LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS INC - Quarter Report: 2012 September (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

£ 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		34-1860551
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

22801 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio		44117
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(216) 481-8100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not applicable

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

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 R No £

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

Yes R No £

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

Large accelerated filer R		Accelerated filer £
Non-accelerated filer £ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company £

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

Yes £ No R

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common shares as of September 30, 2012 was 83,069,386.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION		3
Item 1. Financial Statements		3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)		3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)		4
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)		5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)		6
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS		7
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		21
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		31
Item 4. Controls and Procedures		31

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION		31
Item 1. Legal Proceedings		31
Item 1A. Risk Factors		32
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		32
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures		32
Item 6. Exhibits		33

Signature		34

EX-31.1	Certification of the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
EX-31.2	Certification of the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
EX-32.1	Certification of the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
EX-101	Instance Document
EX-101	Schema Document
EX-101	Calculation Linkbase Document
EX-101	Label Linkbase Document
EX-101	Presentation Linkbase Document
EX-101	Definition Linkbase Document

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Net sales	$	697,552		$	701,624		$	2,168,719		$	2,000,096
Cost of goods sold	484,190			516,172			1,515,095			1,457,702
Gross profit	213,362			185,452			653,624			542,394

Selling, general & administrative expenses	121,602			110,629			372,931			327,794
Rationalization and asset impairment charges (gains)	3,059			—			4,317			282
Operating income	88,701			74,823			276,376			214,318

Other income (expense):
Interest income	916			1,167			2,648			2,436
Equity earnings in affiliates	1,566			1,488			4,264			4,033
Other income	746			147			2,015			2,154
Interest expense	(1,040		)	(1,752		)	(3,338		)	(5,037		)
Total other income (expense)	2,188			1,050			5,589			3,586

Income before income taxes	90,889			75,873			281,965			217,904
Income taxes	26,153			20,515			86,715			58,582
Net income including noncontrolling interests	64,736			55,358			195,250			159,322
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries’ loss	(29		)	(172		)	(77		)	(131		)
Net income	$	64,765		$	55,530		$	195,327		$	159,453

Basic earnings per share	$	0.78		$	0.66		$	2.35		$	1.90
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.77		$	0.66		$	2.32		$	1.88

Cash dividends declared per share	$	0.17		$	0.155		$	0.51		$	0.465

See notes to these consolidated financial statements.

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$	64,736		$	55,358		$	195,250		$	159,322
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax	(5		)	1,516			(564		)	1,412
Defined benefit pension plan activity, net of tax	4,794			3,388			14,009			10,104
Currency translation adjustment	16,928			(59,045		)	11,958			(23,978		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	21,717			(54,141		)	25,403			(12,462		)
Comprehensive income	86,453			1,217			220,653			146,860
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	179			(684		)	(389		)	99
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders	$	86,274		$	1,901		$	221,042		$	146,761

See notes to these consolidated financial statements.

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

	September 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(UNAUDITED)			(NOTE 1)
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	340,675		$	361,101
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,425 in 2012; $7,079 in 2011)	391,360			386,197
Inventories:
Raw materials	119,007			117,194
Work-in-process	44,302			42,103
Finished goods	227,639			213,941
Total inventory	390,948			373,238

Other current assets	116,648			98,734
Total Current Assets	1,239,631			1,219,270

Property, Plant and Equipment
Land	43,690			42,891
Buildings	338,521			322,626
Machinery and equipment	730,993			724,801
	1,113,204			1,090,318
Less accumulated depreciation	634,180			619,867
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	479,024			470,451

Non-current assets	372,867			287,055

TOTAL ASSETS	$	2,091,522		$	1,976,776

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Amounts due banks	$	18,988		$	19,922
Trade accounts payable	186,545			176,312
Other current liabilities	286,663			193,312
Current portion of long-term debt	506			81,496
Total Current Liabilities	492,702			471,042

Long-Term Liabilities
Long-term debt, less current portion	1,680			1,960
Accrued pensions	178,238			232,175
Other long-term liabilities	82,711			78,357
Total Long-Term Liabilities	262,629			312,492

Shareholders’ Equity
Common shares	9,858			9,858
Additional paid-in capital	197,734			179,104
Retained earnings	1,637,169			1,484,393
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(222,166		)	(247,881		)
Treasury shares	(302,311		)	(248,528		)
Total Shareholders’ Equity	1,320,284			1,176,946
Noncontrolling interests	15,907			16,296
Total Equity	1,336,191			1,193,242

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	2,091,522		$	1,976,776

See notes to these consolidated financial statements.

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	195,327		$	159,453
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries’ loss	(77		)	(131		)
Net income including noncontrolling interests	195,250			159,322
Adjustments to reconcile Net income including noncontrolling interests to Net cash provided by operating activities:
Rationalization and asset impairment charges	357			23
Depreciation and amortization	48,220			47,089
Equity earnings in affiliates, net	(1,449		)	(1,316		)
Deferred income taxes	(288		)	4,992
Stock-based compensation	6,711			4,723
Amortization of terminated interest rate swaps	(430		)	(1,396		)
Amortization of pension actuarial losses and prior service cost	23,248			16,345
Other non-cash items, net	(82		)	3,392
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable	13,750			(72,287		)
Increase in inventories	(6,832		)	(98,727		)
Increase in other current assets	(12,180		)	(8,539		)
(Decrease) increase in trade accounts payable	(1,182		)	34,988
Increase in other current liabilities	85,593			75,623
Decrease in accrued pensions	(54,472		)	(30,490		)
Net change in other long-term assets and liabilities	(52,873		)	(3,364		)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	243,341			130,378

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	(39,307		)	(50,750		)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(52,851		)	(62,340		)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	538			1,003
Other investing activities	(1,541		)	—
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(93,161		)	(112,087		)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	2,291			8,736
Payments on short-term borrowings	(3,813		)	(8,412		)
Amounts due banks, net	(1,858		)	(1,604		)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	914			—
Payments on long-term borrowings	(85,535		)	(1,598		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	12,695			7,211
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	5,594			2,327
Purchase of shares for treasury	(60,155		)	(27,630		)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(42,510		)	(39,001		)
NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	(172,377		)	(59,971		)

Effect of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents	1,771			(3,053		)
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(20,426		)	(44,733		)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	361,101			366,193
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	340,675		$	321,460

See notes to these consolidated financial statements.

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 1 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION

As used in this report, the term “Company,” except as otherwise indicated by the context, means Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries for which it has a controlling interest. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. However, in the opinion of management, these unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all the adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012.

The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2011 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

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

Translation of Foreign Currencies

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 its shareholders.

Venezuela — Highly Inflationary Economy

Venezuela is a highly inflationary economy under GAAP. As a result, the financial statements of the Company’s Venezuelan operation are reported under highly inflationary accounting rules as of January 1, 2010. Under highly inflationary accounting, the financial statements of the Company’s Venezuelan operation have been remeasured into the Company’s reporting currency and exchange gains and losses from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities are reflected in current earnings. In remeasuring the financial statements, the official exchange rate for non-essential goods of 4.3 is used as this is the rate expected to be applicable to dividend repatriations.

Future impacts to earnings of applying highly inflationary accounting for Venezuela on the Company’s consolidated financial statements will be dependent upon movements in the applicable exchange rates between the bolivar and the U.S. dollar and the amount of monetary assets and liabilities included in the Company’s Venezuelan operation’s balance sheet. The bolivar-denominated monetary net asset position was $21,898 at September 30, 2012 and $6,826 at December 31, 2011. The increased exposure was due to the limited opportunities to convert bolivars into U.S. dollars.

NOTE 2 — EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Numerator:
Net income	$	64,765	$	55,530	$	195,327	$	159,453
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	82,918		83,613		83,233		83,781
Effect of dilutive securities - Stock options and awards	998		936		1,093		1,045
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	83,916		84,549		84,326		84,826
Basic earnings per share	$	0.78	$	0.66	$	2.35	$	1.90
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.77	$	0.66	$	2.32	$	1.88

For the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, common shares subject to equity-based awards of 461,093 and 923,308, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of their exercise would be anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, common shares subject to equity-based

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

awards of 46,678 and 492,166, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of their exercise would be anti-dilutive.

