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YoY shift: Neutral
Year-over-year tone shift - average net-tone change across Risk Factors and MD&A vs the prior 10-K. This filing is -0.03pp more bearish than last year's.
Why YoY instead of absolute: the LM lexicon has ~6.6× more negative words than positive (legal/risk-disclosure language is heavy on hedging), so every 10-K reads bearish on raw tone. Year-over-year change strips that bias and surfaces the actual shift in management's framing.
Tone shift by section
The two components the gauge averages: how Risk Factors and MD&A each shifted in net tone versus last year's 10-K. The headline above is their average, so a green needle over a soft section just means the other section carried it.
Risk Factors
-0.02pp
Flat
Net-tone change vs last year's 10-K.
MD&A
-0.04pp
Flat
Net-tone change vs last year's 10-K.
Per-snippet highlights
Sentence-level sentiment highlighting with category and subcategory filters is coming once the snippet-scoring pipeline lands. For now, dig into the actual section text on the Sections tab.
Language change vs prior 10-K
Risk Factors (Item 1A) - words with the biggest YoY frequency increase
Negative rising
adverse+3
investigations+2
adversely+1
failure+1
fines+1
Positive rising
successful+1
enhanced+1
enabled+1
Risk Factors (Item 1A)
5,481 words
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
From time to time, information we provide, statements by our employees or information included in our filings with the SEC may contain forward-looking statements that are not historical facts. Those statements are “forward-looking” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “guidance” or words of similar meaning. Actual results may differ materially from such statements due to a variety of factors that could adversely affect the Company’s operating results. Forward-looking statements, and our future performance, operating results, financial condition and liquidity, are subject to a variety of factors that could materially affect results, including those risks described below. Forward-looking statements made in this report speak only as of the date of the statement, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update those statements. Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends or indications of future performance, unless expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.
In the ordinary course of our business, we face various strategic, operating, compliance and financial risks. These risks could have a material impact on our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows. Our Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) process seeks to identify and address significant risks. Our ERM process is a company-wide initiative that is designed with the intent of prioritizing risks and allocating appropriate resources to address such risks. We use the integrated risk framework of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations to assess, manage and monitor risks.
Language change vs prior 10-K
MD&A (Item 7) - words with the biggest YoY frequency increase
Negative rising
unfavorable+2
retaliatory+1
weakened+1
weaker+1
Positive rising
favorable+2
effective+1
benefit+1
innovative+1
enable+1
MD&A (Item 7)
7,389 words
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read together with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors" for more information regarding forward-looking statements.
General
The Company is a high-performance industrial machinery and technology leader who helps customers manufacture and maintain vital equipment and infrastructure. The Company’s innovative solutions enable higher quality and productivity across a variety of processes including welding, cutting, brazing, machining, process automation, and field repair.
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The Company’s products include arc welding equipment, filler metals (welding, brazing and soldering consumables), cutting systems (laser, plasma and oxyfuel), wire feeding systems, fume control equipment, welding accessories, specialty gas regulators, mobile power equipment, wear solutions, software, and education solutions; as well as a comprehensive portfolio of automated solutions and system integration services for joining, cutting, material handling, module assembly, and end of line testing. Services include additive manufacturing, precision fabrication, wear services, upfitting, and training.
Management has identified and prioritized critical risks based on the severity and likelihood of each risk and assigned an executive to address each major identified risk area and lead action plans to monitor and mitigate risks, where possible. Our Board of Directors (the “Board”) provides oversight of the ERM process and systematically reviews identified critical risks. The Audit Committee of the Board also reviews major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control them.
Our goal is to proactively manage risks in a structured approach and in conjunction with the strategic planning process, with the intent to preserve and enhance shareholder value. However, the risk factors described below and other risks and uncertainties could cause our results to vary materially from recent results or from our anticipated future results. The risk factors and uncertainties described below, together with information incorporated by reference or otherwise included elsewhere in this report, should be carefully considered. Although the risks are organized by headings, and each risk is discussed separately, many are interrelated. Additional risks and uncertainties of which we are currently unaware or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business.
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Risks Related to Economic Conditions
General economic, financial and market conditions may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and access to capital markets for our business.
Our operating results are sensitive to changes in general economic conditions and an adverse change in demand. Recessionary economic cycles, global supply chain disruptions, higher logistics costs, high interest rates, inflation, higher raw materials costs, higher labor costs, trade barriers in the world markets, financial turmoil related to sovereign debt and changes in tax laws or trade laws or other economic factors and other challenges affecting the countries and industries in which we do business, including, but not limited to, geopolitical conflicts, could adversely affect demand for our products. An adverse change in demand could impact our results of operations, collection of accounts receivable and our expected cash flow generation from current and acquired businesses, which may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and access to capital markets.
We cannot predict what further action may be taken with respect to tariffs or trade relations between the United States and other governments. The U.S. presidential administration has imposed tariffs on foreign imports into the United States and, in response, many foreign countries have implemented or increased tariffs on imports into their countries. We have taken actions to address the impact of these initial trade policies and will continue to monitor evolving trade negotiations to determine if additional measures are warranted, although these actions may not be successful. While we cannot predict the ultimate impact on our business and potential additional U.S. tariffs and retaliatory actions by other countries remain unknown, the impacts could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and access to capital markets.
We conduct our sales and distribution operations on a worldwide basis and maintain manufacturing facilities in a number of foreign countries, which subjects us to risks associated with doing business outside the United States.
As a growing global enterprise, the share of sales and profits we derive from our international operations and exports from the United States is significant. This trend increases our exposure to the performance of many developing economies in addition to the developed economies outside of the United States. If international economies were to experience significant slowdowns, it could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. There are a number of risks in doing business internationally, which may impede our ability to achieve our strategic objectives relating to our foreign operations, including:
Political and economic uncertainty and social turmoil;
Corporate governance and management challenges in consideration of the numerous U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, including regulations relating to import-export control, technology transfer restrictions, repatriation of earnings and funds, exchange controls, labor regulations, nationalization, changes in tariffs and trade policies, data protection and privacy requirements, anti-boycott provisions and anti-bribery laws (such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Convention);
International terrorism and hostilities;
Changes in the global regulatory environment, including revised or new laws, regulations or standards relating to the Company, our products or the markets in which we operate; and
Significant fluctuations in relative currency values; in particular, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies could have an adverse effect on our profitability and financial condition, as well as the imposition of exchange controls, currency devaluations and hyperinflation.
