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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
☒ Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, 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 No. 001-09249
Graco Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Minnesota
41-0285640
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
88 - 11th Avenue N.E.
Minneapolis,
Minnesota
55413
(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 class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
GGG
The New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☒Yes☐ No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. ☐ Yes ☒No
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. ☒Yes☐ No
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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒Yes☐ No
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 filer
☒
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller 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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No
The aggregate market value of 169,657,291 shares of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $12,720,903,679 as of June 25, 2021.
170,351,046 shares of common stock were outstanding as of January 14, 2022.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 29, 2022, are incorporated by reference into Part III, as specifically set forth in said Part III.
Investors may obtain access free of charge to the Graco Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, other reports and amendments to the reports by visiting the Graco website at www.graco.com. These reports will be available as soon as reasonably practicable following electronic filing with, or furnishing to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Graco Inc., together with its subsidiaries (“Graco,” “us,” “we,” or “our Company”), is a multi-national manufacturing company. We supply technology and expertise for the management of fluids and coatings in industrial and commercial applications. We design, manufacture and market systems and equipment used to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid and powder materials. Our equipment is used in manufacturing, processing, construction and maintenance industries. Graco is a Minnesota corporation and was incorporated in 1926.
We specialize in providing equipment solutions for difficult-to-handle materials with high viscosities, abrasive or corrosive properties, and multiple component materials that require precise ratio control. We aim to serve niche markets, providing high customer value through product differentiation. Our products enable customers to reduce their use of labor, material and energy, improve quality and achieve environmental compliance.
We make significant investments in developing innovative, high-quality products. We strive to grow into new geographic markets by strategically adding commercial and technical resources and third-party distribution in growing and emerging markets. We have grown our third-party distribution to have specialized experience in particular end-user applications. We leverage our product technologies for new applications and industries.
We also make targeted acquisitions to broaden our product offering, enhance our capabilities in the end-user markets we serve, expand our manufacturing and distribution base and potentially strengthen our geographic presence. These acquisitions may be integrated into existing Graco operations or may be managed as stand-alone operations. We completed business acquisitions in 2021, 2020 and 2019 that were not material to our consolidated financial statements.
We have particularly strong manufacturing, engineering and customer service capabilities that enhance our ability to provide premium customer experience, produce high-quality and reliable products and drive ongoing cost savings.
Our investment in new products, targeted acquisitions and strong manufacturing, engineering and customer service capabilities comprise our long-term growth strategies, which we coordinate and drive across our geographic regions. Values central to our identity - growth, product innovation, premium customer service, quality and continuous improvement - are leveraged to integrate and expand the capabilities of acquired businesses.
We classify our business into three reportable segments, each with a worldwide focus: Industrial, Process and Contractor.
Each segment sells its products in North, Central and South America (the “Americas”), Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), and Asia Pacific. Sales in the Americas represent approximately 58 percent of our Company’s total sales. Sales in EMEA represent approximately 23 percent. Sales in Asia Pacific represent approximately 19 percent. We provide marketing and product design in each of these geographic regions. Our Company also provides application assistance to distributors and employs sales personnel in each of these geographic regions.
Financial information concerning our segments and geographic markets is set forth in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note B (Segment Information) to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K.
For information about our Company and our products, services and solutions, visit our website at www.graco.com. The information on the website is not part of this report nor any other report filed or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Manufacturing and Distribution
We manufacture a majority of our products in the United States (“U.S.”). We also manufacture products in Switzerland (Industrial segment), Italy (Industrial segment), the United Kingdom (Process segment), the People’s Republic of China (“P.R.C.”) (all segments), Belgium (all segments) and Romania (Industrial segment). Our manufacturing is aligned with our business segments and is co-located with product development to accelerate technology improvements and improve our cost structure. We perform critical machining, assembly and testing in-house for most of our products to control quality, improve response time and maximize cost-effectiveness. We make our products in focused factories and product cells. We source raw materials and components from suppliers around the world.
For all segments, we primarily sell our equipment through third-party distributors worldwide, positioned throughout our geographic regions, and through selected retailers. Our products are sold from our warehouse to our third-party distributors or retailers who sell our products to end users. Certain of our businesses sell their products directly to end-user customers and have direct relationships with customers.
Outside of the U.S., our subsidiaries located in Australia, Belgium, Japan, Italy, Korea, the P.R.C., the United Kingdom and Brazil distribute our Company’s products. Operations in Maasmechelen, Belgium; St. Gallen, Switzerland; Shanghai, P.R.C.; and Porto Alegre, Brazil reinforce our commitment to their regions.
Our manufacturing capacity is sufficient for current business demand levels. Production requirements in the immediate future are expected to be met through existing facilities, planned facility expansions, the installation of new automatic and semi-automatic machine tools, efficiency and productivity improvements, the use of leased space and available subcontract services. Construction is in progress on a facility in Dayton, Minnesota that will contain manufacturing operations for our high performance coatings and foam business as well as a portion of our Process division. In 2022, we expect to begin facility expansion projects in our Sioux Falls, South Dakota; St. Gallen, Switzerland; and Sibiu, Romania manufacturing facilities. We are in the planning and design phases of additional projects to expand capacity in other manufacturing and distribution locations in 2022 and beyond. For more details on our facilities, see Item 2, Properties.
Product Development
Our primary product development efforts are carried out in facilities located in Minneapolis, Anoka and Rogers, Minnesota; North Canton, Ohio; St. Gallen, Switzerland; Suzhou and Shanghai, P.R.C.; Dexter, Michigan; Erie, Pennsylvania; Kamas, Utah; and Coventry, United Kingdom. In 2021, we opened facilities in Dongguan City, P.R.C. and Aachen, Germany, devoted to the support and development of products for electronics assembly, battery and new energy vehicles. The product development and engineering groups focus on new product design, product improvements, and new applications for existing products and technologies for their specific customer base. We continue to enhance our product capabilities with particular emphasis on automation and configurability, easier integration with end-user customer manufacturing and business systems, and increased focus on data and analytics. Our product development efforts focus on bringing new and supplemental return on investment value to end users of our products and enhance their ability to manage products and efficiency and support their sustainability initiatives.
Our Company consistently makes significant investments in new products. Total product development expenditures for all segments were $80 million in 2021, $72 million in 2020 and $68 million in 2019. The amounts invested in product development averaged approximately4 percent of sales over the last three years. Our product development activities are focused both on upgrades to our current product lines to provide features and benefits that will provide a return on investment to our end-user customers and development of products that will reach into new industries and applications to incrementally grow our sales. Sales of products that refresh and upgrade our product lines are measured and compared with planned results. Sales of products that provide entry into new industries and applications are also measured, with additional focus on commercial resources and activities to build specialized third-party distribution and market acceptance by end users.
Our Company measures the results of acquired businesses as compared to historical results and projections made at the time of acquisition. We will invest in engineering, manufacturing and commercial resources for these businesses based on expected return on investment.
Business Segments
Industrial Segment
The Industrial segment is our largest segment and represents approximately 42 percent of our total sales in 2021. It includes the Industrial Products and Applied Fluid Technologies divisions. The Industrial segment markets equipment and solutions for moving and applying paints, coatings, sealants, adhesives and other fluids. Markets served include automotive and vehicle assembly and components production, wood and metal products, rail, marine, aerospace, farm, construction, bus, recreational vehicles and various other industries. End users often invest in our equipment to gain process efficiencies, improve quality or save on material or energy costs.
Most Industrial segment equipment is sold worldwide through specialized third-party distributors, integrators, design centers, original equipment manufacturers and material suppliers. Some products are sold directly to end users and may include design and installation to specific customer requirements. We work with material suppliers to develop or adapt our equipment for use with specialized or hard-to-handle materials. Distributors promote and sell the equipment, hold
inventory, provide product application expertise and offer on-site service, technical support and integration capabilities. Integrators implement large individual installations in manufacturing plants where products and services from a number of different manufacturers are aggregated into a single system. Design centers engineer systems for their customers using our products. Original equipment manufacturers incorporate our Company’s Industrial segment products into systems and assemblies that they then supply to their customers.
Applied Fluid Technologies
The Applied Fluid Technologies division designs and sells equipment for use by industrial customers and specialty contractors. This equipment includes two-component proportioning systems that are used to spray polyurethane foam (spray foam) and polyurea coatings. Spray foam is commonly used for insulating building walls, roofs, water heaters, refrigerators, hot tubs and other items. Polyurea coatings are applied on storage tanks, pipes, roofs, truck beds, concrete and other items. We offer a complete line of pumps and proportioning equipment that sprays specialty coatings on a variety of surfaces for protection and fireproofing. This division also manufactures equipment that pumps, meters, mixes and dispenses sealant, adhesive and composite materials. Our advanced composite equipment includes gel-coat equipment, chop and wet-out systems, resin transfer molding systems and applicators and precision dispensing solutions. This equipment bonds, molds, seals, vacuum encapsulates and laminates parts and devices in a wide variety of industrial applications.
Industrial Products
The Industrial Products division makes finishing equipment that applies paint and other coatings to products such as motor vehicles, appliances, furniture and other industrial and consumer products. A majority of this division’s business is outside of North America.
This division’s products include liquid finishing equipment that applies liquids on metals, wood and plastics, with emphasis on solutions that provide easy integration to paint monitoring and control systems. Products include paint circulating and paint supply pumps, paint circulating advanced control systems, plural component coating proportioners, various accessories to filter, transport, agitate and regulate fluid, and spare parts such as spray tips, seals and filter screens. We also offer a variety of applicators that use different methods of atomizing and spraying the paint or other coatings depending on the viscosity of the fluid, the type of finish desired and the need to maximize transfer efficiency, minimize overspray and minimize the release of volatile organic compounds into the air. Manufacturers in the automotive, automotive feeder, commercial and recreational vehicle, military and utility vehicle, aerospace, farm, construction, wood and general metals industries use our liquid finishing products.
This division also makes powder finishing products and systems that coat powder finishing on metals. These products are sold under the Gema® and SAT® brands. Gema powder systems coat window frames, metallic furniture, automotive components and sheet metal. Primary end users of our powder finishing products include manufacturers in the construction, home appliance, automotive component and custom coater industries. We strive to provide innovative solutions in powder coating for end users in emerging and developed markets.
Process Segment
The Process segment represented approximately 20 percent of our total sales in 2021. It includes our Process, Oil and Natural Gas, and Lubrication divisions. The Process segment markets pumps, valves, meters and accessories to move and dispense chemicals, oil and natural gas, water, wastewater, petroleum, food, lubricants and other fluids. Markets served include food and beverage, dairy, oil and natural gas, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, semiconductor, electronics, wastewater, mining, fast oil change facilities, service garages, fleet service centers, automobile dealerships and industrial lubrication applications.
Most Process segment equipment is sold worldwide through third-party distributors and original equipment manufacturers. Some products are sold directly to end users, particularly in the oil and natural gas and semiconductor industries.
Process
Our Process division makes pumps of various technologies that move chemicals, water, wastewater, petroleum, food and other fluids. Manufacturers and processors in the food and beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, oil and natural gas, semiconductor, electronics, wastewater, mining and ceramics industries use these pumps. This division makes environmental monitoring and remediation equipment that is used to conduct ground water sampling and ground water remediation, and for landfill liquid and gas management.
Our Oil and Natural Gas division makes high pressure and ultra-high pressure valves used in the oil and natural gas industry, other industrial processes and research facilities. Our high and ultra-high pressure valves are sold directly to end-user customers as well as through distribution worldwide. The division also has a line of chemical injection pumping solutions for precise injection of chemicals into producing oil wells and pipelines and is sold through third-party distributors.
Lubrication
The Lubrication division designs and sells equipment for use in vehicle servicing. We supply pumps, hose reels, meters, valves and accessories for use by fast oil change facilities, service garages, fleet service centers, automobile dealerships, auto parts stores, truck builders and heavy equipment service centers.
The Lubrication division also offers systems, components and accessories for the automatic lubrication of bearings, gears and generators in industrial and commercial equipment, compressors, turbines and on- and off-road vehicles. Automatic lubrication systems reduce maintenance needs and down time and extend the life of the equipment. Industries served include gas transmission, petrochemical, pulp and paper, mining, construction, agricultural equipment, food and beverage, material handling, metal manufacturing, wind energy and oil and natural gas.
Contractor Segment
The Contractor segment represented approximately 38 percent of our total sales in 2021. Through this segment, we offer sprayers that apply paint to walls and other structures, with product models for users ranging from do-it-yourself homeowners to professional painting contractors. Contractor equipment also includes sprayers that apply texture to walls and ceilings, highly viscous coatings to roofs, and markings on roads, parking lots, athletic fields and floors.
This segment’s end users are primarily professional painters in the construction and maintenance industries, tradesmen and do-it-yourselfers. Contractor products are marketed and sold in all major geographic areas. We continue to add distributors throughout the world that specialize in the sale of Contractor products. Globally, we are pursuing a broad strategy of converting contractors accustomed to manually applying paint and other coatings by brush-and-roller to spray technology.
Our Contractor products are distributed primarily though distributor outlets whose main products are paint and other coatings. Certain sprayers and accessories are distributed globally through the home center channel. Contractor products are also sold through general equipment distributors outside of North America.
2022 Change in Organizational Structure
As previously announced, effective January 1, 2022, our high performance coatings and foam product offerings within the Applied Fluid Technologies division of the Industrial segment were realigned and are now managed under the Contractor segment. High performance coatings and foam equipment includes two-component proportioning systems to spray foam and polyurea coatings, equipment that sprays specialty coatings for protection and fireproofing and vapor-abrasive blasting equipment. Also effective January 1, 2022, our Oil and Natural Gas division is now combined into our Lubrication division, with no impact to Process segment reporting. These changes will allow leadership to address overlap of markets, products, end users and distributors between the businesses.
Segment operating results will be reported under the new organizational structure commencing with the first quarter of 2022, in connection with the effective date of the realignment. Historic segment information restated to conform to the new organizational structure is available as supplemental financial information on the Company’s website at www.graco.com.
The primary materials and components in our products are steel of various alloys, sizes and hardness; specialty stainless steel and aluminum bar stock, tubing and castings; tungsten carbide; electric and gas motors; injection molded plastics; sheet metal; forgings; powdered metal; hoses; electronic components and high performance plastics, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The materials and components that we use are generally adequately available through multiple sources of supply. To manage cost, we source significant amounts of materials and components from outside the U.S., primarily in the Asia Pacific region.