NOTE 3 — NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

New Accounting Standards Adopted:

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment.” ASU 2011-08 provides an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstance leads to the determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if the entity concludes otherwise, it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. ASU 2011-08 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2012 and will not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income.” This update provides amendments to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 220, Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-05 provides an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Under both options, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income and a total amount for comprehensive income. Further, ASU 2011-05 requires the presentation on the face of the financial statements items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. The amendment to present reclassification adjustments was deferred when the FASB issued ASU 2011-12. ASU 2011-05 should be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted ASU 2011-05, excluding deferred portions, on January 1, 2012. Refer to the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income herein.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS’s.” ASU 2011-04 amends ASC Topic 820, resulting in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Consequently, the amendments change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. These amendments are to be applied prospectively and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. ASU 2011-04 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2012 and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

New Accounting Standards to be Adopted:

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.” ASU 2012-02 permits an entity first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test in accordance with Subtopic 350-30, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — General Intangibles Other than Goodwill. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. In accordance with this update, an entity will have an option not to calculate annually the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset if the entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the asset is impaired. The amendments are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2012-02 on the Company’s financial statements.

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

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 4 — ACQUISITIONS

On May 17, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc. (“Wayne Trail”) for approximately $30,393 in cash, net of acquired cash, and assumed debt. The preliminary fair value of net assets acquired was $15,323, resulting in goodwill of $15,070. These values are preliminary and subject to final opening balance sheet adjustments. Wayne Trail, based in Ft. Loramie, Ohio, is a manufacturer of automated systems and tooling, serving a wide range of applications in the metal processing market. The acquisition added to the Company’s welding and automated solutions portfolio. Annual sales for Wayne Trail at the date of acquisition were approximately $50,000.

On March 6, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of Weartech International, Inc. (“Weartech”) for approximately $29,995 in cash and assumed debt. The preliminary fair value of net assets acquired was $19,256, resulting in goodwill of $10,739. These values are preliminary and subject to final opening balance sheet adjustments. Weartech, based in Anaheim, California, is a producer of cobalt-based hard facing and wear-resistant welding consumables. The acquisition added to the Company’s consumables portfolio. Sales for Weartech during 2011 were approximately $40,000.

On July 29, 2011, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Techalloy Company, Inc. and certain assets of its parent company, Central Wire Industries Ltd. (collectively, “Techalloy”), for approximately $36,900 in cash and assumed debt. The fair value of net assets acquired was $32,814, resulting in goodwill of $4,086. Techalloy, based in Baltimore, Maryland, is a manufacturer of nickel alloy and stainless steel welding consumables. The acquisition added to the Company’s consumables portfolio. Annual sales for Techalloy at the date of acquisition were approximately $70,000.

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

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

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

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

NOTE 5 — SEGMENT INFORMATION

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

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

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

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

Financial information for the reportable segments follows:

	North America Welding		Europe Welding		Asia Pacific Welding			South America Welding		The Harris Products Group		Corporate / Eliminations			Consolidated
Three months ended September 30, 2012
Net sales	$	390,327	$	104,480	$	76,263		$	44,545	$	81,937	$	—		$	697,552
Inter-segment sales	28,186		3,261		2,748			27		1,869		(36,091		)	—
Total	$	418,513	$	107,741	$	79,011		$	44,572	$	83,806	$	(36,091	)	$	697,552

EBIT, as adjusted	$	70,797	$	8,515	$	2,054		$	7,587	$	7,739	$	(2,620	)	$	94,072
Special items charge (gain)	477		1,874		708			—		—		—			3,059
EBIT	$	70,320	$	6,641	$	1,346		$	7,587	$	7,739	$	(2,620	)	$	91,013
Interest income															916
Interest expense															(1,040		)
Income before income taxes															$	90,889

Three months ended September 30, 2011
Net sales	$	345,182	$	128,294	$	97,790		$	44,169	$	86,189	$	—		$	701,624
Inter-segment sales	33,070		3,238		4,111			254		2,485		(43,158		)	—
Total	$	378,252	$	131,532	$	101,901		$	44,423	$	88,674	$	(43,158	)	$	701,624

EBIT, as adjusted	$	53,436	$	10,282	$	1,899		$	4,025	$	5,010	$	1,806		$	76,458
Special items charge (gain)	—		—		—			—		—		—			—
EBIT	$	53,436	$	10,282	$	1,899		$	4,025	$	5,010	$	1,806		$	76,458
Interest income															1,167
Interest expense															(1,752		)
Income before income taxes															$	75,873

Nine months ended September 30, 2012
Net sales	$	1,187,879	$	344,720	$	254,259		$	121,552	$	260,309	$	—		$	2,168,719
Inter-segment sales	101,386		12,178		11,641			38		6,605		(131,848		)	—
Total	$	1,289,265	$	356,898	$	265,900		$	121,590	$	266,914	$	(131,848	)	$	2,168,719

EBIT, as adjusted	$	216,872	$	32,317	$	8,641		$	13,472	$	23,933	$	(6,882	)	$	288,353
Special items charge (gain)	554		2,466		1,297			1,381		—		—			5,698
EBIT	$	216,318	$	29,851	$	7,344		$	12,091	$	23,933	$	(6,882	)	$	282,655
Interest income															2,648
Interest expense															(3,338		)
Income before income taxes															$	281,965

Total assets	$	909,827	$	460,586	$	358,626		$	128,658	$	203,536	$	30,289		$	2,091,522

Nine months ended September 30, 2011
Net sales	$	947,594	$	381,750	$	288,072		$	116,011	$	266,669	$	—		$	2,000,096
Inter-segment sales	105,419		13,375		10,721			374		6,735		(136,624		)	—
Total	$	1,053,013	$	395,125	$	298,793		$	116,385	$	273,404	$	(136,624	)	$	2,000,096

EBIT, as adjusted	$	158,192	$	27,267	$	3,281		$	9,600	$	20,750	$	1,697		$	220,787
Special items charge (gain)	—		392		(110		)	—		—		—			282
EBIT	$	158,192	$	26,875	$	3,391		$	9,600	$	20,750	$	1,697		$	220,505
Interest income															2,436
Interest expense															(5,037		)
Income before income taxes															$	217,904

Total assets	$	737,538	$	453,012	$	372,017		$	115,638	$	210,074	$	74,598		$	1,962,877

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

In the third quarter of 2012, special items include net charges of $477, $1,914 and $311 for rationalization actions in the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The Asia Pacific Welding segment special items also include a charge of $397 related to asset impairments.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2012, special items include net charges of $554, $2,506 and $900 for rationalization actions in the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The Asia Pacific Welding segment special items also include a charge of $397 related to asset impairments. The South America Welding segment special item represents a charge of $1,381, relating to a change in Venezuelan labor law, which provides for increased employee severance obligations.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2011, special items include net charges of $188 and $93 for rationalization actions in the Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments special items also include a loss of $204 and a gain of $203, respectively, on the sale of assets at rationalized operations.

NOTE 6 — RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS

The Company recorded rationalization charges of $4,317 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 resulting from rationalization plans initiated in 2012. A description of each plan and the related costs follows:

Italy Plan:

During September 2012, the Company initiated a plan to relocate its Italian machine manufacturing operations. This action is expected to impact 44 employees within the Europe Welding segment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded charges of $1,195 related to these activities. Charges represent the initial estimate of employee severance and other related costs. At September 30, 2012, a liability relating to these actions of $1,134 was recognized in Other current liabilities, which will be substantially paid over the next 12 months. The Company expects additional charges up to $980 to be recorded related to the completion of these activities.

Australia Plan:

During June 2012, the Company initiated a plan to rationalize its Australian manufacturing operations. This action is expected to impact 50 employees within the Asia Pacific Welding segment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded charges of $1,297 related to these activities. Activities represent charges of $900 related to employee severance and other related costs and $397 related to asset impairments. At September 30, 2012, a liability relating to these actions of $696 was recognized in Other current liabilities, which will be substantially paid over the next 12 months. The Company expects additional charges in the range of $100 to $1,000 to be recorded related to the completion of these activities.

Oceanside-Reno Plan:

During May 2012, the Company initiated a plan to consolidate its Oceanside, California operations and its Reno, Nevada operations to another facility in Reno, Nevada. This action is expected to impact 22 employees within the North America Welding segment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded charges of $554 related to these activities. Charges represent employee severance and other related costs. At September 30, 2012, a liability relating to these actions of $16 was recognized in Other current liabilities, which will be substantially paid over the next 12 months. The Company expects additional charges in the range of $440 to $900 to be recorded related to the completion of these activities.

