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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 29, 2024
OR

Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from to

Commission File Number:  001-09249
GRACO INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)     
 
Minnesota41-0285640
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)  (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)     
 
88 - 11th Avenue N.E.
Minneapolis,Minnesota55413
(Address of principal executive offices)    (Zip Code)     
(612)623-6000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per shareGGGThe New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YesNo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
YesNo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filerNon-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YesNo

169,135,876 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, $1.00 par value, were outstanding as of April 10, 2024.



TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 5.
Item 6.
2

Table of Contents
PART I     Item 1.
GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited) (In thousands except per share amounts)
 Three Months Ended
 March 29,
2024
March 31,
2023
Net Sales$492,189 $529,646 
Cost of products sold225,992 244,506 
Gross Profit266,197 285,140 
Product development21,872 20,479 
Selling, marketing and distribution66,631 65,383 
General and administrative44,698 42,610 
Operating Earnings132,996 156,668 
Interest expense744 1,347 
Other (income) expense, net(8,078)(2,029)
Earnings Before Income Taxes140,330 157,350 
Income taxes18,131 28,184 
Net Earnings$122,199 $129,166 
Net Earnings per Common Share
Basic
$0.73 $0.77 
Diluted
$0.71 $0.75 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited) (In thousands)
 Three Months Ended
 March 29,
2024
March 31,
2023
Net Earnings$122,199 $129,166 
Components of other comprehensive
income (loss)
Cumulative translation adjustment
(18,706)4,975 
Pension and postretirement medical
liability adjustment
918 1,132 
Income taxes - pension and postretirement
medical liability adjustment
(237)(244)
Other comprehensive (loss) income(18,025)5,863 
Comprehensive Income$104,174 $135,029 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
3

Table of Contents
GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited) (In thousands)
March 29,
2024
December 29,
2023
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$622,728 $537,951 
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $6,100 and $5,300
321,870 354,439 
Inventories459,118 438,349 
Other current assets40,512 35,070 
Total current assets1,444,228 1,365,809 
Property, Plant and Equipment, net751,174 741,713 
Goodwill363,360 370,228 
Other Intangible Assets, net117,850 126,258 
Operating Lease Assets16,573 18,768 
Deferred Income Taxes54,658 61,381 
Other Assets38,982 37,850 
Total Assets$2,786,825 $2,722,007 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Notes payable to banks$29,714 $30,036 
Trade accounts payable76,829 72,214 
Salaries and incentives42,020 64,802 
Dividends payable42,942 42,789 
Other current liabilities160,182 185,359 
Total current liabilities351,687 395,200 
Retirement Benefits and Deferred Compensation80,105 80,347 
Operating Lease Liabilities9,458 11,785 
Deferred Income Taxes7,717 8,215 
Other Non-current Liabilities2,209 2,235 
Shareholders’ Equity
Common stock169,125 167,946 
Additional paid-in-capital912,414 863,336 
Retained earnings1,307,130 1,227,938 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(53,020)(34,995)
Total shareholders’ equity2,335,649 2,224,225 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$2,786,825 $2,722,007 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
4

Table of Contents
GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited) (In thousands)
 Three Months Ended
 March 29,
2024
March 31,
2023
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net Earnings$122,199 $129,166 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization19,516 17,987 
Deferred income taxes6,041 230 
Share-based compensation10,549 8,914 
Change in
Accounts receivable28,828 (8,519)
Inventories(23,242)(18,959)
Trade accounts payable8,038 (3,802)
Salaries and incentives(23,186)(21,303)
Retirement benefits and deferred compensation1,813 1,156 
Other accrued liabilities(24,103)(10,787)
Other(7,530)(3,254)
Net cash provided by operating activities118,923 90,829 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Property, plant and equipment additions(37,192)(38,290)
Other5,572 (352)
Net cash used in investing activities(31,620)(38,642)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Borrowings on short-term lines of credit, net233 20,721 
Payments of debt issuance costs (6)
Common stock issued45,368 31,026 
Common stock repurchased (7,766)
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards(4,611)(1,225)
Cash dividends paid(42,854)(39,431)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(1,864)3,319 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(662)611 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents84,777 56,117 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Beginning of year537,951 339,196 
End of period$622,728 $395,313 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
5