In 2021, we experienced logistical and production constraints associated with raw materials and purchased components. These constraints were due to limited component availability, reduced freight capacity, shipping delays, and labor shortages. While we were generally able to find alternative suppliers to source raw materials and components for our products as interruptions persisted, these constraints reduced our ability to meet strengthening demand and increased lead times across many of our product lines. Additionally, we experienced price inflation related to raw materials and purchased components. The effects of inflation were most pronounced on motors, electronics, and commodity prices for materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel bar stock, plastics and copper. Although pressures from tariffs continued in 2021, we worked with our supplier base on a variety of opportunities to lessen the effect.
We endeavor to address fluctuations in the price and availability of various materials and components through close management of current suppliers, price negotiations and an intensive search for new suppliers. We have performed risk assessments of our key suppliers, and we factor the risks identified into our commodity plans.
Intellectual Property
We own a number of patents across our segments and have patent applications pending in the U.S. and other countries. We also license our patents to others and are a licensee of patents owned by others. In our opinion, our business is not materially dependent upon any one or more of these patents or licenses. Our Company also owns a number of trademarks in the U.S. and foreign countries, including registered trademarks for “GRACO,” “Gema,” several forms of a capital “G,” and various product trademarks that are material to our business, inasmuch as they identify Graco and our products to our customers.
Competition
We encounter a wide variety of competitors that vary by product, industry and geographic area. Each of our segments generally has several competitors. Our competitors are both U.S. and foreign companies and range in size. We believe that our ability to compete depends upon product quality, product reliability, innovation, design, customer support and service, specialized engineering and competitive pricing. Although no competitor duplicates all of our products, some competitors are larger than our Company, both in terms of sales of directly competing products and in terms of total sales and financial resources. We also face competitors with different cost structures and expectations of profitability, and these companies may offer competitive products at lower prices. We refresh our product line and continue development of our distribution channel to stay competitive. We also face competitors who illegally sell counterfeits of our products or otherwise infringe on our intellectual property rights. As this type of unfair competition grows or evolves, we may have to increase our intellectual property and unfair competition enforcement activities.
Environmental Protection
Our compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations did not have a material effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Human Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2021, we employed approximately 3,800 persons. Of this total, approximately 1,400 were employees based outside of the U.S., and 1,600 were hourly factory workers in the U.S. None of our Company’s U.S. employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Various national industry-wide labor agreements apply to certain employees in various countries outside of the U.S. Compliance with such agreements has no material effect on our Company or our operations.
The location of the majority of our manufacturing operations within the U.S. allows us to flex employee resources as needed to respond to changes in demand of our business. Our manufacturing, product development, warehouse and
administrative employees are generally located in the same or adjacent facilities, which we believe contributes to our culture of strong manufacturing, engineering and customer service capabilities.
Health, Wellness & Safety
The personal health and safety of each of our employees is of primary importance. The prevention of occupationally-induced injuries and illnesses is given precedence over operating productivity. Our Health, Wellness and Safety program is designed to increase engagement, reduce absenteeism due to illness or injury, provide healthier lifestyle choices, and reduce health risk factors for our employees.
Our experience with – and ongoing commitment to – workplace health and safety has enabled us to remain operational throughout the COVID-19 pandemic while at the same time protecting the health and safety of our employees and workplace visitors. We have implemented a variety of comprehensive protocols, practices, operational changes, workplace modifications and arrangements. Employees have adapted to evolving conditions and continue to adapt as processes and procedures are adjusted and aligned with public health authority recommendations and requirements.
Total Rewards
Our reward programs connect all employees to the performance and success of the Company. As an employer of choice, we offer pay, benefits and a work environment that attracts and retains high-performing talent. We believe that an effective compensation program must be market competitive as well as fair and equitable. Our compensation program is designed to attract and retain top talent, drive and reward performance and enhance our reputation. Our total rewards program is comprised of various elements, including base pay, variable pay, equity-based compensation for all employees, and health, welfare and retirement benefits.
Talent
To achieve our strategic objectives, it is imperative that we attract, develop and retain qualified personnel. We seek to develop talent from within our organization and supplement our workforce with external hires as necessary. This approach has helped create among our employees an in-depth understanding of our business, products, competition and customers, while also adding new employee ideas and perspectives in support of our continuous improvement initiatives.
Our executive officers responsible for setting overall strategy average nearly 21 years of tenure with us. Tenure of all employees averages nearly 10 years, reflective of our positive workplace culture. Our recruiting team uses internal and external resources to recruit highly skilled and talented workers, and we encourage and reward employee referrals for open positions.
We are committed to maintaining a culture of trust that recognizes the dignity and uniqueness of the individual. We provide equal opportunities for professional growth and advancement based on performance, qualifications, demonstrated skill and achievements. All employees are encouraged, under a continuous improvement program with financial incentives, to submit ideas to improve profitability, quality, safety and environmental practices. New employee orientations and regular ethics training are required for all employees. We complete a biennial survey of our employees to assess our culture, benchmark us against industry leaders, and to make improvements as necessary.
Community
We have a long history of giving back to the communities where we live and work through the volunteer efforts of our employees and the giving efforts of the Graco Foundation. The Graco Foundation’s goal is to help organizations grow their ability to serve community needs through grants focused on capital projects, specific programs and technology needs. The Graco Foundation places emphasis on educational programs, especially STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs; human service programs promoting workforce development; and youth development programs. The Graco Foundation also supports several employee-based programs, including dollar-for-dollar gift matching, grants to support volunteerism, scholarships for children of employees, tutoring with a local middle school and an annual Paint-A-Thon that helps low-income seniors and people with permanent disabilities continue to live independently in their own homes.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
As a global manufacturer of systems and equipment designed to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid and powder materials, our business is subject to various risks and uncertainties. Below are risk factors that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic, the governmental, business and societal responses to the pandemic, and the resulting impacts on global economic activity have adversely affected our business and results of operations, and could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition in the future.
The COVID-19 pandemic and related governmental, business and societal responses to the pandemic have had, and may continue to have, an adverse effect on our operations, employees, supply chains, distribution channels, and end-user customers. In response to the pandemic, we invested in and implemented a variety of measures intended to protect the health and safety of our employees. Implementation of these measures impacted the efficiency and productivity of our workforce and our operations, and the continuation or reinstatement of some or all of these measures, or the implementation of new or additional measures, could impact the efficiency and productivity of our workforce and our operations in the future. Our ability to manufacture products and provide related services is dependent on the health, safety and availability of our employees. Notwithstanding the health and safety measures we implemented in response to the pandemic, a number of our employees have been infected with or exposed to COVID-19, and in the future a number of our employees may be infected (or re-infected) with or exposed (or re-exposed) to COVID-19, which has impacted, and in the future may impact, our ability to manufacture products and provide related services in a timely manner. We have experienced, and in the future may experience, certain supply chain disruptions related to the pandemic, including increased costs of raw materials and components, and delays, shortages and difficulties in sourcing raw materials and components. Similarly, we have experienced, and in the future may experience, volatility in demand for certain of our products, inability to meet end-user customer demand, and distribution and logistics challenges, including increased freight costs, reduced freight capacity, and shipping delays. We have also experienced, and in the future may experience, restrictions on our employees’ ability to meet customers in person and the cancellation, postponement and reformatting of trade shows, industry events and product demonstrations, which has impacted, and in the future may impact, our selling activities and our ability to convert those activities into actual sales. Management has focused on mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our employees and our business, which has required a large investment of time, energy and resources. The duration and extent to which management will be required to focus on mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our employees and our business in the future, including complying with existing, new or modified governmental rules, regulations or standards, could require significant additional investment of management’s time, energy and resources.
The extent to which the continuing COVID-19 pandemic impacts us will depend on numerous evolving factors and future developments that are uncertain and that we are not able to predict, including: the severity of the virus and new variants of the virus; the duration and scope of the pandemic; the efficacy, distribution and adoption rate of vaccines; whether there are additional waves of the pandemic; whether there are continued increases or spikes in COVID-19 cases in the areas in which we or our suppliers, distributors or end-user customers operate; governmental, business, societal, individual and other actions taken in response to the pandemic; the effect on our suppliers and distributors, and disruptions to the global supply chain; the impact on economic activity; the extent and duration of the impact on consumer and business confidence and spending; the effect on our end-user customers and their demand and buying patterns for our products and services; the effect of any closures or other changes in operations of our and our suppliers’, distributors’ and end-user customers’ facilities; the health of and the effect on our employees and our ability to meet staffing needs in our manufacturing and distribution facilities and other critical functions, particularly if a significant number of employees are absent because they become ill, are quarantined as a result of exposure, are reluctant to show up for work, or resign or are restricted from working as a result of vaccine mandates; our ability to sell our products and services and provide product support, including as a result of travel restrictions, work from home requirements and arrangements, and other restrictions or changes in behavior or preferences for interactions; the effect on employee or Company healthcare costs under our self-insurance programs; restrictions or disruptions to transportation, including reduced availability of ground, sea or air transport; the ability of our distributors and end-user customers to pay for our products and services; the potential effects on our internal controls, including those over financial reporting, as a result of changes in working arrangements that are applicable to our employees and business partners; and the effect on our ability to access capital on favorable terms and continue to meet our liquidity needs, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, we may continue to experience adverse effects to our business as a result of ongoing or new economic impacts that may occur in the future. The COVID-19 pandemic could also exacerbate or trigger other risks discussed in this report, any of which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Economic, Financial and Political Risks
Economic Environment - Demand for our products depends on the level of commercial and industrial activity worldwide.
An economic downturn or financial market turmoil may depress demand for our equipment in all major geographies and markets. Economic uncertainty and volatility in various geographies may adversely affect our net sales and earnings. If our distributors and original equipment manufacturers are unable to purchase our products because of unavailable credit
or unfavorable credit terms, depressed end-user demand, or are simply unwilling to purchase our products, our net sales and earnings will be adversely affected. An economic downturn may affect our ability to satisfy the financial covenants in the terms of our financing arrangements.
Currency - Changes in currency translation rates could adversely impact our revenue, earnings and the valuation of assets denominated in foreign currencies.
A significant number of routine transactions are conducted in foreign currencies. Changes in exchange rates will impact our reported sales and earnings and the valuation of assets denominated in foreign currencies. A majority of our manufacturing and cost structure is based in the U.S. In addition, decreased value of local currency may make it difficult for some of our distributors and end users to purchase products.
Political Instability - Uncertainty surrounding political leadership may limit our growth opportunities.
Domestic political instability, including government shut downs, may limit our ability to grow our business. International political instability may prevent us from expanding our business into certain geographies and may also limit our ability to grow our business. Civil disturbances may harm our business.
Pension Plan – Declines in interest rates, asset values and investment returns could significantly increase our pension costs and required pension contributions.
The Company sponsors a qualified defined benefit pension plan for certain U.S. employees and retirees of the Company. The pension plan is funded with trust assets invested in a diversified portfolio of equity, fixed income and other investments. Declines in interest rates, the market value of plan assets, and investment returns could significantly increase our net periodic pension costs and our future pension contribution requirements and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Strategic Risks
Growth Strategies and Acquisitions - Our growth strategies may not provide the return on investment desired if we are not successful in implementation of these strategies.
Making acquisitions, investing in new products, expanding geographically and targeting new industries are among our growth strategies. We may not obtain the return on investment desired if we are not successful in implementing these growth strategies. The success of our acquisition strategy depends on our ability to successfully identify and properly value suitable acquisition candidates, negotiate appropriate acquisition terms, obtain financing at a reasonable cost, prevail against competing acquirers, complete the acquisitions and integrate or add the acquired businesses into our existing businesses or corporate structure. Once successfully integrated into our existing businesses or added to our corporate structure, the acquired businesses may not perform as planned, be accretive to earnings, generate positive cash flows, provide an acceptable return on investment or otherwise be beneficial to us. We may not realize projected efficiencies and cost-savings from the businesses we acquire. We cannot predict how customers, competitors, suppliers, distributors and employees will react to the acquisitions that we make. Acquisitions may result in the assumption of undisclosed or contingent liabilities, the incurrence of increased indebtedness and expenses, and the diversion of management’s time and attention away from other business matters, any of which may have an adverse affect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We make significant investments in developing products that have innovative features and differentiated technology in their industries and in niche markets. We are adding to the geographies in which we do business with third-party distributors. We cannot predict whether and when we will be able to realize the expected financial results and accretive effect of the acquisitions that we make, the new products that we develop and the channel expansions that we make.
Competition - Our success depends upon our ability to develop, market and sell new products that meet our customers’ needs, and anticipate industry changes.
Our profitability will be affected if we do not develop new products and technologies that meet our customers’ needs. Our ability to develop, market and sell products that meet our customers’ needs depends upon a number of factors, including anticipating the features and products that our customers will need in the future, identifying and entering into new markets, training our distributors, and anticipating market trends. Changes in industries that we serve, including consolidation of competitors, distributors and customers, could affect our success. Increases in the number of competitors, the market reach of competitors, and the quality of competitive products could also affect our success. Price competition and competitor strategies could negatively impact our growth and have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
Impairment - If acquired businesses do not meet performance expectations, acquired assets could be subject to impairment.
Our total assets reflect goodwill from acquisitions, representing the excess cost over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. We test annually whether goodwill has been impaired, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the goodwill may be impaired. If future operating performance at one or more of our operating units were to fall significantly below forecast levels or if market conditions for one or more of our acquired businesses were to decline, we could be required to incur a non-cash charge to operating income for impairment. Any impairment in the value of our goodwill would have an adverse non-cash impact on our results of operations and reduce our net worth.
Major Customers - Our Contractor segment depends on a few large customers for a significant portion of its sales. Significant declines in the level of purchases by these customers could reduce our sales and impact segment profitability.
Our Contractor segment derives a significant amount of revenue from a few large customers. Substantial decreases in purchases by these customers, difficulty in collecting amounts due or the loss of their business would adversely affect the profitability of this segment. The business of these customers is dependent upon the economic vitality of the construction and home improvement markets. If these markets decline, the business of our customers could be adversely affected and their purchases of our equipment could decrease which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
Variable Industries - Our success may be affected by variations in the construction, automotive, mining and oil and natural gas industries.
