Lincoln Electric (LECO) will raise its quarterly dividend by 9.4 percent to $0.35 per share. The next quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 per common share is payable January 13, 2017 to shareholders of record as of December 31, 2016. 

“Today’s announcement marks our twenty-first consecutive year of dividend increases and represents a 75% increase in our dividend payout rate over the last five years,” stated Christopher L. Mapes, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.  “The increase reflects confidence in our cash flow generation and our commitment to return cash to shareholders while continuing to invest in the long-term success of the Company.”

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. is a manufacturer of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment and has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market. The three operating segments consist of Americas Welding, International Welding and The Harris Products Group. The Lincoln Electric Company began operations in 1895 and was incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio in 1906. During 1998, The Lincoln Electric Company reorganized into a holding company structure, and Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. became the publicly-held parent of Lincoln Electric subsidiaries worldwide, including The Lincoln Electric Company.