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The cyclical nature and maturity of the arc welding and cutting industry in developed markets may adversely affect our performance.
The arc welding and cutting industry is generally a mature industry in developed markets, such as North America and Western Europe, and is cyclical in nature. Overall demand for arc welding and cutting products is largely determined by the level of capital spending in manufacturing and other industrial sectors, and the welding industry has historically experienced contraction during periods of slowing industrial activity. If economic, business and industry conditions deteriorate, capital spending in those sectors may be substantially decreased, which could reduce demand for our products and have an adverse effect on our revenues and results of operations.
Risks Related to Manufacturing and Operations
Economic, geopolitical and supply disruptions associated with events beyond our control, such as war, acts of terror, political unrest, pandemics, labor disputes, trade policies, and natural disasters, could adversely affect our supply chain and distribution channels or result in loss of sales and customers.
Our facilities and operations, and the facilities and operations of our suppliers and customers, could be disrupted by events beyond our control, such as war, acts of terror, political unrest, pandemics, labor disputes, trade policies, and natural disasters, including events caused by climate change. Any such disruption could cause delays in the production and distribution of our products and the loss of sales and customers. Insurance proceeds may not adequately compensate the Company for our losses.
Availability of and volatility in energy costs or raw material prices may adversely affect our business.
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risks related to the availability of and price fluctuations in the purchase of energy and commodities used in the manufacturing of our products (primarily steel, brass, copper, silver, aluminum alloys, electronic components, electricity and natural gas). The availability and prices for energy costs and raw materials, including steel, nonferrous metals and chemicals, are subject to volatility and are influenced by worldwide economic conditions. They are also influenced by import duties and tariff actions, world supply and demand balances, inventory levels, availability of substitute materials, currency exchange rates, anticipated or perceived shortages, government trade practices and regulations and other factors.
Increases in the cost of raw materials and components, including as a result of tariffs, may adversely affect our profitability if we are unable to pass these cost increases along to our customers or reduce our cost of goods sold. Although most of the raw materials and components used in our products are commercially available from a number of sources and in adequate supply, any disruption in the availability of such raw materials and components, our inability to timely or otherwise obtain substitutes for such items, or any deterioration in our relationships with or the financial viability of our suppliers could adversely affect our business.
We are subject to risks relating to our information systems and data that could have an adverse effect on our business strategy, results of operations and financial condition.
The conduct and management of our business relies extensively on information systems, which contain confidential information related to our customers, suppliers and employees and other proprietary business information. We maintain some of these systems and are also dependent on a number of critical information technology and other infrastructure services provided by third parties relating to, among other things, human resources, electronic communication services and finance functions. Like many companies, our information systems and those of third parties who provide products or services to us may be subject to cybersecurity threats and cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents and similar attacks vary in their form and can include the deployment of harmful malware or ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, and other attacks, which may affect business continuity and threaten the availability, confidentiality and integrity of our systems and information. Cybersecurity incidents can also include employee or personnel failures, fraud, phishing or other social engineering attempts or other methods to cause confidential information, payments, account access or access credentials, or other data to be transmitted to an unintended recipient. Cybersecurity threat actors also may attempt to
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exploitvulnerabilities in software that is commonly used by companies in cloud-based services and bundled software. In addition, the rapid evolution and increased adoption of artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies may increase our cybersecurity risks and the cybersecurity risks of our third-party business partners. To date, no such cybersecurity incidents have had a material impact on our business or operations. However, cybersecurity threats, cybersecurity incidents or disruptions involving our systems or those of our third-party business partners, or any failure by us or our third-party business partners to effectively address, enforce or maintain our information systems could interrupt our ability to manage and operate the business, impact data, and adversely affect our business strategy, results of operations and financial condition, including major disruptions to business operations, loss of intellectual property, release of confidential information, alteration or corruption of data or systems, costs related to remediation and recovery, and litigation including individual claims or consumer class actions, commercial litigation, administrative, and civil or criminalinvestigations or actions, regulatory intervention and sanctions or fines, investigation and remediation costs and possible prolongednegative publicity. The Company continues to invest in cybersecurity, including measures intended to maintain and enhance cybersecurity resilience, and the Company’s cybersecurity risks are regularly monitored by the Audit Committee of the Board. Nevertheless, due to the nature of cybersecurity threats, there can be no assurance that our preventive efforts can fully mitigate the risks of all cybersecurity threats and cybersecurity incidents. Any of these events could have an adverse effect on our business strategy, results of operations and financial condition.
We may be incorporating AI technologies into our products, services and processes. These technologies may present business, compliance and reputational risks.
The introduction of AI and machine-learning technologies, particularly generative AI, into internal processes, third-party services and/or new and existing offerings may result in new or expanded risks and liabilities due to enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny, litigation, compliance issues, ethical concerns, confidentiality or security risks, as well as other factors that could adversely affect our business, reputation and financial results. In addition, our personnel could, unbeknownst to us, improperly utilize AI and machine-learning technology while carrying out their responsibilities. The use of AI in third-party services and the development of our products and services could also cause loss of intellectual property, as well as subject us to risks related to intellectual property infringement or misappropriation, data privacy and cybersecurity. The use of AI can lead to unintended consequences, including generating content that appears correct but is factually inaccurate, misleading or otherwise flawed, or that results in unintended biases and discriminatory outcomes, which could harm our reputation and business and expose us to risks related to inaccuracies or errors in the output of such technologies.
Risks Related to Human Capital Management
Our operations depend on maintaining a skilled workforce, and any interruption in our workforce could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.
Our success depends in part on the efforts and abilities of our management team and key employees. Their skills, experience and industry knowledge significantly benefit our operations and performance. Our future success will also depend on our ability to identify, attract and retain highly qualified managerial and technical (including research and development) personnel. Competition for these individuals is intense and compensation rates are increasing due to lower labor availability. Under these conditions, we may not succeed in identifying, attracting or retaining qualified personnel. With our strategy to continue expanding internationally into developing markets, we may encounter additional risks as certain developing economies lack a sufficiently trained labor pool.
Any interruption of our workforce, including rationalization efforts related to the integration of acquired businesses, interruptions due to unionization efforts, changes in labor relations or shortages of appropriately skilled individuals could impact our results of operations and financial condition.
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Risks Related to Business Strategy
We may not be able to complete our acquisition or divestiture strategies, successfully integrate acquired businesses and, in certain cases, we may be required to retain liabilities for certain matters relating to divestitures.