Table of Contents
GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited) (In thousands)
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Total
Three Months Ended March 29, 2024
Balance, December 29, 2023$167,946 $863,336 $1,227,938 $(34,995)$2,224,225 
Shares issued1,179 39,578 — — 40,757 
Stock compensation cost— 9,500 — — 9,500 
Net earnings— — 122,199 — 122,199 
Dividends declared ($0.2550 per share)
— — (43,007)— (43,007)
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — (18,025)(18,025)
Balance, March 29, 2024$169,125 $912,414 $1,307,130 $(53,020)$2,335,649 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
Balance, December 30, 2022$167,702 $784,477 $976,851 $(69,378)$1,859,652 
Shares issued721 29,080 — — 29,801 
Shares repurchased(115)(539)(7,112)— (7,766)
Stock compensation cost— 8,552 — — 8,552 
Net earnings— — 129,166 — 129,166 
Dividends declared ($0.235 per share)
— — (38,925)— (38,925)
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — 5,863 5,863 
Balance, March 31, 2023$168,308 $821,570 $1,059,980 $(63,515)$1,986,343 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
6

Table of Contents
GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1.Basis of Presentation

The consolidated balance sheet of Graco Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 29, 2024 and the related statements of earnings, comprehensive income and shareholders' equity for the three months ended March 29, 2024 and March 31, 2023, and cash flows for the three months ended March 29, 2024 and March 31, 2023 have been prepared by the Company and have not been audited.

In the opinion of management, these consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of March 29, 2024, and the results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. Therefore, these statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that will be realized for the full fiscal year.

2.Segment Information

The Company has three reportable segments: Contractor, Industrial and Process. Sales and operating earnings by segment were as follows (in thousands): 
 Three Months Ended
 March 29,
2024
March 31,
2023
Net Sales
 Contractor$230,042 $245,971 
 Industrial141,991 150,190 
 Process120,156 133,485 
 Total$492,189 $529,646 
Operating Earnings
 Contractor$66,141 $73,772 
 Industrial44,801 52,770 
 Process35,040 40,565 
 Unallocated corporate (expense)(12,986)(10,439)
 Total$132,996 $156,668 

Assets by segment were as follows (in thousands): 
March 29,
2024
December 29,
2023
Contractor
$730,987 $712,224 
Industrial
605,991 640,487 
Process
553,816 554,753 
Unallocated corporate
896,031 814,543 
Total
$2,786,825 $2,722,007 

7

Table of Contents
Geographic information follows (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended
 March 29,
2024
March 31,
2023
Net Sales (based on customer location)
United States
$267,832 $288,989 
Other countries
224,357 240,657 
Total
$492,189 $529,646 

 March 29,
2024
December 29,
2023
Long-lived Assets
United States
$635,154 $622,430 
Other countries
116,020 119,283 
Total
$751,174 $741,713 


3.Earnings per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 Three Months Ended
 March 29,
2024
March 31,
2023
Net earnings available to common shareholders
$122,199 $129,166 
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share168,490 168,018 
Dilutive effect of stock options computed using the treasury stock method and the average market price3,956 3,658 
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share172,446 171,676 
Basic earnings per share
$0.73 $0.77 
Diluted earnings per share
$0.71 $0.75 
Anti-dilutive shares not included in diluted earnings per share computation940 3,235 



4.Share-Based Awards

Options on common shares granted and outstanding, as well as the weighted average exercise price, are shown below (in thousands, except exercise prices):
Option
Shares
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Options
Exercisable
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 29, 20239,904 $49.09 7,274 $41.46 
Granted918 89.30 
Exercised(900)28.58 
Canceled(20)72.29 
Outstanding, March 29, 20249,902 $54.64 7,096 $45.85 

