Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) Stock Analysis
Educational signal · not a buy or sell recommendation · How to read this
P/E 24.86 means the share price is 24.86 times one year of earnings per share; the S&P 500 usually sits near 20-25. Market cap $13.7B is the value of all shares combined. Beta 1.29: the stock has moved about 29% more than the S&P 500.
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Machine-generated analysis by Stock Expert AI — model gemini-2.0-flash, generated May 10, 2026. Editorial oversight is systemic, not page-by-page. Editorially accountable: Sedat ANAK, Founder and Editor-in-Chief. Data sources: Financial Modeling Prep, Yahoo Finance, SEC EDGAR
Quick AnswerLincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) trades at $251.06 with MoonshotScore 83/100 (Grade A+). Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. is a global manufacturer of welding, cutting, and brazing products. Market cap: $13.7B, Sector: Industrials.
Price as of Sep 11, 2026 · Last analyzed: May 10, 2026LECO stock analysis for 2026: Analysts have set a consensus price target of $303.60 for Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., suggesting 20.9% upside from the current price of $251.06. The AI MoonshotScore is 83/100, in the Exceptional band (80-100) — a research signal, not a recommendation. Key factors: analyst coverage, AI-driven quantitative scoring.
LECO: 2/3 scored disciplines lean bullish. Dominant signal: Business Quality strong.
How is this calculated? →Strongest side: Business Quality (9/10, Strong). Weakest side: Valuation (4/10, Neutral).
AI simulations built from the named investors' published principles. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or the opinion of these individuals. How these lenses are built
Why this analysis is different
- A sector-relative MoonshotScore — five pillars (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum) re-ranked nightly against the full universe of US-listed common stocks.
- An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
- Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) Industrial Operations Profile
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and sale of welding, cutting, and brazing solutions, serving diverse industries through its three segments. With a history dating back to 1895, the company leverages its extensive product portfolio and distribution network to maintain a strong market presence.
What Is the Investment Thesis for LECO?
With a market capitalization of $13.7B and a profit margin of 12.4%, the company demonstrates financial stability. Growth catalysts include increasing demand for welding solutions in developing economies and the expansion of its automation and robotic welding offerings. However, potential risks include cyclical downturns in key industries and raw material price volatility. The company's P/E ratio of 24.86 reflects investor expectations of continued growth, supported by a dividend yield of 1.14%.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
LECO Key Highlights
Market Cap of $13.7B reflects Lincoln Electric's significant presence in the welding and cutting industry.
- Profit Margin of 12.4% indicates strong operational efficiency and pricing power.
- Gross Margin of 36.1% demonstrates effective cost management in manufacturing and distribution.
- Beta of 1.29 suggests that LECO's stock price is more volatile than the overall market.
- Dividend Yield of 1.14% provides a steady income stream for investors.
Who Are LECO's Competitors?
LECO is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | MoonshotScore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATI ATI Inc. | $203.24 | +2.13% | $27.7B | 715-pillar |
| IEX IDEX Corporation | $224.15 | +1.21% | $16.5B | 775-pillar |
| NDSN Nordson Corporation | $307.45 | -2.07% | $17.1B | 825-pillar |
| MLI Mueller Industries, Inc. | $60.45 | +0.49% | $13.4B | 775-pillar |
| RBC RBC Bearings Incorporated | $484.10 | +1.26% | $15.3B | 675-pillar |
| SWK Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. | $89.82 | +0.66% | $13.6B | 655-pillar |
| SKFRY AB SKF (publ) | $27.26 | -3.02% | $12.4B | 459-signal |
| SNA Snap-on Incorporated | $377.02 | +0.59% | $19.5B | 885-pillar |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance This table mixes two scoring engines — compare a number only with others carrying the same tag.
What Are LECO's Key Strengths?
Leading market position in the welding and cutting industry.
- Diversified product portfolio and global presence.
- Strong brand reputation and customer relationships.
- Technological expertise and innovation capabilities.
What Are LECO's Weaknesses?
Exposure to cyclical downturns in key industries.
- Dependence on raw material prices and supply chain stability.
- Potential impact from changing regulatory requirements.
- Competition from low-cost manufacturers in emerging markets.
What Could Drive LECO Stock Higher?
Increasing demand for automated welding solutions in the automotive and manufacturing sectors.
- Infrastructure development projects in emerging markets driving demand for welding products.
- Potential acquisitions of companies with complementary technologies to expand product offerings.
- Development and launch of new welding consumables with enhanced performance characteristics.
What Are the Key Risks for LECO?