Russia Plan:

During April 2012, the Company initiated a plan to rationalize and consolidate manufacturing facilities in Russia. This action is expected to impact 225 employees within the Europe Welding segment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded net charges of $1,271 related to these activities. Activities represent charges of $1,311 related to employee severance and other related costs partially offset by gains of $40 from sale of assets at rationalized operations. At September 30, 2012, a liability relating to these actions of $798 was recognized in Other current liabilities, which will be substantially paid over the next 12 months. The Company expects additional charges in the range of $200 to $600 to be recorded related to the completion of these activities.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

2009 Plans:

During 2009, the Company initiated rationalization actions including the consolidation of certain manufacturing operations in the Europe Welding, Asia Pacific Welding and The Harris Products Group segments. At September 30, 2012, a liability relating to these actions of $172 was recognized in Other current liabilities. The Company does not expect any further costs associated with these actions in 2012 as they were substantially completed in 2010 and are expected to be paid by the end of 2012.

The Company continues to evaluate its cost structure, which may result in additional rationalization actions and charges in future periods. The following table summarizes the activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment:

	North America Welding			Europe Welding			Asia Pacific Welding			The Harris Products Group			Consolidated
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	—		$	173		$	—		$	82		$	255
Payments and other adjustments	(538		)	(575		)	(204		)	(82		)	(1,399		)
Charged to expense	554			2,506			900			—			3,960
Balance at September 30, 2012	$	16		$	2,104		$	696		$	—		$	2,816

NOTE 7 — COMMON SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

The Company has a share repurchase program for up to 30 million of the Company’s common shares. At management’s discretion, the Company repurchases its common shares from time to time in the open market, depending on market conditions, stock price and other factors. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, the Company purchased an aggregate of 481,300 and 1,341,984 common shares, respectively, in the open market under this program. As of September 30, 2012, there remained 3,779,773 common shares available for repurchase under this program. The repurchased common shares remain in treasury and have not been retired.

NOTE 8 — COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The amounts and tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income are as follows:

	Three Months Ended Sept. 30, 2012									Three Months Ended Sept. 30, 2011
	Gross of Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			Net of Tax Amount			Gross of Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			Net of Tax Amount
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges	$	(152	)	$	147		$	(5	)	$	1,963		$	(447	)	$	1,516
Defined benefit pension plan activity	7,549			(2,755		)	4,794			5,634			(2,246		)	3,388
Currency translation adjustment	16,928			—			16,928			(59,045		)	—			(59,045		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	24,325		$	(2,608	)	$	21,717		$	(51,448	)	$	(2,693	)	$	(54,141	)

	Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2012									Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2011
	Gross of Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			Net of Tax Amount			Gross of Tax Amount			Tax (Expense) Benefit			Net of Tax Amount
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges	$	(712	)	$	148		$	(564	)	$	1,889		$	(477	)	$	1,412
Defined benefit pension plan activity	22,602			(8,593		)	14,009			16,782			(6,678		)	10,104
Currency translation adjustment	11,958			—			11,958			(23,978		)	—			(23,978		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	33,848		$	(8,445	)	$	25,403		$	(5,307	)	$	(7,155	)	$	(12,462	)

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 9 - EQUITY

Changes in equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 are as follows:

	Shareholders’ Equity			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	1,176,946		$	16,296		$	1,193,242
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	195,327			(77		)	195,250
Other comprehensive income (loss)	25,715			(312		)	25,403
Total comprehensive income (loss)	221,042			(389		)	220,653

Cash dividends declared - $0.51 per share	(42,551		)	—			(42,551		)
Issuance of shares under benefit plans	25,002			—			25,002
Purchase of shares for treasury	(60,155		)	—			(60,155		)
Balance at September 30, 2012	$	1,320,284		$	15,907		$	1,336,191

Changes in equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 are as follows:

	Shareholders’ Equity			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	1,133,497		$	15,981		$	1,149,478
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	159,453			(131		)	159,322
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(12,692		)	230			(12,462		)
Total comprehensive income	146,761			99			146,860

Cash dividends declared - $0.465 per share	(39,109		)	—			(39,109		)
Issuance of shares under benefit plans	15,471			—			15,471
Purchase of shares for treasury	(27,630		)	—			(27,630		)
Balance at September 30, 2011	$	1,228,990		$	16,080		$	1,245,070

NOTE 10 — INVENTORY VALUATION

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Fixed manufacturing overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on normal production capacity and abnormal manufacturing costs are recognized as period costs. For most domestic inventories, cost is determined principally by the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method, and for non-U.S. inventories, cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. 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 costs and inventory levels may differ from interim LIFO inventory valuations. The excess of current cost over LIFO cost was $75,867 and $78,292 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

NOTE 11 — ACCRUED EMPLOYEE BONUS

“Other current liabilities” at September 30, 2012 and 2011 include accruals for year-end bonuses and related payroll taxes of $105,685 and $85,134, respectively, related to the Company’s employees worldwide. The payment of bonuses is discretionary and subject to approval by the Board of Directors. A majority of annual bonuses are paid in December, resulting in an increasing bonus accrual during the Company’s fiscal year. The increase in the accrual from September 30, 2011 to September 30, 2012 is due to the increase in profitability of the Company.

NOTE 12 — CONTINGENCIES

The Company, like other manufacturers, is subject from time to time to a variety of civil and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Such claims and litigation include, without limitation, product liability claims and

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

health, safety and environmental claims, some of which relate to cases alleging asbestos and manganese induced illnesses. The claimants in the asbestos and manganese cases seek compensatory and punitive damages, in most cases for unspecified amounts. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to these claims and intends to contest such suits vigorously.

The Company’s accrual for contingent liabilities, primarily for product liability claims, was $4,793 as of September 30, 2012 and $11,312 as of December 31, 2011. The accrual is included in “Other current liabilities.” The Company also recognized an asset for recoveries from insurance carriers related to the insured claims outstanding of $3,516 as of September 30, 2012 and $4,516 as of December 31, 2011. The asset is included in “Other current assets.” The decrease in the accrual for contingent liabilities is primarily due to a payment made in conjunction with the agreement entered into in January 2012 that provides for the dismissal with prejudice of substantially all of the pending manganese claims. The decrease in the asset for recoveries from insurance carriers reflects the payment of insurance receivables.

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.

NOTE 13 — PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS

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 three years from the date of sale. The accrual for product warranty claims is included in “Other current liabilities.”

The changes in the carrying amount of product warranty accruals for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011
Balance at beginning of period	$	15,781		$	16,879
Accruals for warranties	7,847			7,243
Settlements	(8,283		)	(7,909		)
Foreign currency translation	52			(184		)
Balance at end of period	$	15,397		$	16,029

NOTE 14 — DEBT

The Company’s $80,000 Series C Note (the “Note”) was repaid on March 12, 2012 at maturity. The Company has a line of credit totaling $300,000 through the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which was entered into on July 26, 2012. 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 September 30, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement has a five-year term and may be increased, subject to certain conditions, by an additional amount up to $100,000. The interest rate on borrowings is based on either LIBOR or the prime rate, plus a spread based on the Company’s leverage ratio, at the Company’s election.

The Company historically utilized interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risks. The Company terminated its remaining interest rate swaps in 2009 and had no interest rate swaps outstanding as of September 30, 2012. The termination of interest rate swaps in 2009 resulted in a realized gain of $5,079. This gain was deferred and amortized over the remaining life of the Note. The amortization of this gain reduced “Interest expense” by $328 and $1,243 in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. At September 30, 2012, the deferred gain was fully amortized.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

NOTE 15 — RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The components of total pension cost were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Service cost	$	5,426		$	4,544		$	16,275		$	13,205
Interest cost	10,368			11,127			31,097			33,067
Expected return on plan assets	(14,688		)	(14,323		)	(44,059		)	(43,061		)
Amortization of prior service cost	(23		)	(16		)	(68		)	(47		)
Amortization of net loss	7,773			5,444			23,316			16,392
Defined benefit plans	8,856			6,776			26,561			19,556
Multi-employer plans	223			241			690			717
Defined contribution plans	2,435			2,137			7,032			6,327
Total pension cost	$	11,514		$	9,154		$	34,283		$	26,600

The Company voluntarily contributed $53,277 to its defined benefit plans in the United States during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and expects to contribute up to $60,000 to its defined benefit plans in the United States during 2012. The amortization of net loss increased due to greater actuarial losses during 2011, attributable to a lower discount rate and lower actual return on plan assets compared with the expected return on assets.