8

Table of Contents
The Company recognized year-to-date share-based compensation of $10.5 million in 2024 and $8.9 million in 2023. As of March 29, 2024, there was $34.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options, expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.0 years.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions and results:
 Three Months Ended
 March 29,
2024
March 31,
2023
Expected life in years
6.66.7
Interest rate
4.2 %4.0 %
Volatility
26.3 %26.3 %
Dividend yield
1.1 %1.3 %
Weighted average fair value per share
$28.05 $21.74 

Under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the Company issued 330,000 shares in 2024 and 323,000 shares in 2023. The fair value of the employees’ purchase rights under this plan was estimated on the date of grant. The benefit of the 15 percent discount from the lesser of the fair market value per common share on the first day and the last day of the plan year was added to the fair value of the employees’ purchase rights determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions and results:
 Three Months Ended
 March 29,
2024
March 31,
2023
Expected life in years
1.01.0
Interest rate
4.9 %5.1 %
Volatility
24.2 %26.4 %
Dividend yield
1.1 %1.4 %
Weighted average fair value per share
$23.16 $18.04 

5.Retirement Benefits

The components of net periodic benefit cost for retirement benefit plans were as follows (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended
 March 29,
2024
March 31,
2023
Pension Benefits
Service cost
$1,467 $1,464 
Interest cost
2,430 3,777 
Expected return on assets
(2,444)(3,975)
Amortization and other
936 440 
Net periodic benefit cost
$2,389 $1,706 
Postretirement Medical
Service cost
$100 $100 
Interest cost
300 210 
Amortization
(25)90 
Net periodic benefit cost
$375 $400 

9

Table of Contents
6.Shareholders’ Equity

Changes in components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax were as follows (in thousands):

Pension and
Post-retirement
Medical
Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment
Total
Three Months Ended March 29, 2024
Balance, December 29, 2023$(31,012)$(3,983)$(34,995)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (18,706)(18,706)
Reclassified to pension cost and deferred tax681  681 
Balance, March 29, 2024$(30,331)$(22,689)$(53,020)


Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
Balance, December 30, 2022$(39,734)$(29,644)$(69,378)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 4,975 4,975 
Reclassified to pension cost and deferred tax888  888 
Balance, March 31, 2023$(38,846)$(24,669)$(63,515)

Amounts related to pension and post-retirement medical adjustments are reclassified to non-service components of pension cost that are included within other non-operating expenses.


7.Receivables and Credit Losses

Accounts receivable include trade receivables of $311 million and other receivables of $11 million as of March 29, 2024 and $343 million and $11 million of trade receivables and other receivables, respectively, as of December 29, 2023.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Following is a summary of activity for credit losses (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
March 29,
2024
March 31,
2023
Balance, beginning$4,655 $6,130 
Additions (reversals) charged to costs and expenses50 (137)
Deductions from reserves (1)
(32)(1,820)
Other (deductions) additions (2)
(80)59 
Balance, ending$4,593 $4,232 

(1)    Represents amounts determined to be uncollectible and charged against reserves, net of collections on accounts previously charged against reserves.
(2) Includes effects of foreign currency translation.


10

Table of Contents
8.Inventories

Major components of inventories were as follows (in thousands):
March 29,
2024
December 29,
2023
Finished products and components$245,527 $221,847 
Products and components in various stages of completion132,715 131,906 
Raw materials and purchased components198,698 202,294 
Subtotal576,940 556,047 
Reduction to LIFO cost(117,822)(117,698)
Total$459,118 $438,349 

