE PAY Ahead of 2020, the Committee reviewed officer pay, including all NEOs, as compared to the market. Based on this review, and in light of our overall cost-containment initiatives, management did not recommend, and the Committee did not approve, increases at the start of the year for any NEO’s 2020 base salary, other than for Ms. Kuhrt as detailed below. NEO Increase % 2020 Base Salary1 Christopher L. Mapes Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele R. Kuhrt Vincent K. Petrella George D. Blankenship — — — — 2.4% — — $1,000,000 $ 346,750 $ 425,000 $ 411,730 $ 343,000 $ 553,350 $ 515,000 (1) Base salaries effective as of January 1, 2020. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 5 1 The 2020 base salary increase effective January 1, 2020 for Ms. Kuhrt was to bring her base pay within the competitive framework. Later in 2020, in connection with Mr. Bruno’s appointment as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in April 2020, the Committee approved a 15.4% increase to Mr. Bruno’s base salary, effective as of September 1, 2020, establishing his new base salary at $400,000, to bring his base pay within the competitive framework. In connection with Mr. Hedlund’s appointment as Executive Vice President, President, Americas and International Welding, the Committee approved a 3.5% increase to Mr. Hedlund’s base salary, effective November 1, 2020, establishing his new base salary at $440,000. Due to Mr. Bruno’s recent promotion, Mr. Bruno received a 2021 base salary increase of 11.3%. In addition, the Committee recognized that Ms. Kuhrt has continued responsibilities as the acting Chief Information Officer, in addition to her duties as the Chief Human Resources Officer. In light of such additional duties, the Committee approved a temporary supplemental base salary increase of $55,000. For 2021, excluding Mr. Bruno’s increase and Ms. Kuhrt’s supplemental increase, the average base salary increase for the continuing NEOs was 2.6%. The base pay falls within the competitive benchmark and the continuing NEOs remain, on average, slightly below the 45th percentile on base compensation. ANNUAL BONUS (EMIP) AND TOTAL CASH COMPENSATION The Executive Management Incentive Plan (EMIP) provides executive officers, including the NEOs, with an opportunity to receive an annual cash bonus. We believe that, given base pay is below market, annual cash bonus opportunities should be above average to balance some of the risk associated with greater variable compensation. However, we also believe that above-market pay should only be available for superior individual and financial performance. Therefore, we target total cash compensation (base pay and target annual bonus) at the 65th percentile of the market, but use a structure that provides payments of above-average bonuses only where the individual’s performance, the performance of the consolidated company, and the performance of his or her particular segment or business unit, warrant it. ANNUAL BONUS (EMIP) MATRIX The percentage of target annual bonus actually paid is based upon a matrix that takes into account financial performance and an executive’s individual performance, interpolating the results to calculate the actual percentage paid. If either of these factors is not met, the percentage of target annual bonus paid is reduced, with the potential that no bonus will be paid. If either of these factors exceeds expectations, the percentage of annual bonus paid can be above the target amount. To the extent that financial performance or an individual’s performance rating exceeds the maximum amounts set forth below, the payout percentage is capped. The 2020 EMIP matrix is consistent with prior years. 2020 EMIP Matrix Individual Performance Rating 130 120 110 100 95 90 85 80 75 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 110% 120% Financial Performance Percentage Payout 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50% 40% 30% 20% 0 0 0 0 0 80% 70% 60% 50% 20% 0 0 0 0 100% 130% 150% 160% 180% 90% 80% 60% 50% 20% 0 0 0 120% 135% 150% 160% 110% 120% 140% 150% 90% 80% 50% 20% 0 0 100% 135% 145% 90% 80% 50% 20% 0 115% 125% 100% 110% 60% 30% 0 70% 50% 0 |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 5 2 The Committee has discretion to approve EMIP payments outside of the strict application of this matrix. For the 2020 EMIP payments, the Committee made an adjustment to Ms. Kuhrt’s payout in recognition of her continued responsibilities she managed during 2020 as the acting Chief Information Officer, in addition to her duties as the Chief Human Resources Officer. EMIP payout determinations for the 2020 performance period were made in the first quarter of 2021. ANNUAL BONUS (EMIP) INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE GOALS Individual performance goals are set annually. A significant portion of our executive officers’ individual performance goals is tied to one or more aspects of our long-term strategy. The following table highlights certain of the 2020 performance goals for our CEO. These performance objectives are cascaded throughout the organization and many are also in the individual performance goals for our other NEOs Individual Performance Goals CEO ✔ Execution of the Higher Standard 2025 Strategy Human capital management, employee engagement, development and training, and diversity and inclusion initiatives ✔ ✔ Enterprise risk management and compliance matters, including IT systems and cyber security ✔ ✔ ✔ Operating and capital budget and financial performance Global environmental, health and safety metrics Lincoln Business System enhancement The ability to achieve many of the individual performance goals established for our NEOs was impacted by the challenges associated with managing and responding to the changing business priorities as well as the extraordinary circumstances caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Operating globally as an essential business, our NEOs remained focused on our 2025 Strategy, the well-being of our employees and providing support to the communities in which we operate. Notwithstanding the challenging environment, none of the individual performance goals were modified specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In assessing the individual performance of our NEOs, the Committee reviews the performance rating recommended by the CEO with respect to each of the other NEOs and recommends revisions, as needed, prior to the Committee approval of such rating. The CEO’s rating is determined based on a review of performance against underlying goals with the final rating being approved by the independent Directors of the Board. ANNUAL BONUS (EMIP) FINANCIAL METRICS A portion of the EMIP financial component is based upon achievement of company consolidated financial performance against budget and another portion may be attributable to segment financial performance against budget, depending upon the individual’s span of responsibility. By varying the financial metrics used based upon areas of responsibility, it is possible that certain participants will receive a higher percentage of target bonus while others will receive a lower percentage of target where the segment performance for one participant is better than the segment performance for the other. This is a key component of our pay for performance and incentive-based philosophies. For 2020, consolidated results and segment results (with the exception of the Harris Products Group) were below budget. The following is a summary of the financial components used for 2020 for the NEOs: 2020 Annual Bonus (EMIP)—Financial Metrics Used NEOs Consolidated Results Segment Results Christopher L. Mapes—Chairman, President & CEO Gabriel Bruno—EVP, CFO & Treasurer Steven B. Hedlund—EVP, President, Americas and International Welding Jennifer I. Ansberry—EVP, General Counsel & Secretary Michele R. Kuhrt—EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer Vincent K. Petrella—Former EVP, CFO & Treasurer George D. Blankenship—Former EVP, President, Americas Welding 100% 100% 50% 100% 100% 100% 50% — — 50% International Welding — — — 50% Americas Welding | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 5 3 EBITB. One of the EMIP financial metrics is the achievement of earnings before interest, taxes and the bonus referred to above (EBITB) as compared to budget. Since 2011, this metric accounts for 75% of the EMIP financial component. EBITB to budget has been used as the financial metric for the annual bonus since 1997 because it is an important indicator of profitability. Budgets are set aggressively (based on the local and global economic climate), at the beginning of the year, are reviewed by the Finance Committee of the Board and are approved by the full Board. The following is a summary of historical consolidated results: Historical EBITB to Budget (Consolidated Results 2016-2020) Average Highest Level Lowest Level Consolidated Results 97% 110% 86% When performance goals are set, we believe that there is an equal probability of achieving EBITB to budget in any year, although the cyclical nature of our business may increase the probability in some years and decrease it in others. For 2020, our EBITB performance goals were set prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, without having a clear understanding of the impact of COVID-19. The ability to achieve our EBITB performance goals was impacted by the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding the challenging environment faced during 2020, none of the EBITB performance goals were modified specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For 2020, the consolidated EBITB budget was set at $478 million and actual performance for 2020, as adjusted, measured at budgeted exchange rates, was $428.4 million, or an achievement of 89.6% of budget. The Americas Welding Segment EBITB actual performance for 2020, as adjusted, measured at budgeted exchange rates, was $312.4 million, or an achievement of 74.5% of budget. The International Welding Segment EBITB actual performance for 2020, as adjusted, measured at budgeted exchange rates, was $78.2 million, or an achievement of 79.1% of budget. The EBITB performance results were adjusted for the same types of special items that impact Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Net Income as disclosed in Appendix A. AOWC/Sales for Compensation Purposes. Since 2007, a second EMIP financial metric, namely the achievement of budget for average operating working capital as compared to sales (AOWC/Sales for Compensation Purposes), has been used as a reflection of our commitment to improving cash flow. Since 2011, AOWC/Sales for Compensation Purposes has accounted for 25% of the EMIP financial component. The following is a summary of historical consolidated results: Historical AOWC/Sales to Budget (Consolidated Results 2016-2020) Average Highest Level Lowest Level Consolidated Results 98% 105% 92% Like EBITB, we believe that there is an equal probability of achieving AOWC/Sales for Compensation Purposes to budget in any given year, although the cyclical nature of our business may increase the probability in some years and decrease it in others. For 2020, our AOWC/Sales for Compensation Purposes performance goals were set prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, without having a clear understanding of the impact of COVID-19. The ability to achieve our AOWC/Sales for Compensation Purposes performance goals was impacted by the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding the challenging environment faced during 2020, none of the AOWC/Sales for Compensation Purposes performance goals were modified specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For 2020, the consolidated AOWC/Sales for Compensation Purposes budget was set at 22.9% and actual performance for 2020 was 24.8%, or an achievement of 91.6% of budget. The Americas Welding Segment AOWC/Sales for Compensation Purposes actual performance for 2020 was 19.9%, or an achievement of 86.1% of budget. The International Welding Segment AOWC/Sales for Compensation Purposes actual performance for 2020 was 33.2%, or an achievement of 88.9% of budget. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 5 4 2020 ANNUAL BONUS (EMIP) AND TOTAL CASH COMPENSATION The 2020 EMIP annual bonus targets for the NEOs were established according to the principles discussed above. In light of Lincoln Electric’s overall cost-containment initiatives, management did not recommend, and the Committee did not approve, increases for any NEO’s 2020 EMIP annual bonus target effective as of January 1, 2020. The 2020 EMIP targets for the NEOs placed their total targeted cash compensation (base pay and target annual bonus), on average, slightly below the 65th percentile of market. In approving the 2020 EMIP payouts, the Committee assessed our EBITB performance and AOWC/Sales for Compensation Purposes performance against budget for consolidated and segments, as applicable. In addition, the Committee has discretion to approve EMIP payments outside of the strict application of this matrix. The Committee increased Ms. Kuhrt’s payout by $100,000 in recognition of the continued responsibilities managed during 2020 as the acting Chief Information Officer, in addition to duties as the Chief Human Resources Officer. On average, 2020 EMIP payments for the continuing NEOs were 32% above their 2020 target amounts, as shown in the following table. NEO Target Award Opportunity Target Award Opportunity as a % of 2020 Base Salary1 Maximum Award Opportunity Based on Matrix Actual Award Actual Award as a % of Target Christopher L. Mapes $1,450,000 145% $2,610,000 $1,868,760 Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele R. Kuhrt $ 330,6232 $ 377,5002 $ 319,770 $ 255,000 Vincent K. Petrella $ 407,0874 George D. Blankenship $ 191,0384 91% 88% 78% 74% 92% 75% $ 595,121 $ 419,362 $ 679,500 $ 428,765 $ 575,586 $ 399,073 $ 459,000 $ 420,8413 $ 732,757 $ 508,045 $ 343,868 $ 206,455 129% 127% 114% 125% 165% 125% 108% (1) With respect to Messrs. Bruno, Hedlund, Petrella and Blankenship, the target award opportunities percentages reflect prorated target award opportunities as compared to 2020 prorated base salaries as reflected in the Summary Compensation Table. (2) From January 1 through April 22, 2020, Mr. Bruno’s 2020 EMIP annual bonus target was $264,000. Upon his appointment as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, the Committee adjusted Mr. Bruno’s 2020 EMIP annual bonus target to $360,000. From January 1 through November 1, 2020, Mr. Hedlund’s 2020 EMIP annual bonus target was $375,000. Upon his appointment as Executive Vice President, President, Americas and International Welding, the Committee adjusted Mr. Hedlund’s 2020 EMIP annual bonus target to $390,000. (3) The Committee made an adjustment to Ms. Kuhrt’s payout in recognition of the continued responsibilities managed during 2020 as the acting Chief Information Officer, in addition to duties as the Chief Human Resources Officer. (4) Mr. Petrella’s original target 2020 EMIP award opportunity was 93% of his 2020 annual base salary. Due to Mr. Petrella’s retirement from the Company in October 2020, his original target 2020 EMIP award opportunity and maximum 2020 EMIP award opportunity were prorated based on the portion of 2020 during which he was actually employed, pursuant to the terms of our annual bonus (EMIP) plan. Mr. Blankenship’s original target 2020 EMIP award opportunity was 89% of his 2020 annual base salary. Due to Mr. Blankenship’s retirement from the Company in May 2020, his original target 2020 EMIP award opportunity and maximum 2020 EMIP award opportunity were prorated based on the portion of 2020 during which he was actually employed, as approved by the Board in connection with his retirement. This table reflects actual achievement regarding those prorated 2020 EMIP award opportunities. On average, 2020 EMIP payments for the continuing NEOs were 19% higher than the 2019 EMIP payments, largely due to the increase in the target award opportunity for Mr. Bruno in connection with his promotion and the adjustment made to Ms. Kuhrt’s payout in recognition of her continued responsibilities she managed during 2020 as the acting Chief Information Officer, in addition to her duties as the Chief Human Resources Officer. Excluding Mr. Bruno and Ms. Kuhrt, 2020 EMIP payments for the continuing NEOs were 7% higher than the 2019 EMIP payments. 2021 ANNUAL BONUS (EMIP) AND TOTAL CASH COMPENSATION The 2021 EMIP targets for the continuing NEOs, approved in the first quarter of 2021, were established by the Committee in consultation with Korn Ferry, based on our compensation philosophies as well as competitive market data as discussed above. Due to Mr. Bruno’s recent promotion, to bring his EMIP target within the competitive framework, Mr. Bruno received a 2021 target bonus increase of 15.3%. The Committee recognized that Ms. Kuhrt has continued responsibilities as the acting Chief Information Officer, in addition to her duties as the Chief Human Resources Officer. In light of such additional | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 5 5 duties, the Committee approved a temporary supplemental target bonus increase of $45,000 for 2021. Overall, excluding Mr. Bruno’s increase and Ms. Kuhrt’s supplemental increase, the 2021 bonus targets reflect an increase from the 2020 target amounts of, on average 5.1%, for the NEOs. The bonus targets still fall within the competitive benchmark and the continuing NEOs remain, on average, slightly below the 65th percentile on targeted total cash compensation. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION We believe that long-term incentive compensation should be provided to focus rewards on factors that deliver long-term sustainability and should be established at the median (or 50th percentile) of the market. We have targeted the median of the market, in keeping with our pay for performance philosophy, because we believe that superior long-term financial growth itself should be the main driver of above-market long-term incentive compensation. We also believe that different financial metrics help drive long-term performance. Therefore, we have established a structure for long-term incentives that combines several different long-term metrics, with the greatest emphasis placed on share appreciation and equity awards. For 2020, our long-term incentive compensation program consist of three components: (1) stock options, (2) RSUs and (3) Performance Shares (LTIP). The value of each is weighted equally. This provides an even balance with respect to the different attributes and timing associated with each type of award. Annual awards of all three components are made to EMIP participants, including the NEOs. The following is a summary of the three components of our long-term incentive compensation program as in effect for 2020: Total Employees Receiving Grant in 2020 24 employees, including NEOs, all EMIP participants and other senior leaders 608 employees, including NEOs, all EMIP participants, other senior leaders, managers and significant contributors, regardless of their position within Lincoln Electric 15 employees, including NEOs and all EMIP participants Standard Vesting Provision Accelerated Vesting Provisions Stock Options • Vest ratably over 3 years • Full vesting upon death or 1/3 1/3 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/3 Performance 1/3 Shares 1/3 disability • Pro-rata vesting upon retirement • In the event of a change in control, if (i) replacement awards are not provided or (ii) replacement awards are provided and there is a subsequent qualifying termination, full vesting • Vest in full after 3 years • Full vesting upon death or disability • Pro-rata vesting upon retirement • In the event of a change in control, if (i) replacement awards are not provided or (ii) replacement awards are provided and there is a subsequent qualifying termination, full vesting • Vest based on • Full vesting at target upon death or performance during the applicable 3-year performance period disability • Pro-rata vesting upon retirement, based on actual performance for the applicable 3-year performance period • In the event of a change in control, if (i) replacement awards are not provided or (ii) replacement awards are provided and there is a subsequent qualifying termination, the award will vest at target Following a review of market data, including our peer group, the Committee approved certain changes to the terms of our Performance Shares. Commencing with grants made in February 2020, in the event of a change in control, the Performance Shares will vest at target if (i) replacement awards are not provided or (ii) replacement awards are provided and there is a subsequent qualifying termination. This change was made to align with our peers and to streamline the administration of such awards in the event of a change in control. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 5 6 During 2020, certain long-tenured employees, including Mr. Blankenship, retired from the Company and did not meet the retirement eligibility criteria in the existing equity award agreements. In connection with Mr. Blankenship’s retirement, based on the recommendation of the Committee, the Board approved treating Mr. Blankenship as retirement eligible, in recognition of his over 32 years of service with the Company. Following these retirements, the Committee reviewed our retirement vesting provisions under our equity awards generally. Following this review of market data, including our peer group, the Committee approved certain changes to the retirement vesting provisions. Commencing with grants made in February 2021, the definition of retirement under our equity awards will be defined to include retirement at the age of 60 and 5 years of service, or at the age of 55 and 15 years of service. In addition, stock options and RSUs will vest in full upon retirement, and Performance Shares will vest in full, based on actual performance for the applicable 3-year performance period. These changes were made to align with our peers and to streamline the administration of such awards upon retirement. It should be noted, however, that neither Mr. Petrella nor Mr. Blankenship benefited from these revisions that became effective with grants made in February 2021. Due to their retirement from the Company during 2020, Mr. Petrella’s unvested equity awards accelerated on a prorated basis pursuant to their original terms, and Mr. Blankenship’s unvested equity awards were accelerated on a prorated basis, based on Board action. The accelerated Performance Shares remain subject to actual performance during the original performance period. For more information about these awards, see the 2020 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table and the Outstanding Equity Awards at 2020 Fiscal Year-End table below. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (LTIP) - PERFORMANCE SHARES Our long-term incentive compensation program includes a long-term incentive plan (LTIP), in the form of grants of Performance Shares, which is designed to offer award opportunities aligned with the long-term performance of Lincoln Electric. Target share amounts for the plan are set each year at the beginning of a three-year performance cycle based on a 7-day historical average of the stock price, up to and including the grant date. Because awards are made each year and because each award relates to a three-year performance cycle, three different cycles will be running at any point in time. The percentage of the target shares actually paid at the end of the applicable three-year cycle will be based upon achievement of three-year company performance as interpolated against pre-established performance thresholds. Each plan has performance thresholds with percentage payouts attributable to those thresholds ranging from 0% to 200% of target. The Committee retains discretion to modify payments to any participant, to modify targets and/or to modify the performance thresholds (up or down). PERFORMANCE SHARES FINANCIAL METRICS Since its inception, the LTIP has used a performance measure of growth in Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes over the three-year cycle. Beginning in 2009, the Committee added a second metric of ROIC for Compensation Purposes and gave these two financial metrics a 50/50 weighting. The awards granted for the 2020 to 2022 performance cycle utilize these same metrics and same weighting, including as described below, just with different goals for the new three-year period. The Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes metric is an absolute metric. For the 2018 to 2020 performance cycle, the growth in Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes over the three-year cycle is based on growth above $248,408,000 (which was the Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes for 2017 when the 2018 to 2020 performance cycle was set). As the 2018 to 2020 Performance Share LTIP table demonstrates, to pay 100% of target, Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes over the three-year cycle must be at or above 140% of $248,408,000 (or $347,771,000). From time to time, the Committee has considered and approved certain limited adjustments to reported net income (both positive and negative) in determining Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes to evaluate achievement of performance against the thresholds. Each adjustment is reviewed in detail before it is made. The types of adjustments the Committee has considered include: rationalization charges, certain asset impairment charges, the gains and losses on certain transactions including the disposal of certain assets and other special items, which generally align with the special items disclosed in the Adjusted Net Income table in Appendix A. To the extent an adjustment relates to restructuring or rationalization charges that are intended to improve organizational efficiency, a corresponding charge (equal to the adjustment) is amortized against future years’ adjusted net income until that adjustment is fully offset against the intended savings (generally this amortization occurs over a three-year period). | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 5 7 The ROIC for Compensation Purposes metric for the 2018 to 2020 performance cycle is a relative value that is derived based on our performance as compared to our proxy peer group (as opposed to an absolute value). Both the Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes metric and the ROIC for Compensation Purposes metric were set in 2018, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ability to achieve these goals was impacted by the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding the challenging environment, these goals were not modified in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. PERFORMANCE THRESHOLDS In setting the performance thresholds for a new three-year period (including the 2020 to 2022 performance cycle), the Committee considers various factors, including historical performance against established thresholds, to try to achieve a 50% probability of the target thresholds for any cycle. For the 2018 to 2020 Plan, the Committee did not make any modifications to the three-year adjusted net income growth performance thresholds or the three-year average ROIC relative to peer thresholds. TIMING FOR SETTING PERFORMANCE METRIC GOALS Performance targets are set at the beginning of the first fiscal year in the cycle. This timing allows the Committee to see our final financial results for the prior year and allows for more current macro-economic projections to be used. Historical LTIPs. The following is a summary of the historical combined LTIP results for the last five completed LTIP cycles, including the most recently completed cycle (2018 to 2020): Historical LTIP to Budget (Results for the last five completed LTIP cycles) Average Highest Level Lowest Level Results 102.5% 130.2% 85.2% 2018 to 2020 Performance Share LTIP. For the 2018 to 2020 LTIP cycle, the Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes performance threshold was not met; however, the ROIC for Compensation Purposes performance target was exceeded, resulting in payouts being made at 94.1% of target. The following is a summary of the performance metric goals and results for the most recently completed LTIP cycle (2018 to 2020): 2018 to 2020 Performance Share LTIP Payout Amount 3-Year Growth in Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes 3-Year Average ROIC for Compensation Purposes Relative to LECO Peer Group % of Target 3-Year Cumulative Growth Rate Absolute LECO Net Income (’000s) %ile Rank in Peer Group Threshold Target Maximum 25% 50% 100% 150% 200% 10% 25% 40% 60% 80% $273,249 $310,510 $347,771 $397,453 $447,134 40th %ile 50th %ile 65th %ile 70th %ile 80th %ile ROIC result 9.2% 10.9% 12.3% 12.8% 19.2% Actual Payout 94.1% 0% @ 50% Weighting 0% 188.2% @ 50% Weighting 94.1% |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 5 8 As shown above, the current plan cycle contains two metrics, each with a 50% weighting. Lincoln Electric’s Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes over the three-year period declined 4.1%, which generated a 0% of target payout for this metric. Lincoln Electric’s three-year average return on invested capital (ROIC) for Compensation Purposes, as compared to its peer group, was at the 78th percentile, which generated a 188.2% of target payout for this metric. The following chart shows the target and maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued for the 2018 to 2020 Performance Share LTIP based on actual performance. Combining the payouts for both metrics, the resulting final payout for the 2018 to 2020 Performance Share LTIP was 94.1% of the target award opportunity. As previously noted, neither of these metrics were modified specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. NEO Target Award Opportunity (# of shares) Maximum Award Opportunity Based on Thresholds (# of shares) Actual Performance Share Payout % Actual Award (# of shares) Christopher L. Mapes 13,808 27,616 Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele R. Kuhrt Vincent K. Petrella George D. Blankenship 1,289 1,951 1,878 828 2,9951 2,1331 2,578 3,902 3,756 1,656 5,990 4,226 94.1% 94.1% 94.1% 94.1% 94.1% 94.1% 94.1% 12,993 1,212 1,835 1,767 779 2,818 2,007 (1) Due to Mr. Petrella’s retirement from the Company in October 2020, Mr. Petrella’s original target 2018-2020 Performance Share award opportunity of 3,222 shares (and maximum 2018-2020 Performance Share award opportunity of 6,444 shares) was prorated based on the portion of the 2018-2020 performance period during which he was actively employed, pursuant to the terms of our Performance Share agreement. Due to Mr. Blankenship’s retirement from the Company in May 2020, Mr. Blankenship’s original target 2018-2020 Performance Share award opportunity of 2,651 shares (and maximum 2018-2020 Performance Share award opportunity of 5,302 shares) was prorated based on the portion of the 2018-2020 performance period during which he was actively employed, as approved by the Board in connection with his retirement. This table reflects actual achievement regarding those prorated 2018-2020 Performance Share award opportunities. 2020 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE ARRANGEMENTS In evaluating 2020 long-term incentive compensation (at the beginning of 2020), the Committee reviewed 2018 and 2019 compensation versus the competitive benchmarks. The Committee concluded that overall the long-term incentive compensation program for the NEOs was slightly below our 50th percentile target when compared to both survey and peer proxy data. At the February 2020 meeting, in light of our overall cost-containment initiatives, management did not recommend, and the Committee did not approve, increases for any NEO’s long-term incentive compensation opportunities effective as of January 1, 2020, with the exception of Ms. Kuhrt. Ms. Kuhrt received an 18.1% increase to bring her long- term incentive compensation opportunity within the competitive framework. All of these awards are subject to our Recovery of Funds Policy, which is discussed below. For more information about the quantity of the 2020 stock option, RSU and Performance Share awards actually granted to the NEOs, see the 2020 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table and the Outstanding Equity Awards at 2020 Fiscal Year-End table (and their related narrative disclosure) below. 2021 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE ARRANGEMENTS In evaluating 2021 long-term incentive compensation (at the beginning of 2021), the Committee reviewed 2019 and 2020 compensation versus the competitive benchmarks. The Committee concluded that overall the long-term incentive compensation program for the continuing NEOs was below our 50th percentile target when compared to both survey and peer proxy data. Due to Mr. Bruno’s and Mr. Hedlund’s recent promotions, to bring each of their long-term incentive compensation within the competitive framework, Mr. Bruno received a 2021 long-term incentive compensation increase of 75.0% and Mr. Hedlund received a 2021 long-term incentive compensation increase of 47.4%. Excluding Mr. Bruno and Mr. Hedlund, the Committee adjusted 2021 long-term incentive compensation opportunities for the continuing NEOs on average 34.4%, placing their LTI targets above the 50th percentile however still within the competitive framework. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 5 9 Valuation of Equity Awards. We use standard valuation methods to convert long-term incentive compensation values to shares upon the grant date. These methods consider a 7-day historical average of our stock price, up to and including the grant date, for RSUs and Performance Shares and the grant date Black-Scholes valuation for stock options. Normal Cycle and Out-of-Cycle Equity Awards. The Committee has discretion in awarding grants to EMIP participants and does not delegate its authority to management, nor does management select or influence the award dates. Occasionally, the Committee may approve limited, out-of-cycle special awards for specific business purposes or in connection with executive promotions or the hiring of new executive employees. However, the date used for awards to all EMIP participants, including the continuing NEOs, is the date of a regularly scheduled Committee meeting, which is fixed well in advance and generally occurs at the same time each year. The Committee has approved delegated authority to the CEO to designate awards through 2021 to certain employees under our equity plan, subject to specific limits established. The CEO can only grant RSU awards and cannot grant awards to any executive officers, Section 16 officers or greater-than-10% beneficial owners of the Company, and must be granted per the agreements and vesting terms already approved by the Committee. OTHER ARRANGEMENTS, POLICIES AND PRACTICES OVERVIEW OF BENEFITS We intend to provide a competitive group of benefits for all of our employees targeted at the 50th percentile of the market. Some aspects of our benefit programs are considered non-traditional due to their relationship with our pay for performance and incentive-based philosophies. For example, the premiums for Lincoln Electric-provided medical coverage are 100% paid by employees, including the NEOs, on a pre-tax basis. Premiums for dental coverage, which is a voluntary benefit, are also 100% paid by employees. Life insurance coverage paid fully by Lincoln Electric is set at $50,000 per employee, including the NEOs, although employees may purchase additional insurance at their own cost. The NEOs participate in this same cost-sharing approach. We attempt to balance our various non-traditional programs (such as those with a significant portion of the cost borne by the employee) with more traditional programs. We also provide accidental death and dismemberment benefits to officers, due to the significant amount of travel required in their jobs. Under this program, the premiums of which are paid by the Company, a participant’s beneficiary would receive a payment of five times annual total cash compensation up to a maximum of $3,000,000 for executive officers and $2,000,000 for other officers upon an officer’s accidental death. The policy also provides dismemberment benefits of up to 100% of the death benefit in the event an officer is permanently and totally disabled as a result of an accident, and it provides for medical evacuation coverage in the event of an accident. PERQUISITES Consistent with our pay for performance philosophy, we offer limited perquisites. We pay for an annual physical for officers and other senior management to preserve our investment in them by encouraging them to maintain healthy lifestyles and be proactive in preventative care. We also make available financial planning services to certain officers, enabling them to concentrate on business matters rather than on personal financial planning. However, the cost of these financial planning services is included in the income of the participants. We also pay the cost of certain club dues for some officers to encourage social interaction with peers from other companies, local leadership in the community and to provide the ability to hold business meetings at a convenient offsite location. All personal expenses are borne entirely by the executive and the club dues are included in the income of the participants. Initiation fees for club memberships are paid by the executive. Different perquisites are provided from time to time to non-U.S. based executives; however, they are customary and reasonable in nature and amount relative to local market practices (for example, a car lease). |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 6 0 RETIREMENT PROGRAMS Retirement benefits are provided to our NEOs through the following programs: • This defined benefit pension plan was frozen to new entrants effective January 1, 2006 (no new employees eligible to join the RAP after January 1, 2006; eligible employees participate in The Lincoln Electric Company Employee Savings The Lincoln Electric Company Retirement Annuity Program (RAP) Plan described below) • Benefit accruals frozen effective as of December 31, 2016 (participants will not earn any additional benefits under the RAP after December 31, 2016) • The RAP was terminated as of December 31, 2020; distribution of pension plan assets in the form of lump sum payments and the purchase of a group annuity contract from a highly rated insurance company is expected to occur in late 2021 • Estimated retirement benefits under the RAP for the NEOs that are shown in the Pension Benefits Table are based on an NEO’s frozen benefit under the RAP as of December 31, 2020 and reflect the plan termination • All of the NEOs deferred amounts under the 401(k) Plan in 2020 The Lincoln Electric Company Employee Savings Plan (401(k) Plan) • Each eligible employee of The Lincoln Electric Company and certain affiliate companies is eligible to receive up to 6% of annual compensation in Company Contributions through: • matching employer contributions equal to 100% of before-tax contributions made to the 401(k) Plan, but not in excess of 3% of annual compensation; and • automatic employer contributions equal to 3% of annual compensation • Matching and automatic contributions are 100% vested when made • Certain employees affected by the RAP freeze (described above) are also eligible to receive employer contributions equal to 6% of annual compensation for a minimum period of five years, up to the end of the year in which they complete 30 years of service Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) • Frozen to new entrants since 2005 • Effective as of December 1, 2016, the value of the frozen accrued vested benefit of each SERP participant was converted to a notional balance, calculated by projecting to December 31, 2016 the participant’s SERP benefit and calculating the present value of that projected benefit • Participants’ account balances are credited with earnings, gains and losses in accordance with each participant’s investment elections which will be made in a manner similar to that undertaken by participants in the Amended and Restated 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan for Executives Restoration Plan • Created effective January 1, 2017, this unfunded plan is maintained primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for eligible employees whose annual compensation is expected to be in excess of the Internal Revenue Code limit on compensation (Code Limit) applicable to the 401(k) Plan • Each participant’s account is credited each year with deferred amounts generally as follows: • matching employer contributions equal to 3% of annual compensation in excess of the Code Limit; and • non-elective employer contributions equal to 3% of annual compensation in excess of the Code Limit • All amounts deferred are fully vested at all times • Certain employees affected by the RAP freeze are also eligible to receive employer contributions equal to 6% of annual compensation in excess of the Code Limit for a minimum period of five years, up to the end of the year in which they complete 30 years of service • Upon a separation from service prior to age 55, distribution of the account will be made in a single lump sum on the first business day of the seventh month immediately following the separation from service • Upon a separation from service on or after age 55, distribution of the account will be made or commence on the first business day of the seventh month immediately following the separation from service in the form of (1) a single lump sum payment; or (2) substantially equal annual installments over a period of at least two but not more than 15 years, as elected • All NEOs participated in the Restoration Plan in 2020 | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 6 1 • Participants can defer current income on a pre-tax basis, receiving tax-deferred returns on those deferrals Amended and Restated 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan for Executives (Top Hat Plan) • Up to 80% of base salary and/or annual bonus can be deferred; and • Up to 100% of RSUs or Performance Shares can be deferred • For cash deferrals, 27 total investment options available, 26 of which mirror the funds available under the 401(k) Plan, plus the Moody’s Corporate Bond Average Index (which provides “above market” earnings as reported in the Summary Compensation Table) • RSUs and Performance Shares that are deferred are deemed invested in a Lincoln Electric Stock fund; these deferrals can be reallocated to other investment options on the later of 6 months after the date on which the amounts are allocated to the participant’s account or the date the participant has satisfied his or her stock ownership guidelines • Plan includes a recovery of funds provision consistent with the requirements of Dodd-Frank • Distributions are permitted in the event of a separation from service, disability, death, change in control or unforeseeable emergency • Distributions can also be made at a specified time or under a fixed schedule • Distributions may be made in a lump-sum, or by payment in five, ten or fifteen annual installments • As of December 31, 2020, there were 12 active employee participants in the Top Hat Plan More information on these programs can be found in the 2020 Pension Benefits section and 2020 Deferred Compensation Benefits section. CHANGE IN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS We have entered into (or were a party to) change in control agreements with all of our NEOs. The agreements are designed generally to help assure continued management in the event of a change in control of Lincoln Electric. The change in control agreements are operative only if a change in control occurs and payments are made if the officer’s employment is terminated (or if the officer terminates employment due to certain adverse employment changes). The agreements provide our NEOs with the potential for continued employment following a change in control, which helps to retain these executives and provide for management continuity in the event of an actual or threatened change in control of Lincoln Electric. They also help ensure that our executives’ interests remain aligned with shareholders’ interests during a time when their continued employment may be in jeopardy. For a more detailed discussion of our change in control agreements, see Termination and Change in Control Arrangements below. Outside of these change in control agreements, we do not maintain written employment or other severance agreements for U.S.