Our business may be affected by fluctuations in residential, commercial and institutional building and remodeling activity. Changes in construction materials and techniques may also impact our business. Our business may also be affected by fluctuations of activity in the automotive, mining and oil and natural gas industries.
Operational Risks
Global Sourcing - Risks associated with foreign sourcing, supply interruption, delays in raw material or component delivery, supply shortages and counterfeit components may adversely affect our production or profitability.
We source certain of our materials and components from suppliers outside the U.S., and from suppliers within the U.S. who engage in foreign sourcing. Long lead times or supply interruptions associated with a global supply base may reduce our flexibility and make it more difficult to respond promptly to fluctuations in demand or respond quickly to product quality problems. Changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies and fluctuations in the price of raw materials and components have impacted and may continue to impact the manufacturing costs of our products and affect our profitability. Protective tariffs, unpredictable changes in duty rates, and changes in trade policies, agreements, relations and regulations have made and may continue to make certain foreign-sourced parts no longer competitively priced. Long supply chains may be disrupted by environmental events, public health crises (such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic), political or other factors. Raw materials may become limited in availability from certain regions. Port labor issues may delay shipments. We source a large volume and a variety of electronic components, which exposes us to an increased risk of counterfeit components entering our supply chain. If counterfeit components unknowingly become part of our products, we may need to stop delivery and rework our products. We may be subject to warranty claims and may need to recall products. Shortages, delivery delays and price inflation in a wide variety of raw materials and components (including but not limited to electronic components, castings, engines and motors) and logistical challenges (including but not limited to increased freight costs, shipping container shortages, trucking shortages, ocean, railway and air freight capacity constraints, labor shortages and port delays) have adversely affected production and profitability and may continue to adversely affect production and profitability.
Information Systems - Interruption of or intrusion into information systems may impact our business.
We rely on information systems and networks, including the internet, to conduct and support our business. Some of these systems and networks are managed, hosted and provided by third parties. We use these systems and networks to record, process, summarize, transmit and store electronic information, and to manage or support our business processes and activities. We have implemented measures intended to secure our information systems and networks and prevent unauthorized access to or loss of sensitive data. However, these measures may not be effective against all eventualities, and our information systems and networks may be vulnerable to hacking, human error, fraud or other misconduct, system error, faulty password management or other irregularities. Cybersecurity threats are increasing in frequency, sophistication and severity. We experience cybersecurity threats from time to time, and expect to continue to experience such threats in the future. To date, we have not experienced a material cybersecurity incident. Security breaches or intrusion into our information systems or networks or the information systems or networks of the third parties with whom we do business
pose a risk to the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data, and could lead to any one or more of the following: the compromising of confidential information; manipulation, unauthorized use, theft or destruction of data; product defects or malfunctions; production downtimes and operations disruptions; litigation; regulatory action; fines; and other costs and adverse consequences. The occurrence of a security breach or an intrusion into an information system or a network, or the breakdown, interruption in or inadequate upgrading or maintenance of our information processing software, hardware or networks or the internet, may adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.
Intellectual Property - Demand for our products may be affected by new entrants who copy our products or infringe on our intellectual property. Competitors may allege that our products infringe the intellectual property of others.
From time to time, we have been faced with instances where competitors have infringed or unfairly used our intellectual property or taken advantage of our design and development efforts. The ability to protect and enforce intellectual property rights varies across jurisdictions. Competitors who copy our products are prevalent in Asia. If we are unable to effectively meet these challenges, they could adversely affect our revenues and profits and hamper our ability to grow. Competitors and others may also initiate litigation to challenge the validity of our intellectual property or allege that we infringe their intellectual property. We may be required to pay substantial damages if it is determined our products infringe their intellectual property. We may also be required to develop an alternative, non-infringing product that could be costly and time-consuming, or acquire a license (if available) on terms that are not favorable to us. Regardless of whether infringement claims against us are successful, defending against such claims could significantly increase our costs, divert management’s time and attention away from other business matters, and otherwise adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Foreign Operations - Conducting business internationally exposes our Company to risks that could harm our business.
In 2021, approximately 49 percent of our sales were generated by customers located outside the U.S. Operating and selling outside of the U.S. exposes us to certain risks that could adversely impact our sales volume, rate of growth or profitability. These risks include: complying with foreign legal and regulatory requirements; international trade factors (export controls, customs clearance, trade policy, trade sanctions, trade agreements, duties, tariff barriers and other restrictions); protection of our proprietary technology in certain countries; potentially burdensome taxes; potential difficulties staffing and managing local operations; and changes in exchange rates.
Catastrophic Events - Our operations are at risk of damage, destruction or disruption by natural disasters and other unexpected events.
The loss of, or substantial damage to, one of our facilities, our information system infrastructure or the facilities of our suppliers could make it difficult to manufacture product, fulfill customer orders and provide our employees with work. Flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, unusually heavy precipitation or other severe weather events, earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, explosions, acts of war, terrorism, civil unrest or outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics of infectious diseases (such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic) could adversely impact our operations.
Personnel - Our success may be affected if we are not able to attract, develop and retain qualified personnel.
Our success depends in large part on our ability to identify, recruit, develop and retain qualified personnel. If we are unable to successfully identify, recruit, develop and retain qualified personnel or adapt to changing worker expectations and working arrangements, it may be difficult for us to meet our strategic objectives and grow our business, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Legal, Regulatory and Compliance Risks
Changes in Laws and Regulations - Changes may impact how we can do business and the cost of doing business around the world.
We are subject to many laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we operate, and as our business grows and expands geographically, we may become subject to additional laws and regulations previously inapplicable to our business. Changes to laws and regulations to which we are currently subject, and exposure to additional laws and regulations previously inapplicable to our business, increase our cost of doing business, may affect the manner in which our products will be produced or delivered, may affect the locations and facilities from which we conduct business, and may impact our long-term ability to provide returns to our shareholders.
Anti-Corruption and Trade Laws - We may incur costs and suffer damages if our employees, agents, distributors or suppliers violate anti-bribery, anti-corruption or trade laws and regulations.
As a global manufacturer, we are subject to a variety of complex and stringent laws and regulations related to bribery, corruption and trade. The continued geographic expansion of our business increases our exposure to, and cost of complying with, these laws and regulations. If our internal controls and compliance program do not adequately prevent or deter our employees, agents, distributors, suppliers and other third parties with whom we do business from violating anti-bribery, anti-corruption or trade laws and regulations, we may incur defense costs, fines, penalties, reputational damage and business disruptions.
Tax Rates and New Tax Legislation - Changes in tax rates or the adoption of new tax legislation may affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
The Company is subject to taxes in the U.S. and a number of foreign jurisdictions where it conducts business. The Company’s effective tax rate has been and may continue to be affected by changes in the mix of earnings in jurisdictions with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes in tax laws or their interpretation. If the Company’s effective tax rate were to increase, or if the ultimate determination of the Company’s taxes owed is for an amount in excess of amounts previously accrued, the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Legal Proceedings - Costs associated with claims, litigation, administrative proceedings and regulatory reviews, and potentially adverse outcomes, may affect our profitability.
As our Company grows, we are at an increased risk of being a target in matters related to the assertion of claims and demands, litigation, administrative proceedings and regulatory reviews. We may also need to pursue claims or litigation to protect our interests. The cost of pursuing, defending and insuring against such matters is increasing, particularly in the U.S. Such costs may adversely affect our Company’s profitability. Further, due to adverse changes in costs to insure against such matters, we have increased our self-insured retention and deductibles and procured lower coverage limits under certain policies, which may increase our risk exposure for certain types of claims and adversely affect our profitability if we are ultimately held responsible for such claims. Our businesses expose us to potential toxic tort, product liability, commercial and employment claims. Successful claims against the Company and settlements may adversely affect our results.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
Our facilities are in satisfactory condition, suitable for their respective uses, and are generally adequate to meet current needs. A description of our principal facilities as of February 22, 2022, is set forth in the chart below.
Facility
Owned or
Leased
Square Footage
Facility Activities
Operating Segment
North America
Rogers, Minnesota, United States
Owned
782,000
Manufacturing, warehouse, office and product development
Contractor
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Owned
390,000
Manufacturing and office
Industrial and Process
Rogers, Minnesota, United States
Leased
268,000
Distribution center and office
All segments
Anoka, Minnesota, United States
Owned
208,000
Manufacturing, warehouse, office and product development
Process
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
Owned
203,000
Manufacturing, warehouse and office
Industrial and Contractor
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Owned
141,000
Worldwide headquarters; office and product development
Corporate, Industrial and Process
North Canton, Ohio, United States
Owned
131,000
Manufacturing, warehouse, office and application laboratory
Manufacturing, warehouse, office and product development
Process
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Owned
87,000
Assembly
Industrial and Process
Kamas, Utah, United States
Owned
74,000
Manufacturing, warehouse, office, product development and test laboratory
Process
Dexter, Michigan, United States
Owned
65,000
Manufacturing, warehouse, office and product development
Process
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Owned
64,000
Warehouse, office, product development and application laboratory
Industrial
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Owned
42,000
Corporate office
All segments
Fremont, California, United States
Leased
27,000
Manufacturing, office and warehouse
Process
Europe
Maasmechelen, Belgium
Owned
210,000
EMEA headquarters, warehouse and assembly
All segments
Verona, Italy
Leased
164,000
Manufacturing and warehouse
Industrial
St. Gallen, Switzerland
Owned
82,000
Manufacturing, warehouse, office, product development and application laboratory
Industrial
Sibiu, Romania
Leased
68,000
Manufacturing
Industrial
Rödermark, Germany
Leased
41,000
Office and warehouse
Industrial
Coventry, United Kingdom
Owned
38,000
Office and assembly
Process
Verona, Italy
Owned
31,000
Office and warehouse
Industrial
St. Gallen, Switzerland
Leased
26,000
Manufacturing
Industrial
Maasmechelen, Belgium
Leased
25,000
Office and assembly
All segments
Aachen, Germany
Leased
22,000
Office and warehouse
All segments
Asia Pacific
Shanghai, P.R.C.
Leased
80,000
Asia Pacific headquarters
All segments
Suzhou, P.R.C
Owned
80,000
Manufacturing, warehouse, office and product development
All segments
Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Leased
33,000
Office
All segments
Shanghai, P.R.C.
Leased
27,000
Office and warehouse
Industrial
Derrimut, Australia
Leased
22,000
Warehouse
All segments
Yokohama, Japan
Leased
19,000
Office
All segments
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Our Company is engaged in routine litigation, administrative proceedings and regulatory reviews incident to our business. It is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these unresolved matters, but management believes that they will not have a material effect upon our operations or consolidated financial position.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Information About Our Executive Officers
The following are all the executive officers of Graco Inc. as of February 22, 2022:
Mark W. Sheahan, 57, became President and Chief Executive Officer in June 2021. From June 2018 to June 2021, he served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. He was Vice President and General Manager, Applied Fluid Technologies Division from February 2008 until June 2018. He served as Chief Administrative Officer from September 2005 until February 2008, and was Vice President and Treasurer from December 1998 to September 2005. Prior to becoming Treasurer in December 1996, he was Manager, Treasury Services. Mr. Sheahan joined the Company in 1995.
David M. Ahlers, 63, became Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications in June 2018. From April 2010 to June 2018, he was Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications. From September 2008 through March 2010, he served as the Company’s Vice President, Human Resources. Prior to joining Graco, Mr. Ahlers held various human resources positions, including, most recently, Chief Human Resources Officer and Senior Managing Director of GMAC Residential Capital from August 2003 to August 2008. Mr. Ahlers joined the Company in 2008.
Caroline M. Chambers, 57, became President, EMEA, in August 2020. From August 2020 to January 2022, she also held the additional role of Executive Vice President, Information Systems. From June 2018 to August 2020, she served as Executive Vice President, Corporate Controller and Information Systems. She also served as the Company’s principal accounting officer from September 2007 to August 2020. She was Vice President, Corporate Controller and Information Systems from December 2013 to June 2018. From April 2009 to December 2013, she was Vice President and Corporate Controller. She served as Vice President and Controller from December 2006 to April 2009. She was Corporate Controller from October 2005 to December 2006 and Director of Information Systems from July 2003 through September 2005. Prior to becoming Director of Information Systems, she held various management positions in the internal audit and accounting departments. Prior to joining Graco, she was an auditor with Deloitte & Touche in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Paris, France. Ms. Chambers joined the Company in 1992.
Anthony J. Gargano, 51, became President, Asia Pacific in July 2021. From October 2020 to July 2021, he was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Advanced Fluid Dispense business segment in Asia Pacific. He served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the global High Performance Coatings and Foams business segment from September 2018 until October 2020. From January 2017 to December 2018, he served as President of Global Automotive. He served as Director of Sales and Marketing for the Applied Fluid Technologies Division in Asia Pacific from February 2012 to January 2017. From June 2008 to February 2012, he was Director of Sales and Marketing for the PMG business in the Lubrication Equipment Division. Prior to becoming Director of Sales and Marketing for the PMG business in the Lubrication Equipment Division, he held various product and sales management positions. Mr. Gargano joined the Company in 2005.
Inge Grasdal, 51, became Executive Vice President, Corporate Development in January 2022. Prior to joining Graco, he was Vice President Corporate Development at Ecolab Inc., a global provider of water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services, from November 2018 to January 2022. Prior to joining Ecolab, he was Senior Director Corporate Development at 3M Company, a diversified global technology company, from 2012 to October 2018. From 2007 to 2012, he was Vice President Investment Banking at Piper Jaffray & Co. Prior to joining Piper Jaffray, he held various roles in finance, consulting and engineering, including most recently as Director of Finance – Analytics at United Health Group from 2003 to 2007. Mr. Grasdal joined the Company in January 2022.
Joseph J. Humke, 51, became Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in July 2021. Before joining Graco, he was an equity partner in the Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity practice groups at Ballard Spahr LLP and Lindquist & Vennum LLP (which combined in January 2018) from 2004 to June 2021, and an associate from 2001 to 2003. Prior to joining Lindquist & Vennum, he worked as an associate in the Corporate & Securities practice group of Mayer Brown LLP in Chicago from 1998 to 2001, and served as a law clerk to the Honorable John L. Coffey on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit from 1997 to 1998. Mr. Humke joined the Company in July 2021.