NOTE 16 — INCOME TAXES

The Company recognized $86,715 of tax expense on pre-tax income of $281,965, resulting in an effective income tax rate of 30.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The effective income tax rate is lower than the Company’s statutory rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions and the utilization of foreign tax loss carry-forwards for which valuation allowances had been previously provided.

The effective income tax rate of 26.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was lower than the Company’s statutory rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions and a tax benefit of $4,844 for tax audit settlements.

The anticipated effective income tax rate for 2012 depends on the amount of earnings in various tax jurisdictions and the level of related tax deductions achieved during the year.

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had $25,720 of unrecognized tax benefits. If recognized, approximately $15,544 would be reflected as a component of income tax expense.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2008. The Company is currently subject to various U.S. state audits, a Canadian tax audit for 2003-2010, an Indonesian tax audit for 2003-2007, an Indian tax audit for 2008-2011 and a Venezuelan tax audit for 2011-2012. Except as discussed below, the Company does not expect the results of these examinations to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Unrecognized tax benefits are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are adjusted for changing facts and circumstances, including progress of tax audits and closing of statutes of limitations. Based on information currently available, management believes that additional audit activity could be completed and/or statutes of limitations may close relating to existing unrecognized tax benefits. It is reasonably possible there could be a reduction of $5,603 in prior years’ unrecognized tax benefits by the end of the third quarter 2013.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

In connection with the litigation process, the Company is required to deposit a pre-determined amount of the tax and interest assessed by the CRA. In September 2012, a deposit was made and is recorded as a Non-current asset in the amount of $56,181 as of September 30, 2012. Payment of the balance of the tax and interest assessment is expected to be made in the quarter ending December 31, 2012. The Company has elected to deposit the entire amount of the dispute in order to suspend the continuing accrual of a 5% interest charge. Additionally, deposited amounts will earn interest of approximately 1% due upon a favorable outcome. Any Canadian tax ultimately due will be creditable in the parent company’s U.S. federal tax return. The Company expects to be able to utilize the full amount of foreign tax credits generated in the statutorily allowed carryback and carryforward periods. Accordingly, should the Company not prevail in this dispute, the income statement charge will approximate the deficiency interest, net of tax.

The Company believes it will prevail on the merits of the tax position. In accordance with prescribed recognition and measurement thresholds, no income tax accrual has been made for any uncertain tax positions related to the CRA reassessment. An unfavorable resolution of this matter could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements in the quarter in which a judgment is reached.

NOTE 17 — DERIVATIVES

The Company uses derivatives to manage exposures to currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices arising in the normal course of business. Derivative contracts to hedge currency and commodity exposures are generally written on a short-term basis but may cover exposures for up to two years while interest rate contracts may cover longer periods consistent with the terms of the underlying debt. The Company does not enter into derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

All derivatives are recognized at fair value on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accounting for gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value depends on the use of the derivative and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting. The Company formally documents the relationship of the hedge with the hedged item as well as the risk-management strategy for all designated hedges. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness, when applicable. If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, or the derivative is terminated, hedge accounting is discontinued. The cash flows from settled derivative contracts are recognized in operating activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

The Company is subject to the credit risk of the counterparties to derivative instruments. Counterparties include a number of major banks and financial institutions. The Company manages individual counterparty exposure by monitoring the credit rating of the counterparty and the size of financial commitments and exposures between the Company and the counterparty. None of the concentrations of risk with any individual counterparty was considered significant at September 30, 2012. The Company does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations.

Cash Flow Hedges

Certain foreign currency forward contracts were qualified and designated as cash flow hedges. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these short-term contracts was $44,203 and $65,721 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The effective portions of the fair value gains or losses on these cash flow hedges are recognized in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” (“AOCI”) and subsequently reclassified to “Cost of goods sold” or “Sales” for hedges of purchases and sales, respectively, as the underlying hedged transactions affect earnings.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

The Company has certain foreign exchange forward contracts that are not designated as hedges. These derivatives are held as economic hedges of certain balance sheet exposures. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these contracts was $169,063 and $161,026 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The fair value gains or losses from these contracts are recognized in “Selling, general and administrative expenses,” offsetting the losses or gains on the exposures being hedged.

The Company has short-term silver and copper forward contracts with notional amounts of 320,000 troy ounces and 375,000 pounds, respectively, at September 30, 2012. The notional amount of short-term silver contracts was 340,000 troy ounces at December 31, 2011. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are recognized in earnings.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

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

	September 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Other		Other		Other		Other
	Current		Current		Current		Current
Derivatives by hedge designation	Assets		Liabilities		Assets		Liabilities
Designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	521	$	379	$	801	$	531

Not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts	384		167		726		1,026
Commodity contracts	5		1,010		1,559		—
Total derivatives	$	910	$	1,556	$	3,086	$	1,557

The effects of undesignated derivative instruments on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following:

		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
Derivatives by hedge designation	Classification of gain (loss)	2012			2011		2012			2011
Not designated as hedges:
Foreign exchange contracts	Selling, general & administrative expenses	$	1,547		$	5,645	$	2,308		$	(243	)
Commodity contracts	Cost of goods sold	(2,410		)	1,984		(2,504		)	347
Commodity contracts	Other income	—			—		—			(12		)

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

Total gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net of tax	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Foreign exchange contracts	$	348	$	912

		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
Derivative type	Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to:	2012		2011			2012		2011
Foreign exchange contracts	Sales	$	127	$	(113	)	$	591	$	(3	)
	Cost of goods sold	35		(407		)	88		(1,610		)

The Company expects a gain of $348 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.

NOTE 18 - FAIR VALUE

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 used to measure fair value:

Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.

Level 3 Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

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The following table provides a summary of assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2012 measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

	Balance as of		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
Description	September 30, 2012		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	905	$	—	$	905	$	—
Commodity contracts	5		—		5		—
Total assets	$	910	$	—	$	910	$	—

Liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	546	$	—	$	546	$	—
Commodity contracts	1,010		—		1,010		—
Contingent consideration	4,739		—		—		4,739
Deferred compensation	16,610		—		16,610		—
Total liabilities	$	22,905	$	—	$	18,166	$	4,739

The following table provides a summary of assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2011 measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

	Balance as of		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
Description	December 31, 2011		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	1,527	$	—	$	1,527	$	—
Commodity contracts	1,559		—		1,559		—
Total assets	$	3,086	$	—	$	3,086	$	—

Liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts	$	1,557	$	—	$	1,557	$	—
Contingent consideration	4,297		—		—		4,297
Deferred compensation	14,936		—		14,936		—
Total liabilities	$	20,790	$	—	$	16,493	$	4,297

The Company’s derivative contracts are valued at fair value using the market approach. The Company measures the fair value of foreign exchange contracts using Level 2 inputs based on observable spot and forward rates in active markets. The Company measures the fair value of commodity contracts using Level 2 inputs through observable market transactions in active markets provided by financial institutions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3.

In connection with an acquisition, the Company recorded a contingent consideration fair valued at $4,739 as of September 30, 2012, which reflects a $442 increase in the liability from December 31, 2011. The contingent consideration is based upon

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LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

estimated sales for the five-year period ending December 31, 2015 and will be paid in 2016 based on actual sales during the five-year period. The fair value of the contingent consideration is a Level 3 valuation and fair valued using a probability weighted discounted cash flow analysis. The discounted cash flow utilized weighted average inputs, including a risk based discount rate of 9.8% and a compounded annual revenue growth rate of 32.0%. The discount rate was determined using discount rates of 3.5% reflective of the Company’s cost of debt and 14.1% as a risk adjusted cost of capital and the compounded annual revenue growth rate was determined using various scenarios with growth ranging from remaining relatively flat to growth rates of up to 61.4%.