-based employees. RECOVERY OF FUNDS POLICY We have adopted a Recovery of Funds Policy (clawback policy) consistent with the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank). Our policy is more extensive than what Dodd-Frank requires and is applicable to all of our officers, including our NEOs. The policy applies in the event that there is an accounting restatement involving our financial statements due to material non-compliance with the financial reporting requirements under the U.S. federal securities laws. The policy applies to both current and former officers and covers incentive compensation received by the officers in the 3-year period prior to the restatement. Awards of incentive compensation would include annual bonus payments, stock option awards, restricted stock awards, RSUs, and Performance Shares, unless Dodd-Frank regulations provide otherwise. Under the policy, in the event of an accounting restatement of our financial statements, the Committee would review all incentive compensation received during the 3-year covered period and would seek recovery of the amount of incentive compensation paid in excess of what would have been paid if the accounts had been properly stated. We believe that this policy is in the best interests of Lincoln Electric and its shareholders. ANTI-HEDGING/PLEDGING POLICY Consistent with our philosophy to encourage long-term investment in our common stock, our Directors, executive officers and certain other employees are prohibited from engaging in any speculative transactions involving our securities, including buying or selling puts or calls, or engaging in any derivative or hedging transaction that has the effect of limiting or hedging |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 6 2 economic exposure with respect to such person’s position in our securities, short sales and margin purchases. In addition, our insider trading policy prohibits future pledging of Lincoln Electric securities by our Directors, executive officers and certain other employees. There are no pledges of our common stock in place for any of our Directors or executive officers. STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES In keeping with our philosophy that officers should maintain an equity interest in Lincoln Electric, we have stock ownership guidelines for officers. The guidelines were reviewed in 2019 and the executive group designations were updated based on a review of our peer group. Under the current guidelines, our officers are required to own and hold a certain number of our common shares, currently at the levels set forth in the table below: Executive Group Chief Executive Officer1 Executive Vice Presidents2 Senior Vice Presidents and all other Executive Officers3 (1) Mr. Mapes. Ownership Guideline 5 times base salary 3 times base salary 2 times base salary (2) Includes Messrs. Bruno, and Hedlund and Mses. Ansberry and Kuhrt as well as 1 other officer. (3) Includes other EMIP participants. Each officer has five years to satisfy his or her applicable stock ownership guideline. An officer must satisfy the applicable stock ownership guideline before he or she is permitted to sell shares, including shares issued as a result of RSUs vesting or Performance Shares vesting (other than shares withheld to cover taxes) and shares obtained from the exercise of stock options (other than shares withheld to cover exercise cost and taxes). Unless an officer is promoted into a higher guideline level, the stock ownership guideline will reset every 5 years utilizing updated base pay and stock price information. RSU awards count towards an officer’s stock ownership amount, however common shares underlying stock options, Performance Shares and shares held in another person’s name (including a relative) do not. As of December 31, 2020, all of our continuing NEOs met the applicable stock ownership guideline. DEDUCTIBILITY OF COMPENSATION Our general philosophy has historically been to qualify future compensation for tax deductibility wherever applicable and appropriate. Although a portion of the amount we recorded as compensation to our NEOs in 2020 was non-deductible, this did not have a significant impact to our income tax position. As part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”), the ability to rely on the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (“Section 162(m)”) was generally eliminated, and the limitation on deductibility generally was expanded to include all NEOs (as well as certain former officers). As a result of the Tax Reform Act, after 2017 and subject to certain grandfathered provisions, we are no longer able to deduct any compensation paid to our NEOs in excess of $1 million. The Committee continues to assess the impact of the amendments to Section 162(m) to determine what adjustments to our executive compensation practices, if any, it considers appropriate. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 6 3 COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT The Compensation and Executive Development Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this Proxy Statement with our management and, based on this review and discussion, recommends that it be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and this Proxy Statement. By the Compensation and Executive Development Committee: William E. MacDonald, III, Chair Michael F. Hilton Kathryn Jo Lincoln Phillip J. Mason Hellene S. Runtagh Kellye L. Walker |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 6 4 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES Summary of 2020 Compensation Elements Base Pay Annual Bonus (EMIP) Stock Options RSUs m r e T - t r o h S m r e T - g n o L Performance Shares Benefits other than Pension h t o B Pension Benefits3 Perquisites Purpose Rewards responsibility, experience and individual performance Rewards strong annual financial results and individual performance Rewards the creation of shareholder value Rewards the creation of shareholder value and strong long- term financial results Rewards the creation of long- term growth and the efficient use of capital Includes 401(k) contributions, Restoration Plan contributions, insurance and standard expatriate benefits Includes RAP and above-market earnings in the Top Hat Plan and Restoration Plan Meets specific business needs— includes financial planning, annual physical and certain club dues Competitive Target Financial Metrics Used When the 2020 Amount Was Set The Period to Which the Amount Relates Where Reported in the SCT1 Below Market — Beginning of 2020 2020 Salary column Above Market (target total cash compen- sation) EBITB and AOWC/Sales2 Beginning of 2020 2020 Performance Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column Share Price Appreciation Beginning of 2020 2020 Based Award Option Awards column Share Price Appreciation Beginning of 2020 2020 Based Award Stock Awards column At Market Adjusted Net Income2 Growth and ROIC2 Beginning of 2020 2020 through 2022 Performance Stock Awards column At Market — — — Various 2020 All Other Compensation column Various For RAP, shows changes in 2020. For above-market earnings, shows 2020 amounts Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings column Various 2020 All Other Compensation column (1) Summary Compensation Table. (2) Financial metrics used for compensation purposes are defined in Appendix A. (3) The SERP, effective November 30, 2016, and the RAP, effective December 31, 2016, were amended to cease all future benefit accruals. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 6 5 2020 Summary Compensation Table This table details total compensation for our NEOs for 2020 and, where required, 2019 and 2018. Name and Principal Position Year Salary ($) Stock Awards ($)1 Option Awards ($)1 Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)2 Change in Pension Value and Nonqual- ified Deferred Compensation Earnings($)3 All Other Compensation ($)4 Total($) Christopher L. Mapes Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Gabriel Bruno Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Steven B. Hedlund Executive Vice President, President, Americas and International Welding Jennifer I. Ansberry Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Michele R. Kuhrt Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer Vincent K. Petrella (retired) Former Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer George D. Blankenship (retired) Former Executive Vice President, President, Americas Welding 2020 1,000,000 2,583,316 1,333,335 1,868,760 100,170 191,955 7,077,536 2019 1,000,000 2,670,534 1,333,333 1,718,830 51,059 208,213 6,981,969 2018 965,000 2,504,772 1,250,009 2,057,400 36,779 204,946 7,018,906 2020 364,500 518,648 116,661 419,362 185,194 94,298 1,698,663 2019 2018 2020 427,500 601,608 205,007 428,765 2019 425,000 410,538 204,998 399,825 2018 395,000 403,978 176,668 518,796 — — — 643,190 2,306,070 426,711 1,867,072 393,691 1,888,133 2020 411,730 344,180 177,650 399,073 56,384 109,606 1,498,623 2019 411,730 355,882 177,656 375,602 67,829 112,493 1,501,192 2018 394,000 390,736 170,009 444,312 — 104,420 1,503,477 2020 343,000 341,400 113,674 420,841 253,353 78,863 1,551,131 2019 2018 2020 440,1645 667,922 344,7445 508,045 251,949 153,655 2,366,479 2019 553,350 690,540 344,748 633,250 268,848 176,430 2,667,166 2018 500,000 584,470 291,664 729,600 33,485 173,595 2,312,814 2020 256,179 1,130,0866 326,7057 206,455 168,756 107,078 2,195,259 2019 515,000 530,816 265,008 538,798 228,095 150,569 2,228,286 2018 500,000 480,892 240,008 677,835 30,101 155,650 2,084,486 (1) The amounts reported for 2020 reflect the grant date fair value under FASB ASC Topic 718 for the RSU, Performance Share and stock option awards in 2020. The grant date fair value disclosed for Performance Share awards is based on target performance. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 10 to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 19, 2021. In connection with Mr. Petrella’s retirement, he forfeited 16,889 stock option awards from his 2020 award (reflecting $269,717 in the Option Awards column). In connection with Mr. Blankenship’s retirement, he forfeited 15,053 stock option awards from his 2020 award (reflecting $240,396 in the Option Awards column). The amounts shown for stock awards for 2020 represent RSU awards as follows: Mr. Mapes $1,291,658, Mr. Bruno $405,625, Mr. Hedlund $402,988, Ms. Ansberry $172,090, Ms. Kuhrt, $231,245, Mr. Petrella $333,961 and Mr. Blankenship $256,700. The amounts shown also include Performance Shares as follows: Mr. Mapes $1,291,658, Mr. Bruno $113,023, Mr. Hedlund $198,620, Ms. Ansberry $172,090, Ms. Kuhrt, 110,155, Mr. Petrella $333,961 and Mr. Blankenship $256,700. In connection with Mr. Petrella’s retirement, he forfeited 2,911 RSUs and 2,746 Performance Shares from his 2020 awards (reflecting $507,037 in the Stock Awards column). In connection with Mr. Blankenship’s retirement, he forfeited 2,595 RSUs and 2,469 Performance Shares from his 2020 awards (reflecting $453,886 in the Stock Awards column). |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 6 6 The maximum Performance Share award amount with respect to each of the NEOs for 2020 is shown in the table below. The amounts reported reflect the grant date fair value under FASB ASC Topic 718 for the Performance Share awards based on maximum performance. Name Christopher L. Mapes Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele Kuhrt Vincent K. Petrella (retired) George D. Blankenship (retired) Year 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 Maximum Payout (# of Performance Shares) Maximum Grant Date Fair Value Payout 28,822 2,522 4,432 3,840 2,458 7,452 5,728 $2,583,316 $ 226,047 $ 397,240 $ 344,179 $ 220,311 $ 667,923 $ 513,401 (2) The amounts shown for 2020 represent payments under our annual bonus (EMIP). (3) The amounts shown for 2020 represent the difference in earnings under the Moody’s Corporate Bond Index fund in our Top Hat Plan and SERP and a hypothetical rate, and reflect the increase in actuarial value under the RAP. 2020 INCREASE IN PENSION VALUE & PREFERENTIAL EARNINGS (TOP HAT PLAN AND SERP) Name RAP($) Difference in 2020 Earnings Credited in the Top Hat Plan and SERP($) Moody’s Corporate Bond Index Earnings($) Hypothetical Market Rate($)* Christopher L. Mapes Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele R. Kuhrt Vincent K. Petrella (retired) George D. Blankenship (retired) — 100,170 214,666 184,812 — 56,384 253,353 173,984 114,421 382 — — — 77,965 54,335 782 — — — 168,871 122,863 114,496 400 — — — 90,906 68,528 * This rate is specified by the SEC rules for proxy disclosure purposes and is based on 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate, compounded monthly for 2020. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 6 7 (4) The amounts shown for 2020 are comprised of the following: 2020 ALL OTHER COMPENSATION Company Retirement Contributions ($)a Travel Insurance Premiums ($) Financial Planning ($) Physical Examination ($) Club Dues ($) Spousal Travel ($) Standard Expatriate Benefits ($)b Total All Other Compensation ($) Name Other Benefits and Perquisites* Christopher L. Mapes 163,130 Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele R. Kuhrt 81,972 49,640 94,480 77,433 Vincent K. Petrella (retired) 128,810 George D. Blankenship (retired) 95,397 834 834 834 834 834 834 834 12,846 11,492 11,350 14,292 — 12,917 10,075 1,752 13,393 — — 191,955 — — — — — — — — — 94,298 4,139 — 577,227 643,190 — — — 109,606 — 596 — 78,863 11,094 — — 153,655 — 772 — 107,078 * The methodology for computing the aggregate incremental cost for the amounts is below: (a) Includes amounts contributed to both the 401(k) Plan and the Restoration Plan. (b) The expatriate benefits shown relate to Mr. Hedlund’s international assignment and are provided to all U.S. employees who take an international assignment. Amounts are converted to U.S. dollars on a monthly basis based on a month-end conversion price, in local currency, as reported by Bloomberg. The conversion price for Pound Sterling was between £1.23 to £1.34 to $1.00 during the period in 2020 that Mr. Hedlund was receiving expatriate benefits. Mr. Hedlund’s international assignment included housing, education, taxes and standard allowances related to relocation and other assignment payments under our standard expatriate package for all employees. The portion of such amount that relates to tax equalization payments is $206,652. (5) Mr. Petrella deferred 25% of his 2020 base salary and 50% of his 2020 EMIP bonus under our Top Hat Plan. (6) This amount represents (a) the grant date fair value of RSUs and Performance Shares granted to Mr. Blankenship in February 2020 totaling $513,400, of which $453,886 relates to awards forfeited in connection with his retirement from the Company, and (b) the incremental fair value, calculated in accordance with SEC disclosure rules, associated with the Committee’s modifications to outstanding 2018, 2019 and 2020 RSU and Performance Share awards held by Mr. Blankenship totaling $616,686, which awards were modified in connection with Mr. Blankenship’s retirement. The modification value does not represent or reflect additional awards granted to Mr. Blankenship. For more information on these awards, see “Long-Term Incentive Compensation,” the 2020 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table, the Outstanding Equity Awards at 2020 Fiscal Year-End table and “Payments in Connection with Mr. Blankenship’s Retirement”. (7) This amount represents (a) the grant date fair value of stock option awards granted to Mr. Blankenship in February 2020 totaling $265,006, of which $240,396 relates to awards forfeited in connection with his retirement from the Company, and (b) the incremental fair value, calculated in accordance with SEC disclosure rules, associated with the Committee’s modifications to outstanding 2018, 2019 and 2020 stock option awards held by Mr. Blankenship totaling $61,699, which awards were modified in connection with Mr. Blankenship’s retirement. The modification value does not represent or reflect additional awards granted to Mr. Blankenship. For more information on these awards, see “Long-Term Incentive Compensation,” the 2020 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table, the Outstanding Equity Awards at 2020 Fiscal Year-End table and “Payments in Connection with Mr. Blankenship’s Retirement”. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 6 8 2020 Grants of Plan-Based Awards The following table provides information relating to plan-based awards granted in 2020 to our NEOs. Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards1 Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards2 Name Grant Type Grant Date Threshold [$] Target [$] Maximum [$] Threshold [#] Target [#] Maximum [#] EMIP 2/19/2020 0 1,450,000 2,610,000 Christopher L. Options 2/19/2020 Mapes RSUs 2/19/2020 PSUs 2/19/2020 0 14,411 28,822 EMIP 2/19/2020 0 330,623 595,121 All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#)3 All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#)4 Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Sh) Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards ($)5 83,490 $89.63 1,333,335 14,411 1,291,658 1,291,658 Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Options 2/19/2020 RSUs 2/19/2020 PSUs 2/19/2020 RSUs 4/21/2020 EMIP 2/19/2020 0 377,500 679,500 Options 2/19/2020 RSUs 2/19/2020 PSUs 2/19/2020 RSUs 10/20/2020 EMIP 2/19/2020 0 319,770 575,586 Jennifer I. Ansberry Options 2/19/2020 RSUs 2/19/2020 PSUs 2/19/2020 EMIP 2/19/2020 0 255,000 459,000 Michele R. Kuhrt Options 2/19/2020 RSUs 2/19/2020 RSUs 2/19/2020 PSUs 2/19/2020 EMIP 2/19/2020 0 515,550 927,990 Vincent K. Petrella (retired) Options 2/19/2020 RSUs 2/19/2020 PSUs 2/19/2020 EMIP 2/19/2020 0 460,000 828,000 George D. Blankenship (retired) Options 2/19/2020 RSUs 2/19/2020 PSUs 2/19/2020 Modified Equity Awards 0 1,261 2,522 0 2,216 4,432 0 1,920 3,840 0 1,229 2,458 0 3,726 7,452 0 2,864 5,728 1,261 4,027 2,216 2,004 1,920 1,229 1,351 3,726 2,864 7,305 $89.63 116,661 113,023 113,023 292,602 12,837 $89.63 205,007 198,620 198,620 204,368 11,124 $89.63 177,650 172,090 172,090 7,118 $89.63 113,674 110,155 121,090 110,155 21,587 $89.63 344,744 333,961 333,961 16,594 $89.63 265,006 256,700 256,700 678,3856 | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 6 9 (1) The performance-based amounts shown represent the range of cash payouts (from zero to the maximum amount listed) for 2020 under the EMIP. The amounts reported for Messrs. Petrella and Blankenship are based on their original grant opportunities, not final prorated opportunities. Payments are based on the achievement of company financial performance and the NEO’s individual performance. Target awards are set by the Compensation and Executive Development Committee in the first quarter each year. Actual payment amounts are determined by the Committee in the first quarter of the following year. The targets shown above are pursuant to the EMIP matrix for 2020 (which allows for potential payouts of up to 180% of target), which is reflected in the CD&A. The Committee adjusted Mr. Bruno’s target award in connection with his appointment as EVP, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and Mr. Hedlund’s target award in connection with his appointment as EVP, President Americas and International Welding – amounts reported for Messrs. Bruno and Hedlund reflect their as adjusted opportunities. (2) These columns show the potential number of shares of our common stock to be paid out to our NEOs under our Performance Shares (PSUs) at threshold, target and maximum performance. The amounts reported for Messrs. Petrella and Blankenship are based on their original grant opportunities, not final prorated opportunities. The measures and potential payouts are described in more detail in the CD&A. The grant date fair value, based on target performance for PSUs, is included in the “Stock Awards” column of the Summary Compensation Table. The PSUs generally vest based on performance during the applicable performance period. Dividend equivalents are sequestered by us until the shares underlying the PSUs are distributed, at which time the dividend equivalents are paid in cash. The dividend rate for dividend equivalents paid on the PSUs to the NEOs is the same as for all other shareholders (in other words, it is not preferential). Recipients of PSUs who participate in our EMIP bonus program (which includes all of the NEOs) are eligible to elect to defer all or a portion of their PSUs under our Top Hat Plan–see the 2020 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation section for a description of this plan. (3) The amounts reported for Messrs. Petrella and Blankenship are based on their original grants, not final prorated awards. The RSUs generally vest upon the recipient remaining in continuous employment for three years from the date of grant. Upon vesting, the RSUs are paid out solely in our common stock (there is no cash option). Dividend equivalents are sequestered by us until the shares underlying the RSUs are distributed, at which time the dividend equivalents are paid in cash. The dividend rate for dividend equivalents paid on the RSUs to the NEOs is the same as for all other shareholders (in other words, it is not preferential). Recipients of RSUs who participate in our EMIP bonus program (which includes all of the NEOs) are eligible to elect to defer all or a portion of their RSUs under our Top Hat Plan–see the 2020 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation section for a description of this plan. With respect to the award of RSUs to Mr. Bruno on April 21, 2020, the Committee approved an additional award equal in value to $300,000 in connection with his appointment as EVP, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. With respect to the award of RSUs to Mr. Hedlund on October 20, 2020, the Committee approved an additional award equal in value to $200,000 in connection with his appointment as EVP, President Americas and International Welding. With respect to the supplemental award of RSUs to Ms. Kuhrt on February 19, 2020, the Committee approved an award equal in value to $125,000 in recognition of the responsibilities she managed as the acting Chief Information Officer, in addition to her duties as the Chief Human Resources Officer during 2019. (4) The amounts reported for Messrs. Petrella and Blankenship are based on their original grants, not final prorated awards. The stock options were granted at the closing price of our common shares on the date of the grant. All stock options are non-qualified for tax purposes. We value stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation method. The stock options generally vest over a three-year period (in equal annual increments). All stock options have 10-year terms. (5) The amounts shown represent the full value of the RSU awards, the stock option grants and the target value for the PSU awards calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 as of the date of the grant. The actual amount, if any, realized upon the exercise of stock options will depend upon the market price of our common shares relative to the exercise price per share of the stock option at the time of exercise. The actual amount realized upon vesting of RSUs will depend upon the market price of our common shares at the time of vesting. The actual number and value of PSUs earned will be based upon our actual performance during the three-year long-term incentive plan cycle and the market price at time of vesting. There is no assurance that the hypothetical full values of the awards reflected in this table will actually be realized. (6) This amount represents the incremental fair value related to the Committee’s modification of Mr. Blankenship’s outstanding 2018, 2019 and 2020 stock options ($61,699), and RSUs and Performance Share awards ($616,686), in connection with his retirement, and does not reflect a new equity grant. For more information on these awards, see “Long-Term Incentive Compensation,” the 2020 Grants of Plan- Based Awards table, the Outstanding Equity Awards at 2020 Fiscal Year-End table and “Payments in Connection with Mr. Blankenship’s Retirement.” |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 7 0 NARRATIVE DISCLOSURE REGARDING 2020 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE AND 2020 GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARD TABLE The following highlights the salary and annual bonus percentages of total compensation reported in the 2020 Summary Compensation Table, based on the value of 2020 base salary and 2020 actual annual bonus (EMIP) for each of our NEOs: Name % of Base Salary and Annual Bonus To Total Compensation Christopher L. Mapes Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele Kuhrt Vincent K. Petrella (retired) George D. Blankenship (retired) 40.5 46.1 37.1 54.1 49.2 40.11 21.11 (1) The amounts for Messrs. Petrella and Blankenship reflect the prorated annual bonus, and for Mr. Blankenship, the modification value for his outstanding equity awards as detailed in the footnotes to the Summary Compensation Table. The above percentages were based, in each case, on the value of the executive’s 2020 base salary and 2020 actual EMIP (or annual bonus). For information regarding the amount of salary and annual bonus compensation in proportion to total compensation, see the “Our Compensation Philosophy” section of the CD&A contained in this Proxy Statement. Further, the grants made in 2020 to the NEOs are described more fully in the CD&A contained in this Proxy Statement, and information about the change in control severance agreements and the amounts payable to the NEOs pursuant to those arrangements is provided under the section titled “Termination and Change in Control Arrangements” in this Proxy Statement. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 7 1 HOLDINGS OF EQUITY-RELATED INTERESTS The following provides information relating to exercisable and unexercisable stock options, RSUs and Performance Shares at December 31, 2020. Outstanding Equity Awards at 2020 Fiscal Year-End Option Awards Stock Awards Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable1 (#) Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable1 (#) Option Exercise Price ($/sh) Name Grant Date Christopher L. Mapes 12/16/2013 2/5/2015 2/17/2016 2/22/2017 2/21/2018 2/18/2019 2/19/2020 4/24/2013 2/5/2015 2/17/2016 2/22/2017 Gabriel Bruno 2/21/2018 12/31/2018 2/18/2019 2/19/2020 4/21/2020 4/24/2013 2/5/2015 2/17/2016 2/22/2017 5/24/2017 2/21/2018 2/18/2019 2/19/2020 10/20/2020 2/17/2016 2/22/2017 2/21/2018 2/18/2019 2/19/2020 12/16/2013 2/5/2015 2/17/2016 2/22/2017 2/21/2018 2/18/2019 2/19/2020 Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele R. Kuhrt 44,040 66,550 89,030 68,610 43,928 25,455 — — 4,465 9,295 6,670 4,100 — 2,227 — — — 6,155 8,235 6,005 6,875 6,208 3,913 — — 3,984 6,860 5,974 3,391 — 2,530 2,620 3,505 4,290 2,636 1,838 — — — — — 21,966 50,910 83,490 — — — — 2,050 — 4,455 7,305 — — — — — — 3,105 7,828 12,837 — — — 2,988 6,784 11,124 — — — — 1,318 3,676 7,118 71.30 69.67 58.14 85.30 90.70 88.44 89.63 — 69.67 58.14 85.30 90.70 — 88.44 89.63 — — 69.67 58.14 85.30 88.74 90.70 88.44 89.63 — 58.14 85.30 90.70 88.44 89.63 71.30 69.67 58.14 85.30 90.70 88.44 89.63 Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)2 Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)3 — — — — — — — — Option Expiration Date 12/16/2023 2/5/2025 2/17/2026 2/22/2027 2/21/2028 13,808 1,605,180 Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that Have Not Vested (#)4 Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units, or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($)3 — — — — — — — — — — 2/18/2029 15,098 1,755,143 2/19/2030 14,411 1,675,279 15,098 14,411 1,755,143 1,675,279 — 4,030 468,488 2/5/2025 2/17/2026 2/22/2027 — — — — — — 2/21/2028 1,841 214,016 — 2/18/2029 2/19/2030 — — 2/5/2025 2/17/2026 2/22/2027 5/24/2027 2/21/2028 2/18/2029 2/19/2030 — 2/17/2026 2/22/2027 2/21/2028 2/18/2029 2/19/2030 12/16/2023 2/5/2025 2/17/2026 2/22/2027 2/21/2028 2/18/2029 2/19/2030 654 1,321 1,261 4,027 6,410 — — — — 2,503 2,321 2,216 2,004 — — 2,430 2,012 1,920 — — — — 1,380 1,090 2,580 76,028 153,566 146,591 468,139 745,163 — — — — 290,974 269,816 257,610 232,965 — — 282,488 233,895 223,200 — — — — 160,425 126,713 299,925 — — — — — — — — — — — — 1,321 1,261 153,566 146,591 — — — — — — — 2,321 2,216 — — — — 2,012 1,920 — — — — — — — — — — — — 269,816 257,610 — — — — 233,895 223,200 — — — — — 1,090 1,229 126,713 142,871 |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 7 2 Outstanding Equity Awards at 2020 Fiscal Year-End (continued) Option Awards Stock Awards Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable1 (#) Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable1 (#) 16,380 21,910 15,725 13,568 10,896 4,698 1,152 — — — — — — — — — — — Option Exercise Price ($/sh) 69.67 58.14 85.30 90.70 88.44 89.63 90.70 — — Option Expiration Date 2/5/2025 2/17/2026 2/22/2027 2/21/2028 2/18/2029 2/19/2030 2/21/2028 — — Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)3 Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)2 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Name Grant Date Vincent K. Petrella (retired) George D. Blankenship (retired) 2/5/2015 2/17/2016 2/22/2017 2/21/2018 2/18/2019 2/19/2020 2/21/2018 2/18/2019 2/19/2020 Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units, or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($)3 Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that Have Not Vested (#)4 — — — — 2,328 980 — 1,414 395 — — — — 270,630 113,925 — 164,378 45,919 (1) Stock options vest in three equal annual installments, commencing on the first anniversary of the date of the grant. (2) Amounts shown in this column represent RSU awards. The RSU awards generally vest in full three years from the date of grant. The RSU award granted to Mr. Bruno in 2013 vests over seven years following his attainment of age 55. The RSU award granted to Mr. Hedlund in 2013 vests over seven years following his attainment of age 55. (3) The amounts shown in these columns represent the value of RSU and Performance Share awards granted pursuant to our 2006 and 2015 Equity and Performance Incentive Plans. Value is calculated using the close price of our common stock on the last trading day of 2020. (4) This column shows the target number of Performance Shares awarded. The payout can range from 0 to 200% of the target and is based upon performance during the three-year cycle ending on December 31 of the applicable period, as determined by the Compensation and Executive Development Committee. See the CD&A on how Performance Share payouts are determined. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 7 3 2020 Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table The following table provides information on stock options exercised, as well as RSUs and Performance Shares that vested during 2020. Name Christopher L. Mapes Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele R. Kuhrt Vincent K. Petrella (retired) George D. Blankenship (retired) Option Awards1 Stock Awards2 Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise(#) Value Realized on Exercise($) Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting(#) Value Realized on Vesting($) 47,480 — 5,860 6,602 2,850 30,060 29,322 2,689,604 — 250,936 285,890 141,926 1,532,602 309,804 43,448 3,677 5,965 4,092 2,304 21,7713 11,455 4,551,544 385,708 608,187 438,051 241,951 2,207,925 1,123,529 (1) The number of shares acquired on exercise reflects the gross number of shares acquired, without considering any shares that were withheld to pay the option exercise price and/or to satisfy tax withholding requirements. The value realized on exercise represents the gross number of shares acquired on exercise multiplied by the market price of our common stock on the exercise date, less the per share exercise price. (2) The number of shares acquired on vesting reflects the gross number of shares acquired, without considering any shares that were withheld to satisfy tax withholding requirements. The value realized on vesting for RSUs represents the gross number of shares acquired, multiplied by the closing price of our common stock on each applicable vesting date, plus the value of dividend equivalents. The value realized on vesting for Performance Shares represents the gross number of shares acquired, relative to the 2018-2020 performance cycle that was considered earned as of December 31, 2020 but paid out in March 2021, multiplied by the closing price of our common stock on such date, plus the value of dividend equivalents. Amounts are not reduced to reflect any elections by our NEOs to defer receipt of RSUs or Performance Shares award payouts into our Top Hat Plan: Mr. Mapes, 30,455 RSUs and $192,516 in dividend equivalents deferred; Mr. Bruno, 1,212 Performance Shares and $6,690 in dividend equivalents deferred and Mr. Blankenship, 2,007 Performance Shares and $11,079 in dividend equivalents deferred. For more information about this deferral program, see the CD&A in the “Overview of Benefits” section. (3) The number of shares acquired by Mr. Petrella includes 2,973 RSUs that vested in connection with Mr. Petrella’s retirement (and related dividend equivalents), however the receipt of payment for the award has been delayed for six months in compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. 2020 PENSION BENEFITS RETIREMENT ANNUITY PROGRAM (RAP) (TERMINATED DURING 2020) No new participants have been added to the RAP since 2006. Accordingly, neither Mr. Mapes nor Mr. Hedlund, who joined Lincoln Electric after 2006, were eligible to participate in the RAP. Effective as of December 31, 2016, the RAP was amended to cease all future benefit accruals for all participants, so that the participants will not earn any additional benefits under the RAP after December 31, 2016. In addition, the RAP was terminated effective as of December 31, 2020; distribution of pension plan assets in the form of lump sum payments and the purchase of a group annuity contract from a highly rated insurance company is expected to occur in late 2021. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 7 4 2020 PENSION BENEFITS TABLE The following provides information relating to potential payments and benefits under our RAP for the NEOs who participate in that program. As noted above, Mr. Mapes and Mr. Hedlund are not participants in the RAP. Name Christopher L. Mapes Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele R. Kuhrt Vincent K. Petrella (retired) George D. Blankenship (retired) Number of Years Credited Service(#) Present Value of Accumulated Benefit($) Payments During Last Fiscal Year($) Plan Name RAP RAP RAP RAP RAP RAP RAP — 211 — 121 191 211 311 — 877,1762 — 346,8002 1,388,7752 — — — — — — — 1,758,1793 1,356,9843 (1) Under the RAP, credited years of service equals actual years of service from the date of hire with Lincoln Electric through December 31, 2016, the date that the RAP was amended to cease all future benefit accruals. All of the NEOs, other than Mr. Petrella, are currently under normal retirement age under the terms of the plan. (2) This represents the actuarial present value of accrued benefits in the RAP for the NEOs who participate at December 31, 2020. However, this is an estimated full value number that is discounted to a current date. The above actuarial present values were determined reflecting plan termination assumptions, including a 77.5% lump sum election assumption, with the lump sum calculated as of September 1, 2021 using interest rate and mortality assumptions prescribed under IRC Section 417(e) and a 120% adjustment to the remaining obligation to reflect insurance pricing. The remaining obligation assumptions assume age 60 commencement, or current age if older, no decrements for death or termination prior to age 60, and the WTW Rate:Link 40th:90th yield curve for discount rate purposes as of December 31, 2020. The mortality assumption is based on Pri-2012 Healthy Retiree table (base year 2012), with blue collar adjustment, projected generationally with Scale MP-2019 as of December 31, 2020. These assumptions are consistent with the assumptions used for year-end accounting obligations for the RAP, except for removing the pre-commencement decrements. All of the NEOs who participate are currently vested in their RAP benefits because they each have at least five years of service with us. (3) The RAP benefits for Mr. Petrella and Mr. Blankenship were paid as lump sums during 2020 and no further benefits are due to either participant as of December 31, 2020. The following table provides additional information regarding the RAP benefit: Name Christopher L. Mapes Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele R. Kuhrt Vincent K. Petrella (retired) George D. Blankenship (retired) When Eligible for a Full, Unreduced Benefit under the RAP Accrued Annual Benefit Payable under the RAP at Age 60 (as of December 31, 2020)($)1 — 2027 — 2033 2026 — — — 56,744 — 27,110 84,392 — — (1) Vested participants who are below the normal retirement age of 60 may receive an earlier reduced benefit after he or she reaches age 55. The RAP benefits for Mr. Petrella and Mr. Blankenship were paid as lump sums during 2020 and no further benefits are due to either participant as of December 31, 2020. As part of the plan termination process, all participants who have not previously commenced benefits will have the opportunity to receive a lump sum or immediate annuity in the second half of 2021. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 7 5 2020 DEFERRED COMPENSATION BENEFITS DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (TOP HAT PLAN) Our Amended and Restated 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan for Executives (Top Hat Plan) is designed to be a “top-hat” plan that complies with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Participation is limited to management and highly compensated employees as approved by the Committee. SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN (SERP) (FROZEN SINCE 2016) No new participants have been added to the SERP since 2005. Accordingly, neither Mr. Mapes nor Mr. Hedlund, who joined Lincoln Electric after 2005, nor Ms. Ansberry, who was not eligible to participate in the SERP prior to 2005, participates in the SERP. Effective November 30, 2016, the SERP was amended to cease all future benefit accruals and to fully vest those who had a benefit under the SERP. Effective as of December 1, 2016, pursuant to the amendment of the SERP, the value of the frozen accrued vested benefit of each SERP participant was converted to a notional account balance. The account balance was determined by projecting to December 31, 2016 the participant’s SERP benefit and calculating the present value of that projected benefit. Participants have the ability to make investment elections for their account in a manner similar to that undertaken by participants in the Amended and Restated 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan for Executives. RESTORATION PLAN Our Restoration Plan is designed to provide deferred compensation for eligible employees whose annual compensation is expected to be in excess of the Internal Revenue Code limit on compensation (Code Limit) applicable to the 401(k) Plan. A summary of the Top Hat Plan and Restoration Plan is provided in the CD&A in the “Overview of Benefits” section. 2020 NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION TABLES The following three tables provide deferred compensation information for 2020 for the NEOs. TOP HAT PLAN Name Executive Contributions in Last Fiscal Year($) Registrant Contributions in Last Fiscal Year($) Aggregate Earnings in Last Fiscal Year($) Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions($) Christopher L. Mapes 429,7082 2,983,0303 3,628,3594 Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele R. Kuhrt — — — — Vincent K. Petrella (retired) 426,6667 162,7705 — — — — George D. Blankenship (retired) — 733,8769 108,4466 7,191 — — 398,0168 329,66310 — — — — — — — Aggregate Balance at Last Fiscal Year-End($)1 23,800,243 518,194 55,791 — — 4,157,238 1,817,097 (1) The portions of the amount reported that relate to deferral contributions in prior years have all been reported in the Summary Compensation Table in those years to the extent the individual was a NEO for those years. (2) Included as compensation for 2019 in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table and is described in its footnotes. (3) Represents 30,455 RSUs and $192,516 in cash attributable to dividend equivalents that vested during 2020 and were deferred into the Top Hat Plan. (4) Of the amount reported, $100,170 is included as compensation for 2020 in the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column of the Summary Compensation Table and is described in its footnotes. (5) Represents 1,783 Performance Shares and $8,879 in cash attributable to dividend equivalents that vested during 2020 and were deferred into the Top Hat Plan. (6) Of the amount reported, $382 is included as compensation for 2020 in the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column of the Summary Compensation Table and is described in its footnotes. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 7 6 (7) Of the amount reported, $110,041 is included as compensation for 2020 in the “Salary” column of the Summary Compensation Table and the remainder was included as compensation for 2019 in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table and is described in its footnotes. (8) Of the amount reported, $42,562 is included as compensation for 2020 in the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column of the Summary Compensation Table and is described in its footnotes. (9) Represents 4,655 RSUs and $21,272 in cash attributable to dividend equivalents and 3,443 PSUs and $17,146 in cash attributable to dividend equivalents that vested during 2020 and were deferred into the Top Hat Plan. (10) Of the amount reported, $550 is included as compensation for 2020 in the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column of the Summary Compensation Table and is described in its footnotes. SERP The following table reflects the earnings during 2020 related to the SERP. Name Christopher L. Mapes Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele R. Kuhrt Vincent K. Petrella (retired) George D. Blankenship (retired) Executive Contributions in Last Fiscal Year($) Registrant Contributions in Last Fiscal Year($) Aggregate Earnings in Last Fiscal Year($) Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions($) Aggregate Balance at Last Fiscal Year-End($) — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 76,3271 121,8203 — — — — — — — — — — — 2,544,0862 4,384,5934 — (1) Of the amount reported, $35,403 is included as compensation for 2020 in the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column of the Summary Compensation Table and is described in its footnotes. (2) The portions of the amount reported that relate to deferral contributions in prior years have all been reported in the Summary Compensation Table in those years to the extent the individual was a NEO for those years. (3) Of the amount reported, $53,785 is included as compensation for 2020 in the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column of the Summary Compensation Table and is described in its footnotes. (4) The SERP benefit for Mr. Blankenship was paid as a lump sum during 2020 and no further benefits are due to him as of December 31, 2020. RESTORATION PLAN Effective January 1, 2017, all NEOs were eligible to receive deferred compensation amounts credited to an account under the Restoration Plan, providing benefits that could not be provided under the 401(k) Plan due to IRS limitations on covered compensation. The following table reflects the contributions and earnings under the Restoration Plan attributable to such amounts with respect to 2020. Name Christopher L. Mapes Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele R. Kuhrt Vincent K. Petrella (retired) George D. Blankenship (retired) Executive Contributions in Last Fiscal Year($) Registrant Contributions in Last Fiscal Year($)1 Aggregate Earnings in Last Fiscal Year($) Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions($) Aggregate Balance at Last Fiscal Year-End($)2 — — — — — — — 146,030 136,820 47,772 32,540 60,280 43,233 94,610 61,197 40,064 30,406 45,456 27,669 109,824 (12,841) — — — — — — 216,319 822,545 263,479 178,271 283,329 201,297 633,498 196,277 (1) Amounts reported are included in compensation for 2020 in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table above and is described in its footnotes. (2) The portions of the amount reported that relate to deferral contributions in prior years have all been reported in the Summary Compensation Table in those years to the extent the individual was a NEO for those years. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 7 7 TERMINATION AND CHANGE IN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS The Key Compensation Programs table below highlights the standard benefits and payments available to NEOs in the event of a termination of employment and/or a change in control. The Termination and Change in Control Table below reflects the estimated additional amounts of compensation each continuing NEO would receive in the event of a termination of employment and/or a change in control. Termination events include: a voluntary termination by the executive; normal retirement of the executive (defined as termination at age 60 or later with 5 years of service); an involuntary, not-for-cause termination by Lincoln Electric; a for-cause termination by Lincoln Electric; a termination upon a change in control; and a termination due to death or disability. In addition, estimated additional compensation amounts are shown in the event of a change in control without termination of employment. The amounts shown assume that each event occurred on December 31, 2020, the last business day of the calendar year. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT No written agreements exist that provide additional payments to a NEO in the event of a voluntary termination of employment with Lincoln Electric or a termination of employment initiated by Lincoln Electric (whether for cause or not). We do not have employment agreements or severance agreements, except for our change in control severance agreements described below. Pursuant to our standard employment policies, upon termination of employment, a NEO would be entitled to receive the same benefits and payments that are generally available to salaried employees: • Earned but unpaid base pay, up to the date of • Amounts held in the executive’s account under our Top Hat termination; Plan (based on the executive’s election); • Earned and unused paid time off, up to the date of • Deferred vested benefits under our RAP—payments for which termination; Vested amounts held in the executive’s account under • our 401(k) Plan; could begin at normal retirement age 60 or as early as age 55 (but at a reduced amount); and • Amounts held in the executive’s account under our Restoration Plan. CHANGE IN CONTROL We have entered into (or were a party to) change in control severance agreements with our NEOs. Pursuant to our change in control severance agreements, in the event of a “change in control,” if the NEO’s employment is terminated without “cause” (as defined in the change in control severance agreement) or the NEO terminates employment for “good reason” (as defined in the change in control severance agreement) during the severance period (as described below) (or for certain other employment terminations prior to and related to the change in control, as described in the change in control severance agreement), we will make severance payments and provide certain benefits as indicated in the Key Compensation Programs table below. The severance period commences on the date of the first occurrence of a change in control and ends on the earlier of (a) the second anniversary of the change in control, or (b) the executive’s death. Our NEOs are required to abide by certain restrictive covenants and execute a release of claims in order to receive certain severance payments and benefits under the change in control severance agreements. The following events in general would constitute a change in control: • any individual, entity or group is or becomes the • certain reorganizations, mergers or consolidations, or the sale beneficial owner of 30% or more of the combined voting or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of power of the then-outstanding voting stock of Lincoln Lincoln Electric, or certain other corporate transactions are Electric; consummated; or • a majority of the Board ceases to be comprised of • approval by the shareholders of a complete liquidation or incumbent Directors; dissolution of Lincoln Electric. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 7 8 Key Compensation Programs Voluntary Termination/ Termination with Cause Involuntary Termination/ Termination without Cause Normal Retirement (age 60 and 5 years of service)1 Change in Control (with Termination)2 Change in Control (No Termination) Death or Disability Severance None Company has discretion None Annual Bonus (EMIP) Forfeited Forfeited Pro-rata portion of EMIP3 Lump-sum payment equal to the sum of base pay and bonus as described in the severance agreement times three for the CEO and times two for other NEOs Pro-rata portion of EMIP payment equal to the greater of the actual or target amount None None Pro-rata EMIP payment equal to the greater of the actual or target amount Pro-rata portion of EMIP3 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Performance Shares) Forfeited Forfeited Pro-rata portion of Performance Shares, based on actual performance4 Accelerated vesting of Performance Shares at target, if replacement award provided and subsequent qualifying termination5 Stock Options Unvested stock options forfeited Unvested stock options forfeited Entitled to exercise vested stock options for a period of three months after termination6,7 Entitled to exercise vested stock options for a period of three months after termination6,7 Pro-rata vesting of any unvested stock options with right to exercise such vested options for the remaining period of the original 10-year term6 RSUs Forfeited Forfeited Pro-rata vesting of RSU awards Outplacement None None None Accelerated vesting of unvested stock options, if replacement award provided and subsequent qualifying termination Entitled to exercise vested stock options for a period of three months after termination6,7 Accelerated vesting of RSU awards, if replacement award provided and subsequent qualifying termination Maximum of $100,000 for CEO and $50,000 for the Other NEOs No accelerated vesting if replacement award provided and continued employment Accelerated vesting of Performance Shares granted prior to the change in control at target, if no replacement award provided5 No accelerated vesting if replacement award provided and continued employment Accelerated vesting of unvested stock options granted prior to change in control, if no replacement award provided No accelerated vesting if replacement award provided and continued employment Accelerated vesting of RSU awards granted prior to change in control, if no replacement award provided Vesting of Performance Shares at target Accelerated vesting of unvested stock options Entitled to exercise stock options for a period of one year after death or three years after disability6 Vesting of RSU awards None None | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 7 9 Key Compensation Programs (continued) 280G Treatment Other Voluntary Termination/ Termination with Cause Involuntary Termination/ Termination without Cause Normal Retirement (age 60 and 5 years of service)1 Change in Control (with Termination)2 Change in Control (No Termination) Death or Disability N/A N/A N/A 8 N/A N/A Continuing medical and/ or dental coverage under COBRA, for which the executive would pay 102% of the applicable premium Continuing medical and/ or dental coverage under COBRA, for which the executive would pay 102% of the applicable premium Continuing medical and/or dental coverage under COBRA, for which the executive would pay 102% of the applicable premium Normal vesting of benefits under the SERP, provided the executive is a participant9 Continuing medical insurance (102% of the premium paid by the executive) and life insurance for a period of three years following the NEO’s termination date10 10 Continuing medical and/ or dental coverage with 102% of the premium paid by the executive (or his or her surviving dependents) (1) Subject to any 409A deferred payment requirements. (2) Provision applicable in the event of a termination without Cause or termination for Good Reason in connection with a Change in Control. With respect to Performance Shares, stock options and RSUs, such termination without Cause or termination for Good Reason must occur within a period of two years after the Change in Control (or in certain employment terminations prior to and related to the change in control) to receive the accelerated vesting treatment. (3) Based on the executive’s period of employment during the calendar year, subject to achievement of the applicable personal and financial goals. (4) Based on the executive’s periods of employment during each of the open three-year cycles and upon completion of each cycle, subject to achievement of the applicable financial goals. (5) With respect to Performance Shares granted prior to 2020, a pro-rata portion of Performance Shares equal to the greater of target or actual performance would vest. (6) After which time the vested stock options would expire. (7) Vested stock options canceled if the executive is terminated for cause or the executive engaged in competitive conduct within six months of termination. (8) Severance payments reduced to the 280G (excess parachute payment) safe harbor limit, unless the executive would achieve a better after-tax result paying the excise tax imposed on excess parachute payments. No payment, net of taxes, to compensate for any excise tax imposed. (9) Financial planning services for the year of retirement and for one calendar year thereafter. (10) Amounts and/or shares (from vested RSUs or Performance Shares) held in executives’ accounts under the Top Hat Plan automatically paid out. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 8 0 Termination and Change in Control Table The following table sets forth estimates of the potential incremental payments to each of our NEOs (except for Mr. Petrella who retired on October 15, 2020 and Mr. Blankenship who retired on May 31, 2020) upon the specified termination events and upon a change in control, both with and without a qualified termination, assuming that each such event took place on the last business day of 2020. The table does not quantify benefits under plans that are generally available to salaried employees that do not discriminate in favor of NEOs, including the RAP, the 401(k) Plan, the health care plan and the life insurance plan. The 2020 Annual Bonus (EMIP) amounts represent the difference between target EMIP and actual EMIP payments (as disclosed in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the 2020 Summary Compensation Table) if target EMIP exceeds actual EMIP in connection with a hypothetical change in control as of the last business day of 2020. Similarly, the amounts shown for LTIP (Performance Shares) for 2020 represent the difference between target performance level and actual performance level if target performance level exceeds actual performance level assuming a change in control occurred on the last business day of 2020. For 2020, the amounts shown for LTIP (Performance Shares) include the pro-rata portion of the target amounts for the two cycles of the Performance Share LTIP (2019-2021 cycle and 2020-2022 cycle) that were open as of the last business day of 2020. The amounts shown for LTIP (Performance Shares) also include the difference between the 2018-2020 Performance Share target amount and the 2018-2020 Performance Share actual amount, since the cycle paid out below target. The following table assumes, in the event of a change in control, replacement awards are provided pursuant to the 2015 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan’s respective Stock Option Agreement, Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, and Performance Share Agreement (“Agreements”). Pursuant to the Agreements, if the respective equity awards are not replaced, all outstanding equity awards will accelerate as of the closing date of the change in control. In the event of a change in control where no replacement awards are provided, the accelerated equity values are consistent with the accelerated equity values under Change in Control (Replacement Awards; Qualified Termination). In addition, the table includes all equity that is accelerated as a result of termination but does not include the value of outstanding equity awards that have previously vested, such as stock options, which awards are set forth above in the Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2020 table. For descriptions of the compensation plans and agreements that provide for the payments set forth in the following table, including our change in control agreements, see the “Elements of Executive Compensation” discussion contained in the CD&A. Involuntary Termination/Termination without Cause before Normal Retirement: Normal Retirement (Age 60): LTIP (Performance Shares) Stock Options—Accelerated Vesting RSUs—Accelerated Vesting Change in Control (Replacement Awards; Qualified Termination): Severance Annual Bonus (EMIP) LTIP (Performance Shares) Stock Options—Accelerated Vesting Christopher L. Mapes Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele R. Kuhrt $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Not Eligible Not Eligible Not Eligible Not Eligible Not Eligible N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A $ 20,039,078 $ 3,616,600 $ 4,645,256 $ 3,200,117 $ 2,439,259 $ 8,664,345 $ 1,433,155 $ 1,773,621 $ 1,643,374 $ 1,318,277 $ 0 $ 1,876,292 $ 4,199,508 $ $ $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 164,751 $ 287,231 $ 250,294 $ 141,677 370,721 $ 638,715 $ 561,092 $ 325,386 RSUs–Accelerated Vesting $ 5,198,933 $ 1,597,973 $ 1,895,689 $ 764,576 $ 603,919 Outplacement Estimate 280G Cutback $ 100,000 $ 0 $ $ 50,000 0 $ $ 50,000 0 $ $ 50,000 $ 50,000 (69,219 ) $ 0 | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 8 1 Change in Control (Replacement Awards; No Termination): Annual Bonus (EMIP) LTIP (Performance Shares) Stock Options—Accelerated Vesting RSUs—Accelerated Vesting Death or Disability: LTIP (Performance Shares) Stock Options—Accelerated Vesting Christopher L. Mapes Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele R. Kuhrt $ $ $ $ 0 0 0 0 0 $ $ 0 0 0 0 0 $ $ 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ $ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $ 12,915,976 $ 2,276,474 $ 3,075,223 $ 1,794,371 $ 1,205,551 $ 3,517,535 $ 4,199,508 $ $ 307,780 $ 540,819 $ 468,703 $ 276,246 370,721 $ 638,715 $ 561,092 $ 325,386 RSUs—Accelerated Vesting $ 5,198,933 $ 1,597,973 $ 1,895,689 $ 764,576 $ 603,919 PAYMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH MR. PETRELLA’S RETIREMENT Upon his retirement, Mr. Petrella received retirement benefits totaling an estimated $1,906,641, in accordance with the terms of the underlying compensation programs, as described in the “Key Compensation Programs” chart. This total includes the pro-rata values of his annual bonus (EMIP) ($508,045), the accelerated vesting of 12,331 stock options (intrinsic value of $134,513, based on the difference of the closing price of our stock on the date of retirement and the option strike price), the accelerated vesting of 5,818 RSUs (intrinsic value of $606,908, representing the closing price of our stock on the date of retirement and accrued dividend equivalents) and the accelerated vesting of 6,303 Performance Shares (intrinsic value of $657,175, representing the closing price of our stock on the date of retirement, at target, and accrued dividend equivalents) under our standard pro-rata vesting policies. PAYMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH MR. BLANKENSHIP’S RETIREMENT In connection with Mr. Blankenship’s retirement, the Board, based upon the recommendation of the Compensation and Executive Development Committee, took action to treat Mr. Blankenship as retirement eligible, in recognition of his over 32 years of service with the Company. As a result of this action, Mr. Blankenship became entitled to receive non-accrued retirement benefits totaling an estimated $846,611. This total includes the pro-rata values of his annual bonus (EMIP) ($206,455), the accelerated vesting of 4,116 stock options (with no intrinsic value, as the closing price of our stock on the date of retirement was less than option strike price), the accelerated vesting of 3,563 RSUs (intrinsic value of $304,073, representing the closing price of our stock on the date of retirement and accrued dividend equivalents) and the accelerated vesting of 3,942 Performance Shares (intrinsic value of $336,083, representing the closing price of our stock on the date of retirement, at target, and accrued dividend equivalents) under our standard pro-rata vesting policies, as approved by the Board. See “2020 Summary Compensation Table” and related footnotes for more information. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 8 2 PAY RATIO For 2020, we estimate that the ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO ($7,077,536, which is the same amount reported for our CEO in the 2020 Summary Compensation Table) to the annual total compensation of our median employee ($48,913) is 145:1. We note that, due to our permitted use of reasonable estimates and assumptions in preparing this pay ratio disclosure, the disclosure may involve a degree of imprecision, and thus this ratio disclosure is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K using the data and assumptions described below. In accordance with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, in calculating our CEO pay ratio for 2019, we did not believe we experienced a change in our employee population or employee compensation arrangements that would significantly impact our pay ratio disclosure; therefore we looked to use the same median employee as we used to calculate the CEO pay ratio for 2018. However, in 2019, the particular employee we selected in 2018 as our median employee was no longer employed by the Company. As such, and as allowed by SEC rules and regulations, we used a substitute median employee in calculating our 2019 pay ratio. This substitute employee’s compensation is substantially similar to that of the median employee identified in 2018. We are using the same median employee as we used in 2019 in calculating our CEO pay ratio for 2020, as we again do not believe we experienced a change in our employee population or employee compensation arrangements that would significantly impact our pay ratio disclosure. In accordance with the foregoing, in 2018 we determined our median employee based on total cash and equity compensation paid to our active employees as of October 1, 2018 for the period beginning on January 1, 2018 and ending on December 31, 2018. We included all full time, part time, seasonal and temporary employees, whether employed domestically or overseas, and whether employed directly or by a consolidated subsidiary. Compensation for employees hired during 2018 was annualized for all employees other than seasonal employees. Using the same the median employee that was used for 2019, annual total compensation for the employee for 2020 was calculated using the same methodology used for our NEOs as set forth in the 2020 Summary Compensation Table. Of the employees that were identified as potential median employees, we selected an employee based in the U.S. that was representative of our largest portion of our workforce. Given the different methodologies that various public companies will use to determine an estimate of their pay ratio, the estimated ratio reported above should not be used as a basis for comparison between companies. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 8 3 MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP OF SHARES The following table sets forth certain information regarding ownership of shares of common stock of Lincoln Electric as of December 31, 2020 (except as otherwise indicated) by each of our Directors and NEOs, as well as our Directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, voting and investment power with respect to shares reported in this table are not shared with others. RSUs and Performance Shares are generally not reflected in the table as there is no ability to acquire the shares attributable to them within 60 days of December 31, 2020. In addition, any vested RSUs and Performance Shares that are deferred into the Top Hat Plan or the Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan are generally not reflected in the table as there is no ability to acquire the shares attributable to them until they settle within 60 days of December 31, 2020. The table includes shares that would be received upon the vesting of RSUs within 60 days of December 31, 2020. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP TABLE Directors NEOs Curtis E. Espeland Patrick P. Goris Stephen G. Hanks Michael F. Hilton G. Russell Lincoln Kathryn Jo Lincoln William E. MacDonald, III Phillip J. Mason Ben P. Patel Hellene S. Runtagh Kellye L. Walker Christopher L. Mapes Gabriel Bruno Steven B. Hedlund Jennifer I. Ansberry Michele R. Kuhrt Vincent K. Petrella (retired) George D. Blankenship (retired) All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (22 persons, excluding retired executives) Number of Shares of Lincoln Electric Common Stock Beneficially Owned1 13,491 5642 22,0552 5,3132 271,6163 843,6012,4 13,255 15,876 1,1132 26,284 — 450,9985 40,9306 67,0107 38,0928 31,2249 102,51610 6,48911 Percent of Class * * * * * 1.41% * * * * * * * * * * * * 2,018,45812 3.35% * Indicates less than 1% (1) Reported in compliance with the beneficial ownership rules of the SEC, under which a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of a security, for these purposes, if he or she has, or shares, voting power or investment power over the security or has the right to acquire the security within 60 days of December 31, 2020. With respect to the NEOs and executive officers, the amounts reported do not include any Performance Shares that vested and paid out in March 2021, as the number of Performance Shares to be received by each executive officer was unknown within 60 days of December 31, 2020. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 8 4 (2) Each of Messrs. Goris, Hanks, Hilton, Patel and Ms. Lincoln had 2,948 RSUs deferred under the Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan which are not reflected in the above table. (3) Of the shares reported, Mr. Lincoln held of record 216,870 shares. 1,028 shares held of record by his spouse. The remaining shares were held of record as follows: 35,154 shares by the Laura R. Heath Family Trust for which Mr. Lincoln serves as a trustee; 18,564 shares by The G.R. Lincoln Family Foundation for which Mr. Lincoln serves as a trustee. Mr. Lincoln disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by his spouse, the trusts and the Foundation. (4) Of the shares reported, 43,324 shares were held of record by a trust established by Ms. Lincoln, under which she has sole investment and voting power. The remaining 800,277 shares were held of record by The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, of which Ms. Lincoln is the Chair, as to which shares Ms. Lincoln disclaims beneficial ownership. Ms. Lincoln has shared voting and shared investment power on these 800,277 shares. (5) Of the shares reported, Mr. Mapes held of record 38,134 shares. Mr. Mapes has or had the right to acquire 412,864 shares upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of December 31, 2020. Mr. Mapes had 50,370 RSUs deferred under the Top Hat Plan which are not reflected in the above table. (6) Of the shares reported, Mr. Bruno held of record 5,620 shares, of which 277 shares are held jointly with spouse. Mr. Bruno has or had the right to acquire 1,841 shares upon the vesting of RSUs within 60 days of December 31, 2020. Mr. Bruno has or had the right to acquire 33,469 shares upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of December 31, 2020. Mr. Bruno had 4,188 Performance Shares deferred under the Top Hat Plan which are not reflected in the above table. (7) Of the shares reported, Mr. Hedlund held 15,819 shares of record, 477 shares of which are held in the Stock Purchase Plan, and 2,285 shares of which are held in the 401(k) Plan. Mr. Hedlund has or had the right to acquire 2,503 shares upon the vesting of RSUs within 60 days of December 31, 2020. Mr. Hedlund has or had the right to acquire 48,688 shares upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of December 31, 2020. (8) Of the shares reported, Ms. Ansberry held of record 5,366 shares, 20 shares of which are held jointly with her spouse. Ms. Ansberry has the right to acquire 2,430 shares upon the vesting of RSUs within 60 days of December 31, 2020. Ms. Ansberry has or had the right to acquire 30,296 shares upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of December 31, 2020. (9) Of the shares reported, Ms. Kuhrt held 6,897 shares of record, 105 shares of which are held in the 401(k) Plan. Ms. Kuhrt has the right to acquire 1,380 shares upon the vesting of RSUs within 60 days of December 31, 2020. Ms. Kuhrt has or had the right to acquire 22,947 shares upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of December 31, 2020. (10) Of the shares reported, Mr. Petrella held of record 19,339 shares, of which are held jointly with spouse. Mr. Petrella has or had the right to acquire 83,177 shares upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of December 31, 2020. (11) Of the shares reported, Mr. Blankenship held 5,337 shares of record and 1,070 shares of which are held jointly by Mr. Blankenship and his spouse. Mr. Blankenship has or had the right to acquire 1,152 shares upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of December 31, 2020. Mr. Blankenship had 8,098 RSUs and Performance Shares deferred under the Top Hat Plan which are not reflected in the above table. (12) Includes 12,663 shares that are RSUs held by all executive officers, as a group, that vest within 60 days of December 31, 2020 and 658,103 shares which all executive officers, as a group, have or had the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of December 31, 2020. In addition to the above management holdings, as of December 31, 2020, the 401(k) Plan held 928,874 shares of our common stock, or approximately 1.56% of the shares of our common stock outstanding. EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION The following table provides information regarding outstanding Stock Options, RSUs and Performance Shares and shares reserved for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2020: Number of Securities to Be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (a)1 Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (b)2 Number of Securities Remaining Available For Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected In Column (a)) (c)3 Plan category Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 1,770,181 $77.31 2,156,223 Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders4 — Total 1,770,181 — — — 2,156,223 (1) The amount shown in column (a) includes the following: 1,179,761 Nonqualified Stock Options; 87,951 deferred RSUs and deferred Performance Shares; 181,960 Performance Shares (assuming payout levels at maximum—as a result, this aggregate reported number may overstate actual dilution); and 320,509 RSUs. (2) The weighted average exercise price in column (b) includes nonqualified stock options only. (3) The amount shown in column (c) represents common shares remaining available under the 2015 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (“Employee Plan”) and the 2015 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (“2015 Director Plan”). The Employee Plan provides for the granting of options, appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units and performance-based awards. The 2015 Director Plan provides for the granting of options, restricted shares and restricted stock units. Under the Employee Plan, for any award that is not an Option Right or Appreciation Right, 3.24 common shares are subtracted from the maximum number of common shares available under the plan for every common share issued under the award. For awards of Option Rights or Appreciation Rights, however, only one common share is subtracted from the maximum number of common shares available under the Employee Plan for every common share granted. The amount in the table assumes payout levels at maximum for Performance Shares. Under the Director Plan only one common share is subtracted from the maximum number of common shares available for every common share granted. (4) The Company does not maintain equity compensation plans that have not been approved by its shareholders. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 8 5 OTHER OWNERSHIP OF SHARES Set forth below is information about the number of shares held by any person (including any “group” as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) known to us to be an owner of more than 5% of the shares of our common stock as of December 31, 2020. Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Number of Shares and Nature of Beneficial Ownership Percent of Class The Vanguard Group 100 Vanguard Boulevard Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355 BlackRock, Inc. 55 East 52nd Street New York, New York 10055 JPMorgan Chase & Co. 383 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10179 5,599,9271 5,425,3012 3,919,7333 9.39% 9.10% 6.57% (1) According to its Schedule 13G/A filed on February 10, 2021, The Vanguard Group has sole voting power over 0 shares, shared voting power over 41,032 shares, sole dispositive power over 5,513,957 shares and shared dispositive power over 85,970 shares. In its Schedule 13G/A filing, The Vanguard Group states that the shares of our common stock reported in the filing were acquired and held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having such purpose or effect, other than activities solely in connection with a nomination under §240.14a-11. (2) According to its Schedule 13G/A filed on January 29, 2021, BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting power over 5,218,485 shares and sole dispositive power over 5,425,301 shares. In its Schedule 13G/A filing, BlackRock states that the shares of our common stock reported in the filing were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect. (3) According to its Schedule 13G filed on January 25, 2021, JPMorgan Chase & Co. has sole voting power over 3,779,992 shares and sole dispositive power over 3,919,720 shares. In its Schedule 13G filing, JPMorgan Chase & Co. states that the shares of our common stock reported in the filing were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect, other than activities solely in connection with a nomination under §240.14a-11. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 8 6 COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION During 2020, each of Messrs. MacDonald, Hilton, and Mason and Ms. Lincoln, Ms. Runtagh and Ms. Walker served on the Compensation and Executive Development Committee. No Compensation and Executive Development Committee member was an employee of Lincoln Electric or any of its subsidiaries, and there were no reportable business relationships between Lincoln Electric and the Compensation and Executive Development Committee members. None of our executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of our Compensation and Executive Development Committee. In addition, none of our executive officers serves as a member of the compensation committee of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of our Board. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 8 7 ANNUAL MEETING PROPOSALS PROPOSAL 1 Election of 12 Directors to serve until 2022 Annual Meeting or until their successors are duly elected and qualified PROPOSAL 2 Ratification of independent registered public accounting firm ✔ ➜ ✔ The Board recommends a vote FOR all Director Nominees. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and our Board of Directors have determined that each of the Director nominees possesses the right skills, qualifications and experience to effectively oversee Lincoln Electric’s long-term business strategy. See “Proposal 1—Election of Directors” beginning on page 19 of this Proxy Statement for additional information. The Board recommends a vote FOR this proposal. Our Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment Ernst & Young LLP as Lincoln Electric’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2021. Fees for professional services provided by Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditors in each of the last two fiscal years, in each of the following categories are: 2020 2019 Audit Fees $2,713,000 $3,034,000 Audit-Related Fees Tax Fees All Other Fees Total Fees — 445,000 — 60,000 180,000 — $3,158,000 $3,274,000 Audit Fees include fees associated with the annual integrated audit of the financial statements and internal control over financial reporting in 2020 and 2019, the reviews of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, certain statutory audits required for our international subsidiaries and services provided in connection with regulatory filings with the SEC. Audit-Related Fees for 2019 primarily relate to audit-related services associated with acquisitions, new accounting pronouncements and other international statutory requirements. Tax Fees include tax compliance and tax advisory services. All Other Fees include the fees billed for products and services provided other than the services reported under Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees and Tax Fees. AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Audit Committee has established a policy regarding pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services performed by our independent auditors, including the scope of and fees for such services. Generally, requests for audit, audit-related and tax services, each as defined in the policy, must be presented for approval prior to the performance of such services, to the extent known at that time. For 2020, the Audit Committee has resolved that four specific categories of services, namely audit services, audit-related services, tax advisory services, and tax compliance services, are permissible without itemized pre-approval in an amount not to exceed for each service: Pre-Approval Amount Services $200,000 $800,000 Audit, and Audit-Related services for acquisitions, new accounting pronouncements and other international statutory requirements Tax Advisory and Tax Compliance services |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 8 8 Itemized detail of all such services performed is subsequently provided to the Audit Committee. In addition, our independent auditors are prohibited from providing certain services described in the policy as prohibited services. All of the fees included in Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees and Tax Fees shown above were pre-approved by the Audit Committee (or included in the $200,000 or $800,000 limits, as applicable, for certain services as detailed above). Generally, requests for independent auditor services are submitted to the Audit Committee by our Executive Vice President, CFO and Treasurer (or other member of our senior financial management) and our independent auditors for consideration at the Audit Committee’s regularly scheduled meetings. Requests for additional services in the categories mentioned above may be approved at subsequent Audit Committee meetings to the extent that none of such services is performed prior to its approval (unless such services are included in the categories of services that fall within the dollar limits detailed above). The Chairman of the Audit Committee is also delegated the authority to approve independent auditor services requests under certain dollar thresholds provided that the pre-approval is reported at the next meeting of the Audit Committee. All requests for independent auditor services must include a description of the services to be provided and the fees for such services. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be available at the Annual Meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate shareholder questions. Although ratification of the appointment of the independent auditors is not required by law, the Audit Committee and the Board believe that shareholders should be given the opportunity to express their views on the subject. While not binding on the Audit Committee or the Board, the failure of the shareholders to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditors would be considered by the Board in determining whether or not to continue the engagement of Ernst & Young LLP. Ultimately, the Audit Committee retains full discretion and will make all determinations with respect to the appointment of independent auditors, whether or not our shareholders ratify the appointment. MAJORITY VOTE NEEDED Ratification requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares of our common stock present or represented and entitled to vote on the matter at the Annual Meeting. Unless otherwise directed, shares represented by proxy will be voted FOR ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote “against” the proposal. YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 8 9 PROPOSAL 3 Approval, on an advisory basis, of NEO Compensation ✔ The Board recommends a vote FOR this proposal. Our Board recommends that shareholders vote “FOR” the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our NEOs for 2020. Say-on-Pay Vote at 2020 Annual Meeting 98% Approval 98% of shareholders who voted on the “say-on-pay” proposal voted FOR the approval of the compensation of our NEOs. The Compensation and Executive Development Committee believes that the historically positive say-on-pay shareholder votes reinforce the philosophy and objectives of our executive compensation program. We conduct annual say-on-pay votes. Our next say-on-pay vote will be held at the 2022 Annual Meeting. Our compensation philosophy is to pay for performance, a philosophy that has been rooted in our history and tradition for 125 years. Our compensation program consists of elements designed to complement one another and focus on both short- term and long-term performance. The Compensation and Executive Development Committee regularly reviews peer group data and best practices and trends related to executive compensation to help ensure that our programs are properly aligned with our business strategy and philosophy, as well as promote shareholder value. The Committee receives advice from independent consultants. In addition to the information provided earlier in the CD&A section, we believe shareholders should consider the following in determining whether to approve this proposal: OUR CULTURE AND PERFORMANCE To maintain a performance-driven culture, we: • expect our executives to deliver above-market financial • take action when needed to address specific business results; challenges; and • provide systems that tie executive compensation to • maintain good governance practices in the design and superior financial performance; operation of our executive compensation programs. We have a long track record of delivering increased value to our shareholders. PAY FOR PERFORMANCE In designing our executive compensation programs, a core philosophy is that our executives should be rewarded when they deliver financial results that provide value to our shareholders. Therefore, we have established a program that ties executive compensation to superior financial performance. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 9 0 We have a balanced pay mix between short-term and long-term incentives: • Base Salaries. Base salaries for our NEOs are generally • Performance Share Payouts Were Slightly Below Target. For targeted at the 45th percentile of benchmark data (below the 2018-2020 performance cycle, the Performance Shares market median). For 2020, the average base salary paid out slightly below target, as a result of ROIC for increase for the continuing NEOs was 0.5%. Compensation Purposes performance above target and • Annual Bonus Awards Are Aligned with Our Performance Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes perfor- and Contain a Balanced Mix of Metrics. The total cash com- mance below threshold. pensation for our NEOs, which includes base pay and the • Long-Term Incentives Are Aligned with the Interests of Our annual bonus (EMIP), is targeted at the 65th percentile of Shareholders. We believe that incentives should be based benchmark data (above market median). The EMIP is based on factors that deliver long-term sustainability for Lincoln on a balance of metrics—both financial and personal—with Electric. Therefore, the NEOs receive three types of long- the financial components based on EBITB and AOWC/Sales term incentives. The three components are: (1) stock for Compensation Purposes and with a mix of consolidated options, (2) RSUs and (3) Performance Shares. Total and, if applicable, segment performance. For 2020, annual bonus payments for the continuing NEOs increased 19%. awards are targeted at the 50th percentile of benchmark data (at market median). GOOD GOVERNANCE PRACTICES In addition to our emphasis on pay for performance, we design our programs to be current with best practices and good corporate governance. We also consider the risks associated with any particular program, design or compensation decision. We believe these assessments result in sustained, long-term shareholder value. Some of the governance practices include: • Officers Are Subject to Stock Ownership Guidelines • Broad Clawback Policy • Compensation and Executive Development Committee • Change in Control Agreements Require a Double-Trigger Receives Regular Updates • No Tax Gross-Ups • Compensation and Executive Development Committee • No Hedging or Pledging of Lincoln Electric Stock by Officers Retains Independent Advisors • Limited Perquisites • No Compensation Consultant Conflicts of Interest • No Multi-Year Guarantees on Compensation • No Dividends on Unvested RSUs or Performance Shares As illustrated above, the Compensation and Executive Development Committee has and will continue to take action to structure our executive compensation program in a manner that is performance-based, current with best practices and good corporate governance and aimed at sustaining long-term shareholder value. The Board believes that the executive compensation disclosed in the CD&A section, tabular disclosures (including the 2020 Summary Compensation Table) and other narrative disclosures in this Proxy Statement aligns with our peer group pay practices and compensation philosophy. As required under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we are asking you to cast an advisory (non-binding) vote on the following resolution at the Annual Meeting: RESOLVED, that the compensation awarded to our NEOs, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and the tabular disclosure (together with the accompanying narrative disclosure) in this Proxy Statement, as required by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, is hereby approved on an advisory basis. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 9 1 YOUR VOTE MATTERS TO US As an advisory vote, this proposal is not binding on us. However, the Compensation and Executive Development Committee, which is responsible for designing and administering our executive compensation programs, values the opinions expressed by shareholders in their vote on this proposal and expects to consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions for NEOs. MAJORITY VOTE NEEDED A favorable vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter is necessary for approval of the proposal. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote “against” the proposal and broker non-votes will not be counted for determining whether the proposal is approved. YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE, FOR APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 9 2 AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT The Audit Committee consists solely of independent Directors within the meaning of the Nasdaq listing standards. The Audit Committee oversees our financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the systems of internal control over financial reporting. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Committee reviewed and discussed with management the audited financial statements in the Annual Report, including a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements. The Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors, who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, their judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of our accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) and the SEC. In addition, the Audit Committee has received and has discussed with the independent auditors written disclosures regarding their independence as required by PCAOB Ethics and Independence Rule 3526, Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence. The Audit Committee discussed with our internal and independent auditors the overall scope and plan for their respective audits. The Audit Committee met with the internal and independent auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of our internal controls, and the overall quality of our financial reporting. In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors (and the Board approved) that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for filing with the SEC. The Audit Committee and the Board have also recommended the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2021 and the ratification thereof by the shareholders. By the Audit Committee: Stephen G. Hanks, Chair Curtis E. Espeland Patrick P. Goris G. Russell Lincoln Ben P. Patel | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 9 3 FAQS Who is soliciting proxies and why? Who is paying for the cost of this proxy solicitation? The Board solicits the proxy and the Company pays the solicitation cost. Certain officers and employees may also solicit proxies, but do not receive compensation for these activities. We also reimburse custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred to forward and obtain proxy materials from beneficial holders. How do we distribute proxy materials to shareholders sharing the same address? We use “householding” rules to deliver only one set of voting materials (Annual Report and Proxy Statement) to shareholders who share the same address, unless we receive contrary instructions from one or more shareholders at that address. Each shareholder receives a separate proxy card. We will promptly deliver upon request a separate set of proxy materials. How do I obtain a separate set of proxy materials at no cost? Send a written notice to the Corporate Secretary at Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., 22801 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44117-1199. Who may vote? Record holders as of the close of business on February 26, 2021 (the record date) are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of the record date, 59,659,764 shares of our common stock were outstanding and each share is entitled to one vote per proposal brought before the meeting. What is required for there to be a quorum at the Annual Meeting? Holders of at least a majority of the shares of our common stock issued and outstanding on the record date (February 26, 2021) must be present, in person or by proxy, to constitute a quorum. How do I attend and participate in the Annual Meeting? Any shareholder of record as of the record date (February 26, 2021) can attend the Annual Meeting online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/LECO2021. The webcast will start at 11:00 a.m. ET. Shareholders may submit pre-meeting questions online by visiting www.proxyvote.com. Questions must be submitted by Monday, April 19, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. ET. You will need your 16-digit control number that is printed on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials to access the meeting. Instructions on how to attend the Annual Meeting are posted at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/LECO2021. We encourage you to access the meeting prior to the start time to allow ample time to complete the online check-in process. If you encounter any technical difficulties accessing the virtual meeting during check-in or meeting time, please call the technical support number that will be posted on the Virtual Shareholder Meeting log in page. Why is the Annual Meeting a virtual, online meeting? As a part of our precautions regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus), we have decided to hold our Annual Meeting in a virtual meeting setting. We believe that hosting a virtual meeting under the current environment will facilitate shareholder attendance and participation by enabling shareholders to participate from any location around the world and improves our ability to communicate more effectively with our shareholders. We have designed the virtual meeting to provide substantially the same opportunities to participate as you would have at an in-person meeting. We are providing opportunities for shareholders to submit questions prior to the meeting to enable us to address appropriate questions at the Annual Meeting. What is the difference between holding shares as a registered shareholder or as a beneficial holder? • Registered Shareholders: If your shares are directly registered in your name with our transfer agent/registrar, you are considered the registered shareholder, or shareholder of record. Proxy materials will be sent directly to you and you may vote during the meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/LECO2021, or by telephone, by Internet, or by mail in the envelope provided. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 9 4 • Beneficial Holders: You are a beneficial holder if your shares are held indirectly in a brokerage account, by a trustee, or by another nominee. These entities are considered the shareholder of record and the shares are considered held in “street name.” Proxy materials are sent to the entity and they forward a voting instruction card to you, the beneficial holder. As a beneficial holder, you have the right to direct the entity on how to vote your shares and you may also attend the Annual Meeting online. Since you are not the shareholder of record, you may not vote during the meeting unless you obtain a legal proxy from the entity that holds your shares. Please refer to the information your broker, trustee or nominee provided to see what voting options are available to you. If you have not heard from your broker, trustee or nominee, please contact them. What shares are included on the proxy card? Shareholder type: Registered Shareholder & participant in The Lincoln Electric Company Employee Savings Plan (401(k) Plan) Shares included on the proxy card: All shares registered in your name will be represented (including 401(k) plan shares) Note: If you do not have identical names on your accounts, we cannot consolidate your share information. Beneficial Holder with shares held by a broker, trustee or nominee Both a Registered Shareholder and a Beneficial Holder of shares You will receive a voting instruction form from your broker, trustee or nominee instructing you on how to vote. You will receive a proxy card from us and a voting instruction form from your broker, trustee or nominee instructing you on how to vote. What is a broker non-vote and what effect does it have? A broker non-vote occurs when a broker or other nominee does not receive voting instructions from the beneficial holder and is then unable to vote the shares. If you hold your shares beneficially through a broker, trustee or nominee, you must communicate your voting instructions to them to have your shares voted. Please note that your nominee cannot vote on your behalf on the election of Directors (Proposal 1) and the approval, on an advisory basis, of NEO compensation (Proposal 3) unless you provide specific voting instructions to them by following the instructions provided to you. Broker non-votes, as well as abstentions, will be counted to determine whether a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting. Broker non-votes will not be counted when determining votes for a particular proposal (i.e., it will not be considered a vote “cast”). How do I vote? Registered Shareholders Vote during the meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/LECO2021 or by proxy in any one of four ways outlined in the Proxy Summary section of this Proxy Statement. Participants in the 401(k) Plan The 401(k) Plan’s independent Trustee, Fidelity Management Trust Company, will vote your 401(k) Plan shares according to your voting directions, which you can provide by Internet, telephone or mail. As 401(k) Plan shares are held in a qualified plan, you are not able to vote 401(k) Plan shares during the Annual Meeting. If you do not vote, the Trustee will not vote your plan shares. Beneficial Holders If your shares are held by a bank, broker, trustee or some other nominee (in street name), that entity will give you separate voting instructions. What happens if I sign, date and return my proxy but do not specify how I want my shares voted on the proposals? Registered Shareholders: Your shares will be voted FOR the election of all of the Director nominees, FOR the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm, and FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our NEOs. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 9 5 Beneficial Holders: Your nominee cannot vote your uninstructed shares on non-routine matters such as Proposal 1 (election of Directors) and Proposal 3 (approval, on an advisory basis, of NEO compensation). Your nominee can vote your uninstructed shares on routine matters such as Proposal 2 (ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm). May I revoke my proxy or change my vote? Registered Shareholders: Yes, you may change or revoke your proxy prior to the closing of the polls in any one of the following FOUR ways: 1. Send a written notice to our Corporate Secretary stating that you want to revoke your proxy; 2. Mail a completed and signed proxy card with a later date, but prior to the cut-off dates prior to the Annual Meeting (which will automatically revoke the earlier proxy); 3. Vote by telephone or Internet at a later date, but prior to the cut-off dates prior to the Annual Meeting (which will automatically revoke the earlier proxy); or 4. Vote during the Annual Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/LECO2021. Because 401(k) plan shares are held in a qualified plan, you are not able to revoke or change your vote on 401(k) plan shares at the Annual Meeting. Beneficial Holders: Check with your broker, trustee or nominee to determine how to change your vote. Who counts the votes? Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. is the independent agent who receives and tabulates the votes. They are also our inspector of elections at the Annual Meeting. May I receive future shareholder communications over the Internet? Registered Shareholders: Yes. Please mark the appropriate box on your proxy card, or follow the prompts if voting by telephone or Internet. Beneficial Holders: Refer to the information provided by your nominee on how to select future shareholder communications by Internet. When are shareholder proposals due to be considered for inclusion in next year’s Annual Meeting in 2022? In order to have a shareholder proposal included in our proxy materials for the 2022 Annual Meeting, a shareholder proposal must be received in writing by the Corporate Secretary at Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., 22801 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44117-1199 on or before November 19, 2021. If shareholders want to present proposals at our 2022 Annual Meeting that are not included in Lincoln Electric’s proxy materials, they must comply with the requirements in our Amended and Restated Code of Regulations. These include providing a written notice containing certain information, and such notice must be received no earlier than December 23, 2021 and no later than January 22, 2022. If the Board of Directors chooses to present any information submitted after the applicable deadlines at the 2022 Annual Meeting, then the persons named in proxies solicited by the Board for the 2022 Annual Meeting may exercise discretionary voting power with respect to such information. May I submit a nomination for Director? Yes. A shareholder must send a written notice to the Corporate Secretary at Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., 22801 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44117-1199. The notice must include information about the shareholder and the person he or she intends to nominate, which is required by our Amended and Restated Code of Regulations. Nominations must be received in the Corporate Secretary’s Office at least 80 days before the date of the annual meeting at which the nomination is to be made. If we have not publicly announced the date of the annual meeting more than 90 days prior to the annual meeting date, shareholder nominations would have needed to be received in the Corporate Secretary’s Office no later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which we publicly announced the date of the annual meeting. For the 2021 Annual Meeting, we had to receive nominations no later than the close of business on January 22, 2021, as we publicly announced the date of this year’s Annual Meeting on January 12, 2021, which is more than 90 days prior to this year’s Annual Meeting date. Accordingly, no additional nominations can be made for this year’s Annual Meeting. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 9 6 HOW DO I CONTACT LINCOLN ELECTRIC? FOR GENERAL INFORMATION: TO CONTACT THE DIRECTORS: Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. 22801 St. Clair Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44117-1199 Attention: Amanda Butler, Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. 22801 St. Clair Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44117-1199 Attention: Corporate Secretary Please name any specific intended Board recipient(s) in the communication. Prior to forwarding any correspondence, the Corporate Secretary will review the correspondence and, at his or her discretion, may not forward certain items if they are deemed of a frivolous nature or otherwise inappropriate for the Board’s consideration. In such cases, some of that correspondence may be forwarded elsewhere within Lincoln Electric for review and possible response. Please visit our website at www.lincolnelectric.com for current developments at Lincoln Electric. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement or any of our periodic reports. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 9 7 APPENDIX A—DEFINITIONS AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES The discussion of our results in the CD&A and other sections of this Proxy Statement includes reference to our EBIT, EBITB, Adjusted net income, Adjusted diluted earnings per share, Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted operating income, Adjusted operating income margin, Adjusted effective tax rate, Return on Invested Capital (ROIC), Average Operating Working Capital to Sales (AOWC/Sales), Total Shareholder Return (TSR), Organic Sales, Cash Conversion and Free Cash Flow (FCF) performance. Some of these metrics are considered Non-GAAP financial measures, as management uses various GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures in assessing and evaluating our underlying operating performance. Non-GAAP financial measures exclude the impact of special items on our reported financial results. Non-GAAP financial measures should be read in conjunction with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), as non- GAAP measures are a supplement to, and not a replacement for, GAAP financial measures. The following defines the financial and non-GAAP financial measures discussed in the CD&A and other sections of this Proxy Statement. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial statements and financial measures to conform to current year classifications. ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share is defined as reported Diluted Earnings Per Share excluding certain disclosed special items. ADJUSTED EBIT Adjusted EBIT is defined as reported EBIT excluding certain disclosed special items. ADJUSTED EFFECTIVE TAX RATE Adjusted Effective Tax Rate is defined as reported Effective Tax Rate excluding the tax effect of certain disclosed special items. ADJUSTED NET INCOME Adjusted Net Income is defined as reported Net Income excluding certain disclosed special items. ADJUSTED NET INCOME FOR COMPENSATION PURPOSES Adjusted Net Income for Compensation Purposes is defined as reported Net Income excluding certain disclosed special items and other adjustments as approved by the Compensation and Executive Development Committee. ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME Adjusted Operating Income is defined as reported Operating Income excluding certain disclosed special items. ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME MARGIN Adjusted Operating Income Margin is defined as Adjusted Operating Income divided by Net sales. AOWC/SALES AOWC/Sales is defined as net operating working capital as of period end divided by annualized rolling three months of sales. Net operating working capital is defined as Accounts receivable plus Inventory less Trade accounts payable. |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 9 8 AOWC/SALES FOR COMPENSATION PURPOSES AOWC/Sales for Compensation Purposes is defined as the three-month average operating working capital (gross accounts receivable plus gross inventory less trade accounts payable) divided by the rolling twelve-months of sales calculated at budgeted exchange rates and adjusted for the results of businesses acquired during the year. CASH CONVERSION Cash Conversion is defined as Free Cash Flow divided by Adjusted Net Income. EBIT EBIT is an amount equal to earnings before interest and tax defined as operating income plus Other income (expense). EBITB EBITB is an amount equal to earnings before interest, tax and bonus, calculated at budgeted exchange rates and adjusted for special items as determined by management. The adjustments for special items include such items as rationalization charges, certain asset impairment charges, the gains and losses on certain transactions including the disposal of assets and the results of businesses acquired during the year. Adjusted Operating Income is a representative measure of EBITB. FREE CASH FLOW (FCF) Free Cash Flow is defined as Net cash provided by operating activities less Capital expenditures. ORGANIC SALES Organic Sales is defined as sales excluding the effects of foreign currency and acquisitions. RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (ROIC) ROIC is defined as rolling 12 months of Adjusted net income excluding tax-effected interest income and expense divided by Invested capital. Invested capital is defined as total debt, which includes Amounts due banks, Current portion of long-term debt and Long-term debt, less current portion, plus Total equity. RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (ROIC) FOR COMPENSATION PURPOSES ROIC for Compensation Purposes is calculated by an independent third-party and is adjusted for certain transactions as approved by the Compensation and Executive Development Committee. TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN (TSR) TSR is an amount equal to the net stock price change for our common stock plus the reinvestment of dividends paid over the prescribed period of time. | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT M E N U 9 9 ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME The following table presents a reconciliation of Operating income as reported to Adjusted operating income for the years ended December 31, 2018 to 2020: ($ in thousand) Operating income (as reported) Special items (pre-tax): Rationalization and asset impairment charges Gains on asset disposals Acquisition transaction and integration costs Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories Adjusted operating income Adjusted operating income margin Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 $282,071 $370,910 $375,539 45,468 15,188 25,285 — — 806 (3,045) 1,804 3,008 — 4,498 — $328,345 $387,865 $405,322 12.4% 12.9% 13.4% ADJUSTED NET INCOME AND ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table presents reconciliations of Net income and Diluted earnings per share as reported to Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2018 to 2020: ($ in thousands except per share amounts) Year Ended December 31, Net income (as reported) Special items: 2020 2019 2018 $206,115 $293,109 $287,066 Rationalization and asset impairment charges 45,468 15,188 25,285 Pension settlement charges Gains on asset disposals Gain on change in control Acquisition transaction and integration costs Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories Tax effect of Special items Adjusted net income 8,119 — 6,686 — — — 806 (3,554) (7,601) 1,804 3,008 — — 4,498 — (10,594) (7,386) (6,896) $249,914 $294,568 $316,639 Diluted earnings per share (as reported) $ 3.42 $ 4.68 $ 4.37 Special items per share $ 0.73 $ 0.02 $ 0.45 Adjusted diluted earnings per share $ 4.15 $ 4.70 $ 4.82 |LINCOLNELECTRIC :2021PROXYSTATEMENT M E N U 100 RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (ROIC) The following table presents calculations of ROIC for the years ended December 31, 2018 to 2020: ($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Adjusted net income $ 249,914 $ 294,568 $ 316,639 Plus: Interest expense (after-tax) Less: Interest income (after-tax) 17,933 1,486 19,465 1,896 18,386 5,206 Adjusted net income before tax effected interest $ 266,361 $ 312,137 $ 329,819 Invested capital Return on invested capital CASH CONVERSION $1,508,440 $1,566,348 $1,590,252 17.7% 19.9% 20.7% The following table presents calculations of Cash Conversion for the years ended December 31, 2018 to 2020: ($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Cash flow from operations Less: Capital expenditures Free Cash Flow Adjusted net income Cash Conversion 2020 2019 2018 $ 351,362 $ 403,185 $ 329,152 59,201 69,615 71,246 $ 292,161 $ 333,570 $ 257,906 $ 249,914 $ 294,568 $ 316,639 117% 113% 81% | LINCOLN ELECTRIC : 2021 PROXY STATEMENT 1 0 1 | L I N C O L N E L E C T R I C : 2 0 2 0 F O R M 1 0 - K 2020 FORM 10-K [ THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK ] UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (cid:1409) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 or (cid:1407) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from _____________ to _____________ Commission file number 0-1402 LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Ohio (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 22801 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio (Address of principal executive offices) 34-1860551 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 44117 (Zip Code) (216) 481-8100 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Common Shares, without par value Trading Symbol LECO Name of each exchange on which registered The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC 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 (cid:1409) No (cid:1407) 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 (cid:1407) No (cid:1409) 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 (cid:1409) No (cid:1407) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes (cid:1409) No (cid:1407) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer (cid:1409) (cid:1407) Accelerated filer Smaller reporting company Emerging growth company (cid:1407) (cid:1407) (cid:1407) If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. (cid:1407) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(c)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. (cid:1409) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes (cid:1407) No (cid:1409) The aggregate market value of the common shares held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2020 was $4,865,968,514 (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 January 31, 2021 was 59,662,036. 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 with respect to the registrant’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I Page Item 1. Business Item 1A. Risk Factors Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments (cid:44)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:38)(cid:17)(cid:3) (cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:73)(cid:191)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3) Item 2. Properties Item 3. Legal Proceedings Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of PART II Equity Securities Item 6. Selected Financial Data Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data (cid:44)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:28)(cid:17)(cid:3) (cid:38)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:82)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:39)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3) (cid:44)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:28)(cid:36)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:3) (cid:44)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:28)(cid:37)(cid:17)(cid:3) (cid:50)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:44)(cid:81)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3) (cid:44)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:3) (cid:39)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:73)(cid:191)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3) Item 11. Executive Compensation PART III (cid:44)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:3) (cid:54)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:90)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:191)(cid:70)(cid:76)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:90)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3) Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules Item 16. Form 10-K Summary Signatures PART IV 1 (cid:24) (cid:20)(cid:21) (cid:20)(cid:22) (cid:20)(cid:22) (cid:20)(cid:23) (cid:20)(cid:24) (cid:20)(cid:24) (cid:20)(cid:25) 16 (cid:22)(cid:22) (cid:22)(cid:23) (cid:22)(cid:23) (cid:22)(cid:23) (cid:22)(cid:24) (cid:22)(cid:24) (cid:22)(cid:24) (cid:22)(cid:24) (cid:22)(cid:24) (cid:22)(cid:24) (cid:22)(cid:24) (cid:23)(cid:20) (cid:23)(cid:21) 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. The Company is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, automated joining, assembly and cutting systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment. The Company also has a leading global position in brazing and soldering alloys. The Company’s products include arc welding power sources, plasma cutters, wire feeding systems, robotic welding packages, integrated automation systems, fume extraction equipment, consumable electrodes, fluxes and welding accessories and specialty welding consumables and fabrication. 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. 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, manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. The Company’s business units are aligned into three operating segments. The operating segments consist of Americas Welding, International Welding and The Harris Products Group. The Americas Welding segment includes welding operations in North and South America. The International Welding segment includes welding operations in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. The Harris Products Group includes the Company’s global cutting, soldering and brazing businesses, as well as the retail business in the United States. Customers The Company’s products are sold in both domestic and international markets. In the Americas, products are sold principally through industrial distributors, retailers and also directly to users of welding products. Outside of the Americas, the Company has an international sales organization comprised of Company employees and agents who sell products from the Company’s various manufacturing sites to distributors and product users. 1 The Company’s major end-user markets include: (cid:120) (cid:120) (cid:120) (cid:120) (cid:120) general fabrication, energy and process industries, heavy industries (heavy fabrication, ship building and maintenance and repair), automotive and transportation, and construction and infrastructure. 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, robotic components 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 actively protects its innovations 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. 2 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 47 facilities worldwide. The Company ensures compliance and the continuous improvement of the environmental performance of its products and operations through its global Environmental, Health, Safety and Quality (“EHS&Q”) systems. The Company’s systems are guided by the Corporate EHS&Q Policy, global directives and corporate standards that establish consistent guidelines for the management, measurement and reporting of environmental, health and safety activities, as well as quality across the Company’s global platform. The Company’s products support our customers' sustainable operations through enhanced worker safety, reduced emissions, improved energy efficiency, reduced waste and regulatory compliance. 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. Human Capital Management Employee Profile The Company’s employees are its most valuable asset as they represent the foundation of the Company and its future success. The number of persons employed by the Company worldwide at December 31, 2020 was approximately 10,700. Employee Engagement The Company strongly believes that employee engagement drives better business results and that a highly engaged workforce can increase innovation, productivity and bottom-line performance while reducing costs. The Company engages employees through individual, small group and town hall meetings, its Advisory Board, global intranet, employee surveys, resource groups, health and safety communications and initiatives, training and development, employee wellness programs, and an ethics hotline, among other vehicles. Talent Management and Development In order to ensure the competitiveness of our workforce as well as a strong succession pipeline, the Company provides development opportunities to advance skills, knowledge and expertise. The Company’s programs include formal leadership, management and professional development programs, tuition reimbursement for external accredited programs, mentoring, self-guided online courses, instructor-led programs and special project and rotational assignments that can lead to extensive global exposure. Diversity and Inclusion The Company has a longstanding commitment to equal opportunity in all aspects of employment—including employee compensation, job placement and promotion regardless of gender, race or other personal characteristics. The Company’s culture is underpinned by its core values, including the guiding principles championed by James F. and John C. Lincoln when they founded Lincoln Electric over 125 years ago – The Golden Rule: Treat Others How You Would Like to Be Treated. The Company has implemented several measures that focus on ensuring accountability exists for making progress in diversity. The CEO and other senior leaders have diversity and inclusion objectives as part of their annual 3 performance goals. The Company focuses on diverse talent sourcing strategies and partners with external organizations that develop and supply diverse talent. The Company reviews and updates it human resources processes and benchmarks roles and compensation externally on a regular basis to help prevent bias and promote a diverse and inclusive workplace. Compensation The Company’s compensation program is designed to attract and retain exceptional employees and to maintain a strong pay for performance culture. The Company has designed its compensation system to reflect current best practices, including setting base pay below the competitive market for each position, targeting incentive-based cash compensation above the competitive market and promoting quality corporate governance in compensation decisions. The Company’s annual talent and succession planning process reviews 100% of its global professional staff worldwide to support the development of a talent pipeline for critical roles in general management, engineering and operations. This evaluation includes the Company’s CEO as well as segment business and functional leaders, focusing on high potential talent, diverse talent and succession within the Company’s most critical roles. The Company believes that the practices outlined above result in sustained increases in shareholder value and reflects its compensation philosophy of aligning long-term pay and performance. Health and Safety Health and safety is a priority for the Company, its vision is an accident-free workplace with zero safety incidents. The Company follows a rigorous health and safety program that adheres to stringent safety standards and best practices to ensure its manufacturing operations, related processes and products do not negatively impact the health and welfare of its employees, customers and neighbors. In addition to Company-led programs and employee engagement in behavior-based safety and wellness committees, the Company is actively engaged in health and safety standard development committees at key industry organizations such as the American Welding Society, the International Institute of Welding and across various International Standards Organization committees to ensure best practices for its employees and end users. In 2020, the Company achieved its best safety performance while operating as an “essential business” globally. The Company maintained the health and safety of its employees by implementing best-practice CDC and WHO safety and hygiene protocols, mandated social distancing and face mask use, required daily symptom assessments, restricted travel, maximized flexible and remote work arrangements, and performed regular audits to ensure compliance. These measures were in addition to the Company’s standard health and safety program that adheres to stringent safety standards and best practices to ensure that its operations, related processes and products do not negatively impact the health and welfare of its employees, customers or community. Community Engagement The Company is an active member in the communities where it lives and works. The Company participates in community meetings, local business associations, offers plant visits, provides grants to nonprofit organizations and donates resources and time through in-kind gifts, employee volunteerism and non-profit board service. The Company’s partnership with academia includes executive-led lectures and donations of equipment and engineering expertise to support lab and research initiatives. In addition, the Company supports community educational / career programming among secondary and high school students in order to address skills gaps in industry and maintain awareness of attractive career pathways in manufacturing. Increased outreach was critical in 2020 to safeguard local communities facing the health and economic impact of the coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) pandemic. Internally, the Company minimized the impact on wages, benefits and bonus programs, with the objective of maintaining its workforce through the pandemic. In addition, the Company’s 4 employee assistance program supported eligible employees who required extra financial support. Key 2020 initiatives included emergency grants to foodbank programs, participation in a COVID-19 rapid response fund for the Company’s Cleveland location and personal protection equipment donations to first responders. See "Part I, Item 1C" for information regarding the Company’s executive officers, which is incorporated herein by reference. Website Access The Company’s website, www.lincolnelectric.com, is used as a channel for routine dissemination 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 Securities and Exchange Commission ("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. Forward-looking statements made in this report 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 allocating appropriate resources to address 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 pro-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 5 Report on Form 10-K, should be carefully considered. Although the risks are organized by headings, and each risk is discussed separately, many are interrelated. Additional risks and uncertainties of which we are currently unaware or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business. Risks Related to the COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic could have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and capital investments. In March 2020, the World Health Organization categorized the current COVID-19 as a pandemic, and the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the United States and other countries across the world, and the ultimate duration and severity on the Company's business remains unknown. The outbreak resulted in governments around the world implementing stringent measures to help control the spread of the virus, including quarantines, “shelter in place” and “stay at home” orders, travel restrictions, business curtailments, school closures and other measures. In addition, governments and central banks in several parts of the world enacted fiscal and monetary stimulus measures to counteract the impacts of COVID-19. Although the Company’s customers have re-opened and increased operating levels, such customers may be forced to close or limit operations should a resurgence of COVID-19 cases occur. Given this continued level of economic and operational uncertainty over the impacts of COVID-19, the ultimate financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The COVID-19 pandemic and similar issues in the future could have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, and capital investments. In addition, preventive measures we may voluntarily put in place, may have a material adverse effect on our business for an indefinite period of time, such as the potential shut down of certain locations, decreased employee availability, potential border closures, disruptions to the businesses of our channel partners and others. Our suppliers and customers may also face these and other challenges, which could lead to a disruption in our supply chain, as well as decreased customer demand for our products and services. These issues may also materially affect our future access to our sources of liquidity, particularly our cash flows from operations, financial condition, capitalization and capital investments. Although these disruptions may continue to occur, the long-term economic impact and near-term financial impacts of such issues, including, but not limited to, possible impairment, restructuring and other charges, may not be reasonably estimated due to the uncertainty of future developments. Risks Related to Economic Conditions General economic, financial and market conditions may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and access to capital markets. Our operating results are sensitive to changes in general economic conditions. 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 trade laws or other economic factors affecting the countries and industries in which we do business could adversely affect demand for our products. An adverse change in demand could impact 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. In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates The London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), announced that it intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. We may need to amend our revolving line of credit and interest rate swap agreements that use LIBOR as a benchmark and we cannot predict what alternative index or other amendments may be negotiated with our counterparties. As a result, the uncertainty regarding the future of LIBOR as well as the transition from LIBOR could have adverse impacts on our financial condition. 