Dale D. Johnson, 67, became President, Worldwide Contractor Equipment Division in February 2017. From April 2001 through January 2017, he served as Vice President and General Manager, Contractor Equipment Division. From January 2000 through March 2001, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer. From December 1996 to January 2000, he was Vice President, Contractor Equipment Division. Prior to becoming Director of Marketing, Contractor Equipment Division in June 1996, he held various marketing and sales positions in the Contractor Equipment Division and the Industrial Equipment Division. Mr. Johnson joined the Company in 1976.
Jeffrey P. Johnson, 62, became President, Electric Motor Division in April 2020. From December 2018 to April 2020, he was President, New Ventures. From June 2018 to December 2018, he was President, EMEA. He served as Vice President and General Manager, EMEA from January 2013 to June 2018. From February 2008 to December 2012, he was Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific. He served as Director of Sales and Marketing, Applied Fluid Technologies Division, from June 2006 until February 2008. Prior to joining Graco, he held various sales and marketing positions, including, most recently, President of Johnson Krumwiede Roads, a full-service advertising agency, and European sales manager at General Motors Corp. Mr. Johnson joined the Company in 2006.
David M. Lowe, 66, became Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in June 2021. From April 2020 until June 2021, he served as President, Worldwide Process Division. He was President, Worldwide Industrial Products Division from June
2018 to April 2020. From April 2012 to June 2018, he was Executive Vice President, Industrial Products Division. From February 2005 to April 2012, he was Vice President and General Manager, Industrial Products Division. He was Vice President and General Manager, European Operations from September 1999 to February 2005. Prior to becoming Vice President, Lubrication Equipment Division in December 1996, he was Treasurer. Mr. Lowe joined the Company in 1995.
Peter J. O’Shea, 57, became President, Worldwide Lubrication Equipment Division, and President, South and Central America in January 2022. From July 2021 to January 2022, he was President, Worldwide Industrial Products Division, and President, South and Central America. From April 2020 to January 2022, he was President, Worldwide Lubrication Equipment Division. He was Vice President and General Manager, Lubrication Equipment Division from January 2016 to June 2018. From January 2013 to December 2015, he was Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific. From January 2012 until December 2012, he was Director of Sales and Marketing, Industrial Products Division, and from 2008 to 2012, he was Director of Sales and Marketing, Industrial Products Division and Applied Fluid Technologies Division. He was Country Manager, Australia - New Zealand from 2005 to 2008, and from 2002 to 2005 he served as Business Development Manager, Australia - New Zealand. Prior to becoming Business Development Manager, Australia - New Zealand, he worked in various Graco sales management positions. Mr. O’Shea joined the Company in 1995.
Christian E. Rothe, 48, became President, Worldwide Industrial Division in January 2022. From June 2018 to January 2022, he was President, Worldwide Applied Fluid Technologies Division. He was Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from September 2015 to June 2018. From June 2011 through August 2015, he was Vice President and Treasurer. Prior to joining Graco, he held various positions in business development, accounting and finance, including, most recently, at Gardner Denver, Inc. as Vice President, Treasurer from January 2011 to June 2011, Vice President - Finance, Industrial Products Group from October 2008 to January 2011, and Director, Strategic Planning and Development from October 2006 to October 2008. Mr. Rothe joined the Company in 2011.
Kathryn L. Schoenrock, 44, became Executive Vice President, Corporate Controller and Information Systems in January 2022. From August 2020 to January 2022, she was Executive Vice President, Corporate Controller. She has served as the Company’s principal accounting officer since August 2020. From December 2018 to August 2020, she served as Director of Corporate Finance. She served as Director of Financial Reporting from August 2012 to December 2018. Prior to joining Graco, she served as a Senior Manager in the audit practice of Deloitte & Touche LLP from 2008 to 2012, and held various positions in the audit practice of Deloitte & Touche LLP from 2002 to 2008 and in the audit practice of Arthur Andersen LLP from 2000 to 2002. Ms. Schoenrock joined the Company in 2012.
Timothy R. White, 52, became President, Worldwide Process Division in June 2021. From August 2020 to June 2021, he served as President, White Knight and QED Environmental Systems. From December 2018 to August 2020, he served as President, EMEA. From August 2015 to December 2018, he was President of Q.E.D. Environmental Systems, Inc., a Graco subsidiary. He served as Director of Sales and Marketing, Applied Fluid Technologies Division, from April 2012 to August 2015. From May 2011 to April 2012, he was North American Sales Manager, Applied Fluid Technologies Division. From January 2008 until April 2011, he was Operations Director, Contractor Equipment Division. Prior to January 2008, he held various manufacturing management positions. Mr. White joined the Company in 1992.
Angela F. Wordell, 50, became Executive Vice President, Operations in January 2022. From April 2020 to January 2022, she was Executive Vice President, Operations, and President, Worldwide Oil & Natural Gas Division. From December 2018 to April 2020, she was Executive Vice President, Operations. From April 2017 to December 2018, she was Purchasing Director. From January 2017 to April 2017, she served as Strategic Sourcing Director. From March 2010 until January 2017, she was Operations Director, Industrial Products Division and China Factory. From February 2008 until March 2010, she was Operations Manager, Industrial Products Division. Prior to February 2008, she held various manufacturing management and engineering positions. Ms. Wordell joined the Company in 1993.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Graco Common Stock
Graco common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “GGG.” As of January 14, 2022, the share price was $75.31 and there were 170,351,046 shares outstanding and 1,747 common shareholders of record, which includes nominees or broker dealers holding stock on behalf of an estimated 129,352 beneficial owners.
The graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on the common stock of the Company for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones U.S. Industrial Machinery Index over the same period (assuming the value of the investment in Graco common stock and each index was $100 on December 31, 2016, and all dividends were reinvested).
On April 24, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to 18 million shares of common stock, primarily through open market transactions. There were approximately 3.3 million shares remaining under the authorization on December 7, 2018, when the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to an additional 18 million shares. The authorizations are 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 stock options or vesting of restricted stock.
Information on issuer purchases of equity securities follows:
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (at end of period)
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis reviews significant factors affecting the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the accompanying notes to the financial statements. Certain prior year disclosures have been revised to conform with current year reporting. The discussion is organized in the following sections:
Graco designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment used to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid and powder materials. The Company specializes in equipment for applications that involve difficult-to-handle materials with high viscosities, materials with abrasive or corrosive properties and multiple-component materials that require precise ratio control. Graco sells primarily through independent third-party distributors worldwide to industrial and contractor end users. Graco’s business is classified by management into three reportable segments: Industrial, Process and Contractor. Each segment is responsible for product development, manufacturing, marketing and sales of their products.
Graco’s 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. Long-term financial growth targets accompany these strategies, including our expectation of 10 percent revenue growth and 12 percent consolidated net earnings growth per annum. We continue to develop new products in each operating division that are expected to drive incremental sales growth, as well as continued refreshes and upgrades of existing product lines. Graco has made a number of strategic acquisitions that expand and complement organically developed products and provide new market and channel opportunities.
Manufacturing is a key competency of the Company. Our management team in Minneapolis provides strategic manufacturing expertise, and is also responsible for factories not fully aligned with a single division. Our largest manufacturing facilities are in the U.S. We also manufacture some of our products in Switzerland (Industrial segment), Italy (Industrial segment), the United Kingdom (Process segment), the People’s Republic of China (“P.R.C.”) (all segments), Belgium (all segments) and Romania (Industrial segment). Our primary distribution facilities are located in the U.S., Belgium, Switzerland, United Kingdom, P.R.C., Japan, Italy, Korea, Australia and Brazil.
The ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic and related governmental, business and societal responses continue to have an impact on our operations, supply chains, distribution channels, and end-user customers. The timing, duration, and extent of the impact from the pandemic in our major geographies is still uncertain and we cannot predict the magnitude of the impact to the results of our operations or financial position.
In 2021, the Company experienced logistical and production constraints associated with raw materials and purchased components. These constraints were due to limited raw material and component availability, reduced freight capacity, shipping delays, and labor shortages as a result of responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and other supply chain disruptions. We also experienced the effects of price inflation related to raw materials, purchased components, and freight and transportation costs. The supply chain disruptions and associated effects of inflation have adversely impacted profitability in the near-term and limited our ability to satisfy strengthening customer demand, especially within our high-volume Contractor segment. We expect these challenges to continue into at least the first half of 2022.
A summary of financial results follows (in millions except per share amounts):
2021
2020
Net Sales
$
1,987.6
$
1,650.1
Operating Earnings
531.3
391.7
Net Earnings
439.9
330.5
Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share
$
2.52
$
1.92
Adjusted (non-GAAP)(1):
Net Earnings, adjusted
425.7
335.2
Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share, adjusted
$
2.44
$
1.95
(1) Excludes impacts of pension settlement loss, prior year impairment, excess tax benefits from stock option exercises and certain non-recurring income tax provision adjustments. See adjusted financial results below for a reconciliation of the adjusted non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP.
Multiple events in the last two years caused significant fluctuations in financial results. Other expense for 2021 included a $12 million non-cash pension settlement loss. In 2020, operating expenses included $35 million of non-cash impairment charges related to the sale of the Company's U.K.-based valve business (Alco). Excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises reduced income taxes by $12 million in 2021 and $21 million in 2020. Other benefits from tax planning activities further reduced income taxes in 2021 and 2020. Excluding the impacts of those items presents a more consistent basis for comparison of financial results. A calculation of the non-GAAP measurements of adjusted operating earnings, earnings before income taxes, income taxes, effective income tax rates, net earnings and diluted earnings per share follows (in millions except per share amounts):
Components of Net Earnings as a Percentage of Sales:
The following table presents an overview of components of net earnings as a percentage of net sales:
2021
2020
Net Sales
100.0
%
100.0
%
Cost of products sold
48.0
48.2
Gross profit
52.0
51.8
Product development
4.0
4.4
Selling, marketing and distribution
13.7
13.4
General and administrative
7.6
8.2
Impairment
—
2.1
Operating earnings
26.7
23.7
Interest expense
0.5
0.7
Other expense, net
0.6
0.3
Earnings before income taxes
25.6
22.7
Income taxes
3.5
2.7
Net Earnings
22.1
%
20.0
%
Net Earnings, adjusted (see non-GAAP measurements above)
21.4
%
20.3
%
Net Sales
The following table presents net sales by geographic region (in millions):
2021
2020
Americas(1)
$
1,150.2
$
996.5
EMEA(2)
464.1
371.8
Asia Pacific
373.3
281.8
Consolidated
$
1,987.6
$
1,650.1
(1) North, Central and South America, including the U.S. Sales in the U.S. were $1,004 million in 2021 and $883 million in 2020.
(2)Europe, Middle East and Africa
The following table presents the components of net sales change by geographic region:
2021
2020
Volume and Price
Acquisitions/Divestitures
Currency
Total
Volume and Price
Acquisitions/Divestitures
Currency
Total
Americas
15%
0%
0%
15%
3%
1%
0%
4%
EMEA
21%
0%
4%
25%
(11)%
1%
1%
(9)%
Asia Pacific
30%
(3)%
6%
33%
(1)%
2%
0%
1%
Consolidated
19%
0%
1%
20%
(1)%
1%
0%
0%
Improved global economic conditions drove a double-digit percentage increase in sales in 2021. Sales growth was notably strong in the P.R.C. and Western Europe. There were 53 weeks in 2021, compared to 52 weeks in 2020.
Gross Profit
Gross profit margin rate for 2021 increased slightly compared to 2020, as increased volume, realized pricing and favorable changes in currency translation rates were able to offset higher product costs due to supply chain disruptions and the effects of inflation.
Total operating expenses for 2021 were $39 million higher than 2020, including the non-cash impairment charge of $35 million in 2020. Excluding the impairment charge, total operating expenses for 2021 increased $75 million. This increase includes $29 million of increases in sales and earnings-based expenses, $5 million related to foreign currency translation, and other volume and rate-related increases as pandemic-related restrictions eased in 2021 compared to 2020. Investment in new product development was $80 million in 2021, up 10 percent over 2020.
Operating Earnings
Operating earnings as a percentage of sales were 3 percentage points higher than 2020. Excluding the prior year non-cash impairment charge, operating earnings as a percentage of sales increased 1 percentage point primarily due to the effects of higher gross margin.
Other Expense
Other expense for 2021 included a non-cash pension settlement loss of $12 million in connection with the transfer of certain pension obligations to an insurance company. Other expense increased $7 million for 2021 as favorable market valuation changes on investments held to fund certain retirement benefits liabilities partially offset the pension settlement loss.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate for 2021 was 13 percent, up 1 percentage point from 2020. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in excess tax benefits from stock option exercises partially offset by increased foreign-related tax benefits.
Segment Results
The Company has six operating segments which are aggregated into three reportable segments: Industrial, Process and Contractor. Refer to Part I Item 1. Business, for a description of the Company’s three reportable segments. Management assesses performance of segments by reference to operating earnings excluding unallocated corporate expenses and asset impairments.
The following table presents net sales and operating earnings by reporting segment (in millions):
2021
2020
Sales
Industrial
$
840.3
$
677.7
Process
397.6
326.1
Contractor
749.7
646.3
Total
$
1,987.6
$
1,650.1
Operating Earnings
Industrial
$
296.5
$
226.6
Process
91.0
64.5
Contractor
169.5
164.5
Unallocated corporate (expense) (1)
(25.7)
(28.7)
Impairment
$
—
$
(35.2)
Total
$
531.3
$
391.7
(1) Unallocated corporate (expense) includes such items as stock compensation, certain acquisition transaction items, bad debt expense, charitable contributions, and certain facility expenses.