Part of our business strategy is to pursue targeted business acquisition opportunities, including foreign investment opportunities. We cannot be certain that we will be successful in pursuing potential acquisition candidates or that the consequences of any acquisition would be beneficial to us. Future acquisitions may expose us to unexpected liabilities and involve the expenditure of significant funds and management time. Further, we may not be able to successfully integrate an acquired business with our existing businesses or recognize the expected benefits from any completed acquisition. Integration efforts may include significant rationalization activities that could be disruptive to the business. Our current operational cash flow is sufficient to fund our acquisition plans, but a significant acquisition could require access to the capital markets.
Additionally, we may identify assets for strategic divestitures that would increase capital resources available for other activities and create organizational and operational efficiencies. Various factors could materially affect our ability to dispose of such assets or complete announced divestitures, including the receipt of approvals of governmental agencies or third parties and the availability of purchasers willing to acquire the interests or purchase the assets on terms and at prices acceptable to us.
Sellers typically retain certain liabilities or indemnify buyers for certain matters. The magnitude of any such retained liability or indemnification obligation may be difficult to quantify at the time of the transaction and ultimately may be material. Also, as is typical in divestitures, third parties may be unwilling to release us from guarantees or other credit support provided prior to the sale of the divested assets. As a result, after a divestiture, we may remain secondarily liable for the obligations guaranteed or supported to the extent that the buyer of the assets fails to perform these obligations.
If we cannot continue to develop, manufacture and market products that meet customer demands, continue to enforce the intellectual property rights on which our business depends or if third parties assert that we violate their intellectual property rights, our revenues, gross margins and results of operations may suffer.
Our continued success depends, in part, on our ability to continue to meet our customers’ needs for welding and cutting products through the introduction of innovative new products and the enhancement of existing product design and performance characteristics. We must remain committed to product research and development and customer service in order to remain competitive. We cannot be assured that new products or product improvements, once developed, will be met with customer acceptance and contribute positively to our operating results, or that we will be able to continue our product development efforts at a pace to sustain future growth. Further, we may lose customers to our competitors if they demonstrate product design, development or manufacturing capabilities superior to ours.
We rely upon patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws in the United States and similar laws in foreign countries, as well as agreements with our employees, customers, suppliers and other third parties, to establish and maintain our intellectual property rights. However, any of our intellectual property rights could be challenged, invalidated or circumvented, or our intellectual property rights may not be sufficient to provide a competitive advantage. Further, the laws and their application in certain foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as U.S. laws. Accordingly, in certain countries, we may be unable to protect our proprietary rights againstunauthorized third-party copying or use, which could impact our competitive position.
Further, third parties may claim that we or our customers are infringing upon their intellectual property rights. Even if we believe that those claims are without merit, defending those claims and contesting the validity of patents can be time consuming and costly. Claims of intellectual property infringement might also require us to redesign affected products, enter into costly settlements or license agreements, pay costlydamage awards or face a temporary or permanent injunction prohibiting us from manufacturing, marketing or selling certain of our products.
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The competitive pressures we face could harm our revenue, results of operations and prospects.
We operate in a highly competitive global environment and compete in each of our businesses with other broad-line manufacturers and numerous smaller competitors specializing in particular products. We compete primarily on the basis of brand, product quality, price, performance, warranty, delivery, service and technical support. Additionally, the emergence of AI-enabled robotic solutions has increased the competitive pressure on our automation business. If our products, services, support and cost structure do not enable us to compete successfully based on any of the criteria listed above, our revenue, results of operations and prospects could suffer.
Further, in the past decade, the arc welding industry in the United States and other developed countries has been subject to increased levels of foreign competition as low cost imports have become more readily available. Our competitive position could be harmed if new or emerging competitors become more active in the arc welding business. For example, while steel manufacturers traditionally have not been significant competitors in the domestic arc welding industry, certain foreign integrated steel producers manufacture selected consumable arc welding products and robotic arm manufacturers compete in the automated welding and cutting space. In addition, in certain markets of the world, distributors manufacture and sell arc welding products. Our sales and results of operations, as well as our plans to expand in certain foreign countries, could be adversely affected by this increased competition.
We may incur additional restructuring charges as we continue to contemplate rationalization actions in an effort to optimize our cost structure, and, as a result, we may not achieve the anticipated savings and benefits of these actions.
We have previously initiated, and may initiate in the future, significant rationalization activities to align our business with market conditions and improve our overall competitiveness, including with respect to the integration of acquired businesses. These actions may reduce our profitability in the periods incurred and we will likely continue to incur charges, which may include but are not limited to asset impairments, employee severance costs, charges for pension and other post-retirement contractual benefits and pension settlements, any of which could be significant, and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may not realize anticipated savings or benefits from past or future rationalization plans in full or in part or within the time periods we expect. Failure to realize anticipated savings or benefits from our cost reduction actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and cash flows. For more information regarding rationalization plans, refer to the rationalization and asset impairment related disclosure under Note 7 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Risks Related to Legal, Compliance and Regulatory Matters
We are a co-defendant in litigationalleging asbestos induced illness. Liabilities relating to such litigation could reduce our profitability and impair our financial condition.
As of December 31, 2025, we were a co-defendant in cases alleging asbestos induced illness involving claims by approximately 1,126 plaintiffs. In each instance, we are one of a large number of defendants. The asbestos claimants allege that exposure to asbestos contained in welding consumables caused the plaintiffs to develop adverse pulmonary diseases, including mesothelioma and other lung cancers. Asbestos use in welding consumables in the United States ceased in 1981.
Since January 1, 1995, we have been a co-defendant in asbestos cases that have been resolved as follows: 57,272 of those claims were dismissed, 23 were tried to defense verdicts, 7 were tried to plaintiffverdicts (which were reversed or resolved after appeal), 1 was resolved by agreement for an immaterial amount and 1,023 were decided in favor of the Company following summary judgment motions.
The long-term impact of an asbestos loss contingency, in the aggregate, on operating results, operating cash flows and access to capital markets is difficult to assess, particularly since claims are in many different stages of development and we benefit significantly from cost-sharing with co-defendants and insurance carriers. While we intend to contest these lawsuits vigorously, and believe we have applicable insurance relating to these claims, there are several risks and
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uncertainties that may affect our liability for personal injuryclaims relating to exposure to asbestos, including the future impact of changing cost sharing arrangements or a change in our overall trial experience.
We may incur material losses and costs as a result of product liability claims that may be brought against us or failure to meet contractual performance commitments.