Economic slowdown in key markets impacting industrial activity and demand for welding products.
- Fluctuations in raw material prices, such as steel and aluminum, affecting production costs.
- Increased competition from low-cost manufacturers in emerging markets.
- Supply chain disruptions impacting the availability of critical components and materials.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for LECO?
- Expansion in Automation and Robotics: Lincoln Electric can capitalize on the growing demand for automated welding solutions. The global industrial robotics market is projected to reach $70 billion by 2030, offering significant growth potential. By integrating advanced robotics into its welding systems, Lincoln Electric can enhance productivity and efficiency for its customers, particularly in the automotive and manufacturing sectors. This expansion can be achieved through strategic acquisitions and internal R&D efforts.
- Geographic Expansion in Emerging Markets: Emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America present significant growth opportunities for Lincoln Electric. Increasing infrastructure development and manufacturing activities in these regions are driving demand for welding and cutting products. By establishing a stronger presence in these markets through strategic partnerships and localized production facilities, Lincoln Electric can tap into new revenue streams and diversify its geographic footprint. This expansion should be phased over the next 3-5 years.
- Development of Advanced Consumables: Lincoln Electric can further enhance its profitability by developing and marketing advanced welding consumables. The global welding consumables market is expected to grow, driven by demand for high-performance and specialized consumables. By investing in R&D to create innovative consumables with improved welding properties and enhanced durability, Lincoln Electric can capture a larger share of this market and increase its margins. This can be achieved within the next 2-3 years.
- Strategic Acquisitions to Broaden Product Portfolio: Lincoln Electric can pursue strategic acquisitions to expand its product portfolio and enter new market segments. By acquiring companies with complementary technologies and product offerings, Lincoln Electric can strengthen its competitive position and offer a more comprehensive suite of solutions to its customers. Potential acquisition targets include companies specializing in advanced cutting technologies and welding automation systems. This strategy can be executed over the next 3-5 years.
- Focus on Sustainable Welding Solutions: With increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability, Lincoln Electric can develop and promote eco-friendly welding solutions. This includes developing welding processes that reduce energy consumption, minimize emissions, and utilize sustainable materials. By positioning itself as a leader in sustainable welding, Lincoln Electric can attract environmentally conscious customers and gain a competitive advantage. This initiative can be implemented within the next 1-2 years.
What Threats Does LECO Face?
- Economic slowdown and reduced industrial activity.
- Increased competition from existing and new players.
- Fluctuations in raw material prices and currency exchange rates.
- Disruptive technologies and changing customer preferences.
What Are LECO's Competitive Advantages?
- Established brand reputation and long history in the welding industry.
- Extensive product portfolio covering a wide range of welding, cutting, and brazing solutions.
- Global distribution network providing access to diverse markets.
- Strong relationships with industrial distributors and end-users.
- Technological expertise and innovation in welding and cutting processes.
What Does LECO Do?
Founded in 1895 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. has evolved into a global leader in the welding, cutting, and brazing industry. The company operates through three primary segments: Americas Welding, International Welding, and The Harris Products Group. Lincoln Electric's core business revolves around the design, development, and manufacture of a comprehensive range of welding products, including arc welding power sources, plasma cutters, wire feeding systems, robotic welding packages, and fume extraction equipment. The company also produces consumable electrodes, fluxes, welding accessories, and specialty welding consumables. Beyond welding, Lincoln Electric offers computer numeric controlled plasma and oxy-fuel cutting systems, as well as regulators and torches for oxy-fuel welding, cutting, and brazing. The Harris Products Group segment focuses on consumables used in the brazing and soldering alloys market. Lincoln Electric serves a wide array of industries, including general fabrication, energy and process, automotive and transportation, construction and infrastructure, heavy fabrication, shipbuilding, and maintenance and repair. The company distributes its products directly to end-users, as well as through industrial distributors, retailers, and agents.
What Products and Services Does LECO Offer?
- Designs and manufactures arc welding power sources.
- Produces plasma cutters and wire feeding systems.
- Offers robotic welding packages and integrated automation systems.
- Provides fume extraction equipment and consumable electrodes.
- Manufactures fluxes, welding accessories, and specialty welding consumables.
- Develops computer numeric controlled plasma and oxy-fuel cutting systems.
- Produces regulators and torches for oxy-fuel welding, cutting, and brazing.
- Manufactures copper and aluminum headers for the HVAC sector.
How Does LECO Make Money?
- Designs, manufactures, and sells welding, cutting, and brazing products.