The following table presents net sales and operating earnings as a percentage of sales for the Industrial segment (dollars in millions):
2021
2020
Sales
Americas
$
354.5
$
294.4
EMEA
256.6
207.1
Asia Pacific
229.2
176.2
Total
$
840.3
$
677.7
Operating Earnings as a Percentage of Sales
35
%
33
%
The following table presents the components of net sales change by geographic region for the Industrial segment:
2021
2020
Volume and Price
Acquisitions
Currency
Total
Volume and Price
Acquisitions
Currency
Total
Americas
20%
0%
0%
20%
(9)%
0%
0%
(9)%
EMEA
19%
2%
3%
24%
(15)%
0%
1%
(14)%
Asia Pacific
25%
0%
5%
30%
(4)%
0%
0%
(4)%
Segment Total
21%
1%
2%
24%
(10)%
0%
1%
(9)%
Improved worldwide economic activity drove Industrial segment sales higher for 2021, particularly in general industry, construction, automotive, electrical equipment and alternative energy end markets. For 2021, the operating margin rate increased as higher production volume, favorable product and channel mix and realized pricing were able to offset the adverse impacts of higher product costs.
In this segment, sales in each geographic region are significant and management looks at economic and financial indicators in each region, including gross domestic product, industrial production, capital investment rates, automobile production, building construction and the level of the U.S. dollar versus the euro, the Swiss franc, the Canadian dollar, the Chinese renminbi and various other Asian currencies.
Process Segment
The following table presents net sales and operating earnings as a percentage of sales for the Process segment (dollars in millions):
The following table presents the components of net sales change by geographic region for the Process segment:
2021
2020
Volume and Price
Acquisitions/Divestitures
Currency
Total
Volume and Price
Acquisitions/Divestitures
Currency
Total
Americas
17%
0%
1%
18%
(10)%
3%
0%
(7)%
EMEA
14%
(5)%
4%
13%
(19)%
5%
0%
(14)%
Asia Pacific
48%
(10)%
5%
43%
(2)%
11%
0%
9%
Segment Total
23%
(3)%
2%
22%
(10)%
5%
0%
(5)%
The Process segment had organic sales growth in all product applications in 2021, reflecting favorable conditions in many end markets, such as vehicle services, industrial pumps, industrial lubrication, semi-conductors and mining. Operating margin rates for this segment improved by 3 percentage points for 2021, as increased production volume and expense leverage more than offset the adverse effects of higher product costs and increased sales and earnings-based expenses.
Although the Americas represent the substantial majority of sales for the Process segment, and indicators in that region are the most significant, management monitors indicators such as levels of gross domestic product, capital investment, industrial production, oil and natural gas markets and mining activity worldwide.
Contractor Segment
The following table presents net sales and operating earnings as a percentage of sales for the Contractor segment (dollars in millions):
2021
2020
Sales
Americas
$
553.0
$
495.7
EMEA
147.4
111.6
Asia Pacific
49.3
39.0
Total
$
749.7
$
646.3
Operating Earnings as a Percentage of Sales
23
%
25
%
The following table presents the components of net sales change by geographic region for the Contractor segment:
2021
2020
Volume and Price
Acquisitions
Currency
Total
Volume and Price
Acquisitions
Currency
Total
Americas
11%
0%
1%
12%
20%
0%
0%
20%
EMEA
28%
0%
4%
32%
5%
0%
1%
6%
Asia Pacific
21%
0%
6%
27%
14%
0%
(1)%
13%
Segment Total
15%
0%
1%
16%
17%
0%
0%
17%
Contractor segment sales increased for the quarter and year due to continued strength in North American construction markets and improved demand in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions. Higher product costs due to supply chain and inflationary challenges led to a 2 percentage point decrease in operating margin for 2021.
In this segment, sales in all regions are significant and management reviews economic and financial indicators in each region, including levels of residential, commercial and institutional construction, remodeling rates and interest rates. Management also reviews gross domestic product for the regions and the level of the U.S. dollar versus the euro and other currencies.
Working Capital. The following table highlights several key measures of asset performance (dollars in millions):
2021
2020
Working capital
$
856.8
$
702.4
Current ratio
2.7
3.2
Days of sales in receivables outstanding
60
64
Inventory turnover (LIFO)
2.8
2.8
Higher cash and cash equivalent balances primarily drove the increases in working capital in 2021. The current ratio decreased primarily due to a change in classification of a debt obligation from long-term to current. The debt obligation was repaid subsequent to December 31, 2021 (See Note F, Debt).
Increases in accounts receivable were consistent with higher sales levels and inventories increased to meet higher demand and service levels.
Capital Structure. At December 31, 2021,the Company’s capital structure included current notes payable of $43 million, long-term debt, including current portion, of $150 million and shareholders’ equity of $1,709 million. At December 25, 2020, the Company’s capital structure included current notes payable of $22 million, long-term debt of $150 million and shareholders’ equity of $1,284 million.
Shareholders’ equity increased by $425 million in 2021. The increase from current year earnings of $440 million was offset by dividends of $131 million and restricted stock issuances of $2 million. Increases related to shares issued, stock compensation and other comprehensive income totaled $119 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources. The Company evaluates liquidity as its ability to generate cash to fund its operating, investing and financing activities. Historically the Company has funded cash requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, businesses acquisitions, repayment of debt obligations, retirement plans, dividends, and common stock repurchases, all as applicable, through cash provided by its operations. The Company's other primary source of liquidity includes funds available through various debt financing arrangements.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had available liquidity of $1,149 million, including cash held in deposit accounts of $624 million, of which $120 million was held outside of the U.S., and available credit under existing committed credit facilities of $525 million.
Internally generated funds and unused financing sources are expected to provide the Company with the flexibility to meet its liquidity needs in 2022, including its capital expenditure plan of approximately $190 million, including $140 million for building projects to expand production capacity, planned dividends estimated at $143 million, share repurchases and acquisitions. If acquisition opportunities increase, the Company believes that reasonable financing alternatives are available for the Company to execute on those opportunities. The Company has no significant off-balance sheet debt or other unrecorded obligations.
In December 2021, the Board of Directors increased the Company’s regular quarterly dividend to $0.21 from $0.1875 per share, an increase of 12 percent.
Cash Flow. A summary of cash flow follows (in millions):
Cash Flows From Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $457 million in 2021, up $63 million compared to 2020. The impact of the increase in net earnings in 2021 was partially offset by increases in working capital that reflect growth in business activity.
Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities. Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $153 million in 2021, including $134 million for capital additions and $19 million for business acquisitions. Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $99 million in 2020 including $71 million for capital additions and $28 million for business acquisitions.
Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities. Cash flows used in financing activities totaled $57 million in 2021 and included dividends of $127 million and net proceeds from share issuances totaling $51 million. Cash flows used in financing activities totaled $139 million in 2020 and included dividends of $117 million and net payments from share repurchases and issuances totaling $21 million.
On April 24, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to 18 million shares of common stock, primarily through open market transactions. There were approximately 3.3 million shares remaining under the authorization on December 7, 2018, when the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to an additional 18 million shares. The authorizations are for an indefinite period of time or until terminated by the Board. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 18.5 million shares remain available for purchase under the authorizations.
The Company did not repurchase and retire shares in 2021, compared to 2.3 million shares that were repurchased and retired in 2020. The Company has made and may continue to make opportunistic share repurchases in 2022 via open market transactions or short-dated accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) programs.
The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The Company’s most significant accounting policies are disclosed in Note A (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) to the consolidated financial statements. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements, in conformity with U.S. GAAP, requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts will differ from those estimates. The Company considers the following policies to involve the most judgment in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Retirement Benefits. The measurements of the Company’s pension and postretirement medical obligations are dependent on a number of assumptions including estimates of the present value of projected future payments, taking into consideration future events such as salary increases and demographic experience. These assumptions may have an impact on the expense and timing of future contributions.
The assumptions used in developing the required estimates for pension obligations include discount rate, inflation, salary increases, retirement rates, expected return on plan assets and mortality rates. The assumptions used in developing the required estimates for postretirement medical obligations include discount rates, rate of future increase in medical costs and participation rates.
For U.S. plans, the Company establishes its discount rate assumption by reference to a yield curve published by an actuary and projected plan cash flows. For plans outside the U.S., the Company establishes a rate by country by reference to highly rated corporate bonds. These reference points have been determined to adequately match expected plan cash flows. The Company bases its inflation assumption on an evaluation of external market indicators. The salary assumptions are based on actual historical experience, the near-term outlook and assumed inflation. Retirement rates are based on experience. The investment return assumption is based on the expected long-term performance of plan assets. In setting this number, the Company considers the input of actuaries and investment advisers, its long-term historical returns, the allocation of plan assets and projected returns on plan assets. For 2022, the Company will use an investment return assumption of 6.25 percent for the funded U.S. plan, down 0.05 percentage points from the rate assumed for 2021. Mortality rates are based on current common group mortality tables for males and females.
At December 31, 2021, a one-half percentage point decrease in the indicated assumptions would have the following effects (in millions):
Assumption
Funded Status
Expense
Discount rate
$
(30.8)
$
3.4
Expected return on assets
—
1.7
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.The Company performs impairment testing for goodwill annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The Company estimates the fair value of the reporting units using a present value of future cash flows calculation cross-checked by an allocation of market capitalization approach. The impairment test is performed using a two-step process. In the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the estimated fair value exceeds its carrying value, step two of the impairment analysis is not required. If the estimated fair value is less than its carrying amount, impairment is indicated and the second step must be completed in order to determine the amount, if any, of the impairment. In the second step, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the implied value of goodwill and the carrying value.
The Company’s primary identifiable intangible assets include customer relationships, trademarks, trade names, proprietary technology and patents. Finite lived intangibles are amortized and are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Indefinite lived intangibles are reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired.
A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests. Management makes several assumptions, including earnings and cash flow projections, discount rate, product offerings and market strategies, customer attrition, and royalty rates, each of which have a significant impact on the estimated fair
values. Though management considers its judgments and assumptions to be reasonable, changes in these assumptions could impact the estimated fair value.
In 2021, we completed our annual impairment testing of goodwill and other intangible assets in the fourth quarter. No impairment charges were recorded as a result of that review.
Income Taxes. In the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, management calculates income taxes. This includes estimating current tax liability as well as assessing temporary differences resulting from different treatment of items for tax and financial statement purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are recorded on the balance sheet using statutory rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. These assets and liabilities are analyzed regularly, and management assesses the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recoverable from future taxable income. A valuation allowance is established to the extent that management believes that recovery is not likely. Liabilities for uncertain tax positions are also established for potential and ongoing audits of federal, state and international issues. The Company routinely monitors the potential impact of such situations and believes that liabilities are properly stated. Valuations related to amounts owed and tax rates could be impacted by changes to tax codes and the Company’s interpretation thereof, changes in statutory rates, the Company’s future taxable income levels and the results of tax audits.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company sells and purchases products and services in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and pays variable interest rates on borrowings under certain credit facilities. Consequently, the Company is subject to profitability risk arising from exchange and interest rate movements. The Company may use a variety of financial and derivative instruments to manage foreign currency and interest rate risks. The Company does not enter into any of these instruments for trading purposes to generate revenue. Rather, the Company’s objective in managing these risks is to reduce fluctuations in earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange and interest rates.
The Company may use forward exchange contracts, options and other hedging activities to hedge the U.S. dollar value resulting from anticipated currency transactions and net monetary asset and liability positions. At December 31, 2021, the currencies to which the Company had the most significant balance sheet exchange rate exposure were the euro, Swiss franc, Canadian dollar, British pound, Japanese yen, Australian dollar, Chinese yuan renminbi and South Korean won. It is not possible to determine the true impact of currency rate changes; however, the direct translation effect on net sales and net earnings can be estimated. In 2021, changes in currency translation rates increased sales by approximately $26 million and increased net earnings by approximately $12 million. In 2020, changes in currency translation rates increased sales by approximately $4 million and had an immaterial impact on net earnings.
2022 Outlook
Broad based end market recovery and demand levels remain strong in all segments and regions. However, we expect component availability, price inflation and logistical challenges to continue at least into the first half of 2022. As a result, our outlook for 2022 is high single-digit revenue growth on an organic, constant currency basis.
At January 2022 exchange rates, assuming the same volumes, mix of products and mix of business by currency as in 2021, the movement in foreign currencies would have an unfavorable impact of approximately 1 percent on sales and 3 percent on operating earnings in 2022.
The Company’s backlog is not a good indicator of future long-term business levels. In addition to economic growth, the successful launch of new products and expanded distribution coverage, the sales outlook is dependent on many factors, including realization of price increases and stable foreign currency exchange rates.
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 this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks, and other disclosures, including our 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, the factors discussed in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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.
Investors should realize that factors other than those identified 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 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the board of directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013).
Based on our assessment and those criteria, management believes the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2021.
The Company’s independent auditors have issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. That report appears in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Graco Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Graco Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021, of the Company and our report dated February 22, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Graco Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Graco Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2021 and December 25, 2020, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and December 25, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 22, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Retirement Benefits – U.S. Pension Benefit Obligation – Refer to Note J to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company has both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans. As of December 31, 2021, the pension benefit obligation balance was $418.1 million. The actuarial determination of the present value of the pension obligation on an annual basis requires management to make significant assumptions related to the selection of the discount rates used in the calculation of the net present value of future pension benefits. The Company establishes the discount rate assumptions for the U.S. pension plans by reference to a yield curve published by an actuary based on yields of highly rated corporate bonds and projected plan cash flows.
Given the significance of the U.S. pension obligation and the requirement of management to make significant assumptions related to the selection of the discount rates, performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of the discount rates selected for the U.S. pension plans required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our actuarial specialists.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to selection of the discount rates for the U.S. pension obligation included the following, among others:
a.We tested the effectiveness of internal controls over the valuation of the pension obligation, including management’s controls over selection of the discount rates.
b.With the assistance of our actuarial specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of the discount rates by:
•Evaluating the methodology utilized to select the discount rates for conformity with applicable accounting guidance.
•Testing the source information underlying the determination of the discount rates, including the methodology used to construct the yield curve, the characteristics of the bonds underlying the yield curve analysis, and the mathematical accuracy of the calculation.
•Developing independent estimates using external published yield curves and comparing them to the discount rates selected by management.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 22, 2022
We have served as the Company’s auditor since at least 1969, however, an earlier year could not be readily determined.
Years Ended December 31, 2021, December 25, 2020 and December 27, 2019
A. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Fiscal Year.The fiscal year of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) is 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the last Friday in December. The year ended December 31, 2021 was a 53-week year whereas the years ended December 25, 2020 and December 27, 2019 were 52-week years.
