lincoln electric holdings inc recorded a higher profit for the fourth quarter as sales increased the cleveland company said profit was 744 million up from 651 million a year ago earnings were 125 a share compared with 108 a share a year earlier adjusted earnings were 161 a share the company said its net income reflected charges related to the termination of a pension plan net sales were 8443 million up from 6938 million a year earlier sales benefited from acquisitions but were partially offset by an unfavorable foreignexchange rate the company said