- Operates through three segments: Americas Welding, International Welding, and The Harris Products Group.
- Sells products directly to users and through industrial distributors, retailers, and agents.
What Industry Does LECO Operate In?
Lincoln Electric operates within the manufacturing tools and accessories industry, which is influenced by global economic conditions and infrastructure development. The industry is characterized by technological advancements in automation and robotics, driving demand for advanced welding and cutting solutions. Competition is intense, with companies vying for market share through product innovation and geographic expansion. Lincoln Electric's established brand reputation and extensive distribution network provide a competitive edge in this dynamic landscape. The global welding market is expected to grow, driven by increasing construction activities and manufacturing output.
Who Are LECO's Key Customers?
- General fabrication industries.
- Energy and process industries.
- Automotive and transportation industries.
- Construction and infrastructure industries.
- Heavy fabrication and shipbuilding industries.
- Maintenance and repair markets.
Research confidence
Broad, current evidence sits behind this analysis.
- ● Scored on 100% of our measures
- ● Price is current
- ● Latest filing 43 days ago
- ● Covered by analysts
Why 83?
Measured against companies in the same sector. The figures below are the factor contributions the scoring engine itself produced.
What is helping
- +0.44 Gross profit per dollar of assets (Business Quality)
- +0.39 Return on invested capital (Business Quality)
- +0.39 Bankruptcy-risk score (Financial Strength)
What is holding it back
- -0.14 Price to book (Valuation)
- -0.07 Debt to equity (Financial Strength)
Contribution = how far the company sits from its sector on that measure, weighted by how much the pillar counts. Not investment advice. How the score is built →
MoonshotScore History
Recorded daily since 2026-08-23 · 19 snapshots
| 2026-08-23 | 85 |
| 2026-08-26 | 87 |
| 2026-08-29 | 88 |
| 2026-09-01 | 83 |
| 2026-09-04 | 83 |
| 2026-09-07 | 84 |
| 2026-09-10 | 84 |
What changed?
The grade moved from 85 to 84 (-1).
What moved it up or down:
- -9 Valuation
- -1 Business Quality
Held back by:
- +6 Growth Durability
- +4 Momentum
Over the same 18 days the stock moved -3.7%.
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. Financial Trajectory
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) reported $1.22B in revenue for Q2 FY2026, reflecting 8.8% growth compared to the prior quarter. The company recorded net income of $158.5M, with diluted EPS of $2.88. Revenue has increased across the last three reported quarters, suggesting sustained momentum for this large-cap Industrials company. Across the four most recent quarters, LECO averaged $2.50 in diluted EPS.
Company Profile
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. operates in the Manufacturing - Tools & Accessories industry within the Industrials sector. It is headquartered in Cleveland, US. The company is led by CEO Steven Hedlund. LECO has traded publicly since 1994.
How Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. Is Valued
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. carries a market capitalization of $13.7B, placing it in the large-cap category. Analyst price targets span from $275.00 to $340.00, with a consensus of $303.60. At the current price of $251.06, that implies approximately 21% upside potential. Relative to its peer group, LECO's quantitative score of 83/100 is above the peer average of 72/100.
Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. stands at 37.3%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 13.8%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. LECO trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 24.86, below the Industrials sector average of ~28.00x. Its free cash flow yield is 3.1%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 1.83 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 3.8%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
Financial Health
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 8/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — signaling solid underlying fundamentals. Its Altman Z-Score of 7.73 places it in the safe zone, indicating low near-term bankruptcy risk.
Earnings Track Record
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. has beaten Wall Street's EPS estimate in 7 of its last 8 reported quarters — a consistent record of delivering on expectations. Reported results have landed about 6.8% above estimates on average.
Insider Activity
Over the past six months, Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. insiders filed 13 SEC Form 4 transactions — 4 sales and 9 purchases. On net that is roughly 5K shares acquired (about $413K) — insiders putting money in tends to read as conviction.
LECO Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Leading market position in the welding and cutting industry.
- Diversified product portfolio and global presence.
- Strong brand reputation and customer relationships.
- Technological expertise and innovation capabilities.
Bear Case
- Exposure to cyclical downturns in key industries.
- Dependence on raw material prices and supply chain stability.
- Potential impact from changing regulatory requirements.