Basis of Statement Presentation.The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany balances and transactions. As of December 31, 2021, all subsidiaries are 100 percent controlled by the Company.
Foreign Currency Translation.The functional currency of certain subsidiaries is the local currency. Accordingly, adjustments resulting from the translation of those subsidiaries’ financial statements into U.S. dollars are charged or credited to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for all other foreign subsidiaries. Accordingly, gains and losses from the translation of foreign currency balances and transactions of those subsidiaries are included in other expense, net.
Accounting Estimates.The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Such estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value Measurements. The three levels of inputs in the fair value measurement hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 – based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
Level 2 – based on significant observable inputs
Level 3 – based on significant unobservable inputs
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and fair value measurement level were as follows (in thousands):
Level
2021
2020
Assets
Cash surrender value of life insurance
2
$
23,147
$
19,887
Forward exchange contracts
2
—
16
Total assets at fair value
$
23,147
$
19,903
Liabilities
Contingent consideration
3
$
12,274
$
9,454
Deferred compensation
2
5,962
5,099
Forward exchange contracts
2
111
—
Total liabilities at fair value
$
18,347
$
14,553
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.
The Company’s policy and accounting for forward exchange contracts are described below, in Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
Contingent consideration liability represents 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.
Disclosures related to other fair value measurements are included below in Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, in Note F
Cash Equivalents.All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable includes trade receivables of $315 million in 2021 and $302 million in 2020. Other receivables totaled $10 million in 2021 and $13 million in 2020.
Allowance for Credit Losses. Receivables reflected in the financial statements represent the net amount expected to be collected. An allowance for credit losses is established based on expected losses. Expected losses are estimated by reviewing individual accounts, considering aging, financial condition of the debtor, recent payment history, current and forecast economic conditions and other relevant factors.
Following is a summary of activity in the allowance for credit losses (in thousands):
2021
2020
2019
Balance, beginning
$
3,745
$
4,828
$
4,771
Additions (reversals) charged to costs and expenses
(27)
647
836
Deductions from reserves (1)
(676)
(2,732)
(858)
Other additions (deductions) (2)
212
1,002
79
Balance, ending
$
3,254
$
3,745
$
4,828
(1) Represents amounts determined to be uncollectible and charged against reserves, net of collections on accounts previously charged against reserves.
(2) Includes amounts assumed or established in connection with acquisitions and effects of foreign currency translation.
Inventory Valuation.Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost method is used for valuing most U.S. inventories. Inventories of foreign subsidiaries are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost method.
Other Current Assets.Amounts included in other current assets were (in thousands):
2021
2020
Prepaid income taxes
$
10,485
$
22,317
Prepaid expenses and other
21,401
21,925
Total
$
31,886
$
44,242
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.The Company evaluates long-lived assets (including property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets) for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
We completed our annual impairment review of all long-lived assets in the fourth quarter of 2021. No impairment charges were recorded as a result of that review. In connection with the Company's sale of its U.K.-based valve business in 2020, impairment charges of $35 million were recorded. There were no additional impairment charges in 2020 or 2019.
Property, Plant and Equipment.For financial reporting purposes, plant and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives, primarily by using the straight-line method as follows:
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.Goodwill has been assigned to reporting units.Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill for each reportable segment were (in thousands):
Industrial
Process
Contractor
Total
Balance, December 27, 2019
$
177,112
$
110,997
$
19,554
$
307,663
Additions, adjustments from business acquisitions
—
29,657
—
29,657
Foreign currency translation
9,424
859
—
10,283
Balance, December 25, 2020
186,536
141,513
19,554
347,603
Additions, adjustments from business acquisitions
13,321
—
—
13,321
Foreign currency translation
(4,460)
(209)
—
(4,669)
Balance, December 31, 2021
$
195,397
$
141,304
$
19,554
$
356,255
Components of other intangible assets were (dollars in thousands):
Finite Life
Indefinite Life
Customer Relationships
Patents and Proprietary Technology
Trademarks, Trade Names and Other
Trade Names
Total
As of December 31, 2021
Cost
$
194,505
$
26,074
$
900
$
62,633
$
284,112
Accumulated amortization
(108,657)
(15,734)
(452)
—
(124,843)
Foreign currency translation
(7,710)
(707)
—
(1,112)
(9,529)
Book value
$
78,138
$
9,633
$
448
$
61,521
$
149,740
Weighted average life in years
13
10
5
N/A
As of December 25, 2020
Cost
$
186,073
$
25,187
$
900
$
61,920
$
274,080
Accumulated amortization
(93,832)
(12,924)
(301)
—
(107,057)
Foreign currency translation
(6,004)
(538)
—
188
(6,354)
Book value
$
86,237
$
11,725
$
599
$
62,108
$
160,669
Weighted average life in years
13
10
5
N/A
Amortization of intangibles was $17.9 million in 2021, $16.7 million in 2020 and $15.5 million in 2019. Estimated future annual amortization expense based on the current carrying amount of other intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter
Estimated Amortization Expense
$
17,893
$
16,949
$
15,394
$
14,823
$
7,959
$
15,201
The Company completed business acquisitions in 2021, 2020 and 2019 that were not material to the consolidated financial statements.
Other Assets.Components of other assets were (in thousands):
2021
2020
Cash surrender value of life insurance
$
23,147
$
19,887
Capitalized software
2,394
2,737
Equity method investment
7,541
7,610
Prepaid pension
—
9,144
Deposits and other
3,607
2,292
Total
$
36,689
$
41,670
The Company has entered into contracts insuring the lives of certain employees who are eligible to participate in certain non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans. These insurance contracts are used to fund the non-qualified pension and deferred compensation arrangements. The insurance contracts are held in a trust and are available to general creditors in the event of the Company’s insolvency. Changes in cash surrender value are recorded in other expense, net. The cash surrender value increased $3.3 million in 2021, $2.2 million in 2020 and $3.4 million in 2019.
Capitalized software is amortized over its estimated useful life (generally 2 to 5 years) beginning at date of implementation.
Other Current Liabilities.Components of other current liabilities were (in thousands):
2021
2020
Accrued self-insurance retentions
$
9,303
$
8,041
Accrued warranty and service liabilities
14,463
13,082
Accrued trade promotions
15,872
12,140
Payable for employee stock purchases
15,746
14,554
Customer advances and deferred revenue
60,554
41,689
Income taxes payable
5,200
8,564
Operating lease liabilities, current
9,096
11,178
Right of return refund liability
18,614
16,303
Other
42,311
31,709
Total
$
191,159
$
157,260
Self-Insurance.The Company is self-insured for certain losses and costs relating to product liability, workers’ compensation, and employee medical benefit claims. The Company has stop-loss coverage in order to limit its exposure to significant claims. Accrued self-insurance retentions are based on claims filed, estimates of claims incurred but not reported, and other actuarial assumptions. Self-insured reserves totaled $9.3 million as of December 31, 2021, and $8.0 million as of December 25, 2020.
Product Warranties.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):
Revenue Recognition.Revenue is recognized at a single point in time upon the satisfaction of performance obligations, which occurs when control of the good or service transfers to the customer. This is generally on the date of shipment; however certain sales have terms requiring recognition when received by the customer. In cases where there are specific customer acceptance provisions, revenue is recognized at the later of customer acceptance or shipment (subject to shipping terms). Payment terms are established based on the type of product, distributor capabilities and competitive market conditions, and do not exceed one year. Standalone selling prices are determined based on the prices charged to customers for all material performance obligations.
Variable consideration is accounted for as a price adjustment (sales adjustment). Following are examples of variable consideration that affect the Company’s reported revenue. Early payment discounts are provided to certain customers and within certain regions. Rights of return are typically contractually limited and amounts are estimable. The Company records a refund liability and establishes a recovery asset for the value of product expected to be returned at the time revenue is recognized. This includes promotions when, from time to time, the Company may promote the sale of new products by agreeing to accept returns of superseded products. Provisions for sales returns are recorded as a reduction of net sales, and provisions for warranty claims are recorded in selling, marketing and distribution expenses. Historically, sales returns have been approximately 3 percent of sales. Trade promotions are offered to distributors and end users through various programs, generally with terms of one year or less. Such promotions include rebates based on annual purchases and sales growth, coupons and reimbursement for competitive products. Payment of incentives may take the form of cash, trade credit, promotional merchandise or free product. Rebates are accrued based on the program rates and progress toward the probability weighted estimate of annual sales amount and sales growth.
Additional promotions include cooperative advertising arrangements. Under cooperative advertising arrangements, the Company reimburses the distributor for a portion of its advertising costs related to the Company’s products. Estimated costs are accrued at the time of sale and classified as selling, marketing and distribution expense. The estimated costs related to coupon programs are accrued at the time of sale and classified as selling, marketing and distribution expense or cost of products sold, depending on the type of incentive offered. The considerations payable to customers are deemed as broad based and are not recorded against net sales.
Shipping and handling costs incurred for the delivery of goods to customers are included in cost of goods sold. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales.
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. The balance in the deferred revenue and customer advances was $60.6 million as of December 31, 2021 and $41.7 million as of December 25, 2020. Net sales for the year included $40.9 million that was in deferred revenue and customer advances as of December 25, 2020.
Shipping and handling activities that occur after control of the related good transfers are accounted for as fulfillment activities instead of assessing such activities as performance obligations.
Sales taxes related to revenue producing transactions collected from the customer for a governmental authority are excluded from the transaction price.
Revenue standard requirements are applied to a portfolio of contracts (or performance obligations) with similar characteristics for transactions where it is expected that the effects on the financial statements of applying the revenue recognition guidance to the portfolio would not differ materially from applying this guidance to the individual contracts (or performance obligations) within that portfolio.
Promised goods or services are not assessed as performance obligations if they are immaterial in the context of the contract with the customer. If the revenue related to a performance obligation that includes goods or services that are immaterial in the context of the contract is recognized before those immaterial goods or services are transferred to the customer, then the related costs to transfer those goods or services are accrued.
Incremental costs of obtaining a contract are generally expensed when incurred because the amortization period would be less than one year. Such costs primarily relate to sales commissions and are recorded in selling, marketing and distribution expense.
Earnings Per Common Share.Basic net earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net earnings per share is computed after giving effect to the exercise of all dilutive outstanding option grants.
Comprehensive Income.Comprehensive income is a measure of all changes in shareholders’ equity except those resulting from investments by and distributions to owners, and includes such items as net earnings, certain foreign currency translation items, changes in the value of qualifying hedges and pension liability adjustments.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.The Company accounts for all derivatives, including those embedded in other contracts, as either assets or liabilities and measures those financial instruments at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on their intended use and designation.
As part of its risk management program, the Company may periodically use forward exchange contracts to manage known market exposures. Terms of derivative instruments are structured to match the terms of the risk being managed and are generally held to maturity. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All other contracts that contain provisions meeting the definition of a derivative also meet the requirements of, and have been designated as, normal purchases or sales. The Company’s policy is to not enter into contracts with terms that cannot be designated as normal purchases or sales.
The Company periodically evaluates its monetary asset and liability positions denominated in foreign currencies. The Company enters into forward contracts or options, or borrows in various currencies, in order to hedge its net monetary positions. These instruments are recorded at fair value and the gains and losses are included in other expense, net. The notional amounts of contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2021, totaled $54 million. The Company believes it uses strong financial counterparties in these transactions and that the resulting credit risk under these hedging strategies is not significant.
The Company uses significant other observable inputs (level 2 in the fair value hierarchy) to value the derivative instruments used to hedge net monetary positions, including reference to market prices and financial models that incorporate relevant market assumptions. Net derivative assets are reported on the balance sheet in accounts receivable and net derivative liabilities are reported as other current liabilities. The fair market value of such instruments follows (in thousands):
2021
2020
Foreign Currency Contracts
Assets
$
239
$
114
Liabilities
(350)
(98)
Net Assets (Liabilities)
$
(111)
$
16
B. Segment Information
The Company has six operating segments which are aggregated into three reportable segments: Industrial, Process and Contractor.
The Industrial segment includes our Industrial Products and Applied Fluid Technologies divisions. The Industrial segment markets equipment and solutions for moving and applying paints, coatings, sealants, adhesives and other fluids. Markets served include automotive and vehicle assembly and components production, wood and metal products, rail, marine, aerospace, farm, construction, bus, recreational vehicles and various other industries.
The Process segment includes our Process, Oil and Natural Gas, and Lubrication divisions. The Process segment markets pumps, valves, meters and accessories to move and dispense chemicals, oil and natural gas, water, wastewater, petroleum, food, lubricants and other fluids. Markets served include food and beverage, dairy, oil and natural gas, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, electronics, semiconductor fabrication, wastewater, mining, fast oil change facilities, service garages, fleet service centers, automobile dealerships and industrial lubrication applications.
The Contractor segment markets sprayers for architectural coatings for painting, corrosion control, texture and line striping.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The cost of manufacturing for each segment is based on product cost, and expenses are based on actual costs incurred along with cost allocations of shared and centralized functions based on activities performed, sales or space utilization. Depreciation expense is charged to the manufacturing or operating cost center that utilizes the asset, and is then allocated to segments on the same basis as other expenses within that cost center. Reportable segments are defined by product. Segments are responsible for development, manufacturing, marketing and sales of their products. This allows for focused marketing and efficient product development. The segments share common purchasing, certain manufacturing, distribution and administration functions.
Subsequent Event.Effective January 1, 2022, our high performance coatings and foam product offerings within the Applied Fluid Technologies division of the Industrial segment were realigned and are now managed under the Contractor segment. This change aligns the types of products offered and markets served within the segments. Segment operating results will be reported under the new organizational structure in the first quarter of 2022, in connection with the effective date of the realignment. Historic segment information restated to conform to the new organizational structure.
