UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

[X]Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the fiscal year endedDecember 26, 2014, or

[  ]Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the transition period fromto.


[X]    Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2017, 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 Northeast

Minneapolis, MN 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:

Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share

Shares registered on 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  X   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  X 

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   X    No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data file required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes  X    No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer” “accelerated filer,” "smaller reporting company," and “accelerated filer”"emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

Large accelerated filer   X    Accelerated filerNon-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

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

YesNo  X 

The aggregate market value of 59,350,426165,114,221 shares of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $4,615,089,158$6,014,560,705 as of June 27, 2014.

58,991,62230, 2017.

169,442,333 shares of common stock were outstanding as of February 3, 2015.

January 31, 2018.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 24, 2015,27, 2018, are incorporated by reference into Part III, as specifically set forth in said Part III.


INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT

ON FORM 10-K




TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Page
Part I Page 

Part I

Item 1

Item 1

Business

3

Item 1A

6

Item 1B

9

Item 2

9

Item 3

Item 4

 11

 12 
Part II

Part II

Item 5

Item 6

Item 7

Item 7A

27

Item 8

 29

 29

 30

 32

 32

 33

 34

 35

Item 9

Item 9A
Item 9B
 58 

Item 9A

Controls and Procedures

Part III 58 

Item 9B

Other Information

58

Part III

Item 10

59

Item 11

59

Item 12

59

Item 13

Item 14
 59 

Item 14

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Part IV 59 

Part IV

Item 15

 60

 63

ACCESS TO REPORTS
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.



PART I


Item 1. Business


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 pump, meter, mixmove, measure, control, dispense and dispense a wide variety of fluidsspray fluid and coatings.powder materials. Our equipment is used in themanufacturing, processing, construction automotive, industrial, mining, oil and natural gas, process, public worksmaintenance industries. Graco is a Minnesota corporation and other industries.

We classify our business into three reportable segments, each with a worldwide focus: Industrial, Contractor and Lubrication (more details below). Financial information concerning these segments is set forthwas incorporated in Part II, Item 7,Results of Operationsand Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K.

Each segments 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 56 percent of our Company’s total sales. Sales in EMEA represent approximately 25 percent. Sales in Asia Pacific represent approximately 19 percent. Part II, Item 7,Results of Operationsand Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K contain financial information about these geographic markets. 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.

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 have particularly strong manufacturing and engineering capabilities.


We make significant investments in developing innovative, high qualityhigh-quality products. We strive to grow into new geographic markets by strategically adding commercial and technical resources and third partythird-party distribution in growing and emerging markets. We have grown our third partythird-party distribution to have specialized experience in particular end userend-user applications. We leverage our product technologies for new applications and industries.

We also make targeted acquisitions completing threeto broaden our product offering, enhance our capabilities in the end-user markets we serve and expand our manufacturing and distribution base. These acquisitions provide new product offerings, such as an expanded high pressure valve line, vapor abrasive blasting, ultra high purity diaphragm pumps, mortar pumps and landfill gas analyzers, as well as additional channel partners and manufacturing capabilities. Note L (Acquisitions) to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K has additional information on recent acquisitions.

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 fiscal year 2014new products, targeted acquisitions and three acquisitions in early fiscal year 2015. Together, thesestrong manufacturing, engineering and customer service capabilities comprise our long-term growth strategies, which we coordinate and drive across our geographic regions.

Graco Inc. 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 a Minnesota corporationset forth in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and was incorporated in 1926. Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note B (Segment Information) to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K.

For more information about our Company and our products, services and solutions, visit our website at www.graco.com.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.States (“U.S.”). We manufacture some of our products in Switzerland (Industrial segment), the United Kingdom (Industrial(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 partythird-party distributors worldwide, positioned throughout our geographic regions. We also sell to selectiveregions, and through selected retailers. We primarily distribute ourOur products are sold from our warehouseswarehouse to our third-party distributors or retailers who sell

our products to end users. Certain of our acquired businesses historically sold their products directly to end-user customers and continue to have direct relationships with customers.

Outside of the United States,U.S., our subsidiaries located in Australia, Belgium, Japan, Italy, Korea, Mexico, the P.R.C., Switzerland and the United Kingdom and Brazil distribute our Company’s products. Operations in Maasmechelen, Belgium; St. Gallen, Switzerland; Shanghai, P.R.C.; and Montevideo, Uruguay reinforce our commitment to their regions.


