Lincoln Electric (LECO) Proxy filing summary

Executive summary

• Annual meeting scheduled for April 17, 2026, with shareholders voting on director elections, auditor ratification, and executive compensation approval.

• 2025 saw record net sales of $4.2B, 6% growth, and strong cash flow, with a 30% total shareholder return.

• The RISE Strategy targets high single- to low double-digit sales CAGR and 19% operating margin by 2030, with integrated sustainability and financial goals.

• 2030 sustainability goals include a 34% reduction in safety incidents, 30% GHG emissions cut, and 20% renewable energy sourcing.

Voting matters and shareholder proposals

• Shareholders will vote to elect 10 directors, ratify Ernst & Young LLP as auditor for 2026, and approve executive compensation on an advisory basis.

• Board recommends voting FOR all proposals.

Board of directors and corporate governance

• Board comprises 10 nominees, 9 of whom are independent, with an average age of 60 and average tenure of 8 years.

• Board diversity includes 30% female and 20% ethnically diverse members.

• Annual board and committee self-evaluations, majority voting policy, and robust succession planning are in place.

• Four fully independent board committees: Audit, Compensation & Executive Development, Nominating & Corporate Governance, and Finance.

• Shareholder protections include one share/one vote, no poison pill, and right to call special meetings at 25% ownership.