Segment information follows (in thousands):
2021
2020
2019
Net Sales
Industrial
$
840,256
$
677,680
$
747,396
Process
397,626
326,105
344,930
Contractor
749,726
646,330
553,719
Total
$
1,987,608
$
1,650,115
$
1,646,045
Operating Earnings
Industrial
$
296,542
$
226,575
$
247,216
Process
91,037
64,498
76,367
Contractor
169,518
164,549
128,282
Unallocated corporate (expense)
(25,774)
(28,675)
(27,409)
Impairment
—
(35,229)
—
Total
$
531,323
$
391,718
$
424,456
Assets
Industrial
$
713,657
$
632,165
Process
436,198
404,370
Contractor
487,916
438,067
Unallocated corporate
805,427
513,526
Total
$
2,443,198
$
1,988,128
Management assesses performance of segments by reference to operating earnings excluding unallocated corporate expenses and asset impairments. Unallocated corporate (expense) includes such items as stock compensation, certain acquisition transaction costs, bad debt expense, charitable contributions and certain facility expenses. Unallocated assets include cash, allowances and valuation reserves, deferred income taxes, certain capital and other assets.
Sales to Major Customers. Worldwide sales to one customer in the Contractor and Industrial segments individually represented over 10 percent of the Company’s consolidated sales in 2021, 2020 and 2019.
C. Inventories
Major components of inventories were as follows (in thousands):
2021
2020
Finished products and components
$
166,922
$
133,122
Products and components in various stages of completion
117,063
83,791
Raw materials and purchased components
185,291
129,319
Subtotal
469,276
346,232
Reduction to LIFO cost
(86,975)
(60,528)
Total
$
382,301
$
285,704
Inventories valued under the LIFO method were $211.1 million in 2021 and $150.1 million in 2020. All other inventory was valued on the FIFO method.
D. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment were as follows (in thousands):
2021
2020
Land and improvements
$
42,195
$
26,529
Buildings and improvements
280,947
277,449
Manufacturing equipment
384,617
340,838
Office, warehouse and automotive equipment
61,994
54,211
Additions in progress
105,520
39,354
Total property, plant and equipment
875,273
738,381
Accumulated depreciation
(424,212)
(387,631)
Net property, plant and equipment
$
451,061
$
350,750
Depreciation expense was $40.0 million in 2021, $38.0 million in 2020 and $32.0 million in 2019.
Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the financial reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. The deferred tax assets (liabilities) resulting from these differences were as follows (in thousands):
2021
2020
Inventory valuations
$
1,181
$
586
Accrued self-insurance retentions
1,534
1,164
Accrued warranty and service liabilities
2,285
2,062
Vacation accruals
3,261
3,249
Customer allowances
4,028
3,650
Excess of tax over book depreciation and amortization
(39,785)
(49,377)
Pension benefit obligation
16,022
30,942
Postretirement medical benefit obligation
5,028
4,808
Acquisition costs
—
389
Stock compensation
11,442
11,743
Deferred compensation
2,595
2,075
Net operating loss carryforward
—
440
Deferred revenue
2,427
1,792
Prepayments from foreign subsidiaries
32,969
—
Other
2,138
2,041
Net deferred tax assets
$
45,125
$
15,564
Total deferred tax assets were $55.8 million and $67.0 million, and total deferred tax liabilities were $10.7 million and $51.4 million on December 31, 2021 and December 25, 2020, respectively. The difference between the deferred income tax provision and the change in net deferred income taxes is due to the changes in other comprehensive income (loss) items and acquisition purchase accounting.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2015.
The Company continues to assert that it will indefinitely reinvest earnings of foreign subsidiaries to support expansion of its international business. No additional income or withholding taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed foreign earnings, as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. As of December 31, 2021, the amount of cash held outside the U.S. was not significant to the Company’s liquidity and was available to fund investments abroad.
The Company records penalties and accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. Total reserves for uncertain tax positions were not material.
The estimated fair value of the fixed interest rate private placement debt was $165 million on December 31, 2021 and $170 million on December 25, 2020. 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.
On March 25, 2021, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement that amends, supersedes and restates in its entirety the Company's prior credit agreement with U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent (the “Agent”) and a lender, and the other lenders that are parties thereto. The amended and restated credit agreement extends the maturity of the Company’s $500 million unsecured revolving credit facility from December 15, 2021 to March 25, 2026; includes a $250 million accordion feature; and provides mechanisms for two further one-year extensions of the maturity, subject to the consent of the extending banks.
Borrowings under the amended and restated credit agreement may be denominated in U.S. dollars or certain other currencies. Outstanding loans in currencies other than U.S. dollars cannot exceed $200 million in the aggregate. Loans denominated in U.S. dollars may bear interest, at the Company’s option, at either a base rate or a LIBOR-based rate. Loans denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars will bear interest at a LIBOR-based rate. The base rate is an annual rate equal to a margin ranging from 0.00% to 0.75%, depending on the Company’s cash flow leverage ratio, plus the highest of (i) the rate of interest from time to time announced by the Agent as its prime rate, (ii) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, or (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 1.50%. In general, LIBOR-based loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR, plus a margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.75%, depending on the Company’s cash flow leverage ratio. In addition to paying interest on the outstanding loans, the Company is required to pay a facility fee on the unused amount of the loan commitments at a rate per annum ranging from 0.125% to 0.25%, depending on the Company’s cash flow leverage ratio.
The amended and restated credit agreement contains customary provisions for the replacement of the LIBOR-based rate as that rate is phased out in the lending market. The amended and restated credit agreement contains customary representations, warranties, covenants and events of default, including but not limited to covenants restricting the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to (i) merge or consolidate with another entity, (ii) sell, transfer, lease or convey their assets, (iii) make any material change in the nature of the core business of the Company, (iv) make certain investments, or (v) incur secured indebtedness. The amended and restated credit agreement also requires the Company to maintain a cash flow leverage ratio of not more than 3.50 to 1.00 (unless a significant acquisition has been consummated, in which case, not more than 4.00 to 1.00 during the four fiscal quarter period beginning with the quarter in which such acquisition occurs) and an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.00 to 1.00 (unless a significant acquisition has been consummated, in which case, not less than 2.50 to 1.00 during the four fiscal quarter period beginning with the quarter in which such acquisition occurs). A change in control of the Company will constitute an event of default under the amended and restated credit agreement.
The Company maintains a revolving credit agreement with a sole lender that provides up to $50 million of committed credit, available for general corporate purposes, working capital needs, share repurchases and acquisitions. Under the terms of the agreement, loans may be denominated in U.S. dollars or Chinese renminbi (offshore). Loans denominated in U.S. dollars bear interest, at the Company’s option, at either a base rate or a LIBOR-based rate. Loans denominated in
Chinese renminbi (offshore) bear interest at a LIBOR-based rate based on the Chinese offshore rate. Other terms of this revolving credit agreement are substantially similar to those of the Company’s amended and restated credit agreement that expires in March 2026.
On January 29, 2020, the Company entered into a master note agreement with a sole lender that expires on January 29, 2023. The note agreement sets forth certain terms on which the Company may issue, and affiliates of the lender may purchase, up to $200 million of the Company’s senior notes. Interest on the senior notes will be determined at the time of issuance, at a fixed or LIBOR-based floating rate at the option of the Company, provided that the maximum aggregate principal amount of notes bearing interest at a floating rate may not exceed $100 million. Fixed rate notes issued under the agreement will mature no longer than 12 years from date of issuance and variable rate notes will mature no longer than 10 years from issuance. Under terms of the note agreement, the Company is required to maintain certain financial ratios as to cash flow leverage and interest coverage similar to the requirements of its other debt agreements.
On December 31, 2021, the Company had $595 million in lines of credit, including the $550 million in committed credit facilities described above and $45 million with foreign banks. The unused portion of committed credit lines was $525 million as of December 31, 2021. In addition, the Company has unused, uncommitted lines of credit with foreign banks totaling $28 million. Borrowing rates under these credit lines vary with the prime rate, rates on domestic certificates of deposit and the London Interbank market. The Company pays facility fees at an annual rate of up to 0.15 on certain of these lines. No compensating balances are required.
Various debt agreements require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios as to cash flow leverage and interest coverage. The Company is in compliance with all financial covenants of its debt agreements as of December 31, 2021.
Annual maturities of debt are as follows (in thousands):
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter
Maturities of debt
$
118,489
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
75,000
$
—
Interest paid on debt was $9.8 million in 2021, $11.3 million in 2020 and $13.5 million in 2019.
Subsequent Event.In January 2022, we repaid $75 million of our Series B private placement note in addition to a $3.5 million prepayment fee, which will be recognized as interest expense in the first quarter of 2022.
G. Shareholders’ Equity
At December 31, 2021, the Company had 22,549 authorized, but not issued, cumulative preferred shares, $100 par value. The Company also has authorized, but not issued, a separate class of 3 million shares of preferred stock, $1 par value.
Changes in components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax were (in thousands):
Pension and Postretirement Medical
Cumulative Translation Adjustment
Total
Balance, December 29, 2018
$
(86,889)
$
(57,968)
$
(144,857)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(33,938)
1,902
(32,036)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
7,106
—
7,106
Balance, December 27, 2019
(113,721)
(56,066)
(169,787)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(7,852)
46,030
38,178
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
7,444
—
7,444
Balance, December 25, 2020
(114,129)
(10,036)
(124,165)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
34,953
(10,026)
24,927
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
In connection with the Company's sale of its U.K.-based valve business in 2020, $24 million of unrealized foreign currency translation losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income were reclassified to net earnings.
Amounts related to pension and postretirement medical adjustments are reclassified to non-service components of pension cost that are included within other non-operating expenses. Included in the 2021 reclassification is $12 million related to a pension settlement loss. See Note J for additional details regarding pension and postretirement medical plans.
H. Share-Based Awards, Purchase Plans and Compensation Cost
Stock Option and Award Plan. The Company has a stock incentive plan under which it grants stock options and share awards to directors, officers and other employees. Option price is the market price on the date of grant. Options become exercisable at such time, generally over 3 years or 4 years, and in such installments as set by the Company, and expire 10 years from the date of grant.
Restricted share awards have been made to certain key employees under the plan. The market value of restricted stock at the date of grant is charged to operations over the vesting period. Compensation cost related to restricted shares is not significant.
The Company has a stock appreciation plan that provides for payments of cash to eligible foreign employees based on the change in the market price of the Company’s common stock over a period of time. Compensation cost related to the stock appreciation plan was $3.1 million in 2021, $2.4 million in 2020 and $3.3 million in 2019.
Individual nonemployee directors of the Company may elect to receive, either currently or deferred, all or part of their retainer in the form of shares of the Company’s common stock instead of cash. Under this arrangement, the Company issued 12,070 shares in 2021, 15,243 shares in 2020 and 15,016 shares in 2019. The expense related to this arrangement is not significant.
Options on common shares granted and outstanding, as well as the weighted average exercise price, are shown below (in thousands, except exercise prices):
The following table summarizes information for options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2021 (in thousands, except exercise prices and contractual term amounts):
Options Outstanding
Options Exercisable
Range of Prices
Options Outstanding
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options Exercisable
Weighted Average Exercise Price
$10 - $30
3,474
3.2
$
24.23
3,474
$
24.23
$30 - $45
2,401
5.7
36.78
2,168
35.99
$45 - $60
2,905
7.6
50.44
1,619
50.35
$60 - $75
795
9.2
72.23
35
71.92
$10 - $75
9,575
5.7
$
39.31
7,296
$
33.75
The aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable option shares was $342.0 million as of December 31, 2021, with a weighted average contractual term of 4.9 years. There were approximately 9.6 million vested share options and share options expected to vest as of December 31, 2021, with an aggregate intrinsic value of $395.6 million, a weighted average exercise price of $39.31 and a weighted average contractual term of 5.7 years.
Information related to options exercised follows (in thousands):
2021
2020
2019
Cash received
$
32,610
$
66,625
$
32,749
Aggregate intrinsic value
65,319
120,395
57,419
Tax benefit realized
13,329
25,000
12,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the purchase price of the shares is the lesser of 85 percent of the fair market value on the first day or the last day of the plan year. Under this plan, the Company issued 415,995 shares in 2021, 399,567 shares in 2020 and 397,833 shares in 2019.
Authorized Shares. In April 2019, shareholders of the Company approved the Graco Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan. The Plan provides for issuance of up to 10 million shares of Graco common stock. Shares authorized for issuance under the stock option and purchase plans are shown below (in thousands):
Total Shares Authorized
Available for Future Issuance as of December 31, 2021
Stock Incentive Plan (2019)
10,000
7,149
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2006)
21,000
12,080
Total
31,000
19,229
Amounts available for future issuance exclude outstanding options. Options outstanding as of December 31, 2021, include options granted under three plans that were replaced by subsequent plans. No shares are available for future grants under those plans.
Share-based Compensation.The Company recognized share-based compensation cost as follows (in thousands):
2021
2020
2019
Share-based compensation
$
24,931
$
25,153
$
26,669
Tax benefit
1,705
1,700
2,100
Share-based compensation, net of tax
$
23,226
$
23,453
$
24,569
As of December 31, 2021, there was $9.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options, expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.4 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:
2021
2020
2019
Expected life in years
7.5
7.5
6.8
Interest rate
0.9
%
1.4
%
2.3
%
Volatility
25.2
%
22.0
%
24.0
%
Dividend yield
1.0
%
1.3
%
1.4
%
Weighted average fair value per share
$
17.87
$
12.18
$
11.31
Expected life is estimated based on vesting terms and exercise and termination history. Interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate on zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the option. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility over a period commensurate with the expected life of options.
The fair value of employees’ purchase rights under the Employee Stock Purchase 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:
2021
2020
2019
Expected life in years
1.0
1.0
1.0
Interest rate
0.1
%
1.5
%
2.6
%
Volatility
40.1
%
21.9
%
22.7
%
Dividend yield
1.1
%
1.4
%
1.4
%
Weighted average fair value per share
$
21.50
$
11.55
$
11.36
I. Earnings per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
2021
2020
2019
Net earnings available to common shareholders
$
439,866
$
330,456
$
343,853
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
169,635
167,462
166,515
Dilutive effect of stock options computed based on the treasury stock method using the average market price
4,891
4,546
5,109
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share
174,526
172,008
171,624
Basic earnings per share
$
2.59
$
1.97
$
2.06
Diluted earnings per share
$
2.52
$
1.92
$
2.00
Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from computations of diluted earnings per share totaled 0.4 million shares in 2021 and 0.3 million shares in both 2020 and 2019.