During 2014,2017, manufacturing capacity met business demand. Production requirements in the immediate future are expected to be met through existing facilities, the installation of new automatic and semi-automatic machine tools, efficiency and productivity improvements, the use of leased space and available subcontract services.

We are in the planning and design phases for expansion projects in several of our manufacturing and distribution locations to add capacity in the next several years. For more details on our facilities, see Item 2,Properties.

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, P.R.C.; Dexter, Michigan; Erie, Pennsylvania; Kamas, Utah; and Coventry and Brighouse, United Kingdom. The product development and engineering

groups focus on new product design, product improvements, new applications for existing products and technologies for their specific customer base. Our product development efforts focus on bringing new and supplemental return-on-investmentreturn on investment value to end users of our products.


Our Company consistently makes significant investments in new products. Total product development expenditures for all segments were $54$60 million in 2014, $512017, $61 million in 2013,2016 and $49$59 million in 2012.

Our Company consistently makes significant investments2015. The amounts invested in new products, and in 2014 we invested $54 million, or 4.4product development averaged approximately percent of sales in our product development activities.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-investmentreturn on investment to our end userend-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 towith 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 partythird-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. Our Company 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 5947 percent of our total sales in 2014.2017. It includes the Industrial Products and Applied Fluid Technologies division, Industrial Products division and Process division.divisions. The Industrial segment makesmarkets equipment and pre-engineered packages 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, for industrial customers that manufacture their own products (such as appliances,rail, marine, aerospace, farm, construction, bus, recreational vehicles airplanes and furniture).

various other industries.


Most Industrial segment equipment is sold worldwide through specialized third partythird-party distributors, integrators, design centers, original equipment manufacturers and material suppliers. Some products are sold directly to end users. We work with material suppliers to develop or adapt our equipment for use with specialized andor 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 componenttwo-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 vapor-abrasive blasting equipment, as well as 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. 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 metals and plastics. This equipment includesplastics, 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.

We make


This division also makes powder finishing products that coat powder finishing on metals. These products are sold under the Gema®Gema® trademark. Gema powder systems coat window frames, metallic furniture, automotive components and sheet metal. Primary end users of our Gema powder finishing products include manufacturers in the construction, home appliance, automotive component and custom coater industries. We strive to provide innovative production 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 2017. 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, semi-conductor, 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 semi-conductor industries.

Process

Our Process division makes pumps of various technologies that move chemicals, water, waste water,wastewater, petroleum, food and other fluids. Manufacturers and processors in the food and beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, oil and natural gas, semi-conductor, electronics, waste water,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.

In 2014, we acquired the stock of Alco Valves Group. Alco Valves Group is based in the United Kingdom


Oil and manufacturesNatural Gas

Our Oil and Natural Gas division makes high pressure and ultra-high pressure valves used in the oil and natural gas industry. Subsequentindustry, other industrial processes and research facilities. Our high and ultra-high pressure valves are sold directly to the 2014 fiscal year-end, we acquired High Pressure Equipment (HiP) company with facilities in the United Statesend-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 the United Kingdom. HiP manufactures valves, fittingspipelines and other flow controlis sold through third-party distributors.

Lubrication

The Lubrication division designs and sells equipment for use in ultra-high pressure environments such asvehicle 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.

We also offer 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 need 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 industry. Also subsequent to the 2014 fiscal year-end, we purchased the White Knight Fluid Handling business, which is based in the United States and makes pumps that are used in a variety of chemical applications.

gas.


Contractor Segment


The Contractor segment generatedrepresented approximately 3133 percent of our Company’s 2014 total sales.sales in 2017. Through this segment, we offer sprayers that apply paint to walls and other structures. We offer severalstructures, with a range of product models ofthat can be used by do-it-yourself homeowners to professional grade handheld paint sprayers. Wepainting contractors. Contractor equipment also makeincludes sprayers that apply texture to walls and ceilings, and sprayers that apply highly viscous coatings to roofs. Contractor equipment also includes sprayers that applyroofs, and markings on roads, parking lots, athletic fields bike paths, crosswalks 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. Throughout the world,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 throughthough 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. Certain sprayers and accessories are distributed globally through the home center channel.