9.Intangible Assets

Components of other intangible assets were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Finite LifeIndefinite Life
Customer
Relationships
Patents and
Proprietary
Technology
Trademarks,
Trade Names
and Other
Trade
Names
Total
As of March 29, 2024
Cost
$191,417 $13,832 $1,300 $62,633 $269,182 
Accumulated amortization
(131,933)(8,640)(619)— (141,192)
Foreign currency translation(8,839)(368) (933)(10,140)
Book value
$50,645 $4,824 $681 $61,700 $117,850 
Weighted average life in years
1396N/A
As of December 29, 2023
Cost
$191,417 $14,174 $1,300 $62,633 $269,524 
Accumulated amortization
(128,248)(8,547)(561)— (137,356)
Foreign currency translation(7,591)(344) 2,025 (5,910)
Book value
$55,578 $5,283 $739 $64,658 $126,258 
Weighted average life in years
1396N/A

Amortization of intangibles for the year to date was $4.2 million in 2024 and $4.5 million in 2023. Estimated annual amortization expense based on the current carrying amount of other intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
2024 (Remainder)2025202620272028Thereafter
Estimated Amortization Expense$12,256 $15,939 $9,090 $6,378 $4,229 $8,258 

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for each reportable segment were as follows (in thousands): 
Contractor    Industrial    Process    Total    
Balance, December 29, 2023$77,542 $143,132 $149,554 $370,228 
Foreign currency translation(333)(6,331)(204)(6,868)
Balance, March 29, 2024$77,209 $136,801 $149,350 $363,360 

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10.Other Current Liabilities
Components of other current liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
March 29,
2024
December 29,
2023
Accrued self-insurance retentions
$8,792 $8,654 
Accrued warranty and service liabilities
14,756 15,408 
Accrued trade promotions
9,161 14,312 
Payable for employee stock purchases
1,730 16,639 
Customer advances and deferred revenue
48,480 51,578 
Income taxes payable
12,121 9,837 
Tax payable, other14,744 12,289 
Right of return refund liability18,081 17,826 
Operating lease liabilities, current 7,785 8,242 
Other
24,532 30,574 
Total
$160,182 $185,359 

A liability is established for estimated future warranty and service claims that relate to current and prior period sales. The Company estimates warranty costs based on historical claim experience and other factors, including evaluating specific product warranty issues. Following is a summary of activity in accrued warranty and service liabilities (in thousands):
Balance, December 29, 2023$15,408 
Charged to expense2,291 
Margin on parts sales reversed872 
Reductions for claims settled(3,815)
Balance, March 29, 2024$14,756 

Customer Advances and Deferred Revenue

Revenue is deferred when cash payments are received or due in advance of performance, including amounts which are refundable. This is also the case for services associated with certain product sales. During the three months ended March 29, 2024, we recognized $28.7 million that was included in deferred revenue at December 29, 2023. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we recognized $20.6 million that was included in deferred revenue at December 30, 2022.

11.Fair Value

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and fair value measurement level were as follows (in thousands):
Level   March 29,
2024
December 29,
2023
Assets
Cash surrender value of life insurance2$23,634 $22,255 
Forward exchange contracts2349  
Total assets at fair value$23,983 $22,255 
Liabilities
Contingent consideration3$ $1,375 
Deferred compensation27,016 6,445 
Forward exchange contracts2 422 
Total liabilities at fair value$7,016 $8,242 

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Contracts insuring the lives of certain employees who are eligible to participate in certain non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans are held in trust. Cash surrender value of the contracts is based on performance measurement funds that shadow the deferral investment allocations made by participants in certain deferred compensation plans. The deferred compensation liability balances are valued based on amounts allocated by participants to the underlying performance measurement funds.

Contingent consideration liabilities represent the estimated value (using a probability-weighted expected return approach) of future payments to be made to previous owners of certain acquired businesses based on future revenues.

The fair value of variable rate borrowings approximates carrying value. The Company uses significant other observable inputs to estimate fair value (level 2 of the fair value hierarchy) based on the present value of future cash flows and rates that would be available for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.
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Item 2. GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

The Company supplies technology and expertise for the management of fluids and coatings in both industrial and commercial applications. It designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid and coating materials. Management classifies the Company’s business into three reportable segments: Contractor, Industrial and Process. Key strategies include developing and marketing new products, leveraging products and technologies into additional, growing end-user markets, expanding distribution globally and completing strategic acquisitions that provide additional channel and technologies.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis reviews significant factors affecting the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the accompanying notes to the financial statements.