Our business exposes us to potential product liability risks that are inherent in the design, manufacture, sale and application of our products and the products of third-party suppliers that we utilize or resell. Our products are used in a variety of applications, including infrastructure projects such as oil and gas pipelines and platforms, buildings, bridges and power generation facilities, the manufacture of transportation and heavy equipment and machinery and various other construction projects. We face risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that accidents or failures on these projects result, or are alleged to result, in bodily injury or property damage. Further, our products are designed for use in specific applications, and if a product is used inappropriately, personal injury or property damage may result. In certain cases, we design automated welding systems for use in a customer’s production facilities (including automotive production facilities), which could expose us to financial losses or professional liability.
The occurrence of defects in or failures of our products, or the misuse of our products in specific applications, could cause termination of customer contracts, increased costs and losses to us, our customers and other end users. We cannot be assured that we will not experience any material product liability losses in the future or that we will not incur significant costs to defend those claims. Further, we cannot be assured that our product liability insurance coverage will be adequate for any liabilities that we may ultimately incur or that product liability insurance will continue to be available on terms acceptable to us. Even if we are successful in defending such claims and product liability coverage is adequate, claims of this nature could cause customers to lose confidence in our products and the Company. Warranty claims are not generally covered by insurance, and we may incur significant warranty costs in the future for which we would not be reimbursed.
We may incur losses if we do not achieve contractual commitments, including project performance requirements or project schedules. Project performance can be affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, availability of materials, changes in the project scope of services, environmental conditions or labor disruptions. In addition, our backlog consists of the expected revenue from projects for which we have an executed contract or commitment with a customer. Project cancellations, scope adjustments, deferrals or changes in cost estimates may reduce the dollar amount of revenue and profits that we actually earn.
Changes in tax rates or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our business is subject to income taxes in the United States and various foreign jurisdictions. Domestic and international tax liabilities are subject to the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate could be adversely affected by changes in the mix among earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation allowances of deferred tax assets or changes in tax laws. There can be no assurance that changes in tax laws or regulations, both within the United States and the various foreign jurisdictions in which we operate, such as the 15% global minimum tax under The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Pillar Two, Global Anti-Base Erosion Rules will not materially and adversely affect our effective tax rate, tax payments, financial condition and results of operations.
The amount of income taxes paid by the Company, including its subsidiaries, is subject to ongoing audits by the U.S. federal, state and local tax authorities and by foreign tax authorities, as applicable. If these audits result in assessments different from amounts reserved, future financial results may include unfavorable adjustments, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
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Evolving international laws and enforcement relating to data privacy could adversely affect our operations.
Our business is also subject to complex and changing laws and regulations enacted to protect business and personal information in the United States and other jurisdictions regarding privacy, data protection and data security, including those related to the collection, storage, use, transmission and protection of personal information and other customer, vendor or employee data. Laws and regulations addressing personal information, including with respect to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, U.S. state privacy laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act, and the interpretation and enforcement of these and similar laws and regulations, are continuously evolving and there is significant uncertainty with respect to how compliance with these laws and regulations may develop and the costs and complexity of future compliance. In addition, as a result of existing or new data protection requirements, we incur and expect to continue to incur ongoing costs as part of our efforts to comply with applicable law. Any failure, or perceived failure, to comply with data protection or privacy-related legal obligations may result in governmental enforcement actions, regulatory intervention and sanctions or fines, investigating costs, consumer class actions or commercial litigation, or negative publicity, and could have an adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.
Our global operations are subject to increasingly complex environmental regulatory requirements.
We are subject to increasingly complex environmental regulations affecting international manufacturers, including those related to air and water emissions, waste management and climate change. Certain environmental laws impose strict, retroactive and joint and several liability for the remediation of the release of hazardous substances, even for conduct that was lawful at the time it occurred, or for the conduct of or conditions caused by prior operators, predecessors or third parties. Failure to comply with environmental laws could expose us to penalties or clean-up costs, civil or criminal liability and sanctions on certain of our activities, as well as damage to property or natural resources. These liabilities, sanctions, damages and remediation efforts related to any non-compliance with such laws and regulations could negatively impact our ability to conduct our operations and our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, there can be no assurances that we will not be adversely affected by costs, liabilities or claims with respect to existing or subsequently acquired operations or under present laws and regulations or those that may be adopted or imposed in the future.
Changes in environmental laws or regulations could result in higher expenses and payments, and uncertainty relating to environmental laws or regulations may also affect how we conduct our operations and structure our investments and could limit our ability to enforce our rights. Changes in environmental and climate change laws or regulations, including laws relating to greenhouse gas emissions, could subject us to additional costs and restrictions, including increased energy and raw material costs. If environmental laws or regulations are either changed or adopted and impose significant operational restrictions and compliance requirements upon us or our products, it could negatively impact our business, capital expenditures, results of operations, financial condition and competitive position.
It is our policy to apply strict standards for environmental protection to all of our operations inside and outside of the United States, even when we are not subject to local government regulations. We may incur substantial costs, including cleanup costs, fines and civil or criminal sanctions, liabilities resulting from third-party property damage or personal injuryclaims, or our products could be prohibited from entering certain jurisdictions, if we were to violate or become liable under environmental laws, if our products become non-compliant with environmental laws or if we were to undertake environmental protection actions voluntarily.
We also face increasing complexity in our products design and procurement operations as we adjust to new and future requirements relating to the design, production and labeling of our products that are sold worldwide in multiple jurisdictions. The ultimate costs under environmental laws and the timing of these costs are difficult to predict.
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As a provider of products to the U.S. government, we are subject to additional risks related to unusual performance conditions and enhanced compliance risks, which could have an adverse effect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our business with the U.S. government subjects us to unusual risks, including compliance with and changes in governmental acquisition regulations. Our agreements relating to the sale of products to government entities may be subject to termination, reduction or modification, either at the convenience of the government or for our failure to perform, or other unsatisfactory performance under the applicable contract. We are subject to government investigations of our business practices and compliance with government acquisition regulations. If the Company were charged with wrongdoing as a result of any such investigation, it could be suspended from bidding on or receiving awards of new government contracts, and we could be subject to fines or penalties associated with contract non-compliance or resulting from such investigations, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
We may be exposed to certain regulatory and financial risks related to climate change.