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

The fair value of “Cash and cash equivalents,” “Accounts receivable,” “Amounts due banks” and “Trade accounts payable” approximated book value due to the short-term nature of these instruments at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The fair value of long-term debt at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, including the current portion, was approximately $2,079 and $84,110, respectively, which was determined using available market information and methodologies requiring judgment. The carrying value of this debt at such dates was $2,186 and $83,456, respectively. Since considerable judgment is required in interpreting market information, the fair value of the debt is not necessarily the amount that could be realized in a current market exchange.

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

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

General

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

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

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2011

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2012					2011					Change
	Amount			% of Sales		Amount			% of Sales		Amount			%
Net sales	$	697,552		100.0%		$	701,624		100.0%		$	(4,072	)	(0.6%	)
Cost of goods sold	484,190			69.4%		516,172			73.6%		(31,982		)	(6.2%	)
Gross profit	213,362			30.6%		185,452			26.4%		27,910			15.0%
Selling, general & administrative expenses	121,602			17.4%		110,629			15.8%		10,973			9.9%
Rationalization and asset impairment charges	3,059			0.4%		—			—		3,059			100.0%
Operating income	88,701			12.7%		74,823			10.7%		13,878			18.5%
Interest income	916			0.1%		1,167			0.2%		(251		)	(21.5%	)
Equity earnings in affiliates	1,566			0.2%		1,488			0.2%		78			5.2%
Other income	746			0.1%		147			—		599			407.5%
Interest expense	(1,040		)	(0.1%	)	(1,752		)	(0.2%	)	712			40.6%
Income before income taxes	90,889			13.0%		75,873			10.8%		15,016			19.8%
Income taxes	26,153			3.7%		20,515			2.9%		5,638			27.5%
Net income including noncontrolling interests	64,736			9.3%		55,358			7.9%		9,378			16.9%
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries’ loss	(29		)	—		(172		)	—		143			83.1%
Net income	$	64,765		9.3%		$	55,530		7.9%		$	9,235		16.6%

Net Sales: Net sales for the third quarter of 2012 decreased 0.6% from the third quarter 2011. The sales decrease reflects volume decreases of 2.2%, price increases of 0.8%, increases from acquisitions of 3.8% and unfavorable impacts from foreign exchange of 3.0%. Sales volumes decreased as a result of softening demand in the international markets offset by growth in the U.S. markets. Product pricing increased from prior year levels due to the realization of price increases implemented in response to increases in raw material costs.

Gross Profit: Gross profit increased 15.0% to $213,362 for the third quarter 2012 compared with $185,452 in the third quarter 2011. As a percentage of Net sales, Gross profit increased to 30.6% in the third quarter 2012 from 26.4% in the third quarter 2011. The increase was the result of increased product pricing and favorable regional mix partially offset by lower margins from recent acquisitions. Foreign currency exchange rates had a $4,832 unfavorable translation impact in the third quarter 2012.

Selling, General & Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses: SG&A expenses were higher by $10,973, or 9.9%, in the third quarter 2012 compared with the third quarter of 2011. As a percentage of Net sales, SG&A expenses were 17.4% and 15.8% in the third quarter 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in SG&A expenses was predominantly due to higher bonus expense of $5,004, higher general and administrative spending primarily related to additional employee compensation costs of $4,680, increased SG&A expenses from acquisitions of $3,647 and increased U.S. retirement costs of $946 partially offset by foreign currency translations of $3,076 and foreign currency transaction gains of $2,156.

Interest Income: Interest income decreased to $916 in the third quarter 2012 from $1,167 in the third quarter of 2011. The decrease was largely due to less favorable interest rates globally offset by higher average cash balances.

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Equity Earnings in Affiliates: Equity earnings in affiliates were $1,566 in the third quarter 2012 compared with earnings of $1,488 in the third quarter of 2011. The increase was due to an increase in earnings of $111 in Turkey partially offset by a decrease in earnings of $33 in Chile.

Interest Expense: Interest expense decreased to $1,040 in the third quarter 2012 from $1,752 in the third quarter of 2011 as a result of lower levels of debt in the current period.

Income Taxes: The Company recognized $26,153 of tax expense on pre-tax income of $90,889, resulting in an effective income tax rate of 28.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2012. The effective income tax rate is lower than the Company’s statutory rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions and the utilization of foreign tax loss carryforwards for which valuation allowances had been previously provided.

The effective income tax rate of 27.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was lower than the Company’s statutory rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions.

Net Income: Net income for the third quarter 2012 was $64,765 compared with Net income of $55,530 in the third quarter of 2011. Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter 2012 were $0.77 compared with $0.66 in the third quarter of 2011. Foreign currency exchange rate movements had an unfavorable translation effect of $1,183 on Net income for the third quarter of 2012.

Segment Results

Net Sales: The table below summarizes the impacts of volume, acquisitions, price and foreign currency exchange rates on Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2012:

			Change in Net Sales due to:
	Net Sales										Foreign			Net Sales
	2011		Volume			Acquisitions		Price			Exchange			2012
Operating Segments
North America Welding	$	345,182	$	9,479		26,804		$	9,267		$	(405	)	$	390,327
Europe Welding	128,294		(11,366		)	—		(630		)	(11,818		)	104,480
Asia Pacific Welding	97,790		(18,989		)	—		(1,035		)	(1,503		)	76,263
South America Welding	44,169		(1,237		)	—		5,114			(3,501		)	44,545
The Harris Products Group	86,189		6,440			—		(7,220		)	(3,472		)	81,937
Consolidated	$	701,624	$	(15,673)		$	26,804	$	5,496		$	(20,699	)	$	697,552

% Change
North America Welding			2.7%			7.8%		2.7%			(0.1%		)	13.1%
Europe Welding			(8.9%		)	—		(0.5%		)	(9.2%		)	(18.6%		)
Asia Pacific Welding			(19.4%		)	—		(1.1%		)	(1.5%		)	(22.0%		)
South America Welding			(2.8%		)	—		11.6%			(7.9%		)	0.9%
The Harris Products Group			7.5%			—		(8.4%		)	(4.0%		)	(4.9%		)
Consolidated			(2.2%		)	3.8%		0.8%			(3.0%		)	(0.6%		)

Net Sales: Net sales volumes for the third quarter of 2012 increased for the North America Welding and The Harris Products Group segments because of growth within the domestic markets. Volume decreases for the Europe Welding, Asia Pacific Welding and South America Welding segments is the result of softening demand in international markets. Product pricing increased for the North America Welding and South America Welding segments due to the realization of price increases implemented in response to increases in raw material costs. Product pricing increase for the South America Welding segment also reflects a higher inflationary environment, particularly in Venezuela. Product pricing decreased for the Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments due to declining raw material costs within those regions. Product pricing decreased for The Harris Products Group segment because of significant decreases in the costs of silver and copper as compared to the prior year period. With respect to changes in Net sales due to foreign exchange, all segments decreased due to a stronger U.S. dollar.

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Earnings Before Interest and Income Taxes (“EBIT”), as Adjusted: Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary profit measure being EBIT, as adjusted. The following table presents EBIT, as adjusted for the three months ended September 30, 2012 by segment compared with the comparable period in 2011:

	Three Months Ended
	September 30,
	2012		2011		$ Change		% Change
North America Welding:
Net sales	$	390,327	$	345,182	45,145		13.1%
Inter-segment sales	28,186		33,070		(4,884	)	(14.8%	)
Total Sales	$	418,513	$	378,252	40,261		10.6%

EBIT, as adjusted	$	70,797	$	53,436	17,361		32.5%
As a percent of total sales	16.9%		14.1%				2.8%

Europe Welding:
Net sales	$	104,480	$	128,294	(23,814	)	(18.6%	)
Inter-segment sales	3,261		3,238		23		0.7%
Total Sales	$	107,741	$	131,532	(23,791	)	(18.1%	)

EBIT, as adjusted	$	8,515	$	10,282	(1,767	)	(17.2%	)
As a percent of total sales	7.9%		7.8%				0.1%

Asia Pacific Welding:
Net sales	$	76,263	$	97,790	(21,527	)	(22.0%	)
Inter-segment sales	2,748		4,111		(1,363	)	(33.2%	)
Total Sales	$	79,011	$	101,901	(22,890	)	(22.5%	)

EBIT, as adjusted	$	2,054	$	1,899	155		8.2%
As a percent of total sales	2.6%		1.9%				0.7%