Consolidated Results

A summary of financial results follows (in millions except per share amounts):
 Three Months Ended    
 Mar 29,
2024
Mar 31,
2023
%
 Change
Net Sales
$492.2 $529.6 (7)%
Operating Earnings
133.0 156.7 (15)%
Net Earnings
122.2 129.2 (5)%
Net Earnings, adjusted (1)
112.6 126.6 (11)%
Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share
$0.71 $0.75 (5)%
Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share, adjusted (1)
$0.65 $0.74 (12)%
(1) See below for a reconciliation of adjusted non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP.

Net sales for the quarter decreased 7 percent from the comparable period last year, with decreases in all segments. Regionally, sales decreased in the Americas and Asia Pacific and were up modestly in EMEA.
Operating earnings for the quarter decreased 15 percent compared to last year, as an improved gross profit margin rate was unable to offset lower sales volume and higher operating expenses.
Net earnings decreased 5 percent for the quarter from the comparable period last year, as increased interest income and lower interest expense softened the decrease in operating earnings. On an adjusted basis, net earnings decreased 11 percent.








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Excluding the impacts of excess tax benefits from stock option exercises presents a more consistent basis for comparison of financial results. A calculation of the non-GAAP adjusted measurements of income taxes, effective income tax rate, net earnings and diluted earnings per share follows (in millions except per share amounts):

Three Months Ended
March 29,
2024
March 31,
2023
Earnings before income taxes$140.3 $157.4 
Income taxes, as reported$18.1 $28.2 
Excess tax benefit from option exercises9.6 2.6 
Income taxes, adjusted$27.7 $30.8 
Effective income tax rate
   As reported12.9 %17.9 %
   Adjusted19.8 %19.5 %
Net Earnings, as reported$122.2 $129.2 
Excess tax benefit from option exercises(9.6)(2.6)
Net Earnings, adjusted$112.6 $126.6 
Weighted Average Diluted Shares172.4 171.7 
Diluted Earnings per Share
   As reported$0.71 $0.75 
   Adjusted$0.65 $0.74 


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The following table presents an overview of components of net earnings as a percentage of net sales:
Three Months Ended   
March 29,
2024
March 31,
2023
Net Sales100.0 %100.0 %
Cost of products sold45.9 46.2 
Gross Profit54.1 53.8 
Product development4.4 3.9 
Selling, marketing and distribution13.5 12.3 
General and administrative9.1 8.0 
Operating Earnings27.1 29.6 
Interest expense0.2 0.3 
Other (income) expense, net(1.6)(0.4)
Earnings Before Income Taxes28.5 29.7 
Income taxes3.7 5.3 
Net Earnings24.8 %24.4 %

Net Sales

The following table presents net sales by geographic region (in millions):
 Three Months Ended   
 March 29,
2024
March 31,
2023
Americas(1)
$306.5 $331.9 
EMEA(2)
111.1 108.8 
Asia Pacific74.6 88.9 
Consolidated$492.2 $529.6 
(1)     North, South and Central America, including the United States
(2)    Europe, Middle East and Africa

The following table presents the components of net sales change by geographic region:
Three Months
Volume and PriceAcquisitions CurrencyTotal
Americas(8)%0%0%(8)%
EMEA0%0%2%2%
Asia Pacific(14)%0%(2)%(16)%
Consolidated(7)%0%0%(7)%

Gross Profit

Gross profit margin rate for the quarter improved slightly from the comparable period last year. The favorable effect of realized price increases more than offset unfavorable product and channel mix.


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Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the quarter increased $5 million (4 percent) compared to last year, including approximately $3 million (2 percentage points) of increased unallocated corporate operating expense (mostly from incremental share-based compensation) and $1 million (1 percentage point) of increases in product development spending.