6 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. As a growing global enterprise, the share of sales and profits we derive from our international operations and exports from the United States is significant. This trend increases our exposure to the performance of many developing economies in addition to the developed economies outside of the United States. If international economies were to experience significant slowdowns, 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, including: (cid:120) Political and economic uncertainty and social turmoil; (cid:120) 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, tariffs, data protection and privacy requirements, anti-boycott provisions and anti-bribery laws (such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Convention); (cid:120) International terrorism and hostilities; (cid:120) Changes in the global regulatory environment, including revised or newly created laws, regulations or standards relating to the Company, our products or the markets in which we operate; and (cid:120) Significant 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, as well as the imposition of exchange controls, currency devaluations and hyperinflation. The cyclical 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 and have an adverse impact on our revenues and results of operations. Risks Related to Manufacturing and Operations Economic and supply disruptions associated with events beyond our control, such as war, acts of terror, political unrest, pandemic, 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, pandemic, 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, 7 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. They are also influenced by import duties and tariffs (including the Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs initiated by the U.S. government in 2018), speculative action, world supply and demand balances, inventory levels, availability of substitute materials, currency exchange rates, anticipated or perceived shortages, government trade practices and regulations and other factors. 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 subject to risks relating to our information technology systems. The conduct and management of our business relies extensively on information technology systems, which contain confidential information related to our customers, suppliers and employees and other proprietary business information. We maintain some of these systems and are also dependent on a number of critical corporate infrastructure services provided by third parties relating to, among other things, human resources, electronic communication services and finance functions. Like many multinational companies, our systems are subject to regular cyber attacks and other malicious efforts to cause cyber security incidents. To date, these attacks have not had a material impact on our business or operations. However, if as a result of future attacks, our systems are significantly 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. The Company continues to invest in cyber security, including maintaining and improving cyber security resilience, and the Company’s cyber security risks are monitored by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. Nevertheless, due to the nature of cyber threats, there can be no assurance that our preventive efforts can fully mitigate the risks of all cyber incidents, and a significant security breach could result in financial loss, unfavorable publicity, damage to our reputation, loss of our trade secrets and other competitive information, allegations by our customers that we have not performed our contractual obligations, litigation by affected parties and fines and other sanctions resulting from any related breaches of data privacy regulations. Any of these could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Risks Related to Human Capital 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 and technical (including research and development) 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 rationalization efforts related to the integration of acquired businesses, interruptions due to unionization efforts, changes in labor relations or shortages of appropriately skilled individuals could impact our results of operations and financial condition. 8 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. Risks Related to Business Strategy We may not be able to complete our acquisition or divestiture strategies, successfully integrate acquired businesses and in certain cases we may be required to retain liabilities for certain matters. Part of our business strategy is to pursue targeted business acquisition opportunities, including foreign investment opportunities. 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 an acquired business with our existing businesses or recognize the expected benefits from any completed acquisition. Integration efforts may include significant rationalization activities that could be disruptive to the business. Our current operational cash flow is sufficient to fund our acquisition plans, but a significant acquisition could require access to the capital markets. Additionally, from time to time we may identify assets for strategic divestitures that would increase capital resources available for other activities and create organizational and operational efficiencies. Various factors could materially affect our ability to dispose of such assets or complete announced divestitures, including the receipt of approvals of governmental agencies or third parties and the availability of purchasers willing to acquire the interests or purchase the assets on terms and at prices acceptable to us. Sellers typically retain certain liabilities or indemnify buyers for certain matters. The magnitude of any such retained liability or indemnification obligation may be difficult to quantify at the time of the transaction and ultimately may be material. Also, as is typical in divestitures, third parties may be unwilling to release us from guarantees or other credit support provided prior to the sale of the divested assets. As a result, after a divestiture, we may remain secondarily liable for the obligations guaranteed or supported to the extent that the buyer of the assets fails to perform these obligations. If we cannot continue to develop, manufacture and market products that meet customer demands, continue to enforce the intellectual property rights on which our business depends or if third parties assert that we violate their intellectual property rights, our revenues, gross margins and results of operations 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. 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. 9 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 settlements or license agreements, pay costly damage awards or face a temporary or permanent injunction prohibiting us from manufacturing, marketing or selling certain of our products. 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 and improve our overall competitiveness, including with respect to the integration of acquired businesses. 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 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 and robotic arm manufacturers compete in the automated welding and cutting space. In addition, in certain markets of the world, distributors manufacture and sell 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. We may incur additional restructuring charges as we continue to contemplate rationalization actions in an effort to optimize our cost structure and may not achieve the anticipated savings and benefits of these actions. We may take additional actions in the future to further optimize our cost structure and improve the efficiency of our operations, which will reduce our profitability in the periods incurred. As a result of these actions, we will likely continue to incur charges, which may include but are not be limited to asset impairments, employee severance costs, charges for pension and other postretirement contractual benefits and pension settlements, any of which could be significant, and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may not realize anticipated savings or benefits from past or future rationalization plans in full or in part or within the time periods we expect. Failure to realize anticipated savings or benefits from our cost reduction actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows. For more information regarding rationalization plans, refer to the rationalization and asset impairment related disclosure under Note 7 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Risks Related to Legal, Compliance and Regulatory Matters We are a co-defendant in litigation alleging asbestos induced illness. Liabilities relating to such litigation could reduce our profitability and impair our financial condition. As of December 31, 2020, we were a co-defendant in cases alleging asbestos induced illness involving claims by approximately 2,769 plaintiffs. In each instance, we are one of a large number of defendants. The asbestos 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 asbestos cases that have been resolved as follows: 55,493 of those claims were dismissed, 23 were tried to defense verdicts, 7 were tried to plaintiff verdicts (which were reversed or 10 resolved after appeal), 1 was resolved by agreement for an immaterial amount and 1,008 were decided in favor of the Company following summary judgment motions. The long-term impact of the asbestos 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 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 asbestos, including the future impact of changing cost sharing arrangements or a change in our overall trial experience. 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 or failure to meet contractual performance commitments. 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. In certain cases, we design automated welding systems for use in a customer’s production facilities (including automotive production facilities), which could expose us to financial losses or professional liability. 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. Even if we are successful defending such claims or product liability coverage is adequate, claims of this nature could cause customers to lose confidence in our products and our Company. Warranty claims are not generally covered by insurance and we may incur significant warranty costs in the future for which we would not be reimbursed. We may incur losses if we do not achieve contractual commitments, including project performance requirements or project schedules. Project performance can be affected by a number of factors, including but not limited to, availability of materials, changes in the project scope of services, environmental conditions or labor disruptions. In addition, our backlog consists of the expected revenue from projects for which we have an executed contract or commitment with a customer. Project cancellations, scope adjustments, deferrals or changes in cost estimates may reduce the dollar amount of revenue and profits that we actually earn. 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 allowances of deferred tax assets or changes in tax laws. The amount of income taxes paid is subject to ongoing audits by the 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. 11 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. Some environmental laws impose strict, retroactive and joint and several liability for the remediation of the release of hazardous substances, even for conduct that was lawful at the time it occurred, or for the conduct of or conditions caused by prior operators, predecessors or third parties. Failure to comply with environmental laws could expose us to penalties or clean-up costs, civil or criminal liability and sanctions on certain of our activities, as well as damage to property or natural resources. These liabilities, sanctions, damages and remediation efforts related to any non-compliance with such laws and regulations could negatively impact our ability to conduct our operations and our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, there can be no assurances that we will not be adversely affected by costs, liabilities or claims with respect to existing or subsequently acquired operations or under present laws and regulations or those that may be adopted or imposed in the future. Changes in environmental laws or regulations could result in higher expenses and payments, and uncertainty relating to environmental laws or regulations may also affect how we conduct our operations and structure our investments and could limit our ability to enforce our rights. Changes in environmental and climate change laws or regulations, including laws relating to greenhouse gas emissions, could subject us to additional costs and restrictions, including increased energy and raw material costs. If environmental laws or regulations are either changed or adopted and impose significant operational restrictions and compliance requirements upon us or our products, they could negatively impact our business, capital expenditures, results of operations, financial condition and competitive position. It is our policy to apply strict standards for environmental protection to all of our operations inside and outside of 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 prohibited from entering certain jurisdictions, if we were to violate or become liable under environmental laws, if our products become non-compliant with environmental laws or if we were to undertake environmental protection actions voluntarily. 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. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. 12 ITEM 1C. INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT Name Christopher L. Mapes Age Position 59 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. Gabriel Bruno 53 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since April 22, 2020; Executive Vice President, Finance from January 1, 2019 to April 22, 2020; Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer from July 1, 2016 to January 1, 2019; Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Information Officer from February 18, 2016 to July 1, 2016; Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Interim Chief Human Resources Officer from March 7, 2015 to February 18, 2016; Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer from February 19, 2014 to March 7, 2015; Vice President, Chief Information Officer from May 1, 2012 to February 19, 2014; Vice President, Corporate Controller from 2005 to May 1, 2012. Jennifer I. Ansberry 47 Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since April 20, 2017; Vice President, Deputy General Counsel from August 1, 2014 to April 20, 2017; Deputy General Counsel from 2004 to August 1, 2014. Steven B. Hedlund 54 Executive Vice President and President, Americas and International Welding since October 21, 2020; Michele R. Kuhrt 54 Executive Vice President and President, International Welding from June 1, 2017 to October 21, 2020; Senior Vice President and President, Global Automation from January 22, 2015 to June 1, 2017; Senior Vice President, Strategy & Business Development from February 19, 2014 to January 22, 2015; Vice President, Strategy and Business Development from September 15, 2008 to February 19, 2014. Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer since February 25, 2019; Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer from July 1, 2016 to February 25, 2019; Senior Vice President, Tax from 2006 to July 1, 2016. David J. Nangle 64 Executive Vice President, President, Harris Products Group since July 27, 2018; Senior Vice President, Geoffrey P. Allman 50 Thomas A. Flohn 60 President, Harris Products Group from February 19, 2014 to July 27, 2018; Vice President, Group President of Brazing, Cutting and Retail Subsidiaries from January 12, 2006 to February 19, 2014. Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development since January 1, 2019; Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller from January 14, 2014 to January 1, 2019; Corporate Controller from July 1, 2012 to January 14, 2014; Director, Regional Finance North America from October 1, 2009 to July 1, 2012. Senior Vice President, President, International Welding since December 10, 2020; Senior Vice President, President, Asia Pacific Region from February 19, 2014 to December 10, 2020; Vice President, Regional President, Lincoln Electric Asia Pacific Region from November 4, 2013 to February 19, 2014. 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 July 1, 2010. Douglas S. Lance 53 Senior Vice President, President, North America Welding since February 17, 2021; Senior Vice President, President, Cleveland Operations from September 1, 2016 to February 17, 2021; Senior Vice President, North American Operations from February 19, 2014 to September 1, 2016; Vice President, Operations from January 1, 2012 to February 19, 2014. Michael Mintun 58 Senior Vice President, Sales, Americas Welding since February 17, 2021; Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, North America from February 19, 2014 to February 17, 2021; Vice President, Sales and Marketing, North America from January 1, 2013 to February 19, 2014; Vice President, Sales, North America from January 1, 2008 to January 1, 2013. Michael J. Whitehead 47 Senior Vice President, President, Global Automation, Cutting and Additive Businesses since January 1, 2019; Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development from August 1, 2016 to January 1, 2019; President, Lincoln Canada from January 1, 2015 to August 1, 2016; Director, New Product Development, Consumables R&D from January 1, 2012 to January 1, 2015. 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 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 244 acres, of which present manufacturing facilities comprise an area of approximately 3,017,090 square feet. 13 The Company has 55 manufacturing facilities, including operations and joint ventures in 18 countries, the significant locations (grouped by operating segment) of which are as follows: Americas Welding: United States Brazil Canada Colombia Mexico International Welding: Australia China France Germany India Italy Netherlands Poland Romania Russia Spain Turkey United Kingdom Cleveland, Columbus, Coldwater and Fort Loramie, Ohio; San Diego, California; Reno, Nevada; Ladson, South Carolina; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Detroit, Michigan; Fort Collins, Colorado; Bettendorf, Iowa; Churubusco, Indiana. Guarulhos; Indaiatuba. Toronto; Mississauga; Hamilton; Montreal; Vankleek Hill. Bogota. Mexico City; Torreon. Newcastle; Gladstone. Tangshan; Shanghai; Nanjing; Zhengzhou. Grand-Quevilly; Partheny. Essen; Eisenberg; Frankfurt. Chennai. Corsalone; Due Carrare; Verona. Nijmegen. Bielawa; Dzierzoniow. Buzau. Mtsensk. Zaragoza. Istanbul. Sheffield, England; Port Talbot, Wales. The Harris Products Group: United States Brazil Poland Mason, Ohio; Gainesville, Georgia; Winston Salem, North Carolina. Maua. 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. In addition, the Company maintains operating leases for some manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and sales offices throughout the world. Refer to Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for information regarding the Company’s lease commitments. 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. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was a co-defendant in cases alleging asbestos induced illness involving claims by approximately 2,769 plaintiffs, which is a net decrease of 5 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, 14 in most cases for unspecified sums. Since January 1, 1995, the Company has been a co-defendant in other similar cases that have been resolved as follows: 55,493 of those claims were dismissed, 23 were tried to defense verdicts, 7 were tried to plaintiff verdicts (which were reversed or resolved after appeal), 1 was resolved by agreement for an immaterial amount and 1,008 were decided in favor of the Company following summary judgment motions. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable. 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, 2020 was 2,192. Issuer purchases of equity securities for the fourth quarter 2020 were: Period October 1-31, 2020 November 1-30, 2020 December 1-31, 2020 Total Total Number of Shares Repurchased Average Price Paid Per Share 100.41 102.79 117.63 108.15 1,301 (1) $ 5 (1) 1,066 (1) 2,372 Total Number of Shares Repurchased Maximum Number of Shares that May as Part of Publicly Yet be Purchased Announced Plans or Under the Plans or Programs Programs (2) (3) — — — — 11,453,193 11,453,193 11,453,193 (1) The above share repurchases include the surrender of the Company’s common shares in connection with the vesting of restricted awards. (2) On April 20, 2016, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program, which increased the total number of the Company’s common shares authorized to be repurchased to 55 million shares. Total shares purchased through the share repurchase program were 53.5 million shares at a cost of $2.3 billion for a weighted average cost of $42.53 per share through December 31, 2020. (3) On February 12, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for up to an additional 10 million shares of the Company’s common stock. 15 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, 2016 and ending December 31, 2020. This graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2015 in each of the Company’s common shares, the S&P 500 and the S&P 400. A peer-group index for the welding industry, in general, is 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. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA Omitted. 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. 16 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. The Company is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, automated joining, assembly and cutting systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment. The Company also has a leading global position in brazing and soldering alloys. The Company’s products include arc welding power sources, plasma cutters, wire feeding systems, robotic welding packages, integrated automation systems, fume extraction equipment, consumable electrodes, fluxes and welding accessories and specialty welding consumables and fabrication. 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. 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 actively protects its innovations as research and development has progressed in both 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 the Americas, products are sold principally through industrial distributors, retailers and also directly to users of welding products. Outside of the Americas, the Company has an international sales organization comprised of Company employees and agents who sell products from the Company’s various manufacturing sites to distributors and product users. The Company’s major end-user markets include: (cid:120) (cid:120) (cid:120) (cid:120) (cid:120) general fabrication, energy and process industries, heavy industries (heavy fabrication, ship building and maintenance and repair), automotive and transportation, and construction and infrastructure. The Company has, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. The principal raw materials essential to the Company’s business are steel, electronic components, engines, brass, copper, silver, aluminum alloys, robotic components and various chemicals, all of which are normally available for purchase in the open market. 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 47 facilities worldwide. The Company ensures compliance and the continuous improvement of the environmental performance of its products and operations through its global Environmental, Health, Safety and Quality (“EHS&Q”) systems. The Company’s systems are guided by the Corporate EHS&Q Policy, global directives and corporate standards that establish consistent guidelines for the management, measurement and reporting of environmental, health and safety activities, as well as 17 quality across the Company’s global platform. The Company’s products support our customers' sustainable operations through enhanced worker safety, reduced emissions, improved energy efficiency, reduced waste and regulatory compliance. COVID-19 Assessment In March 2020, the World Health Organization categorized the current coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) as a pandemic, and the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the United States and other countries across the world, and the ultimate duration and severity on the Company's business remains unknown. The outbreak resulted in governments around the world implementing stringent measures to help control the spread of the virus, including quarantines, “shelter in place” and “stay at home” orders, travel restrictions, business curtailments, school closures and other measures. In addition, governments and central banks in several parts of the world enacted fiscal and monetary stimulus measures to counteract the impacts of COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, substantially all of the Company’s global businesses have continued to operate within a critical infrastructure sector (as established by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as well as other governments worldwide) and as a result, the Company has been able to meet the demand of its customers in the various markets it serves. The Company has taken actions to protect the health and well-being of employees, while maintaining its workforce to serve customer requirements. These actions did not and are not expected to have a material negative impact on the Company’s profitability. Although the Company’s customers have re-opened and increased operating levels, such customers may be forced to close or limit operations should a resurgence of COVID-19 cases occur. Given this continued level of economic and operational uncertainty over the impacts of COVID-19, the ultimate financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. During March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and several other state and local legislative acts were signed and enacted into law. A second legislative act under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act occurred on December 27, 2020. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the new laws on its business, and does not expect a material impact to its consolidated financial statements. For further discussion of this matter, refer “Item 1A. Risk Factors”. 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 earnings before interest and income taxes; adjusted earnings before interest, taxes and bonus; adjusted net income; adjusted diluted earnings per share; operating cash flows; and capital expenditures, as well as applicable ratios such as return on invested capital and 18 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. The discussion that follows includes a comparison of our results of operations, liquidity and capital resources for fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. For a comparison of the Company’s results of operations, liquidity and capital resources for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, see Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, which was filed with the SEC on February 27, 2020. Results of Operations The following table shows the Company’s results of operations: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 Favorable (Unfavorable) 2020 vs. 2019 Net sales Cost of goods sold Gross profit Selling, general & administrative expenses Rationalization and asset impairment charges Operating income Interest expense, net Other income (expense) Income before income taxes Income taxes Effective tax rate Net income including non- controlling interests Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries' loss Net income Diluted earnings per share $ $ Amount $ 2,655,400 1,784,059 871,341 % of Sales Amount % of Sales $ 3,003,272 1,995,685 32.8 % 1,007,587 $ $ (347,872) 211,626 33.5 % (136,246) % (11.6)% 10.6 % (13.5)% 543,802 20.5 % 621,489 20.7 % 77,687 12.5 % 45,468 282,071 21,973 3,942 264,040 57,896 10.6 % 9.9 % 15,188 370,910 23,415 20,998 368,493 75,410 12.4 % (30,280) (88,839) 1,442 (17,056) 12.3 % (104,453) 17,514 (199.4)% (24.0)% 6.2 % (81.2)% (28.3)% 23.2 % 21.9 % 20.5 % (1.5)% 206,144 29 206,115 3.42 293,083 (26) 293,109 4.68 7.8 % $ $ (86,939) (29.7)% 55 9.8 % $ (86,994) (1.26) $ 211.5 % (29.7)% (26.9)% Net Sales: The following table summarizes the impacts of volume, acquisitions, price and foreign currency exchange rates on Net sales for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 on a consolidated basis: Change in Net Sales due to: Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. % Change Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. Net Sales 2019 Volume $ 3,003,272 $ (381,189) $ 39,711 Acquisitions Price $ 14,456 Foreign Exchange Net Sales 2020 $ (20,850) $ 2,655,400 (12.7)% 1.3 % 0.5 % (0.7)% (11.6)% Net sales decreased primarily as a result of lower organic sales, including the impact of COVID-19 on global demand, and unfavorable foreign exchange, partially offset by acquisitions. The increase in Net sales from acquisitions was driven by the acquisition of Baker within Americas Welding and Askaynak within International Welding. Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for details. 19 Gross Profit: Gross profit for 2020 decreased, as a percent of sales, compared to the prior year primarily due to lower volumes, including the impact of COVID-19 on global demand. Selling, General & Administrative ("SG&A") Expenses: The decrease in SG&A expense in 2020 as compared to 2019 was due to lower employee costs and discretionary spending, partially offset by higher expense from acquisitions. Rationalization and Asset Impairment Charges: In 2020, the Company recorded $45,468 ($36,904 after-tax) in charges primarily related to employee severance, non- cash asset impairments of long-lived assets and gains or losses on the disposal of assets. In 2019, the Company recorded $15,188 ($12,275 after-tax) in charges primarily related to employee severance, asset impairment charges and gains or losses on the disposal of assets. Refer to Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Other Income (Expense): The decrease in 2020 as compared to 2019 was primarily due to pension settlement charges of $8,119 ($6,089 after-tax) in 2020 and the gain on change in control of $7,601 in 2019 related to the acquisition of Askaynak. Income Taxes: The 2020 effective tax rate was higher than 2019 primarily due to the impact of lower income tax benefits for the settlement of tax items. Net Income: As compared to the prior year, reported Net income for 2020 decreased primarily due to lower sales volumes, including the impact of COVID-19 on global demand, higher Rationalization and asset impairment charges and higher pension settlement charges. 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, 2020: Operating Segments Americas Welding International Welding The Harris Products Group % Change Americas Welding International Welding The Harris Products Group Net Sales 2019 Volume (1) Acquisitions (2) Price (3) Foreign Exchange Net Sales 2020 Change in Net Sales due to: $ 1,815,746 $ (300,167) (93,264) 12,242 854,376 333,150 $ 6,190 33,521 — $ (2,315) $ (9,584) (6,024) (1,800) (5,242) 18,571 $ 1,509,870 786,809 358,721 (16.5)% (10.9)% 3.7 % 0.3 % 3.9 % — (0.1)% (0.2)% 5.6 % (0.5) % (0.7) % (1.6) % (16.8) % (7.9) % 7.7 % (1) Decrease for Americas Welding and International Welding due to lower demand associated with the current economic environment and the impact of COVID-19 on global demand. Increase for The Harris Products Group driven primarily by higher retail volumes. (2) Increase due to the acquisition of Baker within Americas Welding and Askaynak within International Welding. Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for details. (3) Decrease for Americas Welding due to lower tariff-related surcharges in 2020 compared to 2019. Increase for The Harris Products Group due to increases in commodity costs. 21 Adjusted Earnings Before Interest and Income Taxes (“Adjusted EBIT”): Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary measure being the Adjusted EBIT profit measure. EBIT is defined as Operating income plus Equity earnings in affiliates and Other income. EBIT is adjusted for special items as determined by management such as the impact of rationalization activities, certain asset impairment charges and gains or losses on disposals of assets. The following table presents Adjusted EBIT by segment: Americas Welding: Net sales Inter-segment sales Total Sales Adjusted EBIT (3) As a percent of total sales (1) International Welding: Net sales Inter-segment sales Total Sales Adjusted EBIT (4) As a percent of total sales (1) The Harris Products Group: Net sales Inter-segment sales Total Sales Adjusted EBIT As a percent of total sales (2) Corporate / Eliminations: Inter-segment sales Adjusted EBIT (5) Consolidated: Net sales Net income As a percent of total sales Adjusted EBIT (6) As a percent of sales $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ December 31, 2020 2019 $ 1,509,870 109,378 1,619,248 245,728 $ $ 15.2 % $ 786,809 18,494 805,303 44,979 $ $ 5.6 % $ 1,815,746 123,342 1,939,088 315,719 $ $ 16.3 % $ 854,376 17,691 872,067 50,281 $ $ 5.8 % $ 358,721 7,034 365,755 55,154 $ $ 15.1 % $ 333,150 7,487 340,637 45,701 $ $ 13.4 % Favorable (Unfavorable) 2020 vs. 2019 $ % (305,876) (13,964) (319,840) (69,991) (67,567) 803 (66,764) (5,302) 25,571 (453) 25,118 9,453 (16.8)% (11.3)% (16.5)% (22.2)% (1.1)% (7.9)% 4.5 % (7.7)% (10.5)% (0.2)% 7.7 % (6.1)% 7.4 % 20.7 % 1.7 % (134,906) (5,455) $ (148,520) (10,948) $ 13,614 5,493 (9.2)% (50.2)% 2,655,400 206,115 $ $ 7.8 % $ 12.8 % 340,406 3,003,272 293,109 $ $ 9.8 % $ 13.3 % (347,872) (86,994) (60,347) (11.6)% (29.7)% (2.0)% (15.1)% (0.5)% 400,753 (1) 2020 decrease as compared to 2019 primarily driven by lower Net sales volumes from lower demand in the current economic environment, including the impact of COVID-19 on global demand, partially offset by cost reduction actions. (2) 2020 increase as compared to 2019 driven by retail volume increases. (3) 2020 excludes Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $26,870 as discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements and pension settlement charges of $8,119. 22 2019 excludes Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $1,716 as discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements and the amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories of $1,399 related to the Baker acquisition. (4) 2020 excludes Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $18,598, respectively, related to severance, asset impairments and gains or losses on the disposal of assets as discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements and the amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories of $806 related to an acquisition. 2019 excludes Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $11,702, respectively, related to severance, asset impairments and gains or losses on the disposal of assets as discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories of $1,609, gains on disposals of assets of $3,554 and a gain on change in control of $7,601 related to the Askaynak acquisition. (5) 2019 excludes Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $1,770, as discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. (6) 2019 excludes acquisition transaction and integration costs of $1,804, respectively, related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. (7) See non-GAAP Financial Measures for a reconciliation of Net income as reported and Adjusted EBIT. Non-GAAP Financial Measures The Company reviews Adjusted operating income, Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted net income, Adjusted effective tax rate, Adjusted diluted earnings per share and Return on invested capital, all non-GAAP financial measures, in assessing and evaluating the Company’s underlying operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude the impact of special items on the Company’s reported financial results. Non-GAAP financial measures should be read in conjunction with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") financial measures, as non- GAAP measures are a supplement to, and not a replacement for, GAAP financial measures. From time to time, management evaluates and discloses to investors the following non-GAAP measures: Free cash flow ("FCF"), defined as Net cash provided by operating activities less Capital expenditures (the Company considers FCF to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about how the amount of cash generated by our business, after the purchase of property and equipment, can be used for debt service, acquisitions, paying dividends and repurchasing our common shares); Cash conversion, defined as FCF divided by Adjusted net income; Organic sales, defined as sales excluding the effects of foreign currency and acquisitions. The following table presents a reconciliation of Operating income as reported to Adjusted operating income: Operating income as reported Special items (pre-tax): Rationalization and asset impairment charges (1) Acquisition transaction and integration costs (2) Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories (3) Gains on asset disposals (4) Adjusted operating income Year Ended December 31, 2020 $ 282,071 $ 2019 370,910 45,468 — 806 — $ 328,345 $ 15,188 1,804 3,008 (3,045) 387,865 (1) Charges primarily consist of employee severance, gains or losses on the disposal of assets and non-cash asset impairment charges. (2) Acquisition-related costs included in Selling, general & administrative expenses related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition. 23 (3) Charges represent the step up in value of acquired inventories related to the acquisitions of Baker and Askaynak and are included in Cost of goods sold. (4) Gains related to the sale of properties and are primarily included in Cost of goods sold. The following table presents the reconciliations of Net income as reported to Adjusted net income and Adjusted EBIT, Effective tax rate as reported to Adjusted effective tax rate and Diluted earnings per share as reported to Adjusted diluted earnings per share: Net income as reported Special items: Rationalization and asset impairment charges (1) Acquisition transaction and integration costs (2) Pension settlement charges (3) Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories (4) Gains on asset disposals (5) Gain on change in control (6) Tax effect of Special items (7) Adjusted net income Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries’ earnings (loss) Interest expense, net Income taxes as reported Tax effect of Special items (7) Adjusted EBIT Effective tax rate as reported Net special item tax impact Adjusted effective tax rate Diluted earnings per share as reported Special items per share Adjusted diluted earnings per share Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 $ 206,115 $ 293,109 45,468 — 8,119 806 — — (10,594) 15,188 1,804 — 3,008 (3,554) (7,601) (7,386) $ 249,914 $ 294,568 (26) 23,415 75,410 7,386 $ 340,406 $ 400,753 21.9 % (0.4)% 21.5 % 3.42 $ 0.73 4.15 $ 29 21,973 57,896 10,594 20.5 % 1.4 % 21.9 % 4.68 0.02 4.70 $ $ (1) Charges consist of employee severance, gains or losses on the disposal of assets and other related costs, non-cash goodwill impairment charges and non-cash asset impairment charges. (2) Acquisition-related costs related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition. (3) Charges related to lump sum pension payments as discussed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements. (4) Charges represent the step up in value of acquired inventories related to the acquisitions of Baker and Askaynak and are included in Cost of goods sold. (5) Gains related to the sale of properties and are primarily included in Cost of goods sold. (6) Gain on change in control related to the acquisition of Askaynak and is included in Other income (expense). (7) Includes the net tax impact of Special items recorded during the respective periods, including tax benefits of $4,852 for the settlement of a tax item as well as tax deductions associated with an investment in a subsidiary in the year ended December 31, 2019. 24 The tax effect of Special items impacting pre-tax income was calculated as the pre-tax amount multiplied by the applicable tax rate. The applicable tax rates reflect the taxable jurisdiction and nature of each Special item. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company’s cash flow from operations can be cyclical. Operational cash flow is a key driver of liquidity. 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, borrowings under its existing credit facilities and raising debt in capital markets. The Company continues to expand globally and periodically looks at transactions that would involve significant investments. The Company can fund its global expansion plans with operational cash flow, but a significant acquisition may require access to capital markets, in particular, the long-term debt market, as well as the syndicated bank loan market. The Company’s financing strategy is to fund itself at the lowest after-tax cost of funding. Where possible, the Company utilizes operational cash flows and raises capital in the most efficient market, usually the United States, and then lends funds to the specific subsidiary that requires funding. If additional acquisitions providing appropriate financial benefits become available, additional expenditures may be made. The following table reflects changes in key cash flow measures: Cash provided by operating activities (1) Cash used by investing activities (2) Capital expenditures Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired Cash used by financing activities (3) (Payments on) proceeds from short-term borrowings, net Purchase of shares for treasury Cash dividends paid to shareholders Increase (decrease) in Cash and cash equivalents (4) 2020 2019 Year Ended December 31, $ Change 2020 vs. 2019 $ 351,362 $ 403,185 $ (51,823) 143,610 10,414 134,717 125,803 (56,175) 179,238 (198) 217,002 (192,823) (69,615) (134,717) (371,944) 24,429 (292,693) (117,920) (159,286) (49,213) (59,201) — (246,141) (31,746) (113,455) (118,118) 57,716 (1) Cash provided by operating activities decreased for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 compared with the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 primarily due to lower company earnings. (2) Cash used by investing activities decreased for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 compared with the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 due to cash used in the acquisition of businesses in 2019. The Company currently anticipates capital expenditures of $65,000 to $75,000 in 2021. Anticipated capital expenditures include investments for capital maintenance to improve operational effectiveness. Management critically evaluates all proposed capital expenditures and expects each project to increase efficiency, reduce costs, promote business growth or improve the overall safety and environmental conditions of the Company’s facilities. (3) Cash used by financing activities decreased in the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 compared with the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 due to lower purchases of shares for treasury in 2020, partially offset by higher payments on short-term borrowings in 2020. (4) Cash and cash equivalents increased 28.9%, or $57,716, to $257,279 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, from $199,563 as of December 31, 2019. The increase was predominantly due to a decrease in cash used in the purchase of common shares for treasury and cash used for the acquisition of businesses in 2019, partially offset by lower cash provided by operating activities. 