Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc.'s reported its fourth-quarter profit to climb by 25% amid prior-year charges, while adjusted earnings registered a slip amid a fall in revenue.

However, the adjusted results still exceeded analysts' estimates and outlined another important sequential improvement in profitability, posted Chairman and Chief Executive John Stropki.

The company witnessed its profit to touch $24.3 million, or 57 cents a share, up from $19.5 million, or 46 cents, the previous year. Excluding restructuring and other impacts, earnings registered a slip to 65 cents from 88 cents as revenue dropped 12% to $462.5 million.

However, analysts polled by Thomson Reuters had speculated its earnings of 63 cents on $454 million in revenue. Gross margin rose to 29.1% from 26.8%.

The world's largest seller of cutting and welding equipment has witnessed plunging revenue in recent quarters. Demand for welding machines has waned amid the recession and stagnation in manufacturing and building.

Moreover, Lincoln also had to reduce prices for some key accounts, analysts posted.