Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LECO) shares moved into the green Wednesday, on reporting second-quarter figures. Net income proved to be $101.7 million, or diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.77, which includes special item after-tax net charges of $32.6 million, or $0.57 EPS. This compares with prior year period net income of $137.3 million, or $2.36 EPS, which included special item after-tax net charges of $4.9 million, or $0.08 EPS. Excluding special items, second quarter 2024 adjusted net income was $134.3 million, or $2.34 adjusted EPS. This compares with adjusted net income of $142.2 million, or $2.44 adjusted EPS, in the prior year period.
Second-quarter 2024 sales decreased 3.7% to $1,022 million reflecting a 4.4% decrease in organic sales and a 1.2% benefit from acquisitions. Operating income for the second quarter 2024 was $148.8 million, or 14.6% of sales, as compared with operating income of $178.0 million, or 16.8% of sales, in the prior year period. Excluding special items, adjusted operating income was $177.6 million, or 17.4% of sales, as compared with $184.2 million, or 17.4% of sales, in the prior year period.
“Our solid second quarter profit, earnings and cash conversion results demonstrate the team’s effective cost management and execution of our strategic initiatives while navigating a more challenging portion of the cycle,” stated CEO Steven B. Hedlund.
LECO shares grabbed $2.21, or 1%, to $213.68.