A number of governments and agencies in the United States and in foreign jurisdictions have proposed and may continue to introduce regulatory changes to address climate change, including regulations related to greenhouse gas emissions. We may be subject to additional regulations or restrictions in jurisdictions where we operate, including charges to fund additional energy-efficient activities, assessments or fees, and operational restrictions, such as reduced emission allowances. Compliance with climate change regulations and restrictions may result in additional costs, including increased production costs and taxes, which could adversely impact our financial condition. In addition, climate change regulations and related operating restrictions may unfavorably affect our competitive position with companies who may not be subject to equivalent requirements in their jurisdictions. In addition, negative publicity or public perception of climate change issues associated with us or our industry may cause reputational damage and financial harm to the Company.
Solutions range in technology and features from basic units used for personal, maintenance and light manufacturing use to highly sophisticated robotic solutions for complex fabrication and production activities.
The Company invests in the research and development of its solutions in order to continue its market leading product offering and improve the quality, productivity and sustainability of its solutions. In addition, the Company actively protects its innovations with patents and trade secrets globally. The Company believes its significant investment in research and development, its highly trained technical sales force and its extensive distributor network provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
The Company’s products are sold globally through industrial distributors, direct to end users, retailers and wholesalers.
The Company’s major end-user markets include:
general fabrication,
energy (oil and gas, power generation and process industries),
heavy industries (heavy fabrication, ship building and maintenance and repair),
automotive and transportation, and
construction and infrastructure.
The Company has, through wholly owned subsidiaries, manufacturing and automation facilities located in the United States, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
The principal raw materials essential to the Company’s business are steel, electronic components, engines, brass, copper, silver, aluminum alloys, robotic components and various chemicals, all of which are normally available for purchase in the open market.
In 2025, the U.S. government announced a series of tariffs on imported goods into the U.S., which prompted retaliatory actions from some of its trading partners. The Company has taken actions to address the impact of these trade policies and while the Company cannot predict the ultimate impact on its business, the Company will continue to monitor evolving trade negotiations to determine if additional measures are warranted.
The Company’s facilities are subject to environmental regulations. To date, compliance with these environmental regulations has not had a material adverse effect on the Company’s earnings. The Company is ISO 14001 certified at most significant manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe and is progressing towards certification at its remaining facilities worldwide. In addition, the Company is ISO 9001 certified at 49 facilities worldwide.
The Company ensures compliance and the continuous improvement of the environmental performance of its products and operations through its global EHS&Q systems. The Company’s systems are guided by Corporate EHS&Q Policy, global directives and corporate standards that establish consistent guidelines for the management, measurement and reporting of environmental, health and safety activities, as well as quality across the Company’s global platform. The Company’s products support our customers' sustainable operations through enhanced worker safety, reduced emissions, improved energy efficiency, reduced waste and regulatory compliance.
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Key Indicators
Key economic measures relevant to the Company include industrial production trends, steel consumption, purchasing manager indices, capacity utilization within durable goods manufacturers and consumer confidence indicators. Key industries which provide a relative indication of demand drivers to the Company include steel, farm machinery and equipment, construction and transportation, fabricated metals, electrical equipment, ship and boat building, defense, truck manufacturing, energy and railroad equipment. Although these measures provide key information on trends relevant to the Company, the Company does not have available a more direct correlation of leading indicators which can provide a forward-looking view of demand levels in the markets which ultimately use the Company’s welding products.
Key financial measures utilized by the Company’s executive management and operating units in order to evaluate the results of its business and in understanding key variables impacting the current and future results of the Company include: sales; gross profit; selling, general and administrative expenses; operating income; earnings before interest and taxes; net income; adjusted operating income; adjusted earnings before interest and income taxes; adjusted net income; adjusted diluted earnings per share; operating cash flows; and capital expenditures, as well as applicable ratios such as return on invested capital, adjusted return on invested capital and average operating working capital to sales. These measures are reviewed at monthly, quarterly and annual intervals and are compared with historical periods, as well as objectives established by the Board of the Company.
The discussion that follows includes a comparison of our results of operations, liquidity and capital resources for fiscal years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. For a comparison of the Company’s results of operations, liquidity and capital resources for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on February 25, 2025.
Results of Operations
The following table shows the Company’s results of operations:
Year Ended December 31,
Favorable (Unfavorable)
Amount
% of Sales
Amount
% of Sales
Net sales
Cost of goods sold
Gross profit
Selling, general & administrative expenses
Rationalization and asset impairment net charges
Operating income
Interest expense, net
Other income
Income before income taxes
Income taxes
Effective tax rate
Net income
Diluted earnings per share
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Net Sales:
T he following table summarizes the impacts of volume, acquisitions, price and foreign currency exchange rates on Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2025 on a consolidated basis:
Change in Net Sales due to:
Net Sales
Foreign
Net Sales
Volume
Price
Acquisitions
Exchange
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
% Change
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Net sales increased for the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily due to an increase in organic sales and a benefit from acquisitions. The increase in organic sales is driven by an increase in pricing primarily due to higher input costs, partially offset by lower volumes.
Gross Profit:
Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased 0.5% for 2025 as compared to 2024 driven by lower volumes partially offset by effective cost management. The year ended December 31, 2025 includes a last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) charge of $17,956, which is primarily due to rising input costs. This compares with a LIFO benefit of $9,313 in 2024.
Selling, General & Administrative ("SG&A") Expenses:
SG&A expenses increased in 2025 as compared to 2024 primarily due to acquisitions. SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales decreased primarily due to effective cost management.
Rationalization and Asset Impairment Net Charges:
Charges in 2025 and 2024 relate to rationalization plans within all three reportable segments . Charges in 2024 include the impact of the Company’s disposition of its Russian entity. Refer to Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for further information on the Company’s rationalization plans.
Operating Income:
Operating income as a percentage of sales was 17.0% in 2025 as compared to 15.9% in 2024. Excluding special items, Operating income as a percentage of sales was 17.6% for both 2025 and 2024. Refer to explanations above for additional details. Also refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for a reconciliation of Adjusted operating income.
Other Income:
Other income for 2025 primarily relates to the non-recurring items such as equity income and other non-operating gains.
Income Taxes:
The effective tax rate was higher in 2025 as compared to 2024 primarily driven by the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”), partially offset by the mix of earnings and timing of discrete tax items. Refer to Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.
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Segment Results
Net Sales:
The table below summarizes the impacts of volume, acquisitions, price and foreign currency exchange rates on Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2025:
Change in Net Sales due to:
Net Sales
Foreign
Net Sales
Volume (1)
Price (2)
Acquisitions (3)
Exchange (4)
Operating Segments
Americas Welding
International Welding
The Harris Products Group
% Change
Americas Welding
International Welding
The Harris Products Group
Decrease in Americas Welding and International Welding due to lower capital spending impacting equipment and automation, as well as weakened industrial demand trends in portions of International Welding. Increase in The Harris Products Group due to the expanded market presence in the retail channel.
