Why Lincoln Electric Holdings' Shares Dropped

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of equipment maker Lincoln Electric Holdings (NAS: LECO) fell 10% today after the company announced second-quarter earnings.

So what: Revenue grew 6% to $744 million and earnings per share rose $0.11 to $0.79, but both results were below expectations. Analysts expected revenue of $795.7 million and earnings per share of $0.81.

Now what: Management said that international markets are beginning to soften and that has led to the weaker-than-expected results. I wouldn't panic about the results too much. Shares are trading at a trailing P/E multiple of 15, and with revenue growing and earnings improving the company is still in good shape. Macro pressures may keep shares from popping in the short term, but when the economy turns around Lincoln Electric is in good shape to benefit.

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The article Why Lincoln Electric Holdings' Shares Dropped originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Travis Hoium does not have a position in any company mentioned. You can follow Travis on Twitter at @FlushDrawFool, check out his personal stock holdings or follow his CAPS picks at TMFFlushDraw.Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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