South America Welding:
Net sales	$	44,545	$	44,169	376		0.9%
Inter-segment sales	27		254		(227	)	(89.4%	)
Total Sales	$	44,572	$	44,423	149		0.3%

EBIT, as adjusted	$	7,587	$	4,025	3,562		88.5%
As a percent of total sales	17.0%		9.1%				7.9%

The Harris Products Group:
Net sales	$	81,937	$	86,189	(4,252	)	(4.9%	)
Inter-segment sales	1,869		2,485		(616	)	(24.8%	)
Total Sales	$	83,806	$	88,674	(4,868	)	(5.5%	)

EBIT, as adjusted	$	7,739	$	5,010	2,729		54.5%
As a percent of total sales	9.2%		5.6%				3.6%

EBIT, as adjusted, as a percent of total sales increased for all segments in the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the comparable period in the prior year. The North America Welding segment growth is primarily due to improved leverage on a 2.7% increase in volumes and price increases of 2.7%. The increase at the Europe Welding segment is primarily due to improved product mix and the decrease in raw material costs exceeding the 0.5% decrease in product pricing. The Asia Pacific Welding segment increase represents improved profitability in Australia from stronger sales volumes and lower operating costs. The South America Welding segment increase is a result of an 11.6% increase in product pricing exceeding inflation and rising material costs. The Harris Products Group segment growth is primarily a result of improved leverage on a 7.5% increase in volumes and improved product mix on machine sales volume.

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In the three months ended September 30, 2012, EBIT, as adjusted, for the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments excluded net special item charges of $477, $1,874 and $708, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012					2011					Change
	Amount			% of Sales		Amount			% of Sales		Amount			%
Net sales	$	2,168,719		100.0%		$	2,000,096		100.0%		$	168,623		8.4%
Cost of goods sold	1,515,095			69.9%		1,457,702			72.9%		57,393			3.9%
Gross profit	653,624			30.1%		542,394			27.1%		111,230			20.5%
Selling, general & administrative expenses	372,931			17.2%		327,794			16.4%		45,137			13.8%
Rationalization and asset impairment charges	4,317			0.2%		282			—		4,035			1430.9%
Operating income	276,376			12.7%		214,318			10.7%		62,058			29.0%
Interest income	2,648			0.1%		2,436			0.1%		212			8.7%
Equity earnings in affiliates	4,264			0.2%		4,033			0.2%		231			5.7%
Other income	2,015			0.1%		2,154			0.1%		(139		)	(6.5%	)
Interest expense	(3,338		)	(0.2%	)	(5,037		)	(0.3%	)	1,699			33.7%
Income before income taxes	281,965			13.0%		217,904			10.9%		64,061			29.4%
Income taxes	86,715			4.0%		58,582			2.9%		28,133			48.0%
Net income including noncontrolling interests	195,250			9.0%		159,322			8.0%		35,928			22.6%
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries’ loss	(77		)	—		(131		)	—		54			41.2%
Net income	$	195,327		9.0%		$	159,453		8.0%		$	35,874		22.5%

Net Sales: Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased 8.4% from the comparable period in 2011. The sales increase reflects volume increases of 3.8%, price increases of 1.9%, increases from acquisitions of 5.3% and unfavorable impacts from foreign exchange of 2.6%. Sales volumes increased because of growth in the U.S. market offset by lower demand in the international markets. Product pricing increased from prior year levels due to the realization of price increases implemented in response to increases in raw material costs.

Gross Profit: Gross profit increased 20.5% to $653,624 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared with $542,394 in the comparable period in 2011. As a percentage of Net sales, Gross profit increased to 30.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from 27.1% in the comparable period in 2011. In the current period, the Company recorded charges of $1,439 related to the initial accounting for recent acquisitions and charges of $1,039 due to a change in Venezuelan labor law, which provides for increased employee severance obligations. Foreign currency exchange rates had a $12,623 unfavorable translation impact in the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Selling, General & Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses: SG&A expenses were higher by $45,137, or 13.8%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared with the comparable period in 2011. As a percentage of Net sales, SG&A expenses were 17.2% and 16.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in SG&A expenses was predominantly due to higher bonus expense of $19,812, higher general and administrative spending primarily related to additional employee compensation costs of $10,700, increased SG&A expenses from acquisitions of $10,582 and increased U.S. retirement costs of $2,875 partially offset by foreign currency translations of $8,136.

Interest Income: Interest income increased to $2,648 in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $2,436 in the comparable period in 2011. The increase was largely due to international entities earning more favorable interest rates.

Equity Earnings in Affiliates: Equity earnings in affiliates were $4,264 in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared with earnings of $4,033 in the comparable period in 2011. The increase was due to an increase in earnings of $520 in Turkey partially offset by a decrease in earnings of $289 in Chile.

Interest Expense: Interest expense decreased to $3,338 in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $5,037 in the comparable period in 2011 as a result of lower levels of debt in the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Income Taxes: The Company recognized $86,715 of tax expense on pre-tax income of $281,965, resulting in an effective income tax rate of 30.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The effective income tax rate is lower than the Company’s statutory rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax rate jurisdictions and the utilization of foreign tax loss carryforwards for which valuation allowances had been previously provided.

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Net Income: Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $195,327 compared with Net income of $159,453 in the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $2.32 compared with $1.88 in the comparable period in 2011. Foreign currency exchange rate movements had an unfavorable translation effect of $2,934 on Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Segment Results

Net Sales: The table below summarizes the impacts of volume, acquisitions, price and foreign currency exchange rates on Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2012:

			Change in Net Sales due to:
	Net Sales										Foreign			Net Sales
	2011		Volume			Acquisitions		Price			Exchange			2012
Operating Segments
North America Welding	$	947,594	$	115,620		98,361		$	31,052		$	(4,748	)	$	1,187,879
Europe Welding	381,750		(20,247		)	8,322		7,126			(32,231		)	344,720
Asia Pacific Welding	288,072		(36,151		)	—		2,075			263			254,259
South America Welding	116,011		416			—		12,690			(7,565		)	121,552
The Harris Products Group	266,669		15,741			—		(14,131		)	(7,970		)	260,309
Consolidated	$	2,000,096	$	75,379		$	106,683	$	38,812		$	(52,251	)	$	2,168,719

% Change
North America Welding			12.2%			10.4%		3.3%			(0.5%		)	25.4%
Europe Welding			(5.3%		)	2.2%		1.9%			(8.4%		)	(9.7%		)
Asia Pacific Welding			(12.5%		)	—		0.7%			0.1%			(11.7%		)
South America Welding			0.4%			—		10.9%			(6.5%		)	4.8%
The Harris Products Group			5.9%			—		(5.3%		)	(3.0%		)	(2.4%		)
Consolidated			3.8%			5.3%		1.9%			(2.6%		)	8.4%

Net Sales: Net sales volumes for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased for the North America Welding, South America Welding and The Harris Products Group segments because of growth within the domestic and South American markets. Volume decreases for the Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments are the result of softening demand in those international markets. Product pricing increased for all operating segments from prior year levels, except for The Harris Products Group segment, due to the realization of price increases implemented in response to increases in raw material costs. Product pricing in the South America Welding segment reflects a higher inflationary environment, particularly in Venezuela. Product pricing decreased for The Harris Products Group segment because of significant decreases in the costs of silver and copper as compared to the prior year period. With respect to changes in Net sales due to foreign exchange, all segments, except for the Asia Pacific Welding segment, decreased due to a stronger U.S. dollar.