J. Retirement Benefits
The Company has a defined contribution plan, under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, which provides retirement benefits to most U.S. employees. For all employees who choose to participate, the Company matches employee contributions at a 100 percent rate, up to 3 percent of the employee’s compensation. For employees not covered by a defined benefit plan, the Company contributed an amount equal to 2 percent of the employee’s compensation. Employer contributions totaled $10.0 million in 2021, $8.7 million in 2020 and $8.4 million in 2019.
The Company’s postretirement medical plan provides certain medical benefits for retired U.S. employees. Employees hired before January 1, 2005, are eligible for these benefits upon retirement and fulfillment of other eligibility requirements as specified by the plan.
The Company has both funded and unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that together cover most U.S. employees hired before January 1, 2006, certain directors and some of the employees of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries.
For U.S. plans, benefits are based on years of service and the highest 5 consecutive years’ earnings in the 10 years preceding retirement. The Company funds annually in amounts consistent with minimum funding levels and maximum tax deduction limits.
In October of 2021, the Company entered into an agreement under which approximately $63 million of pension obligations of its two U.S. funded defined benefit pension plans were transferred to an insurance company. Under the agreement, the Company purchased a group annuity contract for approximately 417 plan participants that provides for an irrevocable commitment to make annuity payments to the affected participants. The payment obligation and administration thereof for the affected participants was transferred from the pension plans to the insurance company. The transfer did not change the amount of the monthly pension benefits received by the affected participants. Subsequent to the transfer of pension obligations, the smaller of the two pension plans was merged into the larger plan in December of 2021, with the larger plan being the surviving funded pension plan.
This arrangement is part of the Company’s effort to reduce the overall size and volatility of its pension plan obligations. The purchase of the group annuity contract was funded through existing plan assets. The Company recognized a non-cash pension settlement loss of approximately $12 million as a result of the transaction. This charge represents the acceleration of deferred charges currently accrued in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Investment policies and strategies of the U.S. funded pension plan are based on participant demographics. As the plan covers active participants and retirees with higher benefit amounts, investments are based on a long-term view of economic growth and weighted toward equity securities. The primary goal of the plan’s investments is to ensure that the plan’s liabilities are met over time. In developing strategic asset allocation guidelines, an emphasis is placed on the long-term characteristics of individual asset classes, and the benefits of diversification among multiple asset classes. The plan invests primarily in domestic and international equities, fixed income securities, which include treasuries, highly-rated corporate bonds and high-yield bonds and real estate. Strategic target allocations for plan assets are 53 percent equity securities, 42 percent fixed income securities and 5 percent real estate and alternative investments.
Plan assets are held in a trust for the benefit of plan participants and are invested in various commingled funds, most of which are sponsored by the trustee. The fair values for commingled equity, fixed-income and real estate investments are measured using net asset values, which take into consideration the value of underlying fund investments, as well as the other accrued assets and liabilities of a fund, in order to determine a per share market value. Certain trustee-sponsored funds allow redemptions monthly or quarterly, with 10 days or 60 days advance notice, while most of the funds allow redemptions daily. The plan had unfunded commitments to make additional investments in certain funds totaling $2.4 million as of December 31, 2021 and December 25, 2020.
The Company maintains a defined contribution plan covering employees of a Swiss subsidiary, funded by Company and employee contributions. Responsibility for pension coverage under Swiss law has been transferred to a Swiss insurance company. Plan assets are invested in an insurance contract that guarantees a federally mandated annual rate of return. The value of the plan assets is effectively the value of the insurance contract. The performance of the underlying assets held by the insurance company has no direct impact on the surrender value of the insurance contract. The insurance backed assets have no active market and are classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
The following provides a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets over the periods ending December 31, 2021, and December 25, 2020, and a statement of the funded status as of the same dates (in thousands):
Pension Benefits
Postretirement Medical Benefits
2021
2020
2021
2020
Change in benefit obligation
Obligation, beginning of year
$
510,652
$
449,419
$
34,458
$
30,646
Service cost
9,355
9,361
670
609
Interest cost
11,409
13,313
832
1,016
Actuarial (gain) loss
(31,093)
46,545
(2,391)
3,572
Benefit payments
(13,360)
(13,602)
(1,447)
(1,385)
Plan amendments
(1,458)
(529)
—
—
Settlements
(64,886)
—
—
—
Exchange rate changes
(2,568)
6,145
—
—
Obligation, end of year
$
418,051
$
510,652
$
32,122
$
34,458
Change in plan assets
Fair value, beginning of year
$
373,565
$
303,944
$
—
$
—
Actual return on assets
30,984
58,068
—
—
Employer contributions
22,493
22,237
1,447
1,385
Benefit payments
(13,360)
(13,602)
(1,447)
(1,385)
Settlements
(64,886)
—
—
—
Exchange rate changes
(896)
2,918
—
—
Fair value, end of year
$
347,900
$
373,565
$
—
$
—
Funded status
$
(70,151)
$
(137,087)
$
(32,122)
$
(34,458)
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets
Non-current assets
$
—
$
9,144
$
—
$
—
Current liabilities
1,769
1,750
1,768
1,714
Non-current liabilities
68,382
144,481
30,354
32,744
Net
$
70,151
$
137,087
$
32,122
$
34,458
Changes in discount rates used to value pension obligations were the main drivers of actuarial gains in 2021 and actuarial losses in 2020. In 2021 and 2020, the Company made a $20 million voluntary contribution each year to one of its U.S. qualified defined benefit plans.
The accumulated benefit obligation as of year-end for all defined benefit pension plans was $388 million for 2021 and $465 million for 2020. Information for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets follows (in thousands):
The components of net periodic benefit cost for the plans for 2021, 2020 and 2019 were as follows (in thousands):
Pension Benefits
Postretirement Medical Benefits
2021
2020
2019
2021
2020
2019
Service cost-benefits earned during the period
$
9,355
$
9,361
$
7,735
$
670
$
609
$
545
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
11,409
13,313
15,103
832
1,016
1,162
Expected return on assets
(20,767)
(18,814)
(17,152)
—
—
—
Amortization of prior service cost
246
294
279
—
—
—
Amortization of net loss
9,248
10,243
8,392
1,002
733
273
Settlement loss
12,285
—
—
—
—
—
Cost of pension plans which are not significant and have not adopted ASC 715
368
168
110
N/A
N/A
N/A
Net periodic benefit cost
$
22,144
$
14,565
$
14,467
$
2,504
$
2,358
$
1,980
Net periodic benefit cost is disaggregated between service cost presented as operating expense and other components of pension cost presented as non-operating expense. Other components of pension cost and changes in cash surrender value of insurance contracts intended to fund certain non-qualified pension and deferred compensation arrangements included in non-operating expenses totaled $12 million in 2021, $5 million in 2020 and $5 million in 2019.
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) in 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in thousands):
Pension Benefits
Postretirement Medical Benefits
2021
2020
2021
2020
Net gain (loss) arising during the period
$
42,039
$
(8,872)
$
2,391
$
(3,572)
Amortization of net (gain) loss
9,248
10,243
1,002
733
Prior service credit (cost) arising during the period
1,458
529
—
—
Settlement (gain) loss
12,285
—
—
—
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost
246
294
—
—
Total
$
65,276
$
2,194
$
3,393
$
(2,839)
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2021 and December 25, 2020, that had not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, were as follows (in thousands):
Assumptions used to determine the Company’s benefit obligations are shown below:
Pension Benefits
Postretirement Medical Benefits
Weighted average assumptions
2021
2020
2021
2020
U.S. Plans
Discount rate
3.0
%
2.6
%
2.9
%
2.6
%
Rate of compensation increase
2.7
%
2.7
%
N/A
N/A
Non-U.S. Plans
Discount rate
0.4
%
0.4
%
N/A
N/A
Rate of compensation increase
1.3
%
1.3
%
N/A
N/A
Assumptions used to determine the Company’s net periodic benefit cost are shown below:
Pension Benefits
Postretirement Medical Benefits
Weighted average assumptions
2021
2020
2019
2021
2020
2019
U.S. Plans
Discount rate
2.6
%
3.5
%
4.5
%
2.6
%
3.4
%
4.5
%
Rate of compensation increase
2.7
%
2.8
%
2.8
%
N/A
N/A
N/A
Expected return on assets
6.3
%
6.8
%
7.0
%
N/A
N/A
N/A
Non-U.S. Plans
Discount rate
0.4
%
0.4
%
1.3
%
N/A
N/A
N/A
Rate of compensation increase
1.3
%
1.3
%
1.4
%
N/A
N/A
N/A
Expected return on assets
1.0
%
1.5
%
2.0
%
N/A
N/A
N/A
Several sources of information are considered in determining the expected rate of return assumption, including the allocation of plan assets, the input of actuaries and professional investment advisers, and historical long-term returns. In setting the return assumption, the Company recognizes that historical returns are not always indicative of future returns and also considers the long-term nature of its pension obligations.
The Company’s U.S. retirement medical plan limits the annual cost increase that will be paid by the Company to 3 percent. In measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO), the annual trend rate for health care costs was assumed to be 7.6 percent for 2022, decreasing each year to a constant rate of 4.5 percent for 2038 and thereafter, subject to the plan’s annual increase limitation.
The Company expects to contribute $1.8 million to its unfunded pension plans and $1.8 million to the postretirement medical plan in 2022. The Company will not be required to make contributions to the funded pension plan under minimum funding requirements for 2022. Estimated future benefit payments are as follows (in thousands):
The Company owns most of the assets used in its operations, but leases certain buildings and land, vehicles, office equipment and other rental assets. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. All of the Company’s current lease arrangements are classified as operating leases. The Company historically has not entered into financing leases. Operating lease assets and obligations are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Lease expense is recognized by amortizing the amount recorded as an asset on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
In determining lease asset value, the Company considers fixed or variable payment terms, prepayments, incentives, and options to extend, terminate or purchase. Renewal, termination or purchase options affect the lease term used for determining lease asset value only if the option is reasonably certain to be exercised. The Company generally uses its incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.
As of December 31, 2021, the weighted average remaining lease term was 5 years and the weighted average discount rate used to determine the operating lease liability was 2.2 percent. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, expense related to operating leases was $11.6 million, operating lease payments included in operating cash flows totaled $11.6 million, and non-cash additions to operating lease assets totaled $1.6 million. Variable lease costs and short term lease costs were not significant for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021.
As of December 31, 2021, future maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
2022
$
9,096
2023
7,753
2024
5,553
2025
3,874
2026
3,230
Thereafter
4,948
Total lease payments
$
34,454
Present value adjustment
(1,831)
Operating lease liabilities
$
32,623
Other Commitments. The Company is committed to pay suppliers under the terms of open purchase orders issued in the normal course of business totaling approximately $237 million at December 31, 2021. The Company also has commitments with certain suppliers to purchase minimum quantities, and under the terms of certain agreements, the Company is committed for certain portions of the supplier’s inventory. The Company does not purchase, or commit to purchase, quantities in excess of normal usage or amounts that cannot be used within one year. The Company estimates that the maximum commitment amount under such agreements does not exceed $74 million.
The Company enters into contracts with vendors to receive services. Commitments under these service contracts with non-cancelable terms of more than one year totaled $8 million in 2022, $5 million in 2023, $4 million in 2024 and $5 million thereafter.
In addition, the Company could be obligated to perform under standby letters of credit totaling $3 million at December 31, 2021. The Company has also guaranteed the debt of its subsidiaries for up to $9 million. All debt of subsidiaries is reflected in the consolidated balance sheets.
Contingencies. The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. The Company is actively pursuing and defending these matters and has recorded an estimate of the probable costs where appropriate. Management does not expect that resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company, although the ultimate outcome cannot be determined based on available information.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This evaluation was done under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and the Executive Vice President, Corporate Controller and Information Systems. Based upon that evaluation, they concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The information under the heading “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” in Part II, Item 8, of this 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The information under the headings “Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” in Part II, Item 8, of this 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the fourth 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.
Item 9B. Other Information
Not applicable.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information under the heading “Information About Our Executive Officers” in Part I of this 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the information under the heading “Board of Directors” in our Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 29, 2022 (the “Proxy Statement”), is incorporated herein by reference.
Audit Committee Members and Audit Committee Financial Expert
The information under the heading “Committees of the Board of Directors” in our Company’s Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Corporate Governance Guidelines, Committee Charters and Code of Ethics
Our Company has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines and Charters for each of the Audit, Governance, and Management Organization and Compensation Committees of the Board of Directors. We have also issued a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (“Code of Ethics”) that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, all officers, directors, and employees of Graco Inc. and all of its subsidiaries, representative offices and branches worldwide. The Corporate Governance Guidelines, Committee Charters, and Code of Ethics, with any amendments or waivers thereto, may be accessed free of charge by visiting the Graco website at www.graco.com.
Our Company intends to post on the Graco website any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller and other persons performing similar functions within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
The information under the heading “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” in our Company’s Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information contained under the headings “Director Compensation,” “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Report of the Management Organization and Compensation Committee” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information contained under the headings “Equity Compensation Plan Information” and “Beneficial Ownership of Shares” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information under the headings “Related Person Transaction Approval Policy” and “Director Independence” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information under the headings “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services” and “Pre-Approval Policies” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
All financial statement schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.
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).
* Management Contracts, Compensatory Plans or Arrangements.
Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, copies of certain instruments defining the rights of holders of certain long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries are not filed as exhibits because the amount of debt authorized under any such instrument does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company agrees to furnish copies thereof to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
/s/ Mark W. Sheahan
February 22, 2022
Mark W. Sheahan
President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
/s/ Mark W. Sheahan
February 22, 2022
Mark W. Sheahan
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ David M. Lowe
February 22, 2022
David M. Lowe
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ KATHRYN L. SCHOENROCK
February 22, 2022
Kathryn L. Schoenrock
Executive Vice President, Corporate Controller and Information Systems
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Lee R. Mitau
Director, Chairman of the Board
Brett C. Carter
Director
Eric P. Etchart
Director
Jody H. Feragen
Director
J. Kevin Gilligan
Director
Martha A. Morfitt
Director
Mark W. Sheahan
Director
R. William Van Sant
Director
Kevin J. Wheeler
Director
Emily C. White
Director
Mark W. Sheahan, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this document on behalf of himself and each of the above named directors of the Registrant pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by such persons.