Other (Income) Expense

Other income for the quarter increased $6 million from the comparable period last year, largely due to increased interest income of approximately $4 million.
Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate was 13 percent, down approximately 5 percentage points from last year. The decrease was due primarily to an increase in excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises.

Segment Results

Certain measurements of segment operations compared to last year are summarized below:

Contractor Segment

The following table presents net sales and operating earnings as a percentage of sales for the Contractor segment
(dollars in millions):
 Three Months Ended   
 March 29,
2024
March 31,
2023
Net Sales
Americas
$165.5 $184.1 
EMEA
46.4 42.1 
Asia Pacific
18.1 19.7 
Total
$230.0 $245.9 
Operating earnings as a percentage of net sales
29 %30 %

The following table presents the components of net sales change by geographic region for the Contractor segment:
Three Months
Volume and PriceAcquisitionsCurrencyTotal
Americas(10)%0%0%(10)%
EMEA9%0%1%10%
Asia Pacific(4)%0%(4)%(8)%
Segment Total(6)%0%0%(6)%

Continued weakness in North American construction markets led to a 6 percent decrease in sales for the quarter compared to last year. Unfavorable product and channel mix and increased spending related to product development resulted in a 1 percentage point decrease in the operating margin rate for the quarter. Improved price realization and lower product costs were unable to offset the decline in the operating margin rate.

Industrial Segment

The following table presents net sales and operating earnings as a percentage of sales for the Industrial segment
(dollars in millions):
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 Three Months Ended  
 March 29,
2024
March 31,
2023
Net Sales
Americas
$61.6 $63.3 
EMEA
47.2 48.1 
Asia Pacific
33.2 38.8 
Total
$142.0 $150.2 
Operating earnings as a percentage of net sales
32 %35 %

The following table presents the components of net sales change by geographic region for the Industrial segment:
Three Months
Volume and PriceAcquisitionsCurrencyTotal
Americas(3)%0%0%(3)%
EMEA(4)%0%2%(2)%
Asia Pacific(12)%0%(3)%(15)%
Segment Total(5)%0%0%(5)%

Industrial segment sales decreased in all regions for the quarter from the comparable period last year, including a double-digit decrease in Asia Pacific, where economic activity weakened compared to last year. The decline was partially offset by an increase in powder finishing system sales in the Americas. The first quarter operating margin rate for this segment deceased 3 percentage points compared to last year, mainly due to the unfavorable effects of product and channel mix and expense leverage.

Process Segment

The following table presents net sales and operating earnings as a percentage of sales for the Process segment
(dollars in millions):
 Three Months Ended
 March 29,
2024
March 31,
2023
Net Sales
Americas
$79.4 $84.5 
EMEA
17.5 18.6 
Asia Pacific
23.3 30.4 
Total
$120.2 $133.5 
Operating earnings as a percentage of net sales
29 %30 %

The following table presents the components of net sales change by geographic region for the Process segment:
Three Months
Volume and PriceAcquisitions CurrencyTotal
Americas(6)%0%0%(6)%
EMEA(8)%0%2%(6)%
Asia Pacific(22)%0%(1)%(23)%
Segment Total(10)%0%0%(10)%

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Process segment sales decreased in all regions for the quarter compared to last year primarily due to weakness in the semiconductor product application. The operating margin rate for this segment decreased approximately 1 percentage point in the quarter from the comparable period last year as price realization was more than offset by unfavorable expense leverage on lower sales volume.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $119 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $91 million in 2023. Decreases in accounts receivable, reflective of a decline in business activity in 2024, drove most of the increase. Significant uses of cash in the first quarter of 2024 included plant and equipment additions of $37 million and dividend payments of $43 million. Net proceeds from shares issued totaled $41 million.

For the first three months of 2023, significant uses of cash included plant and equipment additions of $38 million and dividend payments of $39 million. Net proceeds from shares issued totaled $30 million, which was partially offset by share repurchases of $8 million.