Lubrication Segment

The Lubrication segment represented approximately 10 percent of our Company’s sales during 2014. The bulk of the Lubrication segment’s sales comes from North America.

Through the Lubrication segment, we offer 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.

We offer systems, components and accessories for the automatic lubrication of industrial and commercial equipment, compressors, turbines and on- and off-road vehicles. We offer products that automatically lubricate bearings, gears and generators, and products that evacuate and dispense lubricants. Industries served include gas transmission and petrochemical, pulp and paper, mining and construction, agricultural equipment, food and beverage, material handling, metal manufacturing, wind energy and oil and gas exploration.


Raw Materials


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 electronic components.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 United States,U.S., primarily in the Asia Pacific region.


In 2014,2017, our raw material and purchased component availability was strong, and our costs were fairly stable. We experienced price decreaseswith some cost pressures, particularly in copper and rubber commodities, but had some significant increases inaluminum, stainless steel, aluminum,carbon steel bar stock, electronic controls, plastics and chrome.

copper, which we expect will continue into 2018.


We endeavor to address fluctuations in the price and availability of various materials and components through adjustable surcharges and credits, 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 both in the United StatesU.S. and in other countries,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 United StatesU.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.


Sales to Major Customers

Worldwide sales in the Contractor and Industrial segments to The Sherwin-Williams Company represented over 10 percent of the Company’s consolidated sales in 2017, 2016 and 2015.


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, personal relationships, 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 may have to refresh our product line and continue development of our distribution channel to stay competitive. We are also facingface competitors who illegally sell counterfeits of our products or otherwise infringe on our intellectual property rights. We may have to increase our intellectual property and unfair competition enforcement activities.


Environmental Protection


Our compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations did not have a material effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position during the fiscal year ended December 26, 2014.

29, 2017.


Employees


As of December 26, 2014,29, 2017, we employed approximately 3,100 persons, excluding the employees of the held separate Liquid Finishing businesses (see below).3,500 persons. Of this total, approximately 1,0501,400 were employees based outside of the United States,U.S., and 9001,000 were hourly factory workers in the United States.U.S. None of our Company’s United StatesU.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 United States.U.S. Compliance with such agreements has no material effect on our Company or our operations.


Acquisition and Planned Divestiture of ITW Liquid Finishing Businesses


In April 2012, wethe Company purchased the finishing businesses of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (“ITW”). The acquisition included powder finishing and liquid finishing equipment operations, technologies and brands (separately, the “Powder Finishing” and “Liquid Finishing” businesses). Results of the Powder Finishing businesses have been included inand Liquid Finishing businesses. Under terms of a hold separate order from the Industrial segment since the date of acquisition. In March 2012, the United States Federal Trade Commission, (“FTC”) issued an order for ourthe Company did not have the power to holddirect the activities of the Liquid Finishing assets separate frombusinesses that most significantly impacted the economic performance of those businesses. Consequently, we reflected our other businesses. In May 2012,investment in the FTC issued a proposed decision and order that required us to sell the held separate Liquid Finishing business assets no later than 180 days frombusinesses as a cost-method investment on our balance sheet, and their results of operations were not consolidated with those of the date the order becomes final.Company. The FTC approved a final decision and order that became effective on October 9, 2014.

Pursuant to the final order, Graco must sellCompany sold the Liquid Finishing business assets within 180 days of the effective date. On October 8, 2014, the Company announced it had signed a definitive agreement to sell the Liquid Finishing business assets for $590 million cash, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. The sale transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2015. Graco will continue to hold the Liquid Finishing businesses separate and maintain them as viable and competitive untilNet earnings in 2015 included after-tax gain on the sale process is complete.

and dividends totaling $141 million.