- Competition from low-cost manufacturers in emerging markets.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · September 2026
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 FY2026 | $1.22B | $159M | $2.88 |
| Q1 FY2026 | $1.12B | $136M | $2.47 |
| Q4 FY2025 | $1.08B | $136M | $2.45 |
| Q3 FY2025 | $1.06B | $123M | $2.21 |
Q2 FY2026 · filed 30 Jul 2026 · SEC EDGAR →
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
LECO Latest News
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Why Lincoln Electric (LECO) Shares Are Getting Obliterated Today
StockStory · Sep 11, 2026
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Stock Market Today: Nasdaq 100 Tumbles as Oil Spikes 6%, Yields Hit 19-Year High
benzinga · Sep 10, 2026
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3 Reasons Why Growth Investors Shouldn't Overlook Lincoln Electric (LECO)
Zacks · Sep 8, 2026
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Filecoin (FIL) Price Prediction: 2025, 2025, 2030
Benzinga · Sep 8, 2026
LECO Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations collected by Financial Modeling Prep for LECO.
Price Targets
Median: $300.00 (+20.9% from current price)
Source: FMP analyst consensus · as of Aug 25, 2026 · an estimate, not advice
LECO MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
MoonshotScore is Stock Expert AI's proprietary 0-100 research rating, not a buy or sell recommendation. LECO scores 83/100 (Grade A+): the number comes from the five-pillar engine (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum), re-ranked daily against sector peers.
Latest News
Why Lincoln Electric (LECO) Shares Are Getting Obliterated Today
Stock Market Today: Nasdaq 100 Tumbles as Oil Spikes 6%, Yields Hit 19-Year High
3 Reasons Why Growth Investors Shouldn't Overlook Lincoln Electric (LECO)
Filecoin (FIL) Price Prediction: 2025, 2025, 2030
Latest Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. Analysis
Leadership: Steven Hedlund
CEO
Steven Hedlund serves as the CEO of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., managing a global workforce of 12,000 employees. His career spans various leadership roles within the industrial sector. He brings extensive experience in strategic planning, operational excellence, and business development. Hedlund's background includes a strong focus on driving innovation and growth through technological advancements and market expansion. He is responsible for overseeing the company's global operations and strategic direction.
Track Record: Under Steven Hedlund's leadership, Lincoln Electric has focused on expanding its automation and robotic welding solutions, driving growth in key markets. He has overseen strategic acquisitions to broaden the company's product portfolio and strengthen its competitive position. Key milestones include the successful integration of acquired businesses and the implementation of operational efficiencies to improve profitability. Hedlund has also emphasized sustainable welding practices and solutions.
What Investors Ask About Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) — Industrials
What does the AI Score mean for LECO?
LECO holds an AI Score of 83/100 (Grade: A+). This is an educational research signal, not a buy or sell recommendation. The number comes from the five-pillar engine (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum), re-ranked daily against sector peers. Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. is a global manufacturer of welding, cutting, and brazing products.
Is LECO a good stock?
Stock Expert AI does not rate LECO buy, sell or hold. Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. carries a MoonshotScore of 83/100 on the five-pillar engine, a research rating against its peers. Whether it fits is your call: check what it sells, whether it earns, what the price assumes, and what would prove you wrong.
What do analysts say about LECO stock?
Analyst consensus on LECO stock is generally positive, reflecting the company's strong market position and growth prospects. Key valuation metrics include a P/E ratio of 24.86 and a dividend yield of 1.14%.
What are the key factors to evaluate for LECO?
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) holds a MoonshotScore of 83/100 (high). P/E: 24.86x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Analysts target $303.60 (+21%). Not financial advice.
How frequently does LECO data refresh on this page?
LECO's price was last updated on Sep 11, 2026 and refreshes on page view during U.S. market hours; the quote is a provider snapshot, not an exchange feed. Fundamentals update after quarterly filings; the MoonshotScore recalculates nightly; news aggregates continuously.
What has driven LECO's recent stock price performance?
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Leading market position in the welding and cutting industry. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider LECO overvalued or undervalued right now?
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) trades at 24.86x earnings. Analysts target $303.60 (+21%) — upside seen. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
Can I buy fractional shares of LECO?
Yes, most major brokerages offer fractional shares of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) with no minimum purchase requirement. This means you can invest any dollar amount regardless of the share price. Check your brokerage platform for specific terms, fees, and fractional share availability.
How can I track LECO's earnings and financial reports?
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) reports quarterly earnings approximately 4-6 weeks after each fiscal quarter ends. You can track earnings dates, revenue and EPS estimates, and actual results on this page's Financials tab. Earnings surprises (beats or misses) often cause significant short-term price moves. Your brokerage can send alerts for LECO earnings announcements.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Information is based on available data and may be subject to change.
- Financial metrics are as of the latest reporting period.