Increase in all segments due to price actions taken in response to higher input costs.
Increase for Americas Welding and International Welding due to the acquisitions discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.
Increase for International Welding relates to the weaker U.S. dollar.
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Adjusted Earnings Before Interest and Income Taxes (“Adjusted EBIT”):
Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary measure being the Adjusted EBIT profit measure. Adjusted EBIT is defined as Operating income plus Other income, adjusted for special items as determined by management such as the impact of rationalization activities, certain asset impairment charges and gains or losses on disposals of assets.
The following table presents Adjusted EBIT by segment:
Favorable
(Unfavorable)
December 31,
Americas Welding:
Net sales
Inter-segment sales
Total Sales
Adjusted EBIT (1)(4)
As a percent of total sales (1)
International Welding:
Net sales
Inter-segment sales
Total Sales
Adjusted EBIT (2)(5)
As a percent of total sales (2)
The Harris Products Group:
Net sales
Inter-segment sales
Total Sales
Adjusted EBIT (3)(6)
As a percent of total sales (3)
Corporate / Eliminations:
Inter-segment sales
Adjusted EBIT (7)
Consolidated:
Net sales
Net income
As a percent of Net sales
Adjusted EBIT (8)
As a percent of Net sales
Adjusted EBIT increased for 2025 as compared to 2024 primarily driven by the favorable net impact of organic sales and acquisitions, partially offset by unfavorable impact of product mix; Adjusted EBIT as a percent of sales decreased for the same period due to the unfavorable impact of lower volumes, product mix and acquisitions.
Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBIT as a percent of sales increased for 2025 as compared to 2024 primarily as a result of acquisitions and effective cost management, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of lower volumes.
Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBIT as a percent of sales increased for 2025 as compared to 2024 primarily as a result of higher organic sales and effective cost management.
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2025 primarily excludes Rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $9,838 and pension settlement charges of $647 . 2024 primarily excludes Rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $18,840 and amortization of the step up in value of acquired inventories of $4,776 and pension settlement charges of $4,205 .
2025 primarily excludes Rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $7,293, the amortization of the step up in value of acquired inventories of $3,739 and pension settlement charges of $72 . 2024 primarily excludes Rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $32,960 primarily due to restructuring activities, including the impact of the Company’s disposition of its Russian entity, a loss on asset disposal of $4,950, amortization of the step up in value of acquired inventories of $250 and pension settlement gain of $413 .
2025 excludes Rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $1,068. 2024 excludes Rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $3,955.
2025 excludes acquisition transaction costs of $2,401 as discussed in Note 4. 2024 excludes acquisition transaction costs of $7,042.
See non-GAAP Financial Measures for a reconciliation of Net income as reported and Adjusted EBIT.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company reviews Adjusted operating income, Adjusted net income, Adjusted EBIT, Adjusted effective tax rate, Adjusted diluted earnings per share, Adjusted return on invested capital (“Adjusted ROIC”) , Adjusted net operating profit after taxes, Free cash flow, Cash conversion and Organic sales, all non-GAAP financial measures, in assessing and evaluating the Company’s underlying operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude the impact of special items on the Company’s reported financial results. Non-GAAP financial measures should be read in conjunction with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") financial measures, as non-GAAP measures are a supplement to, and not a replacement for, GAAP financial measures. From time to time, management evaluates and discloses to investors the following non-GAAP measures: Free cash flow ("FCF"), defined as Net cash provided by operating activities less Capital expenditures (the Company considers FCF to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about how the amount of cash generated by our business, after the purchase of property and equipment, can be used for debt service, acquisitions, paying dividends and repurchasing our common shares); Cash conversion, defined as FCF divided by Adjusted net income; Organic sales, reflects changes in volumes and prices, and excludes the effects of foreign currency and acquisitions.
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The following table presents the reconciliations of Operating income as reported to Adjusted operating income, Net income as reported to Adjusted net income and Adjusted EBIT, Effective tax rate as reported to Adjusted effective tax rate and Diluted earnings per share as reported to Adjusted diluted earnings per share:
Year Ended December 31,
Operating income as reported
Special items (pre-tax):
Rationalization and asset impairment net charges (1)
Acquisition transaction costs (2)
Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories (3)
Adjusted operating income
As a percentage of net sales
Net income as reported
Special items:
Rationalization and asset impairment net charges (1)
Acquisition transaction costs (2)
Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories (3)
Pension settlement net charges (4)
Loss on asset disposal (5)
Tax effect of Special items (6) (7)
Adjusted net income
Interest expense, net
Income taxes as reported
Tax effect of Special items (6) (7)
Adjusted EBIT
Effective tax rate as reported
Net special item tax impact (7)
Adjusted effective tax rate
Diluted earnings per share as reported
Special items per share
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
2025 and 2024 net charges primarily relate to rationalization plans within all three segments. Charges in 2024 include the impact of the Company’s disposition of its Russian entity.
Transaction costs related to acquisitions which are included in Selling, general & administrative expenses .
Costs related to acquisitions which are included in Cost of goods sold.
Pension settlement net charges are included in Other income. 2024 net charges are primarily due to the final settlement associated with the termination of a pension plan. Refer to Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.
Loss on asset disposal included in Other income.
Includes the net tax impact of Special items recorded during the respective periods. The tax effect of Special items impacting pre-tax income was calculated as the pre-tax amount multiplied by the applicable tax rate. The applicable tax rates reflect the taxable jurisdiction and nature of each Special item.
During 2025, the Company recognized tax expense of approximately $11,700, reflecting the cumulative impact of the OBBBA provisions. Refer to Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are operating cash flows and revolving credit facilities. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had $308,789 of cash and cash equivalents on hand and $143,780 of outstanding borrowings under its $1,026,854 revolving credit facilities .
The Company’s capital allocation priorities include internal investment to support existing operations and organic growth, investment in acquisitions to grow the business and then returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
The Company’s cash flow from operations can be cyclical. In assessing liquidity, the Company reviews working capital measurements to define areas for improvement. Management anticipates we will be able to satisfy cash requirements for its ongoing businesses for the foreseeable future primarily with cash generated by operations, existing cash balances, borrowings under its existing credit facilities and raising debt in capital markets.
