Lincoln Electric Unveils 'RISE' Strategy, Hints at Second-Half Volume Rebound

Executives outline growth plans, M&A approach, and operational signals for stronger second half

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Executives from Lincoln Electric (NASDAQ:LECO) used a presentation at Barclays' 43rd Industrial Conference in Miami to outline the company's updated 'RISE' strategic framework, discuss its approach to M&A, and share the operational signals it is watching for a stronger second-half volume outlook.

Why it matters

As a global leader in welding products and automation solutions, Lincoln Electric's strategic moves and market outlook provide insights into the broader industrial manufacturing and fabrication sectors. The company's 'RISE' strategy aims to accelerate growth and performance while continuing margin expansion across cycles.

The details

The 'RISE' strategy focuses on 'Reimagine,' 'Innovate,' 'Serve,' and 'Expand' initiatives. On 'Reimagine,' Lincoln is shifting to a more centralized, 'center-led' model to improve consistency in data and workflows globally. On M&A, the company looks for deals that either bring an accretive margin structure or have a clear path to margin neutrality or expansion. Management also discussed the automation business, noting around 20% is short-cycle with the remainder tied to longer-term projects.

  • Lincoln Electric plans to launch the 'RISE' strategy to global employees starting the following week.

The players

Lincoln Electric

A global manufacturer and distributor of welding products, robotic welding systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment, and surface treatment systems.

Steve Hedlund

CEO of Lincoln Electric.

Gabe Bruno

CFO of Lincoln Electric.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Management said the company planned to launch the 'RISE' strategy to global employees starting the following week and characterized early internal feedback as 'extremely positive.'

The takeaway

Lincoln Electric's 'RISE' strategy aims to accelerate growth and performance through a more centralized operating model, strategic M&A, and a focus on innovation and serving customers. The company's outlook for a second-half volume rebound is tied to its automation backlog and broader economic indicators like purchasing managers' indexes.