25 The Company paid $118,118 and $117,920 in cash dividends to its shareholders in the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In January 2021, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.51 per share, or $30,417, to shareholders of record on December 31, 2020, which reflects a 4.1% increase in the Company’s dividend payout rate. Working Capital Ratios Average operating working capital to Net sales (1) (2) Days sales in Inventories (2) Days sales in Accounts receivable Average days in Trade accounts payable 2020 2019 18.0 % 104.7 53.5 56.5 16.8 % 99.9 51.4 56.0 (1) Average operating working capital to Net sales is defined as the sum of Accounts receivable and Inventories less Trade accounts payable as of period end divided by annualized rolling three months of Net sales. (2) In order to minimize potential supply chain disruptions in serving customers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company increased inventories relative to expected Net sales resulting in higher Days sales in Inventories and higher Average operating working capital to Net sales. Rationalization and Asset Impairments Refer to Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the Company’s rationalization plans. The Company believes the rationalization actions will positively impact future results of operations and will not have a material effect on liquidity and sources and uses of capital. Acquisitions Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the Company’s recent acquisitions. Debt At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the fair value of long-term debt, including the current portion, was approximately $793,591 and $721,494, respectively, which was determined using available market information and methodologies requiring judgment. Since judgment is required in interpreting market information, the fair value of the debt is not necessarily the amount which could be realized in a current market exchange. Senior Unsecured Notes On April 1, 2015, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement pursuant to which it issued senior unsecured notes (the "2015 Notes") in the aggregate principal amount of $350,000 through a private placement. On October 20, 2016, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement pursuant to which it issued senior unsecured notes (the "2016 Notes") in the aggregate principal amount of $350,000 through a private placement. Interest on the notes are payable semi-annually. The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. The 2015 Notes and 2016 Notes contain certain affirmative and negative covenants. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants. The Company’s total weighted average effective interest rate and remaining weighted average term, inclusive of the 2015 Notes and 2016 Notes, is 3.3% and 13.4 years, respectively. 26 Revolving Credit Agreement The Company has a line of credit totaling $400,000 through the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement has a term of 5 years with a maturity date of June 30, 2022 and may be increased, subject to certain conditions, by an additional amount up to $100,000. The interest rate on borrowings is based on either the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or the prime rate, plus a spread based on the Company’s leverage ratio, at the Company’s election. The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants for credit facilities of this type, including limitations on the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to liens, investments, distributions, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets, transactions with affiliates and a fixed charges coverage ratio and total leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement. The Company has other lines of credit totaling $81,785. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had $2,623 outstanding at December 31, 2020. Shelf Agreements On November 27, 2018, the Company entered into seven uncommitted master note facilities (the "Shelf Agreements") that allow borrowings up to $700,000 in the aggregate. The Shelf Agreements have a five-year term and the average life of borrowings cannot exceed 15 years. The Company is required to comply with covenants similar to those contained in the 2015 Notes and 2016 Notes. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under the Shelf Agreements. Return on Invested Capital The Company reviews return on invested capital ("ROIC") in assessing and evaluating the Company’s underlying operating performance. ROIC is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company believes is a meaningful metric to investors in evaluating the Company’s financial performance and may be different than the method used by other companies to calculate ROIC. ROIC is defined as rolling 12 months of Adjusted net income excluding tax-effected interest income and expense divided by invested capital. Invested capital is defined as total debt, which includes Amounts due banks, Current portion of long-term debt and Long-term debt, less current portions, plus Total equity. ROIC as of December 31, were as follows: Return on Invested Capital Adjusted net income (1) Plus: Interest expense (after-tax) Less: Interest income (after-tax) Net operating profit after taxes Invested capital Return on invested capital $ 2020 249,914 17,933 1,486 266,361 1,508,440 $ 2019 294,568 19,465 1,896 312,137 1,566,348 17.7 % 19.9 % (1) See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for a tabular reconciliation of Net income to Adjusted net income. 27 Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments The Company’s contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2020 are as follows: Payments Due By Period Long-term debt, including current portion (Note 9) Interest on long-term debt (Note 9) Operating leases (Note 18) Purchase commitments (1) Transition Tax (2) (Note 14) Total 2022 to 2023 2024 to 2025 2026 and Beyond $ 2021 Total 710,829 $ 46,501 23,291 328,240 51,421 12,702 17,309 738 132,133 131,239 — 3,024 17,507 111 $ 10,718 $ 200,000 $ 500,000 46,270 212,178 9,469 11,941 127 — $ 1,240,130 $ 170,367 $ 75,266 $ 270,251 $ 724,246 29 14,483 (1) Purchase commitments include contractual obligations for raw materials and services. (2) Federal income taxes on the Company’s transition tax pursuant to the U.S. Tax Act is payable over eight years. Amounts reflect the utilization of 2017 overpayments and foreign tax credits. As of December 31, 2020, there were $14,179 of tax liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits and a $41,539 liability for deferred compensation. 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. Stock-Based Compensation On April 23, 2015, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2015 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan ("Employee Plan"). The Employee Plan provides for the granting of options, appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units and performance-based awards up to an additional 5,400,000 of the Company’s common shares. In addition, on April 23, 2015, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2015 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors ("2015 Director Plan"). The 2015 Director Plan provides for the granting of options, restricted shares and restricted stock units up to an additional 300,000 of the Company’s common shares. At December 31, 2020, there were 2,450,999 common shares available for future grant under all plans. Under these plans, options, restricted shares and restricted stock units granted were 407,525 in 2020 and 372,738 in 2019. The Company issued common shares from treasury upon all exercises of stock options, vesting of restricted stock units and the granting of restricted stock awards in 2020 and 2019. Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for 2020 and 2019 was $15,388 and $16,624, respectively, with a related tax benefit of $3,874 and $4,151, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options and restricted stock units was $19,755, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 years. 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, 2020 was $45,946 and $36,926, respectively. The total intrinsic value of awards exercised during 2020 and 2019 was $13,269 and $13,964, respectively. Product Liability Costs Product liability costs incurred can be 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. The long-term impact of product liability contingencies, 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 28 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. 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 Refer to Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 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 2020. The Company believes the following accounting policies are some of the more critical judgment areas affecting 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, administrative claims, regulatory claims and health, safety and environmental claims, some of which relate to cases alleging asbestos induced 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 would be 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. 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 liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain income tax positions in various jurisdictions. The Company uses judgment in determining whether the technical merits of tax positions are more-likely- than-not to be sustained. Judgment is also used in measuring the related amount of tax benefit that qualifies for recognition, including the interpretation of applicable tax law, regulation and tax ruling. Liabilities are settled primarily through the completion of audits within each individual tax jurisdiction or the closing of a statute of limitation. Liabilities can be affected by changes in applicable tax law, regulations, tax rulings or such other 29 factors, which may cause management to believe a revision of past estimates is appropriate. Management believes that an appropriate liability has been established for uncertain income tax positions; however, actual results may materially differ from these estimates. Refer to Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of uncertain income tax positions. Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are recognized at currently enacted tax rates for temporary differences between the GAAP and income tax basis of assets and liabilities and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. The Company determined that it would repatriate earnings for certain non-U.S. subsidiaries, which are subject to foreign withholding taxes. The Company considers remaining earnings in all other non-U.S. subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested and has not recorded any deferred taxes as such estimate is not practicable. At December 31, 2020, the Company had approximately $117,685 of gross deferred tax assets related to deductible temporary differences and tax loss and credit carry-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, 2020, a valuation allowance of $65,413 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 reduced in the future if the Company’s assessment of future taxable income or tax planning strategies changes. Pensions The Company maintains a number of defined benefit ("Pension") 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 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 4.0% at December 31, 2020 and 4.9% at December 31, 2019. 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, for frozen plans, is amortized over the average remaining life expectancy of plan participants expected to receive benefits under the plan. During 2020, investment returns were a gain of 11.7% compared with a gain of 18.0% in 2019. A 25 basis point change in the expected return on plan assets would increase or decrease pension expense by approximately $1,800. Another significant element in determining the Company’s pension expense is the discount rate for plan liabilities. To develop the discount rate assumption, 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 an equivalent quality. The Company determined this rate to be 2.0% at December 31, 2020 and 3.0% at December 31, 2019. A 10 basis point change in the discount rate would not have a significant impact to pension expense. The Company’s defined benefit plan expense was $4,871 and $261 in 2020 and 2019, respectively. Pension expense includes $8,355 and $266 in settlement charges in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company’s defined contribution plan expense was $22,593 and $24,835 in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company expects total 2021 expense related to retirement plans to increase by a range of approximately $2,500 to $3,500, excluding settlement charges. This 30 is primarily due to a lower expected return on assets associated with the Lincoln Electric Retirement Annuity Program (“RAP”) plan termination described below. Refer to Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. The Accumulated other comprehensive loss, excluding tax effects, recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet was $137,926 as of December 31, 2020 and $96,080 as of December 31, 2019. The increase is primarily the result of increased actuarial losses resulting from a decrease in discount rates. In March 2020, the Company approved an amendment to terminate the Lincoln Electric Company Retirement Annuity Program plan effective as of December 31, 2020. The Company provided notice to participants of the intent to terminate the plan and applied for a determination letter. Pension obligations will be distributed through a combination of lump sum payments to eligible plan participants and through the purchase of a group annuity contract. During the year ended December 31, 2020 the asset allocation for RAP plan assets were adjusted in anticipation of the plan termination. Upon settlement of the pension obligations in the second half of 2021, the Company will reclassify unrecognized actuarial gains or losses, currently recorded in AOCI to the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income as settlement gains or charges. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had unrecognized losses related to the plan of $106,377. The Company anticipates the termination process will be substantially complete by the end of 2021. The Company does not expect to make significant contributions to the defined benefit plans in 2020. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Fixed manufacturing overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on normal production capacity and abnormal manufacturing costs are recognized as period costs. Cost for a substantial portion of U.S. inventories is determined on a LIFO basis. LIFO was used for 35% and 36% of total inventories at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Cost of other inventories is determined by costing methods that approximate a FIFO basis. The valuation of LIFO inventories is made at the end of each year based on 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. Actual year-end inventory levels and costs may differ from interim LIFO inventory valuations. The excess of current cost over LIFO cost was $75,581 at December 31, 2020 and $75,292 at December 31, 2019. 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. Long-Lived Assets The Company periodically evaluates whether current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of its depreciable long-lived assets, including leases, 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 31 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. For goodwill, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, and whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The quantitative test is required only if the Company concludes that it is more-likely-than-not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. For quantitative testing, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Fair values are determined using established business valuation techniques and models developed by the Company, estimates of market participant assumptions of future cash flows, future growth rates and discount rates to value estimated cash flows. Changes in economic and operating conditions, actual growth below the assumed market participant assumptions or an increase in the discount rate could result in an impairment charge in a future period. Acquisitions Upon acquisition of a business, the Company uses the income, market or cost approach (or a combination thereof) for the valuation as appropriate. The valuation inputs in these models and analyses are based on market participant assumptions. Market participants are considered to be buyers and sellers unrelated to the Company in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Fair value estimates are based on a series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. Management values property, plant and equipment using the cost approach supported where available by observable market data, which includes consideration of obsolescence. Management values acquired intangible assets using the relief from royalty method or excess earnings method, forms of the income approach supported by observable market data for peer companies. The significant assumptions used to estimate the value of the acquired intangible assets include discount rates and certain assumptions that form the basis of future cash flows (such as revenue growth rates, customer attrition rates, and royalty rates). Acquired inventories are marked to fair value. For certain items, the carrying value is determined to be a reasonable approximation of fair value based on information available to the Company. Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Revenue Recognition On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09 (“Topic 606”) using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting. Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract are satisfied and control is transferred to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for goods or services. Substantially all of the Company’s sales arrangements are short-term in nature involving a single performance obligation. The Company recognizes revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied and control of the product is transferred to the customer based upon shipping terms. In addition, certain customized automation performance obligations are accounted for over time. Under this method, revenue recognition is primarily based upon 32 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. Less than 10% of the Company’s Net sales are recognized over time. 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. Taxes collected by the Company, including sales tax and value added tax, are excluded from Net sales. The Company recognizes freight billed as a component of Net sales and shipping costs as a component of Cost of goods sold when control transfers to the customer. Sales commissions are expensed when incurred because the amortization period is generally one year or less. These costs are recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. Refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. 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, 2020 and a 100 basis point increase in effective interest rates at December 31, 2020. The derivative, borrowing and investment arrangements in effect at December 31, 2020 were compared to the hypothetical foreign exchange or interest rates in the sensitivity analysis to determine the effect on the Company’s current period consolidated financial statements. 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, 2020, the Company hedged certain third-party and intercompany purchases and sales. The gross notional dollar amount of these foreign exchange contracts at December 31, 2020 was $69,051. At December 31, 2020, a hypothetical 10% strengthening or weakening in the U.S. dollar would have changed Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by $1,395. The Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge transaction exposures or significant cross-border intercompany loans by either purchasing or selling specified amounts of foreign currency at a specified date. The gross notional dollar amount of these foreign exchange contracts at December 31, 2020 was $391,112. A hypothetical 10% change in the year-end exchange rates would have resulted in an increase or decrease to Income before income taxes of $18,372 related to these positions. However, any loss (or gain) resulting from a hypothetical 10% change would be offset by the associated gain (or loss) on the underlying balance sheet exposure and would ultimately not materially affect the Company’s financial statements. In addition, the Company has cross currency swaps to hedge the Company’s net investment in European subsidiaries against adverse changes in exchange rates. The gross notional dollar value of these contracts is $50,000 as of December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2020, a hypothetical 10% strengthening or weakening in the U.S. dollar would have changed Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by $5,981. 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 fixing for specified periods the prices the Company will pay for the volume to which the hedge relates. The Company had no commodity contracts outstanding during 2020. Interest Rate Risk At December 31, 2020, in anticipation of future debt issuance the Company had interest rate forward starting swap agreements to hedge the variability of future changes in interest rates. The gross notional dollar value of these contracts was $100,000 at December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2020, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase to effective interest rates would have changed Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by $9,309. The fair value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2020 approximated cost due to the short- term duration. These 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 counter-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, 2020 based on the 2013 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, 2020. The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 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. 34 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 2020 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION None. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The Company is expected to file its 2021 proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act within 120 days after December 31, 2020. Except for the information set forth within 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 2021 proxy statement. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the 2021 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 2021 proxy statement. For further information on the Company’s equity compensation plans, see Note 1 and Note 10 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 2021 proxy statement. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the 2021 proxy statement. 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 35 Consolidated Statements of Income – Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2020 and 2019 Consolidated Statements of Equity – Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 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 3.1 3.2 4.1 10.1 10.2 10.3 Description 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). Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., as amended on February 18, 2019 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on February 21, 2019, SEC File No.-0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Description of Securities Registered Under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2019, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2017, by and among Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., The Lincoln Electric Company, Lincoln Electric International Holding Company, J.W. Harris Co., Inc., Techalloy, Inc., Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc., Lincoln Global, Inc., the Lenders and KeyBank National Association (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on July 6, 2017, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2015, by and among Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., The Lincoln Electric Company, Lincoln Electric International Holding Company, J.W. Harris Co., Inc., Lincoln Global, Inc., Techalloy, Inc., Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc. and the purchasers party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on April 2, 2015, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Amendment No. 1 to Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2015, by and among Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., The Lincoln Electric Company, Lincoln Electric International Holding Company, J.W. Harris Co., Inc., Lincoln Global, Inc., Techalloy, Inc., Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc. and the purchasers party thereto, dated July 30, 2019 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). 36 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 10.9 10.10 10.11 10.12* Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 20, 2016, by and among Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., The Lincoln Electric Company, Lincoln Electric International Holding Company, J.W. Harris Co., Inc., Techalloy, Inc. and Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc. and the purchaser party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2016, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Uncommitted Master Note Facility, dated as of November 27, 2018, by and among Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., The Lincoln Electric Company, Lincoln Electric International Holding Company, J.W. Harris Co., Inc., Lincoln Global, Inc., Techalloy, Inc., Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc., MetLife Investment Advisors, LLC and/or one or more of its affiliates or related funds, as purchasers thereunder (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on November 29, 2018, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Uncommitted Master Note Facility, dated as of November 27, 2018, by and among Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., The Lincoln Electric Company, Lincoln Electric International Holding Company, J.W. Harris Co., Inc., Lincoln Global, Inc., Techalloy, Inc., Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc., Voya Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company and/or one or more of its affiliates or related funds, as purchasers thereunder (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on November 29, 2018, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Uncommitted Master Note Facility, dated as of November 27, 2018, by and among Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., The Lincoln Electric Company, Lincoln Electric International Holding Company, J.W. Harris Co., Inc., Lincoln Global, Inc., Techalloy, Inc., Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc., State Farm Life Insurance Company and/or one or more of its affiliates or related funds, as purchasers thereunder (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on November 29, 2018, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Uncommitted Master Note Facility, dated as of November 27, 2018, by and among Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., The Lincoln Electric Company, Lincoln Electric International Holding Company, J.W. Harris Co., Inc., Lincoln Global, Inc., Techalloy, Inc., Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc., AIG Asset Management (U.S.), LLC and/or one or more of its affiliates or related funds, as purchasers thereunder (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on November 29, 2018, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Uncommitted Master Note Facility, dated as of November 27, 2018, by and among Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., The Lincoln Electric Company, Lincoln Electric International Holding Company, J.W. Harris Co., Inc., Lincoln Global, Inc., Techalloy, Inc., Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc., John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) and/or one or more of its affiliates or related funds, as purchasers thereunder (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on November 29, 2018, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Uncommitted Master Note Facility, dated as of November 27, 2018, by and among Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., The Lincoln Electric Company, Lincoln Electric International Holding Company, J.W. Harris Co., Inc., Lincoln Global, Inc., Techalloy, Inc., Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc., Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and/or one or more of its affiliates or related funds, as purchasers thereunder (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on November 29, 2018, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Uncommitted Master Note Facility, dated as of November 27, 2018, by and among Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., The Lincoln Electric Company, Lincoln Electric International Holding Company, J.W. Harris Co., Inc., Lincoln Global, Inc., Techalloy, Inc., Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc., Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America and/or one or more of its affiliates or related funds, as purchasers thereunder (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on November 29, 2018, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). 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). 37 10.13* 10.14* 10.15* 10.16* 10.17* 10.18* 10.19* 10.20* 10.21* 10.22* 10.23* 10.24* 10.25* 10.26* 10.27* 10.28* Amendment No. 1 to Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (As Amended and Restated as of December 31, 2008) (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2016, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Amendment No. 2 to Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (As Amended and Restated as of December 31, 2008) (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Form10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). 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). Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2019) (filed as Exhibit 10.15 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2018, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Amendment No. 1 to Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2019) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2021) (filed herewith). 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan for Executives (Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2018) (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2017, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Amendment No. 1 to 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan for Executives (Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2018) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan for Executives (Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2021) (filed herewith). The Lincoln Electric Company Restoration Plan (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Form S-8 of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on December 19, 2016, SEC File No. 333-215168, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Amendment No. 1 to The Lincoln Electric Company Restoration Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). The Lincoln Electric Company Employee Savings Plan As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2020 (filed herewith). Amendment No. 1 to The Lincoln Electric Company Employee Savings Plan As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2020 (filed herewith). Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement (as entered into by the Company and its executive officers) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. filed on November 21, 2017, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Amendment No. 1 to Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement (as entered into by the Company and its executive officers) (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). 2006 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (Restated as of March 3, 2011) (filed as Annex A to Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. proxy statement filed on March 18, 2011, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). 38 10.29* 10.30* 10.31* 10.32* 10.33* 10.34* 10.35* 10.36* 10.37* 10.38* 10.39* 10.40* 10.41* 10.42* 10.43* 10.44* 10.45* 2006 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (filed as Appendix C to 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). 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 quarter ended March 31, 2007, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). 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 quarter ended September 30, 2007, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Amendment No. 3 to the 2006 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors dated December 15, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 10.20 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). 2015 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Appendix B to Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. definitive proxy statement filed on March 18, 2015, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). 2015 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (filed as Appendix C to Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. definitive proxy statement filed on March 18, 2015, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Amendment No. 1 to the 2015 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (filed as Appendix C to Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. proxy statement dated March 20, 2017, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated by reference and made a part hereof). Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (filed as Exhibit 10.32 to Form 10- K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2019, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (filed herewith). Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-Q of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers (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). Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.27 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2017, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.28 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2017, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.37 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2018, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.38 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2019, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.33 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2013, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.21 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2015, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). 39 10.46* 10.47* 10.48* 10.49* 10.50* 10.51* 10.52* 10.53* 10.54* Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.33 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2017, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.41 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2018, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.43 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2019, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.22 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2015, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2017, SEC File No. 0-1402 and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.44 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2018, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). Form of Performance Share Award Agreement for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.47 to Form 10-K of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2019, SEC File No. 0-1402, and incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof). 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). Form of Director Indemnification Agreement (effective February 23, 2012) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 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). 31.2 32.1 21 23 24 31.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant (filed herewith). Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith). Powers of Attorney (filed herewith). Certification by the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (filed herewith). Certification by the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (filed herewith). Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith). Inline XBRL Instance Document 101.INS 101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document 101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document 101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document 101.PRE 101.DEF 104 Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document Cover page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) * Reflects management contract or other compensatory arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 15(b) of this report. 40 ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY None. 41 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. SIGNATURES LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. By: /s/ Gabriel Bruno Gabriel Bruno Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (principal financial and accounting officer) February 19, 2021 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/ Christopher L. Mapes Christopher L. Mapes, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) February 19, 2021 /s/ Gabriel Bruno Gabriel Bruno, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (principal financial and accounting officer) /s/ Gabriel Bruno Gabriel Bruno as Attorney-in-Fact for Curtis E. Espeland, Director February 19, 2021 /s/ Gabriel Bruno Gabriel Bruno as Attorney-in-Fact for Stephen G. Hanks, Director February 19, 2021 /s/ Gabriel Bruno Gabriel Bruno as Attorney-in-Fact for G. Russell Lincoln, Director February 19, 2021 /s/ Gabriel Bruno Gabriel Bruno as Attorney-in-Fact for William E. MacDonald, III, Director February 19, 2021 /s/ Gabriel Bruno Gabriel Bruno as Attorney-in-Fact for Ben P. Patel, Director February 19, 2021 /s/ Gabriel Bruno Gabriel Bruno as Attorney-in-Fact for Kellye L. Walker, Director February 19, 2021 February 19, 2021 /s/ Gabriel Bruno Gabriel Bruno as Attorney-in-Fact for Patrick P. Goris, Director February 19, 2021 /s/ Gabriel Bruno Gabriel Bruno as Attorney-in-Fact for Michael F. Hilton, Director February 19, 2021 /s/ Gabriel Bruno Gabriel Bruno as Attorney-in-Fact for Kathryn Jo Lincoln, Director February 19, 2021 /s/ Gabriel Bruno Gabriel Bruno as Attorney-in-Fact for Phillip J. Mason, Director February 19, 2021 /s/ Gabriel Bruno Gabriel Bruno as Attorney-in-Fact for Hellene S. Runtagh, Director February 19, 2021 42 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (a) (2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 19, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. Critical Audit Matter The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the account or disclosure to which it relates. F-1 Uncertain tax positions Description of the Matter As disclosed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company operates in a multinational tax environment and is subject to laws and regulations in various jurisdictions, including U.S. federal, various U.S. state and non-U.S. jurisdictions. Uncertain tax positions may arise from interpretations and judgments made by the Company in the application of the relevant laws, regulations and tax rulings. The Company uses judgment in (1) determining whether the technical merits of tax positions in certain jurisdictions are more-likely-than-not to be sustained and (2) measuring the related amount of tax benefit that qualifies for recognition. Auditing the tax positions related to certain jurisdictions was complex because the recognition and measurement of the tax positions is judgmental and is based on interpretations of laws, regulations and tax rulings. How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s process to assess the technical merits of certain tax positions and controls over the Company’s process for accounting for uncertain tax positions. For example, our procedures included testing the Company’s controls to determine the application of the relevant laws, regulations and tax rulings, including management’s process to recognize and measure the related tax positions. In testing the recognition and measurement of income tax positions, we involved tax professionals to assist in assessing the technical merits of the Company’s tax positions. In addition, we used our knowledge of and experience with the application of domestic and international income tax laws by the relevant tax authorities to evaluate the Company’s accounting for those tax positions. We also assessed the Company’s assumptions and data used to support the measurement of the related tax positions and tested the accuracy of the calculations. Lastly, we evaluated the Company’s income tax disclosures related to the Company’s uncertain tax positions. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP We have served as the Company’s auditor since at least 1923, but we are unable to determine the specific year. Cleveland, OH February 19, 2021 F-2 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting We have audited Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on the COSO criteria. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2020 consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated February 19, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Basis for Opinion The Company’s 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. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 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. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Cleveland, Ohio February 19, 2021 F-3 LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share amounts) Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 Net sales (Note 2) Cost of goods sold Gross profit Selling, general & administrative expenses Rationalization and asset impairment charges (Note 6) Operating income Interest expense, net Other income (expense) (Note 14) Income before income taxes Income taxes (Note 15) Net income including non-controlling interests Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries’ income (loss) Net income $ 2,655,400 $ 3,003,272 $ 3,028,674 2,000,153 1,028,521 627,697 25,285 375,539 17,565 10,686 368,660 81,667 286,993 (73) 287,066 1,995,685 1,007,587 621,489 15,188 370,910 23,415 20,998 368,493 75,410 293,083 (26) 293,109 $ 1,784,059 871,341 543,802 45,468 282,071 21,973 3,942 264,040 57,896 206,144 29 $ 206,115 $ Basic earnings per share (Note 3) Diluted earnings per share (Note 3) Cash dividends declared per share $ $ $ 3.46 $ 3.42 $ 1.98 $ 4.73 $ 4.68 $ 1.90 $ 4.42 4.37 1.64 See notes to these consolidated financial statements. F-4 LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In thousands) Net income including non-controlling interests Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax of $605 in 2020; $(58) in 2019; $346 in 2018 Defined pension plan activity, net of tax of $(10,622) in 2020; $4,188 in 2019; $1,691 in 2018 Currency translation adjustment Other comprehensive income (loss): Comprehensive income Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 $ 206,144 $ 293,083 $ 286,993 861 (68) 819 (31,224) 4,068 (26,295) 179,849 74 3,228 (50,693) (46,646) 240,347 (166) $ 179,775 $ 310,998 $ 240,513 11,503 6,735 18,170 311,253 255 See notes to these consolidated financial statements. F-5 LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands) ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $14,779 in 2020; $16,002 in 2019) Inventories (Note 9) Other current assets Total Current Assets Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 1) Intangibles, net (Note 5) Goodwill Deferred income taxes (Note 14) Other assets TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current Liabilities Amounts due banks (Note 9) Trade accounts payable Accrued employee compensation and benefits Dividends payable Other current liabilities Current portion of long-term debt (Note 9) Total Current Liabilities Long-term debt, less current portion (Note 12) Deferred income taxes (Note 14) Other liabilities Total Liabilities Shareholders' Equity December 31, 2020 2019 $ 257,279 $ 199,563 373,487 381,258 100,319 1,112,343 522,092 134,451 335,593 16,959 193,015 374,649 393,748 107,621 1,075,581 529,344 177,798 337,107 14,275 237,108 $ 2,314,453 $ 2,371,213 $ 2,623 $ 256,530 98,437 30,417 161,331 111 549,449 715,456 46,742 212,556 1,524,203 34,857 273,002 83,033 29,690 142,441 112 563,135 712,302 64,286 212,413 1,552,136 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 2020 and 2019; outstanding – 59,640,895 shares in 2020 and 60,592,096 shares in 2019 Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive loss Treasury shares, at cost – 38,940,539 shares in 2020 and 37,989,338 shares in 2019 Total Shareholders' Equity Non-controlling interests Total Equity TOTAL LIABILITIES AND TOTAL EQUITY — — 9,858 409,958 2,821,359 (302,190) (2,149,714) 789,271 979 790,250 9,858 389,446 2,736,481 (275,850) (2,041,763) 818,172 905 819,077 $ 2,314,453 $ 2,371,213 See notes to these consolidated financial statements. F-6 LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (In thousands, except per share amounts) Common Additional Accumulated Other Shares Common Paid-In Retained Comprehensive Treasury Non- Controlling Outstanding Shares Capital Earnings Income (Loss) Shares Interests Total Balance at December 31, 2017 Net income Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax Unrealized gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax Currency translation adjustment Cash dividends declared – $1.64 per share Stock-based compensation activity Purchase of shares for treasury Other Balance at December 31, 2018 Net income Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax Unrealized loss on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax Currency translation adjustment Cash dividends declared – $1.90 per share Stock-based compensation activity Purchase of shares for treasury Other Balance at December 31, 2019 Net income Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax Unrealized gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax Currency translation adjustment Cash dividends declared – $1.98 per share Stock-based compensation activity Purchase of shares for treasury Other Balance at December 31, 2020 65,663 $ 9,858 $ 334,309 $ 2,388,219 $ (247,186) $ (1,553,563) $ 287,066 158 (2,275) 63,546 9,858 21,956 4,043 360,308 (106,802) (4,043) 2,564,440 293,109 467 (3,421) 60,592 9,858 26,116 3,022 389,446 (117,950) (3,118) 2,736,481 206,115 3,228 819 (50,600) 1,288 (201,650) (293,739) (1,753,925) 11,503 (68) 6,454 4,855 (292,693) (275,850) (2,041,763) (31,224) 861 4,023 457 (1,408) (118,423) 27,076 (6,564) (2,814) 5,504 (113,455) 59,641 $ 9,858 $ 409,958 $ 2,821,359 $ (302,190) $ (2,149,714) $ See notes to these consolidated financial statements. 816 $ 932,453 286,993 (73) 3,228 819 (50,693) (106,802) 23,244 (201,650) — 887,592 293,083 11,503 (68) 6,735 (117,950) 30,971 (292,693) (96) 819,077 206,144 (31,224) (93) 650 (26) 281 905 29 45 861 4,068 (118,423) 32,580 (113,455) (9,378) 979 $ 790,250 F-7 LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2019 2020 2018 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries' income (loss) Net income including non-controlling interests Adjustments to reconcile Net income including non-controlling interests to Net cash provided by operating activities: Rationalization and asset impairment net charges (Note 6) Net impact of U.S. Tax Act (Note 14) Depreciation and amortization Equity earnings in affiliates, net Deferred income taxes Stock-based compensation Gain on change in control Other, net Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions: Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable Decrease (increase) in inventories Decrease in other current assets (Decrease) increase in trade accounts payable Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities Net change in other assets and liabilities NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Capital expenditures Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Purchase of marketable securities Proceeds from marketable securities Other investing activities NET CASH (USED BY) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Amounts due banks, net Payments on long-term borrowings Proceeds from exercise of stock options Purchase of shares for treasury (Note 8) Cash dividends paid to shareholders Other financing activities NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 206,115 $ 293,109 $ 287,066 (73) 286,993 (26) 293,083 29 206,144 21,835 — 80,492 (408) (2,948) 15,388 — (9,996) 3,500 — 81,487 (1,427) 13,019 16,624 (7,601) (8,155) (5,978) 399 72,346 (3,034) 1,490 18,554 — (7,934) 3,582 22,751 14,711 (17,919) 22,310 (4,580) 351,362 50,394 (12,023) 14,269 (8,339) (31,223) (423) 403,185 (4,061) (23,904) 1,324 3,636 (13,657) 2,978 329,152 (59,201) — 7,667 — — 2,321 (49,213) (69,615) (134,717) 9,509 — — 2,000 (192,823) (71,246) (101,792) 16,755 (268,335) 447,459 (2,000) 20,841 (31,746) (14) 17,192 (113,455) (118,118) — (246,141) 1,708 57,716 24,429 (107) 14,347 (292,693) (117,920) — (371,944) 2,296 (159,286) (835) (107) 4,690 (201,650) (102,058) (2,170) (302,130) (15,715) 32,148 199,563 326,701 $ 257,279 $ 199,563 $ 358,849 358,849 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 inter- company accounts, transactions and profits. General Information The Company is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, automated joining, assembly and cutting systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment. The Company also has a leading global position in brazing and soldering alloys. The Company’s products include arc welding power sources, plasma cutters, wire feeding systems, robotic welding packages, integrated automation systems, fume extraction equipment, consumable electrodes, fluxes and welding accessories and specialty welding consumables and fabrication. 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. COVID-19 Assessment In March 2020, the World Health Organization categorized the current coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) as a pandemic, and the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the United States and other countries across the world, and the ultimate duration and severity on the Company's business remains unknown. Although the Company’s customers have re-opened and increased operating levels, such customers may be forced to close or limit operations should a resurgence of COVID-19 cases occur. Given this continued level of economic and operational uncertainty over the impacts of COVID-19, the ultimate financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. 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 gains and losses are included in Selling, general & administrative expenses and were gains of $4,229, $5,291 and $4,885 in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. F-9 Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. 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 net realizable value. Fixed manufacturing overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on normal production capacity and abnormal manufacturing costs are recognized as period costs. Cost for a substantial portion of U.S. inventories is determined on a last-in, first-out (“ LIFO”) basis. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, approximately 35% and 36% of total inventories, respectively, were valued using the LIFO method. Cost of other inventories is determined by costing methods that approximate a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis. Refer to Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Reserves are maintained for estimated obsolescence or excess inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. The reserve for excess and obsolete inventory was $24,351 and $24,088 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Prepaid Expenses Prepaid expenses include prepaid insurance, prepaid rent, prepaid service contracts and other prepaid items. Prepaid expenses are included in Other current assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and amounted to $19,584 and $17,437 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Equity Investments Investments in businesses which the Company does not own a majority interest and does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method. The Company’s 50% ownership interest in equity investments includes an investment in Chile at December 31, 2020 and 2019. During July 2019, the Company acquired the controlling stake of its equity investment in Kaynak Tekni(cid:247)i Sanayi ve Ticaret A.(cid:249). (“Askaynak”), located in Turkey. The financial statements of Askaynak were consolidated into the Company at that time. Long-lived Assets 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 3 years to 20 years for machinery, tools and equipment, and up to 40 years for F-10 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 costs associated with long-term construction in progress. Property, plant and equipment, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is comprised of the following components: Land Buildings Machinery and equipment Less accumulated depreciation Total Leases December 31, 2020 $ $ 70,335 $ 433,823 902,581 1,406,739 884,647 522,092 $ 2019 71,676 427,165 856,272 1,355,113 825,769 529,344 The Company determines if an agreement is a lease at inception. The Company records a right-of-use asset on its Consolidated Balance Sheets to represent its right to use an underlying asset for the lease term. The Company records a lease liability on its Consolidated Balance Sheets to represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company’s operating leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on information available at commencement date to present value the lease payments. The Company has operating leases for sales offices, manufacturing facilities, warehouses and distribution centers, transportation equipment, office equipment and information technology equipment. Some of these leases are noncancelable. Variable or short-term lease costs contained within the Company’s operating leases are not material. Most leases include one or more options to renew, which can extend the lease term from 1 to 11 years or more. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s sole discretion. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance sheets. The Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. The Company periodically evaluates whether current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of its depreciable long-lived assets, including right-of-use 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. Refer to Notes 5, 7 and 18 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. 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 F-11 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. In performing the annual impairment test, 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. For goodwill, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, and whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The quantitative test is required only if the Company concludes that it is more-likely-than-not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. For quantitative testing, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Fair values are determined using established business valuation techniques and models developed by the Company, estimates of market participant assumptions of future cash flows, future growth rates and discount rates to value estimated cash flows. Changes in economic and operating conditions, actual growth below the assumed market participant assumptions or an increase in the discount rate could result in an impairment charge in a future period. Refer to Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. 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 following hierarchy is used to classify the inputs that measure fair value: Level 1 Level 2 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Inputs to the valuation methodology include: (cid:120) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; (cid:120) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; (cid:120) Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and (cid:120) 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. Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Level 3 Refer to Notes 12 and 16 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. 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 generally provided for periods up to 3 years from the date of sale. The accrual for product warranty claims is included in Other current liabilities. Refer to Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. F-12 Revenue Recognition On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09 (“Topic 606”) using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting. The cumulative impact of adopting Topic 606 as of January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements. The Company does not expect the impact of the adoption of Topic 606 to be material to the consolidated financial statements on an ongoing basis. Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract are satisfied and control is transferred to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for goods or services. Substantially all of the Company’s sales arrangements are short-term in nature involving a single performance obligation. The Company recognizes revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied and control of the product is transferred to the customer generally based upon shipping terms. In addition, certain customized automation performance obligations are accounted for over time. Under this method, revenue recognition is primarily 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. Less than 10% of the Company’s Net sales are recognized over time. 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. Taxes collected by the Company, including sales tax and value added tax, are excluded from Net sales. The Company recognizes freight billed as a component of Net sales and shipping costs as a component of Cost of goods sold when control transfers to the customer. Sales commissions are expensed when incurred because the amortization period is generally one year or less. These costs are recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s payment terms vary by the type and location of the customer and the products or services offered. The Company does not offer any payment terms that would meet the requirements for consideration as a financing component under Topic 606. Refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Distribution Costs Distribution costs, including warehousing and freight related to product shipments, are included in Cost 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. 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. Refer to Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Financial Instruments The Company uses derivative instruments to manage exposures to interest rates, commodity prices and currency exchange rate fluctuations on certain purchase and sales transactions, balance sheet and net investment exposures. Derivative contracts to hedge currency and commodity exposures are generally written on a short-term basis, but may F-13 cover exposures for up to 3 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. 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 Net cash provided by operating activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. 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. Cash flow hedges Certain foreign currency forward contracts are qualified and designated as cash flow hedges. The effective portion of the fair value unrealized gain or loss on cash flow hedges are reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") with offsetting amounts recorded as Other current assets, Other assets, Other current liabilities or Other liabilities depending on the position and the duration of the contract. At settlement, the realized gain or loss is recorded in Cost of goods sold or Net sales for hedges of purchases and sales, respectively, in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion on cash flow hedges is recognized in current earnings. During March and April 2020, in anticipation of future debt issuance associated with the Notes referenced in Note 9, the Company entered into interest rate forward starting swap agreements to hedge the variability of future changes in interest rates. The forward starting swap agreements were qualified and designated as a cash flow hedge. The changes in fair value are recorded as part of AOCI, and upon completion of debt issuance and termination of the swaps, are amortized to interest expense over the life of the underlying debt. Fair value hedges Certain interest rate swap agreements were qualified and designated as fair value hedges. The interest rate swap agreements designated as fair value hedges meet the shortcut method requirements under accounting standards for derivatives and hedging. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of these agreements are considered to exactly offset changes in the fair value of the underlying long-term debt. Changes in fair value are recorded in Other assets or Other liabilities with offsetting amounts recorded as a fair value adjustment to the carrying value of Long-term debt, less current portion. Net investment hedges For derivative instruments that qualify as a net investment hedge, the effective portion of the fair value gains or losses are recognized in AOCI with offsetting amounts recorded as Other current assets, Other assets, Other current liabilities or Other liabilities depending on the position and the duration of the contract. The gains or losses are subsequently reclassified to Selling, general and administrative expenses, as the underlying hedged investment is liquidated. F-14 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 hedges of certain balance sheet exposures. The gains or losses on these contracts are recognized in Selling, general and administrative expenses, offsetting the losses or gains on the exposures being hedged. Refer to Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Research and Development Research and development costs are charged to Selling, general & administrative expenses as incurred and totaled $51,414, $56,845 and $54,168 in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Bonus Included in Selling, general & administrative 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 were $87,407, $100,381 and $123,799 in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are recognized at currently enacted tax rates for temporary differences between the GAAP and income tax basis of assets and liabilities and operating loss and tax credit 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. The Company maintains liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain income tax positions in various jurisdictions. The Company uses judgment in determining whether the technical merits of tax positions are more-likely- than-not to be sustained. Judgment is also used in measuring the related amount of tax benefit that qualifies for recognition, including the interpretation of applicable tax law, regulations and tax rulings. Provisions of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("U.S. Tax Act") became effective for the Company in 2018. The Foreign- Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”) provision generates a deduction against the Company’s U.S. taxable income for U.S. earnings derived offshore that utilize intangibles held by the Company in the U.S. Conversely, the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) provision requires the Company to subject to U.S. taxation a portion of its foreign subsidiary earnings that exceed an allowable return. The Company elects to treat any GILTI inclusion as a period expense in the year incurred. Refer to Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Acquisitions Upon acquisition of a business, the Company uses the income, market or cost approach (or a combination thereof) for the valuation as appropriate. The valuation inputs in these models and analyses are based on market participant assumptions. Market participants are considered to be buyers and sellers unrelated to the Company in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Fair value estimates are based on a series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. Management values property, plant and equipment using the cost approach supported where available by observable market data, which includes consideration of obsolescence. Management values acquired intangible assets using the relief from royalty method or excess earnings method, forms of the income approach supported by observable market data for peer companies. The significant assumptions used to estimate the value of the acquired intangible assets include discount rates and certain assumptions that form the basis of future cash flows (such as F-15 revenue growth rates, customer attrition rates, and royalty rates). Acquired inventories are marked to fair value. For certain items, the carrying value is determined to be a reasonable approximation of fair value based on information available to the Company. Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. 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. New Accounting Pronouncements The following section provides a description of new ASUs issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") that are applicable to the Company. The following ASUs were adopted as of January 1, 2020 and did not have a significant financial impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements unless otherwise described within the table below: Standard ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20), issued August 2018. Description ASU 2018-14 modifies disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The ASU also requires an entity to disclose the weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance plans and to explain the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation. Refer to Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for further details. ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 944), issued August 2018. ASU 2018-13 eliminates, amends and adds disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The ASU removes disclosure requirements pertaining to the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of transfers between levels and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. Refer to Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for further details. ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), issued June 2016. ASU 2016-13 modifies disclosure and measurement requirements related to credit losses. Topic 326 requires that an entity estimate impairment of trade receivables based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), issued March 2020. ASU 2020-04 provides temporary optional guidance to ease the financial reporting burden associated with the expected market transition from the London Inter-Bank Offer Rate ("LIBOR") to alternative reference rates. The Company adopted the ASU on March 12, 2020 and it is effective through December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has not utilized any of the optional guidance, however, it will continue to assess the potential impact on the Company’s debt contracts and hedging relationships through the effective period. F-16 The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its financial statements of the following ASUs: Standard ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740), issued December 2019. Description ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. The ASU is effective January 1, 2021 and early adoption is permitted. NOTE 2 — REVENUE RECOGNITION The following table presents the Company’s Net sales disaggregated by product line: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2020 2018 Consumables Equipment Net sales $ 1,509,509 $ 1,715,002 $ 1,755,652 1,273,022 $ 2,655,400 $ 3,003,272 $ 3,028,674 1,145,891 1,288,270 Consumable sales consist of electrodes, fluxes, specialty welding consumables and brazing and soldering alloys. Equipment sales consist of arc welding power sources, welding accessories, fabrication, plasma cutters, wire feeding systems, automated joining, assembly and cutting systems, fume extraction equipment, CNC plasma and oxy-fuel cutting systems and regulators and torches used in oxy-fuel welding, cutting and brazing. Consumable and Equipment products are sold within each of the Company’s operating segments. Within the Equipment product line, there are certain customer contracts related to automation products that may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the Company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. The Company generally determines the standalone selling price based on the prices charged to customers or using expected cost plus margin. At December 31, 2020, the Company recorded $14,920 related to advance customer payments and $21,396 related to billings in excess of revenue recognized. These contract liabilities are included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2019, the balances related to advance customer payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized were $16,040 and $16,274, respectively. Substantially all of the Company’s contract liabilities are recognized within twelve months based on contract duration. The Company records an asset for contracts where it has recognized revenue, but has not yet invoiced the customer for goods or services. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, $22,113 and $33,566, respectively, related to these future customer receivables was included in Other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Contract asset amounts are expected to be billed within the next twelve months. F-17 NOTE 3 - EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share: Numerator: Net income Denominator (shares in 000's): Basic weighted average shares outstanding Effect of dilutive securities - Stock options and awards Diluted weighted average shares outstanding Basic earnings per share Diluted earnings per share Year Ended December 31, 2019 2020 2018 $ 206,115 $ 293,109 $ 287,066 59,633 615 60,248 61,960 698 62,658 $ $ 3.46 $ 3.42 $ 4.73 $ 4.68 $ 64,886 796 65,682 4.42 4.37 For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, common shares subject to equity-based awards of 615,302, 524,110 and 324,688, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of their exercise would be anti-dilutive. NOTE 4 – ACQUISITIONS During July 2019, the Company acquired the controlling stake in Askaynak. Askaynak, based in Turkey, is a supplier and manufacturer of welding consumables, arc welding equipment, including plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment and robotic welding systems. The acquisition advanced the Company’s regional growth strategy in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. During April 2019, the Company acquired Baker Industries, Inc. ("Baker"). Baker, based in Detroit, Michigan, is a provider of custom tooling, parts and fixtures primarily serving automotive and aerospace markets. The acquisition complimented the Company’s automation portfolio and its metal additive manufacturing service business. During December 2018, the Company acquired the soldering business of Worthington Industries (“Worthington”). The Worthington business, based in Winston Salem, North Carolina, broadened the Harris Products Group’s portfolio of industry-leading consumables with the addition of premium solders and fluxes. Also during December 2018, the Company acquired Coldwater Machine Company (“Coldwater”) and Pro Systems. Coldwater, based in Coldwater, Ohio, is a flexible automation integrator and precision machining and assembly manufacturer serving diverse end markets. Pro Systems, based in Churubusco, Indiana, is an automation systems designer and integrator serving automotive, industrial, electrical and medical applications. The acquisitions accelerated growth and expanded the Company’s industry-leading portfolio of automated cutting and joining solutions. Also during December 2018, the Company acquired Inovatech Engineering Corporation (“Inovatech”). Inovatech, based in Ontario, Canada, is a manufacturer of advanced robotic plasma cutting solutions for structural steel applications. The acquisition scaled the Company’s automated cutting solutions and application expertise and supports long-term growth in that market. Pro forma information related to the acquisitions discussed above has not been presented because the impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income is not material. Acquired companies are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the date of acquisition. F-18 NOTE 5 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows: Balance as of December 31, 2018 Additions and adjustments (1) Foreign currency translation Balance as of December 31, 2019 Additions and adjustments Foreign currency translation Balance as of December 31, 2020 The Harris Products Group International Americas Welding $ 239,215 $ 24,248 $ Welding 37,346 1,935 278,496 — 1,314 17,254 (28) 41,474 697 (3,111) $ 279,810 $ 39,060 $ Consolidated 17,831 $ 281,294 53,987 1,826 337,107 596 (2,110) 16,723 $ 335,593 (613) (81) 17,137 (101) (313) (1) Additions to Americas Welding reflect goodwill recognized in the acquisition of Baker in 2019. Additions to International Welding reflect goodwill recognized in the acquisition of Askaynak in 2019. Gross carrying values and accumulated amortization of intangible assets other than goodwill by asset class were as follows: Intangible assets not subject to amortization Trademarks and trade names Intangible assets subject to amortization Trademarks and trade names Customer relationships Patents Other Total intangible assets subject to amortization December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Gross Amount Accumulated Gross Amortization Amount Accumulated Amortization $ 15,495 $ 22,020 $ 71,594 $ 137,564 25,907 69,188 31,284 62,242 13,633 39,612 $ 304,253 $ 185,297 $ 302,549 $ 146,771 39,906 $ 65,957 $ 84,720 15,006 45,665 140,198 25,931 70,463 Aggregate amortization expense was $20,363, $20,755 and $15,744 for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During the second quarter of 2020, the Company determined that for certain intangible assets, the carrying value of the assets exceeded the fair value resulting in an impairment. The Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of $17,337 which are recorded in Rationalization and asset impairment charges in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. Estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets for each of the next five years is $19,206 in 2021, $17,911 in 2022, $15,305 in 2023, $13,786 in 2024 and $12,900 in 2025. NOTE 6 – SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company’s primary business is the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, automated joining, assembly and cutting systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment. The Company also has a leading global position in brazing and soldering alloys. The Company’s products include arc welding power sources, plasma cutters, wire feeding systems, robotic welding packages, integrated automation systems, fume extraction equipment, consumable electrodes, fluxes and welding accessories and specialty welding consumables and fabrication. The Company’s product offering also includes CNC plasma and oxy-fuel cutting systems and regulators and torches used in oxy-fuel welding, cutting and brazing. The Company has aligned its organizational and leadership structure into three operating segments to support growth strategies and enhance the utilization of the Company’s worldwide resources and global sourcing initiatives. The F-19 operating segments consist of Americas Welding, International Welding and The Harris Products Group. The Americas Welding segment includes welding operations in North and South America. The International Welding segment includes welding operations in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. The Harris Products Group includes the Company’s global cutting, soldering and brazing businesses as well as its retail business in the United States. Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary measure being the adjusted earnings before interest and income taxes ("Adjusted EBIT") profit measure. EBIT is defined as Operating income plus Equity earnings in affiliates and Other income. 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 include inventories reported on a LIFO basis. Segment and consolidated income before interest and income taxes include the effect of inventories reported on a LIFO basis. At December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 approximately 35%, 36% and 37%, respectively, of total inventories were valued using the LIFO method. LIFO is used for a substantial portion of U.S. inventories included in Americas Welding. 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. F-20 Financial information for the reportable segments follows: The Harris International Products Americas Welding (1) Welding (2) Group (3) Eliminations (4) Consolidated Corporate / For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 Net sales Inter-segment sales Total Adjusted EBIT Special items charge (gain) EBIT Interest income Interest expense Income before income taxes Total assets Equity investments in affiliates Capital expenditures Depreciation and amortization For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 Net sales Inter-segment sales Total Adjusted EBIT Special items charge (gain) EBIT Interest income Interest expense Income before income taxes Total assets Equity investments in affiliates Capital expenditures Depreciation and amortization For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Net sales Inter-segment sales Total Adjusted EBIT Special items charge EBIT Interest income Interest expense Income before income taxes Total assets Equity investments in affiliates Capital expenditures Depreciation and amortization $ 1,509,870 $ 109,378 $ 1,619,248 $ 245,728 $ $ 34,989 210,739 $ $ 786,809 $ 358,721 $ 18,494 805,303 $ 44,979 $ 19,404 25,575 $ 7,034 365,755 $ 55,154 $ — 55,154 $ — $ 2,655,400 (134,906) — (134,906) $ 2,655,400 340,406 54,393 286,013 1,986 (23,959) 264,040 (5,455) $ — (5,455) $ $ $ 1,423,393 $ 4,682 30,811 51,744 807,407 $ — 21,819 23,859 225,959 $ — 6,571 4,982 (142,306) $ 2,314,453 4,682 59,201 80,492 — — (93) $ 1,815,746 $ 123,342 $ 1,939,088 $ 315,719 $ $ 3,115 312,604 $ $ 854,376 $ 17,691 872,067 $ 50,281 $ 2,156 48,125 $ 333,150 $ 7,487 340,637 $ 45,701 $ 1,770 43,931 $ — $ 3,003,272 (148,520) — (148,520) $ 3,003,272 400,753 8,845 391,908 2,527 (25,942) 368,493 (10,948) $ 1,804 (12,752) $ $ $ 1,490,395 $ 4,274 39,106 55,300 831,759 $ — 23,126 22,013 203,602 $ — 7,383 4,636 (154,543) $ 2,371,213 4,274 69,615 81,487 — — (462) $ 1,806,514 $ 118,936 $ 1,925,450 $ 340,744 $ $ 6,686 334,058 $ $ 919,771 $ 18,576 938,347 $ 54,273 $ 25,285 28,988 $ 302,389 $ 6,969 309,358 $ 36,564 $ — 36,564 $ $ 1,418,905 $ 4,204 42,053 47,008 827,132 $ 27,024 26,284 22,384 203,095 $ — 2,909 3,045 (8,887) $ 4,498 (13,385) $ — $ 3,028,674 (144,481) — (144,481) $ 3,028,674 422,694 36,469 386,225 6,938 (24,503) 368,660 (99,307) $ 2,349,825 31,228 71,246 72,346 — — (91) $ (1) 2020 special items reflect Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $26,870 and pension settlement charges of $8,119. 2019 special items reflect Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $1,716 and amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories of $1,399 related to the acquisition of Baker. 2018 special items reflect pension settlement charges of $6,686 in Americas Welding related to lump sum pension payments. F-21 (2) 2020 special items reflect Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $18,598 and amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories of $806 related to an acquisition. 2019 special items reflect Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $11,702, amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories of $1,609 related to the acquisition of Askaynak, gains on disposals of assets of $3,554 and a gain on change in control of $7,601 related to the acquisition of Askaynak. 2018 special items reflect Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $25,285 related to employee severance, asset impairments, gains or losses on disposal of assets and other related costs. (3) 2019 special items reflect Rationalization and asset impairment charges of $1,770. (4) 2019 special items reflect acquisition transaction and integration costs of $1,804 related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. 2018 special items reflect acquisition transaction and integration costs of $4,498 related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. Export sales (excluding inter-company sales) from the United States were $132,637 in 2020, $147,145 in 2019 and $160,064 in 2018. No individual customer comprised more than 10% of the Company’s total revenues for any of the three years ended December 31, 2020. The geographic split of the Company’s Net sales, based on the location of the customer, and property, plant and equipment were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 Net sales: United States Foreign countries Total Property, plant and equipment, net: United States Foreign countries Eliminations Total $ 1,431,859 $ 1,615,483 $ 1,554,688 1,473,986 $ 2,655,400 $ 3,003,272 $ 3,028,674 1,387,789 1,223,541 2020 December 31, 2019 2018 $ $ 247,931 $ 274,214 (53) 522,092 $ 250,923 $ 278,566 (145) 529,344 $ 214,943 264,110 (252) 478,801 NOTE 7 – RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS The Company recorded rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $45,468, $15,188 and $25,285 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The charges are primarily related to employee severance, asset impairments and gains or losses on the disposal of assets. A description of each restructuring plan and the related costs follows: During 2020, the Company initiated rationalization plans within Americas Welding and International Welding segments. The plans include headcount restructuring and the consolidation of manufacturing facilities to better align the cost structure with economic conditions and operating needs. At December 31, 2020, liabilities of $25 and $12,560 for Americas Welding and International Welding, respectively, were recognized in Other current liabilities in the Company's F-22 Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company does not anticipate significant additional charges related to the completion of these plans. During 2019, the Company initiated rationalization plans within International Welding. The plans primarily include headcount restructuring to better align the cost structures with economic conditions and operating needs. Liabilities related to these plans were substantially paid at December 31, 2020. During 2018, the Company initiated rationalization plans within International Welding. The plans include headcount restructuring and the consolidation of manufacturing operations to better align the cost structures with economic conditions and operating needs. Liabilities related to these plans were substantially paid at December 31, 2020. The Company believes the rationalization actions will positively impact future results of operations and will not have a material effect on liquidity and sources and uses of capital. The Company continues to evaluate its cost structure and additional rationalization actions may result in charges in future periods. The following table summarizes the activity related to the rationalization liabilities: Balance at December 31, 2018 Payments and other adjustments Charged to expense Balance, December 31, 2019 Payments and other adjustments Charged to expense Balance, December 31, 2020 $ $ $ — $ — — — $ (4,712) 4,737 25 $ 11,192 $ (14,678) 11,688 8,202 $ (13,501) 18,896 13,597 $ Consolidated 11,192 (14,678) 11,688 8,202 (18,213) 23,633 13,622 Americas Welding International Welding NOTE 8 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ("AOCI") The following tables set forth the total changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") by component, net of taxes: Unrealized gain Year Ended December 31, 2020 Balance at December 31, 2018 $ Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification Amounts reclassified from AOCI Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification Amounts reclassified from AOCI Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ (loss) on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges Total Defined benefit Currency pension plan translation activity adjustment (82,049) $ (213,384) $ (293,739) 8,213 15,674 3,290 (2) 2,215 11,503 17,889 (70,546) $ (206,930) $ (275,850) (40,111) (36,878) 10,538 (26,340) 2,487 $ (101,770) $ (202,907) $ (302,190) 1,694 $ 1,007 (1,075) (1) (68) 1,626 $ (790) 1,651 (1) 861 4,023 (3) — 4,023 6,454 (3) — 6,454 8,887 (2) (31,224) (1) During 2020, this AOCI reclassification is a component of Net sales of $(1,478) (net of tax of $(537)) and Cost of goods sold of $173 (net of tax of $(15)); during 2019, the reclassification is a component of Net sales of $719 (net of tax of $256) and Cost of goods sold of $(356) (net of tax of $(98)). Refer to Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. F-23 (2) This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $2,857 and $984 during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively). Refer to Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. (3) The Other comprehensive income before reclassifications excludes $45 and $281 attributable to Non-controlling interests in the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The reclassified AOCI component is included in the computation of Non-controlling interests. Refer to the Consolidated Statements of Equity for additional details. NOTE 9 – DEBT At December 31, 2020 and 2019, debt consisted of the following: Long-term debt Senior Unsecured Notes due through 2045, interest at 2.8% to 4.0% (net of debt issuance costs of $1,178 and $1,282 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively), swapped $50,000 to variable interest rates of 2.4% to 2.6% in 2019 Other borrowings due through 2023, interest up to 2.0% Less current portion Long-term debt, less current portion Short-term debt Amounts due banks, weighted average interest at 17.9% in 2020 and 4.9% in 2019 Current portion long-term debt Total short-term debt Total debt December 31, 2020 2019 $ 704,886 $ 701,681 10,681 715,567 111 715,456 2,623 111 2,734 718,190 $ 10,733 712,414 112 712,302 34,857 112 34,969 747,271 $ At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the fair value of long-term debt, including the current portion, was approximately $793,591 and $721,494, respectively, which was determined using available market information and methodologies requiring judgment. Since judgment is required in interpreting market information, the fair value of the debt is not necessarily the amount which could be realized in a current market exchange. Senior Unsecured Notes On April 1, 2015, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement pursuant to which it issued senior unsecured notes (the "2015 Notes") in the aggregate principal amount of $350,000 through a private placement. On October 20, 2016 the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement pursuant to which it issued senior unsecured notes (the "2016 Notes") in the aggregate principal amount of $350,000 through a private placement. Interest on the notes are payable semi-annually. The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. The 2015 Notes and 2016 Notes contain certain affirmative and negative covenants. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants. F-24 The maturity and interest rates of the 2015 Notes and 2016 Notes are as follows: 2015 Notes Series A Series B Series C Series D 2016 Notes Series A Series B Series C Series D Amount Maturity Date Interest Rate $ 100,000 August 20, 2025 100,000 August 20, 2030 April 1, 2035 50,000 April 1, 2045 100,000 $ 100,000 October 20, 2028 100,000 October 20, 2033 100,000 October 20, 2037 50,000 October 20, 2041 3.15 % 3.35 % 3.61 % 4.02 % 2.75 % 3.03 % 3.27 % 3.52 % The Company’s total weighted average effective interest rate and remaining weighted average term, inclusive of the 2015 Notes and 2016 Notes, is 3.3% and 13.4 years, respectively. Revolving Credit Agreement The Company has a line of credit totaling $400,000 through the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement has a term of 5 years with a maturity date of June 30, 2022 and may be increased, subject to certain conditions, by an additional amount up to $100,000. The interest rate on borrowings is based on either the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or the prime rate, plus a spread based on the Company’s leverage ratio, at the Company’s election. The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants for credit facilities of this type, including limitations on the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to liens, investments, distributions, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets, transactions with affiliates, a fixed charges coverage ratio and total leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement. The Company has other lines of credit totaling $81,785. As of December 31, 2020 the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had $2,623 outstanding at December 31, 2020. Shelf Agreements On November 27, 2018, the Company entered into seven uncommitted master note facilities (the "Shelf Agreements") that allow borrowings up to $700,000 in the aggregate. The Shelf Agreements have a term of 5 years and the average life of borrowings cannot exceed 15 years. The Company is required to comply with covenants similar to those contained in the 2015 Notes and 2016 Notes. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under the Shelf Agreements. Other Maturities of long-term debt, including payments for amounts due banks, for the five years succeeding December 31, 2020 are $111 in 2021, $109 in 2022, $10,609 in 2023, $0 in 2024, $200,000 in 2025 and $500,000 thereafter. Total interest paid was $26,332 in 2020, $24,950 in 2019 and $23,790 in 2018. The difference between interest paid and interest expense is due to the accrual of interest associated with the Senior Unsecured Notes and interest rate derivative contracts discussed in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements. NOTE 10 – STOCK PLANS On April 23, 2015, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2015 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan ("Employee Plan"). The Employee Plan provides for the granting of options, appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units and performance-based awards up to an additional 5,400,000 of the Company’s common shares. In F-25 addition, on April 23, 2015, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2015 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors ("2015 Director Plan"). The 2015 Director Plan provides for the granting of options, restricted shares and restricted stock units up to an additional 300,000 of the Company’s common shares. At December 31, 2020, there were 2,450,999 common shares available for future grant under all plans. Stock Options The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2020 under all Plans: Balance at beginning of year Options granted Options exercised Options canceled Options forfeited Balance at end of year Exercisable at end of year $ Number of Options 1,318,290 222,589 (298,814) (1,360) (60,944) 1,179,761 843,927 Weighted Average Exercise Price 71.25 89.63 57.44 54.76 89.35 77.31 72.50 Options granted under both the Employee Plan and its predecessor plans may be outstanding for a maximum of 10 years from the date of grant. The majority of options granted vest ratably over a period of 3 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 2020. In 2020, all options issued were under the Employee Plan. 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 were as follows: Expected volatility Dividend yield Risk-free interest rate Expected option life (years) Weighted average fair value per option granted during the year 2020 2019 2018 25.80 % 2.51 % 1.41 % 4.7 15.97 $ 25.98 % 2.42 % 2.49 % 4.6 17.46 $ 25.36 % 1.92 % 2.69 % 4.6 18.97 $ The following table summarizes non-vested stock options for the year ended December 31, 2020: Balance at beginning of year Granted Vested Canceled Forfeited Balance at end of year Number of Options 374,575 222,589 (199,026) (1,360) (60,944) 335,834 Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date $ 17.93 15.97 17.91 15.77 16.69 16.88 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, 2020 was $45,946 and $36,926, respectively. The total intrinsic value of F-26 awards exercised during 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $13,269, $13,964 and $4,779, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $3,564, $3,012 and $3,511, respectively. The following table summarizes information about awards outstanding as of December 31, 2020: Exercise Price Range Under $49.99 $50.00 - $59.99 Over $60.00 Outstanding Weighted Weighted Number of Average Stock Options Exercise Remaining Price Exercisable Weighted Weighted Average Life (years) Options Price Average Number of Average Stock 1.50 5.10 171,225 6.50 606,227 6.00 843,927 66,475 $ 43.28 58.13 79.76 Exercise Remaining Life (years) 1.50 5.10 5.40 5.00 66,475 $ 43.28 58.13 171,225 942,061 83.19 1,179,761 Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") and Performance Share Units ("PSUs") The following table summarizes RSU and PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2020 under all Plans: Balance at beginning of year Units granted Units vested Units forfeited Balance at end of year $ Number of Units 481,129 184,936 (212,430) (42,146) 411,489 Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 85.58 93.38 82.77 88.58 90.23 RSUs are valued at the quoted market price on the grant date. The majority of RSUs vest over a period of 3 years. The Company issues shares of common stock from treasury upon the vesting of RSUs and any earned dividend equivalents. Conversion of 54,503 RSUs and PSUs to common shares in 2020 were deferred as part of the 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan for Executives (the "2005 Plan"). As of December 31, 2020, 87,951 RSUs and PSUs, 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. In 2020, 141,751 RSUs were issued under the Employee Plan and the 2015 Director Plan. The remaining weighted average vesting period of all non-vested RSUs is 1.5 years as of December 31, 2020. PSUs are valued at the quoted market price on the grant date. PSUs vest over a period of 3 years and are based on the Company’s performance relative to pre-established performance goals. The Company issues common stock from treasury upon the vesting of PSUs and any earned dividend equivalents. In 2020, the Company issued 43,185 PSU’s and has 90,980 PSUs outstanding under the Employee Plan at a weighted average fair value of $89.58 per share. The remaining weighted average vesting period of all non-vested PSUs is 1.1 years as of December 31, 2020. 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, RSUs or PSUs ultimately forfeited because recipients fail to meet vesting requirements. Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $15,388, $16,624 and $18,554, respectively. The related tax benefit for 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $3,874, $4,151 and $4,632, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options, RSUs and PSUs was $19,755, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 years. F-27 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 13,667 in 2020, 13,300 in 2019 and 8,324 in 2018. NOTE 11 – COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM The Company has a share repurchase program for up to 55 million of the Company’s common shares. On February 12, 2020, the Company’s Board of Director’s approved a new share repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase, in the aggregate, up to an additional 10 million shares of its outstanding common shares under this program. From time to time at management's discretion, the Company repurchases its common shares in the open market, depending on market conditions, stock price and other factors. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company purchased a total of 1.4 million shares at an average cost per share of $80.22. As of December 31, 2020, there remained 11.5 million shares remained available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program. The treasury shares have not been retired. NOTE 12 – 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-28 Defined Benefit Plans 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. Obligations and Funded Status December 31, 2020 2019 U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension Non-U.S. plans pension plans Change in benefit obligations Benefit obligations at beginning of year Service cost Interest cost Plan participants' contributions Acquisitions & other adjustments Actuarial (gain) loss (1) Benefits paid Settlements/curtailments (2) Currency translation Benefit obligations at end of year Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Actual return on plan assets Employer contributions Plan participants' contributions Acquisitions & other adjustments Benefits paid Settlements (2) Currency translation Fair value of plan assets at end of year Funded status at end of year Unrecognized actuarial net loss Unrecognized prior service cost Unrecognized transition assets, net Net amount recognized $ 492,511 $ 176,858 $ 438,945 $ 168,811 2,908 3,739 153 (1,864) 10,653 (8,961) (1,256) 2,675 176,858 3,140 2,755 142 11 7,161 (7,064) (2,701) 9,839 190,141 140 18,610 — — 58,842 (24,026) — — 492,511 156 14,670 — — 100,346 (10,105) (39,632) — 557,946 589,551 72,596 — — — (8,875) (35,248) — 618,024 105,673 8,403 2,818 142 — (4,403) (633) 5,058 117,058 512,078 100,744 — — — (23,271) — — 589,551 100,187 9,743 2,210 153 (2,651) (6,120) (920) 3,071 105,673 60,078 108,873 — — (71,185) 28,543 457 30 $ 168,951 $ (44,030) $ 164,090 $ (42,155) (73,083) 28,637 389 27 97,040 67,050 — — (1) Actuarial losses in 2020 were primarily the result of a decrease in the Company’s U.S. pension plan discount rate from 3.4% in 2019 to 2.2% in 2020. (2) Settlements in 2020 resulting from lump sum pension payments. The after-tax amounts of unrecognized actuarial net loss, prior service costs and transition assets included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2020 were $101,478, $273 and $19, respectively. The actuarial loss represents changes in the estimated obligation not yet recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement. In March 2020, the Company approved an amendment to terminate the Lincoln Electric Company Retirement Annuity Program (“RAP”) plan effective as of December 31, 2020. The Company provided notice to participants of the intent to terminate the plan and applied for a determination letter. Pension obligations will be distributed through a combination of lump sum payments to eligible plan participants and through the purchase of a group annuity contract. During the year F-29 ended December 31, 2020 the asset allocation for RAP plan assets were adjusted in anticipation of the plan termination. Upon settlement of the pension obligations in the second half of 2021, the Company will reclassify unrecognized actuarial gains or losses, currently recorded in AOCI to the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income as settlement charges. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had unrecognized losses related to the plan of $106,377. The Company anticipates the termination process will be substantially complete by the end of 2021. Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2020 2019 Prepaid pensions (1) Accrued pension liability, current (2) Accrued pension liability, long-term (3) Accumulated other comprehensive loss, excluding tax effects Net amount recognized in the balance sheets Non-U.S. Pension plans U.S. pension U.S. pension Non-U.S. $ plans — $ 111,879 $ plans 71,402 $ (726) (10,598) 108,873 pension plans — (2,847) (68,338) 29,030 $ 168,951 $ (44,030) $ 164,090 $ (42,155) (739) (14,100) 67,050 (3,050) (70,033) 29,053 (1) Included in Other assets. (2) Included in Other current liabilities. (3) Included in Other liabilities. Components of Pension Cost for Defined Benefit Plans 2020 Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 U.S. pension Non-U.S. U.S. pension Non-U.S. U.S. pension Non-U.S. Service cost Interest cost Expected return on plan assets Amortization of prior service cost Amortization of net loss Settlement charges (1) Defined benefit plans $ plans plans plans 156 $ 14,670 (23,377) — 1,346 8,118 913 $ pension plans 3,140 $ 140 $ 2,755 18,610 (4,217) (24,980) — 1,654 — 3,958 $ (4,576) $ 57 1,986 237 pension plans 2,908 $ 139 $ 3,739 18,084 (4,430) (27,052) — 1,498 6,686 (645) $ 58 2,296 266 4,837 $ pension plans 3,252 3,703 (5,057) 1 2,211 (397) 3,713 $ (1) Pension settlement charges resulting from lump sum pension payments. The components of Pension cost for defined benefit plans, other than service cost, are included in Other income (expense) in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets December 31, 2020 2019 Projected benefit obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Fair value of plan assets $ U.S. pension U.S. pension Non-U.S. Non-U.S. pension plans plans 11,278 $ 144,576 $ 10,887 — 140,169 71,285 plans pension plans 14,794 $ 169,455 164,203 14,521 98,434 — The total accumulated benefit obligation for all plans was $742,284 as of December 31, 2020 and $663,163 as of December 31, 2019. F-30 Benefit Payments for Plans Benefits expected to be paid for the plans are as follows: Estimated Payments 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 through 2030 Assumptions U.S. pension Plans Non-U.S. pension plans $ $ 559,078 733 2,413 788 1,054 5,321 8,968 8,213 7,846 8,988 9,167 40,379 Weighted average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligation for the Company’s significant defined benefit plans as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows: December 31, 2020 2019 Discount Rate Rate of increase in compensation U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans 1.3 % 2.7 % 2.2 % 2.5 % U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans 1.7 % 2.6 % 3.4 % 2.5 % 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 were as follows: 2020 December 31, 2019 2018 Discount rate Rate of increase in compensation Expected return on plan assets U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans 1.7 % 2.6 % 4.1 % 3.4 % 2.5 % 4.0 % U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans 2.3 % 2.8 % 4.5 % 4.4 % 2.5 % 5.0 % U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans 2.0 % 2.7 % 4.6 % 3.7 % 2.5 % 5.0 % To develop the discount rate assumptions, the Company refers to the yield derived from matching projected pension payments with maturities of bonds rated AA or an equivalent quality. 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 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. Excluding the RAP plan assets, the target allocation for plan assets is 10% to 20% equity securities and 80% to 90% debt securities. F-31 The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the pension plans’ assets as of December 31, 2020: Pension Plans' Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2020 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Cash and cash equivalents Fixed income securities (1) U.S. government bonds Corporate debt and other obligations Investments measured at NAV (2) Common trusts and 103-12 investments (3) Private equity funds (4) Total investments at fair value (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Total $ 9,162 $ — $ — $ 9,162 24,257 — — 213,227 — — 24,257 213,227 $ 33,419 $ 213,227 $ 460,474 27,962 — $ 735,082 The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the pension plans’ assets as of December 31, 2019: Pension Plans' Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Cash and cash equivalents Fixed income securities (1) U.S. government bonds Corporate debt and other obligations Investments measured at NAV (2) Common trusts and 103-12 investments (3) Private equity funds (4) Total investments at fair value $ 11,263 $ — $ — $ 11,263 46,048 — — 482,203 — — 46,048 482,203 $ 57,311 $ 482,203 $ 124,389 31,321 — $ 695,224 (1) Fixed income securities are primarily comprised of governmental and corporate bonds directly held by the plans. Governmental and corporate bonds are valued using both market observable inputs for similar assets that are traded on an active market and the closing price on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. (2) Certain assets that are measured at fair value using the net asset value ("NAV") practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. (3) Common trusts and 103-12 investments (collectively "Trusts") 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 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. (4) Private equity funds consist of four funds seeking capital appreciation by investing in private equity investment partnerships and venture capital companies. Private equity fund valuations are based on the NAV of the underlying assets. 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 F-32 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. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan The Company maintained 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 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 $1,225, $576 and $1,268 in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The projected benefit obligation associated with this plan is also included in the pension disclosure shown above and was $8,194, $12,202 and $12,183 at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Defined Contribution Plans Substantially all U.S. employees are covered under defined contribution plans. In October 2016, the Company announced a plan redesign of the Savings Plan that was effective January 1, 2017. The Savings Plan provides that eligible employees receive up to 6% of employees’ annual compensation through Company matching contributions of 100% of the first 3% of employee compensation contributed to the plan, and automatic Company contributions equal to 3% of annual compensation. In addition, certain employees affected by the RAP freeze in 2016 are also eligible to receive employer contributions equal to 6% of annual compensation for a minimum period of five years or to the end of the year in which they complete thirty years of service. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company created The Lincoln Electric Company Restoration Plan (“Restoration Plan”). The Restoration Plan is a domestic unfunded plan maintained for the purpose of providing certain employees the ability to fully participate in standard employee retirement offerings, which are limited by IRS regulations on covered compensation. The annual costs recognized for defined contribution plans were $22,593, $24,835 and $26,477 in 2020, 2019 and 2018, 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. NOTE 13 — OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) The components of Other income (expense) were as follows: Equity earnings in affiliates Other components of net periodic pension (cost) income (1) Other income (expense) (2) Total Other income (expense) Year Ended December 31, 2019 2020 408 $ (1,575) 5,109 3,942 $ 3,163 $ 2,787 15,048 20,998 $ $ $ 2018 5,481 502 4,703 10,686 (1) Other components of net periodic pension (cost) income includes pension settlements and curtailments. Refer to Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for details. F-33 (2) Includes a gain on change in control related to the acquisition of Askaynak in the year ended December 31, 2019. Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for details. NOTE 14 – INCOME TAXES The components of income before income taxes were as follows: U.S. Non-U.S. Total $ $ The components of income tax expense (benefit) were as follows: 2020 179,650 $ 84,390 Year Ended December 31, 2019 237,296 $ 131,197 368,493 $ 264,040 $ 2018 255,088 113,572 368,660 Current: Federal Non-U.S. State and local Deferred: Federal Non-U.S. State and local Total Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2020 $ 30,091 $ 18,020 8,770 56,881 25,063 $ 26,540 9,064 60,667 (1,898) 3,196 (283) 1,015 57,896 $ 6,971 6,513 1,259 14,743 75,410 $ $ 45,521 28,894 10,515 84,930 (691) (3,121) 549 (3,263) 81,667 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, 2020 were as follows: Statutory rate applied to pre-tax income State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit Net impact of the U.S. Tax Act Foreign withholding taxes Resolution and settlements to uncertain tax positions Foreign Derived Intangible Income Deduction Foreign rate variance Valuation allowances Research and development credit Other Total Effective tax rate $ $ $ $ Year Ended December 31, 2019 77,384 8,830 — — (9,432) (4,315) 7,023 3,198 (4,786) (2,492) 75,410 2020 55,448 6,149 — — (4,146) (1,267) 85 4,753 (4,400) 1,274 57,896 $ 21.9 % $ 20.5 % 2018 77,419 8,844 4,823 (4,424) (457) (2,647) (4,560) 5,596 (3,859) 932 81,667 22.2 % The 2020 effective tax rate was higher than 2019 primarily due to the impact of lower income tax benefits for the settlement of tax items. Total income tax payments, net of refunds, were $59,360 in 2020, $42,880 in 2019 and $85,805 in 2018. F-34 Deferred Taxes Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2020 and 2019, were as follows: Deferred tax assets: Tax loss and credit carry-forwards Inventory Other accruals Employee benefits Pension obligations Other Deferred tax assets, gross Valuation allowance Deferred tax assets, net Deferred tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment Intangible assets Inventory Pension obligations Other Deferred tax liabilities Total deferred taxes December 31, 2020 2019 $ $ 56,076 2,525 14,084 27,673 13,021 4,306 117,685 (65,413) 52,272 36,795 13,595 5,586 16,070 10,009 82,055 (29,783) $ $ 64,712 3,442 13,048 24,532 11,561 3,401 120,696 (71,546) 49,150 39,583 16,695 6,427 25,171 11,285 99,161 (50,011) At December 31, 2020, certain subsidiaries had net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $42,824 that expire in various years from 2021 through 2034, plus $174,993 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, 2020, a valuation allowance of $65,413 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 reduced in the future if the Company’s assessment of future taxable income or tax planning strategies changes. The Company determined it will repatriate earnings for certain non-U.S. subsidiaries, which are subject to foreign withholding taxes. The Company has estimated the associated tax to be $1,786. The Company considers remaining earnings and outside basis in all other non-U.S. subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested and has not recorded any deferred taxes as such estimate is not practicable. Unrecognized Tax Benefits Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions are classified as Other liabilities unless expected to be paid in one year. Additionally, to the extent a position would not result in a cash tax liability, those amounts are generally recorded to Deferred income taxes to offset tax attributes. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in Income taxes. Current income tax expense included benefits of $244 for the year ended December 31, 2020 and benefits of $1,957 for the year ended December 31, 2019 for interest and penalties. For those same years, the Company’s accrual for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits totaled $4,120 and $4,512, respectively. F-35 The following table summarizes the activity related to unrecognized tax benefits: Balance at beginning of year Increase related to current year tax provisions Increase/(decrease) related to prior years' tax positions Decrease related to settlements with taxing authorities Resolution of and other decreases in prior years' tax liabilities Other Balance at end of year 2020 2019 $ 20,585 $ 1,661 683 (1,476) (4,537) 680 17,596 $ $ 28,804 1,204 (101) (3,567) (5,692) (63) 20,585 The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $14,202 at December 31, 2020 and $17,552 at December 31, 2019. 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 2016. The Company is currently subject to various state audits and non-U.S. income tax audits. 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 unrecognized tax benefits related to 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 management’s judgment in the interpretation of applicable tax law, regulation or tax ruling, the 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 $1,765 in prior years’ unrecognized tax benefits in 2021. NOTE 15 – DERIVATIVES The Company uses derivative instruments to manage exposures to currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices arising in the normal course of business. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are assessed as to their effectiveness, when applicable. Hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020. The Company is subject to the credit risk of the counterparties to derivative instruments. Counterparties include a number of major banks and financial institutions. None of the concentrations of risk with any individual counterparty was considered significant at December 31, 2020. 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 $69,051 at December 31, 2020 and $59,982 at December 31, 2019. During March and April 2020, in anticipation of future debt issuance associated with the Notes referenced in Note 12, the Company entered into interest rate forward starting swap agreements to hedge the variability of future changes in interest rates. The forward starting swap agreements were qualified and designated as a cash flow hedge. The changes in fair value are recorded as part of AOCI, and upon completion of debt issuance and termination of the swaps, are amortized to interest expense over the life of the underlying debt. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of the long-term contracts was $100,000 at December 31, 2020 and have a termination date of August 2025. F-36 Fair value hedges Certain interest rate swap agreements are qualified and designated as fair value hedges. At December 31, 2019, the Company had interest rate swap agreements outstanding that effectively convert notional amounts of $50,000 of debt from a fixed interest rate to a variable interest rate based on three-month LIBOR plus a spread of between 0.5% and 0.6%. The variable rates reset every three months, at which time payment or receipt of interest will be settled. The Company terminated the interest rate swaps in the year ended December 31, 2020, which resulted in a gain of $6,629 that is amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the underlying debt. Net investment hedges The Company has cross currency swaps that are qualified and designated as net investment hedges. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these contracts is $50,000 as of December 31, 2020. 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 hedges of certain balance sheet exposures. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these contracts was $391,112 at December 31, 2020 and $363,820 at December 31, 2019. Fair values of derivative instruments in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets follow: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Derivatives by hedge designation Designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts Interest rate swap agreements Forward starting swap agreements Cross currency swap agreements Other Current Assets Other Other Current Current Liabilities Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Other Current Other Other Other Other $ 2,451 $ 1,124 $ — — — — — — — $ — 4,876 — — $ 1,288 $ — — 4,308 — — — — $ 522 $ — — — 2,964 — — Not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts Total derivatives 1,398 — $ 3,849 $ 4,609 $ 4,876 $ 4,308 $ 3,685 $ 1,495 $ 2,964 $ 3,485 2,397 973 — — — — — 653 — 653 The effects of undesignated derivative instruments on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income consisted of the following: Derivatives by hedge designation Foreign exchange contracts Classification of gain (loss) Selling, general & administrative expenses $ 2020 3,160 $ 13,154 2019 The effects of designated cash flow hedges on AOCI and the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, Total gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net of tax Foreign exchange contracts Forward starting swap agreements Net investment contracts December 31, 2020 $ 660 $ December 31, 2019 620 — 1,006 3,649 (1,822) F-37 The Company expects a gain of $660 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. Derivative type Foreign exchange contracts NOTE 16 – FAIR VALUE Gain (loss) recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income: Sales Cost of goods sold Year Ended December 31, $ 2020 (2,015) $ (158) 2019 975 454 The following table provides a summary of fair value assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020 measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Description Assets: Foreign exchange contracts Forward starting swap agreements Total assets Liabilities: Foreign exchange contracts Cross currency swap agreements Deferred compensation Total liabilities Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Significant Other Significant Balance as of December 31, 2020 Liabilities (Level 1) Observable Inputs Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (Level 2) $ $ $ 3,849 $ 4,876 8,725 $ 4,609 4,308 41,539 50,456 $ — $ — — $ — — — — $ 3,849 $ 4,876 8,725 $ 4,609 4,308 41,539 50,456 $ — — — — — — — The following table provides a summary of fair value assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2019 measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Description Assets: Foreign exchange contracts Interest rate swap agreements Total assets Liabilities: Foreign exchange contracts Cross currency swap agreements Deferred compensation Total liabilities Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Significant Other Significant Balance as of December 31, 2019 Liabilities (Level 1) Observable Inputs Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (Level 2) $ $ $ $ 3,685 $ 2,964 6,649 $ 1,495 $ 653 29,170 31,318 $ — $ — — $ — $ — — — $ 3,685 $ 2,964 6,649 $ 1,495 $ 653 29,170 31,318 $ — — — — — — — The Company’s derivative contracts are valued at fair value using the market approach. The Company measures the fair value of foreign exchange contracts, interest rate swap agreements, forward starting swap agreements and cross currency swaps using Level 2 inputs based on observable spot and forward rates in active markets. During the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3. The deferred compensation liability is the Company’s obligation under its executive deferred compensation plan. The Company measures the fair value of the liability using the market values of the participants’ underlying investment fund elections. F-38 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Refer to Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for the fair value estimate of debt. NOTE 17 – INVENTORY Inventories in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is comprised of the following components: Raw materials Work-in-process Finished goods Total December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ 111,888 $ 60,341 209,029 381,258 $ 116,716 63,744 213,288 393,748 $ The valuation of LIFO inventories is made at the end of each year based on 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. Actual year-end inventory levels and costs may differ from interim LIFO inventory valuations. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, approximately 35% and 36% of total inventories, respectively, were valued using the LIFO method. The excess of current cost over LIFO cost was $75,581 at December 31, 2020 and $75,292 at December 31, 2019. NOTE 18 – LEASES On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Topic 842 using the modified retrospective transition option. The adoption of Topic 842 resulted in the recording of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for the Company’s operating leases. The table below summarizes the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Balance sheets: Operating Leases Right-of-use assets Current liabilities Noncurrent liabilities Total lease liabilities Balance Sheet Classification December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 51,533 Other assets 43,570 $ $ Other current liabilities $ Other liabilities $ 11,502 $ 33,988 45,490 $ 13,572 39,076 52,648 Topic 842 did not materially impact the Company’s consolidated net earnings, cash flows or debt covenants. Total lease expense, which is included in Cost of goods sold and Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income, was $23,499, $25,389 and $25,720 in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $15,488 and $17,800, respectively, are included in Net cash provided by operating activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $4,387 and $19,216, respectively. F-39 The total future minimum lease payments for noncancelable operating leases were as follows: 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 After 2026 Total lease payments Less: Imputed interest Operating lease liabilities $ December 31, 2020 12,702 9,648 7,661 6,133 3,336 11,941 51,421 (5,931) 45,490 $ $ As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the weighted average remaining lease term was 7.3 years and 6.3 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the weighted average discount rate used to determine the operating lease liability was 3.5% and 3.6%, respectively. NOTE 19 – 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, regulatory claims, employment-related claims and health, safety and environmental claims, some of which relate to cases alleging asbestos induced illnesses. The claimants in the asbestos 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 accrues its best estimate of the probable costs, after a review of the facts with management and counsel and taking into account past experience. For claims or litigation that are material, if an unfavorable outcome is determined to be reasonably possible and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, or if an unfavorable outcome is determined to be probable and the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated, disclosure would be provided. 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. 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-40 NOTE 20 – PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS The changes in product warranty accruals were as follows: Balance at beginning of year Accruals for warranties Settlements Foreign currency translation and other adjustments Balance at end of year 2020 20,650 $ 17,194 (16,175) 91 21,760 $ December 31, 2019 19,778 $ 17,094 (16,211) (11) 20,650 $ $ $ 2018 22,029 8,897 (11,403) 255 19,778 F-41 SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. (In thousands) Additions Balance at Beginning Charged to Costs and Expenses Of period Charged (Credited) to Balance at End Other Accounts (1) Deductions (2) of Period Description Allowance for doubtful accounts: Year Ended December 31, 2020 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 16,002 $ 12,827 15,943 1,391 1,227 1,743 Deferred tax asset valuation allowance: Year Ended December 31, 2020 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 71,546 $ 69,400 68,694 9,606 3,691 1,891 $ $ $ $ (1,239) 3,792 (1,037) (6,741) (481) 2,437 $ $ 1,375 1,844 3,822 8,998 1,064 3,622 14,779 16,002 12,827 65,413 71,546 69,400 (1) Currency translation adjustment, reductions from restructuring and other adjustments. (2) For the Allowance for doubtful accounts, deductions relate to uncollectible accounts written-off, net of recoveries. For the Deferred tax asset valuation allowance, deductions relate to the reversal of valuation allowances due to the realization of net operating loss carryforwards. F-42 L I N C O L N E L E C T R I C H O L D I N G S , I N C . CORPORATE INFORMATION BOA R D OF DIR ECTOR S Curtis E. Espeland Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Eastman Chemical Company Patrick P. Goris Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Carrier Global Corporation Stephen G. Hanks Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Washington Group International, Inc. Michael F. Hilton Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Nordson Corporation G. Russell Lincoln President, N.A.S.T. Inc. Kathryn Jo Lincoln Chair and Chief Investment Officer, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy William E. MacDonald III Former Vice Chairman, National City Corporation Christopher L. Mapes Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lincoln Electric Phillip J. Mason Former President, Ecolab EMEA sector Ben P. Patel Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Hellene S. Runtagh Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Berwind Group Kellye L. Walker Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Eastman Chemical Company COMPANY OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT Geoffrey P. Allman Senior Vice President Strategy and Business Development Jennifer I. Ansberry Executive Vice President General Counsel and Secretary Gabriel Bruno Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Thomas A. Flohn Senior Vice President President, International Welding Steven B. Hedlund Executive Vice President President, Americas and International Welding Michele R. Kuhrt Executive Vice President Chief Human Resources Officer Douglas S. Lance Senior Vice President President, North America Welding Christopher L. Mapes Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Michael S. Mintun Senior Vice President Sales, Americas Welding David J. Nangle Executive Vice President President, Harris Products Group Peter M. Pletcher Senior Vice President President, International Welding Michael J. Whitehead Senior Vice President President, Global Automation, Cutting & Additive Businesses CORPORATE INFORMATION For additional corporate information and copies of Lincoln Electric’s 2020 Annual Report and Form 10-K, and 2021 Proxy Statement, please contact Amanda Butler in Investor Relations at (216) 383-2534, email: Amanda_Butler@lincolnelectric.com, 22801 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44117-1199 USA, or visit www.lincolnelectric.com. TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR Inquiries about dividends, shareholder records, share transfers, changes in ownership and address changes should be directed to Computershare Inc.: Mail Computershare Attn: Shareholder Services P.O. Box 505000 Louisville, Kentucky 40233-5000 Courier Computershare Attn: Shareholder Services 462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600 Louisville, Kentucky 40202 Direct (800) 763-3001 or (781) 575-3100 Email: webqueries@computershare.com Online: www.computershare.com SUSTAINABILITY Visit https://sustainability.lincolnelectric.com to learn about our policies and programs. INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Ernst & Young LLP ANNUAL MEETING Thursday, April 22, 2021 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time Online at: www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/LECO2021 STOCK INFORMATION The Company’s stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol LECO. Number of record holders of common shares at December 31, 2020: 2,193 Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. 22801 St. Clair Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44117-1199 U.S.A. www.lincolnelectric.com
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