As of March 29, 2024, the Company had available liquidity of $1,398 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $623 million, of which $167 million was held outside of the U.S., and available credit under existing committed credit facilities of $775 million.

Cash balances and unused financing sources are expected to provide the Company with the flexibility to meet its liquidity needs for the next 12 months and beyond, including its capital expenditure plan, planned dividends, share repurchases, acquisitions and operating requirements. Capital expenditures for 2024 are expected to be approximately $120 million, including $70 million in facility expansion projects. The Company may make opportunistic share repurchases going forward.

Outlook
The Company continues to target low single-digit sales growth for 2024 on an organic constant-currency basis.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The Company desires to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions regarding forward-looking statements of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is filing this Cautionary Statement in order to do so. From time to time various forms filed by our Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks, and other disclosures, including our 2023 Overview report, press releases, earnings releases, analyst briefings, conference calls and other written documents or oral statements released by our Company, may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally use words such as “expect,” “foresee,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” “should,” “estimate,” “will,” and similar expressions, and reflect our Company’s expectations concerning the future. All forecasts and projections are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon currently available information, but various risks and uncertainties may cause our Company’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed in these statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements in light of new information or future events.

Future results could differ materially from those expressed, due to the impact of changes in various factors. These risk factors include, but are not limited to, risks relating to the demand for our products and the level of commercial and industrial activity worldwide; changes in currency translation rates; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and other political instability; interest rate fluctuations and changes in credit markets; global sourcing of materials; interruptions of or intrusions into our information systems; intellectual property rights; the use of generative artificial intelligence; conducting business internationally; catastrophic events; our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified personnel; public health crises; our growth strategies and acquisitions; potential goodwill impairment; our ability to compete effectively; our dependence on a few large customers; our dependence on cyclical industries; changes in laws and regulations; climate-related laws, regulations and accords; environmental, social and governance-related expectations and requirements; compliance with anti-corruption and trade laws; changes in tax rates or the adoption of new tax legislation; and costs associated with legal proceedings. Please refer to Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2023 and Item 1A of this Form 10-Q for a more comprehensive discussion of these and other risk factors. These reports are available on the Company’s website at www.graco.com and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
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Investors should realize that factors other than those identified above and in Item 1A might prove important to the Company’s future results. It is not possible for management to identify each and every factor that may have an impact on the Company’s operations in the future as new factors can develop from time to time.


Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes related to market risk from the disclosures made in the Company’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

As of the end of the fiscal quarter covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures. This evaluation was done under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Based upon that evaluation, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in internal controls

During the quarter, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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PART IIOTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the Company’s risk factors from those disclosed in the Company’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

On December 7, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to 18 million shares of common stock, primarily through open market transactions. The authorization is for an indefinite period of time or until terminated by the Board.

In addition to shares purchased under the Board authorization, the Company purchases shares of common stock held by employees who wish to tender owned shares to satisfy the exercise price or tax due upon exercise of options or vesting of restricted stock.

Information on issuer purchases of equity securities follows:
PeriodTotal Number
of Shares Purchased  
Average Price
Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or ProgramsMaximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
(at end of period)
December 30, 2023 - January 26, 2024— $— — 13,549,640 
January 27, 2024 - February 23, 2024— $— — 13,549,640 
February 24, 2024 - March 29, 2024— $— — 13,549,640 


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Item 5.Other Information

During the three months ended March 29, 2024, none of the Company’s directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) adopted, terminated or modified a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as such terms are defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act of 1933).
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Item 6.Exhibits
3.1 
3.2 
Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18, U.S.C.
Press Release Reporting First Quarter Earnings dated April 24, 2024.
101 Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language).
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

GRACO INC.
Date:April 24, 2024By:/s/ Mark W. Sheahan
Mark W. Sheahan
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date:April 24, 2024By:/s/ David M. Lowe
David M. Lowe
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date:April 24, 2024By:/s/ Christopher D. Knutson
Christopher D. Knutson
Executive Vice President, Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)