The Company continues to expand globally and periodically consider acquisitions 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, particularly 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 needing or requiring funding. If additional acquisitions providing appropriate financial benefits become available, additional expenditures may be made.
Cash Flow
The following table reflects changes in key cash flow measures:
Year Ended December 31,
$ Change
Cash provided by operating activities (1)
Cash used by investing activities
Capital expenditures
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
Cash used by financing activities (2)
Proceeds from (payments on) short-term borrowings
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
Payments on long-term borrowings
Purchase of shares for treasury
Cash dividends paid to shareholders
(Decrease) increase in Cash and cash equivalents
Cash provided by operating activities increased in 2025 as compared to 2024 primarily due to the net favorable impacts of the election of provisions from the OBBBA, partially offset by unfavorable working capital.
Cash used by financing activities increased in 2025 as compared to 2024 primarily due to the increase in purchases of shares for treasury and proceeds from long-term borrowings in the prior year.
As of December 31, 2025, the Company had cash of $308,789, of which $294,130 was held by international subsidiaries.
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The Company paid $168,240 and $162,143 in cash dividends to its shareholders during 2025 and 2024, respectively. In January 2026, the Company paid a cash dividend of $0.79 per share, or $43,328, to shareholders of record on December 31, 2025, which reflects a 5.3% increase in the Company’s dividend payout rate.
The Company currently anticipates capital expenditures of $110,000 to $130,000 in 2026. Anticipated capital expenditures include investments to increase capacity, improve operational effectiveness and for general maintenance. Management critically evaluates all proposed capital expenditures and expects each project to increase efficiency, reduce costs, support sales growth or improve the overall safety and environmental conditions of the Company’s facilities.
Revolving Credit Agreements
The Company has a $1 billion revolving credit facility which matures on June 20, 2029. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had $858,000 of availability under the revolving credit facility. Additionally, the Company has other lines of credit with total availability of $25,074 as of December 31, 2025. Refer to Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for further information on our revolving credit agreements.
Working Capital Ratios
Average operating working capital to Net sales (1) (2)
Days sales in Inventories (1) (2)
Days sales in Accounts receivable
Average days in Trade accounts payable
Average operating working capital to Net sales is defined as the sum of Accounts receivable, Inventories and contract assets less Trade accounts payable and contract liabilities as of period end divided by annualized rolling three months of Net sales.
Due to the strategic increase of inventory to serve customers, the Company had higher inventories relative to expected Net sales resulting in higher Days sales in Inventories and Average operating working capital to Net sales.
Stock Repurchase Program
On February 12, 2020, the Company’s Board authorized a share repurchase program for up to 10 million shares of the Company’s common stock. As of December 31, 2025, there were 5.1 million shares available under the authorization. The Company is not obligated to make any repurchases.
Contractual Obligations
Debt
As of December 31, 2025, the total amount of debt outstanding was $1,294,008, which includes $143,780 in short-term debt. Refer to Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for further information on our debt and interest.
Lease Obligations
As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s total future minimum lease payments were $59,773, which includes $15,232 in short-term lease obligations. Refer to Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements for further information on our lease obligations.
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Purchase Commitments
Purchase commitments include contractual obligations for raw materials and services. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had total purchase commitments of $76,500, which includes $76,348 in current liabilities.
Other Material Obligations
As of December 31, 2025, there was a total liability of $24,456 for deferred compensation, which includes $894 in Other current liabilities.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company utilizes letters of credit to back certain payment and performance obligations. Letters of credit are subject to limits based on amounts outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility.
Rationalization and Asset Impairments
Refer to Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the Company’s rationalization plans. The Company believes the rationalization actions will positively impact future results of operations and will not have a material effect on liquidity and sources and uses of capital.
Acquisitions
Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the Company’s recent acquisitions.
Return on Invested Capital
The Company reviews return on invested capital ("ROIC") in assessing and evaluating the Company’s underlying operating performance. Adjusted ROIC is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company believes is a meaningful metric to investors in evaluating the Company’s financial performance and may be different than the method used by other companies to calculate ROIC. Adjusted ROIC is defined as rolling 12 months of Adjusted net income excluding tax-effected interest income and expense divided by invested capital. Invested capital is defined as total debt, which includes Amounts due to banks, Current portion of long-term debt and Long-term debt, less current portions, plus Total equity.
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The following table presents the reconciliation of ROIC and Adjusted ROIC to net income:
Return on Invested Capital
Net income as reported
Plus: Interest expense (after-tax)
Less: Interest income (after-tax)
Net operating profit after taxes
Special items:
Rationalization and asset impairment net charges
Acquisition transaction costs
Pension settlement net charges
Amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories
Loss on asset disposal
Tax effect of Special items (1)
Adjusted net operating profit after taxes
Invested Capital
Short-term debt
Long-term debt, less current portion
Total debt
Total equity
Invested capital
Return on invested capital as reported
Adjusted return on invested capital
Includes the net tax impact of Special items recorded during the respective periods, including the cumulative impact of the OBBBA provisions. The tax effect of Special items impacting pre-tax income was calculated as the pre-tax amount multiplied by the applicable tax rate. The applicable tax rate reflects the taxable jurisdiction and nature of each Special item.
Product Liability Costs
Product liability costs incurred can be volatile and are largely related to trial activity. The costs associated with these claims are predominantly defense costs which are recognized in the periods incurred.
The long-term impact of product liability contingencies, in the aggregate, on operating results, operating cash flows and access to capital markets is difficult to assess, particularly since claims are in many different stages of development and the Company benefits significantly from cost sharing with co-defendants and insurance carriers. Moreover, the Company has been largely successful to date in its defense of these claims.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are based on the selection and application of significant accounting policies, which require management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically by management and compared to historical trends to determine the accuracy of estimates and assumptions used. If warranted, these estimates and assumptions may be changed as current trends are assessed and updated.
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Historically, the Company’s estimates have been determined to be reasonable. No material changes to the Company’s accounting policies were made during 2025. The Company believes the following accounting policies are some of the more critical judgment areas affecting its financial condition and results of operations.