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Earnings Before Interest and Income Taxes (“EBIT”), as Adjusted: Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary profit measure being EBIT, as adjusted. The following table presents EBIT, as adjusted for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 by segment compared with the comparable period in 2011:

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2012		2011		$ Change		% Change
North America Welding:
Net sales	$	1,187,879	$	947,594	240,285		25.4%
Inter-segment sales	101,386		105,419		(4,033	)	(3.8%	)
Total Sales	$	1,289,265	$	1,053,013	236,252		22.4%

EBIT, as adjusted	$	216,872	$	158,192	58,680		37.1%
As a percent of total sales	16.8%		15.0%				1.8%

Europe Welding:
Net sales	$	344,720	$	381,750	(37,030	)	(9.7%	)
Inter-segment sales	12,178		13,375		(1,197	)	(8.9%	)
Total Sales	$	356,898	$	395,125	(38,227	)	(9.7%	)

EBIT, as adjusted	$	32,317	$	27,267	5,050		18.5%
As a percent of total sales	9.1%		6.9%				2.2%

Asia Pacific Welding:
Net sales	$	254,259	$	288,072	(33,813	)	(11.7%	)
Inter-segment sales	11,641		10,721		920		8.6%
Total Sales	$	265,900	$	298,793	(32,893	)	(11.0%	)

EBIT, as adjusted	$	8,641	$	3,281	5,360		163.4%
As a percent of total sales	3.2%		1.1%				2.2%

South America Welding:
Net sales	$	121,552	$	116,011	5,541		4.8%
Inter-segment sales	38		374		(336	)	(89.8%	)
Total Sales	$	121,590	$	116,385	5,205		4.5%

EBIT, as adjusted	$	13,472	$	9,600	3,872		40.3%
As a percent of total sales	11.1%		8.2%				2.9%

The Harris Products Group:
Net sales	$	260,309	$	266,669	(6,360	)	(2.4%	)
Inter-segment sales	6,605		6,735		(130	)	(1.9%	)
Total Sales	$	266,914	$	273,404	(6,490	)	(2.4%	)

EBIT, as adjusted	$	23,933	$	20,750	3,183		15.3%
As a percent of total sales	9.0%		7.6%				1.4%

EBIT, as adjusted and as a percent of total sales increased for all segments in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared with the same period of the prior year. The North America Welding segment growth is primarily due to improved leverage on a 12.2% increase in volumes and price increases of 3.3%. The increase at the Europe Welding segment is primarily due to improved product mix. The Asia Pacific Welding segment increase is due to improved profitability resulting from prior rationalization actions in Australia and improved product mix. The South America Welding segment increase is a result of product pricing increases of 10.9% exceeding increasing inflationary costs. The Harris Products Group segment growth is primarily a result of improved product mix on machine sales volume.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2012, EBIT, as adjusted, for the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments excluded special item charges of $554, $2,466 and $1,297, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations. The South America

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Welding segment EBIT, as adjusted, excluded a special item charge of $1,381, which relates to a change in Venezuelan labor law, which provides for increased employee severance obligations.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2011, EBIT, as adjusted, for the Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments excluded special items net charges of $392 and net gains of $110, respectively. The Europe Welding segment special items include net charges of $188 for rationalization actions primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations and a charge of $204 on the sale of assets at a rationalized operation. The Asia Pacific Welding segment special items include net charges of $93 for rationalization actions primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations and a gain of $203 on the sale of assets at a rationalized operation.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company reviews Adjusted operating income, Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted earnings per share, all non-GAAP financial measures, in assessing and evaluating the Company’s underlying operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude the impact of special items on the Company’s reported financial results. Non-GAAP financial measures should be read in conjunction with the GAAP financial measures, as non-GAAP measures are a supplement to, and not a replacement for, GAAP financial measures.

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

	Three Months Ended Sept. 30,				Nine Months Ended Sept. 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Operating income as reported	$	88,701	$	74,823	$	276,376	$	214,318
Special items (pre-tax):
Rationalization and asset impairment charges (gains)	3,059		—		4,317		282
Venezuelan statutory severance obligation	—		—		1,381		—
Adjusted operating income	$	91,760	$	74,823	$	282,074	$	214,600

Special items included in Operating income during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 include net rationalization and asset impairment charges of $3,059 and $4,317, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations in the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments resulting from actions initiated in 2012. Special items included in Operating income during the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 also include a charge of $1,381, relating to a change in Venezuelan labor law, which provides for increased employee severance obligations in the South America Welding segment.

Special items included in Operating income during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 include net rationalization and asset impairment charges of $282, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations in the Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments resulting from actions initiated in 2009.

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:

	Three Months Ended Sept. 30,				Nine Months Ended Sept. 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Net income as reported	$	64,765	$	55,530	$	195,327	$	159,453
Special items (after-tax):
Rationalization and asset impairment charges (gains)	2,704		—		3,619		237
Venezuelan statutory severance obligation	—		—		906		—
Adjustment for tax audit settlements	—		—		—		(4,844		)
Adjusted net income	$	67,469	$	55,530	$	199,852	$	154,846

Diluted earnings per share as reported	$	0.77	$	0.66	$	2.32	$	1.88
Special items	0.03		—		0.05		(0.05		)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share	$	0.80	$	0.66	$	2.37	$	1.83

Special items included in Net income during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 include net rationalization and asset impairment charges of $2,704 and $3,619, respectively, primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations in the North America Welding, Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments resulting from actions initiated in 2012. Special items included in Net income during the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 also include a charge of $906, relating to a change in Venezuelan labor law, which provides for increased employee severance obligations in the South America Welding segment.

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Special items included in Net income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 include net rationalization and asset impairment charges of $237 primarily related to employee severance and other costs associated with the consolidation of manufacturing operations in the Europe Welding and Asia Pacific Welding segments resulting from actions initiated in 2009. Special items for 2011 also include a gain of $4,844 related to a favorable adjustment for tax audit settlements at the North America Welding segment.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s cash flow from operations can be cyclical. Operational cash flow is a key driver of liquidity, providing cash and access to capital markets. In assessing liquidity, the Company reviews working capital measurements to define areas for improvement. Management anticipates the Company will be able to satisfy cash requirements for its ongoing businesses for the foreseeable future primarily with cash generated by operations, existing cash balances and, if necessary, borrowings under its existing credit facilities.

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:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012			2011			Change
Cash provided by operating activities	$	243,341		$	130,378		$	112,963
Cash used by investing activities	(93,161		)	(112,087		)	18,926
Capital expenditures	(39,307		)	(50,750		)	11,443
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(52,851		)	(62,340		)	9,489
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	538			1,003			(465		)
Other investing activities	(1,541		)	—			(1,541		)
Cash used by financing activities	(172,377		)	(59,971		)	(112,406		)
Payments on short-term borrowings, net	(3,380		)	(1,280		)	(2,100		)
Payments on long-term borrowings, net	(84,621		)	(1,598		)	(83,023		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	12,695			7,211			5,484
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	5,594			2,327			3,267
Purchase of shares for treasury	(60,155		)	(27,630		)	(32,525		)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(42,510		)	(39,001		)	(3,509		)
Decrease in Cash and cash equivalents	(20,426		)	(44,733		)

Cash and cash equivalents decreased 5.7% or $20,426 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $340,675 from $361,101 as of December 31, 2011. This decrease was predominantly due to the Company’s repayment of the $80,000 senior unsecured note at maturity, cash used in the acquisition of businesses of $52,851, purchases of common shares for treasury of $60,155 and a $56,016 deposit for tax and interest assessed by the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) offset by favorable cash provided by operating activities. The decrease in Cash and cash equivalents during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compares to a decrease of 12.2% or $44,733 to $321,460 during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Cash provided by operating activities increased by $112,963 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The increase was predominantly due to lower net operating working capital requirements and increased Net income in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2011, offset by the $56,016 deposit for tax and interest assessed by the CRA. Net operating working capital is defined as the sum of Accounts receivable and Total inventory less Trade accounts payable. Net operating working capital to sales, defined as net operating working capital divided by annualized rolling three months of Net sales, increased to 21.4% at September 30, 2012 compared with 21.0% at December 31, 2011 and decreased compared with 21.8% at September 30, 2011. Days sales in inventory increased to 97.3 days at September 30, 2012 from 92.5 days at December 31, 2011 and decreased from 99.1 days at September 30, 2011. Accounts receivable days increased to 54.1 days at September 30, 2012 from 53.5 days at both December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011. Average days in accounts payable increased to 37.7 days at September 30, 2012 from 35.1 days at December 31, 2011 and decreased from 39.3 days at September 30, 2011.

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Cash used by investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2011 decreased by $18,926. This reflects decreases in capital expenditures of $11,443 and cash used in the acquisition of businesses of $9,489. The Company anticipates capital expenditures in 2012 to be in the range of $50,000 to $55,000. Anticipated capital expenditures reflect investments for capital maintenance to improve operational effectiveness and the Company’s continuing international expansion. Management critically evaluates all proposed capital expenditures and requires each project to increase efficiency, reduce costs, promote business growth, or improve the overall safety and environmental conditions of the Company’s facilities.