Legal and Tax Contingencies
The Company, like other manufacturers, is subject from time to time to a variety of civil and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Such claims and litigation include, without limitation, product liability claims, administrative claims, regulatory claims and health, safety and environmental claims, some of which relate to cases alleging asbestos induced illnesses. The costs associated with these claims are predominantly defense costs, which are recognized in the periods incurred. Insurance reimbursements mitigate these costs and, where reimbursements are probable, they are recognized in the applicable period. With respect to costs other than defense costs (i.e., for liability and/or settlement or other resolution), reserves are recorded when it is probable that the contingencies will have an unfavorable outcome. The Company accrues its best estimate of the probable costs after a review of the facts with management and counsel and taking into account past experience. If an unfavorable outcome is determined to be reasonably possible but not probable, or if the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated, disclosure would be provided for material claims or litigation. Many of the current cases are in differing procedural stages and information on the circumstances of each claimant, which forms the basis for judgments as to the validity or ultimate disposition of such actions, varies greatly. Therefore, in many situations a range of possible losses cannot be made. Reserves are adjusted as facts and circumstances change and related management assessments of the underlying merits and the likelihood of outcomes change. Moreover, reserves only cover identified and/or asserted claims. Future claims could, therefore, give rise to increases to such reserves.
The Company is subject to taxation from U.S. federal, state, municipal and international jurisdictions. The calculation of current income tax expense is based on the best information available and involves significant management judgment. The actual income tax liability for each jurisdiction in any year can in some instances be ultimately determined several years after the financial statements are published.
The Company maintains liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain income tax positions in various jurisdictions. The Company uses judgment in determining whether the technical merits of tax positions are more-likely-than-not to be sustained. Judgment is also used in measuring the related amount of tax benefit that qualifies for recognition, including the interpretation of applicable tax law, regulation and tax ruling.
Liabilities are settled primarily through the completion of audits within each individual tax jurisdiction or the closing of the statute of limitations. Liabilities can be affected by changes in applicable tax law, regulations, tax rulings or such other factors, which may cause management to believe a revision of past estimates is appropriate. Management believes that an appropriate liability has been established for uncertain income tax positions; however, actual results may materially differ from these estimates. Refer to Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of uncertain income tax positions.
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are recognized at currently enacted tax rates for temporary differences between the GAAP and income tax basis of assets and liabilities and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. The Company will repatriate earnings for certain non-U.S. subsidiaries, which are subject to foreign withholding taxes. The Company considers any remaining earnings and outside basis in all other non-U.S. subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested and has not recorded any deferred taxes as such estimate is not practicable.
At December 31, 2025, the Company had approximately $116,893 of gross deferred tax assets related to deductible temporary differences and tax loss and credit carry-forwards, which may reduce taxable income in future years. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company assesses whether it is more-likely-than-not that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. At December 31, 2025,
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a valuation allowance of $4,802 was recorded against certain deferred tax assets based on this assessment. The Company believes it is more-likely-than-not that the tax benefit of the remaining net deferred tax assets will be realized. The amount of net deferred tax assets considered realizable could be increased or reduced in the future if the Company’s assessment of future taxable income or tax planning strategies changes.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Fixed manufacturing overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on normal production capacity and abnormal manufacturing costs are recognized as period costs. Cost for a substantial portion of U.S. inventories is determined on a LIFO basis. LIFO was used for 38% and 35% of total inventories at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Cost of other inventories is determined by costing methods that approximate a FIFO basis. The valuation of LIFO inventories is made at the end of each year based on inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs. Actual year-end inventory levels and costs may differ from interim LIFO inventory valuations. The excess of current cost over LIFO cost was $138,589 and $120,633 at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Long-Lived Assets
The Company periodically evaluates whether current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of its depreciable long-lived assets, including leases and intangible assets that do not have indefinite lives, to be held and used may not be recoverable. If such circumstances are determined to exist, an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows produced by the long-lived asset, or the appropriate grouping of assets, is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. If an asset is determined to be impaired, a loss is recognized to the extent that carrying value exceeds fair value. Fair value is measured based on quoted market prices in active markets, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on various valuation techniques, including the discounted value of estimated future cash flows.
Goodwill and Intangibles
The Company performs an annual impairment test of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter using the same date each year or more frequently if changes in circumstances or the occurrence of events indicate potential impairment.
The fair value of each indefinite-lived intangible asset is compared to its carrying value and an impairment charge is recorded if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. For goodwill, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, and whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The quantitative test is only required if the Company concludes that it is more-likely-than-not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. The Company may also perform a quantitative test in instances where the more-likely-than-not threshold has not been met, including when general macroeconomic conditions, changes to the reporting unit or the passage of time warrants a refresh of the baseline used in a qualitative test. For quantitative testing, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
Fair values are determined using established business valuation techniques and models developed by the Company, estimates of market participant assumptions of future cash flows, future growth rates and discount rates to value estimated cash flows. Changes in economic and operating conditions, actual growth below the assumed market participant assumptions or an increase in the discount rate could result in an impairment charge in a future period.
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Acquisitions
Upon acquisition of a business, the Company uses the income, market or cost approach (or a combination thereof) for the valuation as appropriate. The valuation inputs in these models and analyses are based on market participant assumptions. Market participants are considered to be buyers and sellers unrelated to the Company in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
Fair value estimates are based on a series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and rely on estimates and assumptions. Management values property, plant and equipment using the cost approach supported where available by observable market data, which includes consideration of obsolescence. Management values acquired intangible assets using the relief from royalty method or excess earnings method, forms of the income approach supported by observable market data for peer companies. The significant assumptions used to estimate the value of the acquired intangible assets include discount rates and certain assumptions that form the basis of future cash flows (such as revenue growth rates, customer attrition rates and royalty rates). Acquired inventories are marked to fair value. For certain items, the pre-acquisition carrying value is determined to be a reasonable approximation of fair value based on information available to the Company. Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract are satisfied and control is transferred to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for goods or services. Substantially all of the Company’s sales arrangements are short-term in nature involving a single performance obligation. The Company recognizes revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied and control of the product is transferred to the customer based upon shipping terms. In addition, certain customized automation performance obligations are accounted for over time. Under this method, revenue recognition is primarily based upon the ratio of costs incurred to date compared with estimated total costs to complete. The cumulative impact of revisions to total estimated costs is reflected in the period of the change, including anticipated losses. Approximately 10% of the Company’s Net sales are recognized over time.
The Company recognizes any discounts, credits, returns, rebates and incentive programs based on reasonable estimates as a reduction of sales to arrive at Net sales at the same time the related revenue is recorded. Taxes collected by the Company, including sales tax and value added tax, are excluded from Net sales. The Company recognizes freight billed as a component of Net sales and shipping costs as a component of Cost of goods sold when control transfers to the customer. Sales commissions are expensed when incurred because the amortization period is generally one year or less. These costs are recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
Refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details.