Cash used by financing activities increased by $112,406 to $172,377 in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared with the comparable period in 2011. The increase was predominantly due to higher net payments of long-term borrowings of $83,023, due primarily to the Company’s repayment of the $80,000 senior unsecured note and higher purchases of common shares for treasury of $32,525.

The Company’s debt levels decreased from $103,378 at December 31, 2011 to $21,174 at September 30, 2012. Debt to total invested capital decreased to 1.6% at September 30, 2012 from 8.0% at December 31, 2011. The decrease was predominantly due to the repayment of the Company’s $80,000 senior unsecured note on March 12, 2012.

The Company paid $42,510 in cash dividends to its shareholders in the nine months ended September 30, 2012. In October 2012, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.17 per share, or $14,069, to shareholders of record on September 28, 2012.

Canada — Notice of Reassessment

As discussed in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements, in July 2012, the Company received a Notice of Reassessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”) for 2004 to 2011, which would disallow the deductibility of intercompany dividends. These adjustments would increase Canadian federal and provincial tax due by $60,085 plus approximately $16,584 of interest, net of tax, through September 30, 2012. The Company disagrees with the position taken by the CRA and believes it is without merit. The Company will vigorously contest the assessment through the Tax Court of Canada. A trial date has not yet been scheduled. In connection with the litigation process, the Company is required to deposit a pre-determined amount of the tax and interest assessed by the CRA. In September 2012, a deposit was made and is recorded as a Non-current asset in the amount of $56,181 as of September 30, 2012. Payment of the balance of the tax and interest assessment is expected to be made in the quarter ending December 31, 2012. The Company has elected to deposit the entire amount of the dispute in order to suspend the continuing accrual of a 5% interest charge. Additionally, deposited amounts will earn interest of approximately 1% due upon a favorable outcome. Although the Company believes it will prevail on the merits of the tax position, the ultimate outcome of the assessment remains uncertain.

Venezuela — Highly Inflationary Economy

Venezuela is a highly inflationary economy under GAAP. As a result, the financial statements of the Company’s Venezuelan operation are reported under highly inflationary accounting rules as of January 1, 2010. Under highly inflationary accounting, the financial statements of the Company’s Venezuelan operation have been remeasured into the Company’s reporting currency and exchange gains and losses from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities are reflected in current earnings. In remeasuring the financial statements the official exchange rate for non-essential goods of 4.3 is used as this is the rate expected to be applicable to dividend repatriations.

The Company’s ability to effectively manage sales and profit levels in Venezuela will be impacted by several factors. These include but are not limited to the Company’s ability to mitigate the effect of any potential future devaluation and Venezuelan government price or exchange controls. If in the future the Company were to convert bolivars at a rate other than the official exchange rate or the official exchange rate is revised, the Company may realize a loss to earnings. For example, a future devaluation in the Venezuelan currency to a rate of 6.4 would result in the Company realizing additional charges of approximately $4,500 to Cost of goods sold based on current inventory levels and $7,200 to Selling, general and administrative expenses based upon the current bolivar-denominated monetary net asset position.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of accounting standards recently adopted or required to be adopted in the future.

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Acquisitions

Debt

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Pensions

In March 2012, the Company announced a plan to amend a defined benefit plan in the United States to allow participants, including those with deferred vested pension benefits, the option to receive a one-time lump sum payment of their pension benefits. Approximately 621 deferred vested participants have elected to receive lump sum payment options. The Company expects to make related lump sum benefit payments of $38,352 in the fourth quarter 2012. Payments will be made from plan assets and are not expected to exceed the threshold to require settlement accounting.

Forward-looking Statements

The Company’s expectations and beliefs concerning the future contained in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect management’s current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “guidance” or words of similar meaning. Actual results may differ materially from such statements due to a variety of factors that could adversely affect the Company’s operating results. The factors include, but are not limited to: general economic and market conditions; the effectiveness of operating initiatives; currency exchange and interest rates; adverse outcome of pending or potential litigation; actual costs of the Company’s rationalization plans; possible acquisitions; market risks and price fluctuations related to the purchase of commodities and energy; global regulatory complexity; and the possible effects of events beyond our control, such as political unrest, acts of terror and natural disasters, on the Company or its customers, suppliers and the economy in general. For additional discussion, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in the Company’s exposure to market risk since December 31, 2011. See “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2012.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

At September 30, 2012, the Company was a co-defendant in cases alleging asbestos induced illness involving claims by approximately 15,047 plaintiffs, which is a net decrease of 93 claims from those previously reported. In each instance, the Company is one of a large number of defendants. The asbestos claimants seek compensatory and punitive damages, in most cases for unspecified sums. Since January 1, 1995, the Company has been a co-defendant in other similar cases that have been resolved as follows: 41,117 of those claims were dismissed, 20 were tried to defense verdicts, seven were tried to plaintiff verdicts (two of which are being appealed), one was resolved by agreement for an immaterial amount and 610 were decided in favor of the Company following summary judgment motions.

At September 30, 2012, the Company was a co-defendant in cases alleging manganese induced illness involving claims by approximately 123 plaintiffs, which is a net decrease of 159 claims from those previously reported. In each instance, the Company is one of a large number of defendants. The claimants in cases alleging manganese induced illness seek compensatory and punitive damages, in most cases for unspecified sums. The claimants allege that exposure to manganese contained in welding consumables caused the plaintiffs to develop adverse neurological conditions, including a condition

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known as manganism. At September 30, 2012, cases involving 2 claimants were pending in federal court in the Northern District of Ohio (where Multi-district Litigation had been managed). Since January 1, 1995, the Company has been a co-defendant in similar cases that have been resolved as follows: 16,716 of those claims were dismissed, 23 were tried to defense verdicts in favor of the Company and five were tried to plaintiff verdicts (three of which were reversed on appeal). In addition, 13 claims were resolved by agreement for immaterial amounts and one claim was decided in favor of the Company following a summary judgment motion. On January 18, 2012, the Company and 17 co-defendants entered into an agreement with plaintiffs’ counsel that provides for the dismissal with prejudice of substantially all of the pending manganese claims provided certain conditions precedent are satisfied. On April 27, 2012, those conditions precedent were satisfied and the Company fulfilled its obligations under the foregoing agreement. As a result, dismissals are being entered in substantially all of the manganese cases.

In July 2012, the Company received a Notice of Reassessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”) for 2004 to 2011, which would disallow the deductibility of intercompany dividends. These adjustments would increase Canadian federal and provincial tax due. The Company disagrees with the position taken by the CRA and believes it is without merit. The Company will vigorously contest the assessment through the Tax Court of Canada. A trial date has not yet been scheduled. In connection with the litigation process, the Company is required to deposit a pre-determined amount of the tax and interest assessed by the CRA, of which a payment was made in September 2012 and the balance of the tax and interest assessment is expected to be made in the quarter ending December 31, 2012. Any Canadian tax ultimately due will be creditable in the parent company’s U.S. federal tax return. The Company expects to be able to utilize the full amount of foreign tax credits generated in the statutorily allowed carryback and carryforward periods. Accordingly, should the Company not prevail in this dispute, the income statement charge will approximate the deficiency interest, net of tax. The Company believes it will prevail on the merits of the tax position. In accordance with prescribed recognition and measurement thresholds, no income tax accrual has been made for any uncertain tax positions related to the CRA reassessment. An unfavorable resolution of this matter could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements in the quarter in which a judgment is reached.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, the reader should carefully consider the factors discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, which could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition or future results.

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

Issuer purchases of its common shares during the third quarter of 2012 were as follows:

Period	Total Number of Shares Repurchased	Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Repurchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
July 1 - 31, 2012	—	$	—	—	4,261,073
August 1 - 31, 2012	481,300	41.59		481,300	3,779,773
September 1 - 30, 2012	—	—		—	3,779,773

(1) In October 2003, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to 30 million shares of the Company’s common shares. Total shares purchased through the share repurchase programs were 26,220,227 shares at a total cost of $410.1 million for a weighted average cost of $15.64 per share through September 30, 2012.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits

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

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

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

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

101.INS XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

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SIGNATURE

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

		LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC.

		/s/ Vincent K. Petrella
		Vincent K. Petrella
		Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
		Officer and Treasurer
		(principal financial and accounting officer)
		November 2, 2012