Item 1A. RiskFactors

Risk Factors


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. SuitableThe success of our acquisition strategy depends on our ability to successfully identify suitable acquisition candidates, negotiate appropriate acquisition terms, obtain financing at a reasonable cost, prevail against competing acquirers, complete the acquisitions must be located, completed and effectively integratedintegrate or add the acquired businesses into or added to our existing businesses or corporate structure. Once successfully integrated into our existing businesses or added to our corporate structure, for this growth strategy to be successful. Wethe acquired businesses may not perform as planned, be ableaccretive to obtain financing at a reasonable cost.earnings, generate positive cash flows or otherwise be beneficial to us. We may be unsuccessful in acquiring and effectively integrating into or adding businesses to our current operations or corporate structure. We

may not realize projected efficiencies and cost-savings from the businesses we acquire. We cannot predict how customers, competitors, suppliers and employees will react to the acquisitions that we make. If acquired businesses do not meet performance expectations, assets acquired could be subject to impairment.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. 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 partythird-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.

Divestiture - Our acquisition of the finishing businesses of ITW includes a requirement that we divest the acquired Liquid Finishing businesses, which has not been completed and remains subject to FTC approval.

In April 2012, we completed our purchase of the finishing businesses of ITW. The acquisition included Powder Finishing and Liquid Finishing equipment operations, technologies and brands. Results of the Powder Finishing businesses have been included in the Industrial segment since the date of acquisition. Pursuant to a March 2012 order, the Liquid Finishing businesses were to be held separate from the rest of Graco’s businesses while the FTC considered a settlement with Graco and determined which portions of the Liquid Finishing business Graco must divest. The FTC approved a final decision and order on October 6, 2014, which became effective on October 9, 2014. Pursuant to the final order, Graco must sell the Liquid Finishing business assets within 180 days of the effective date. On October 8, 2014, the Company announced it had signed a definitive agreement to sell the Liquid Finishing business assets for $590 million cash, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. The sale transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2015. Nonetheless, we cannot be certain to what extent or when the required regulatory approval of a buyer and terms of the sale will be obtained, or whether the Company will be able to complete a divestiture in a time frame that is satisfactory to the FTC. Graco will continue to hold the Liquid Finishing businesses separate and maintain them as viable and competitive until the sale process is complete.


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. 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.


Tax Rates and New Tax Legislation - Changes in tax rates or the adoption of new tax legislation may affect our operating results, 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 could 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. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law in the U.S. The Act, among other things, reduces the corporate income tax rate, imposes additional limitations on the deductibility of business interest expense, allows for the expensing of certain capital expenditures, modifies the rules regarding limitations on certain deductions for executive compensation, shifts the taxation of multinational corporations from a tax on worldwide income towards a territorial system, and imposes a one-time tax on certain accumulated foreign earnings. We continue to examine the impact the Act may have on our business. While the Act will reduce the Company’s effective tax rate, the overall impact of the Act is uncertain due to the complexity of certain provisions of the Act and ambiguities in the interpretation and application of those provisions.
Currency - Changes in currency translation rates could adversely impact our revenue and earnings.


Changes in exchange rates will impact our reported sales and earnings. A majority of our manufacturing and cost structure is based in the United States.U.S. In addition, decreased value of local currency may make it difficult for some of our distributors and end users to purchase products.


Changes in Laws and Regulations - Changes may impact how we can do business and the cost of doing business around the world.


The speed and frequency of implementation and the complexity of new or revised laws and regulations globally appear to be increasing. In addition, as our business grows and/or geographically expands, we may become subject to laws and regulations previously inapplicable to our business. These laws and regulations increase our costscost 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.

Bribery,


Laws and regulations related to bribery, corruption and trade, laws and regulations, and enforcement thereof, isare increasing in frequency, complexity and severity on a global basis. 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-corruption laws, we may incur defense costs, fines, penalties, reputational damage and reputational damage.

business disruptions.


Intellectual Property - Demand for our products may be affected by new entrants who copy our products and/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 improperlyunfairly used our intellectual property and/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 becoming more 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 2014,2017, approximately 5350 percent of our sales were generated by customers located outside the United States. We are increasing our presence in advancing economies. Operating and selling outside of the United States 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,

requirements; international trade factors (export controls, trade sanctions, duties, tariff barriers and other restrictions),; protection of our proprietary technology in certain countries,countries; potentially burdensome taxes,taxes; potential difficulties staffing and managing local operations,operations; and changes in exchange rates.


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, and training our distributors. Changes in industries in whichthat we participate,serve, including consolidation of competitors and customers, could affect our success. Price competition and competitor strategies could affectnegatively impact our success.

growth and have an adverse impact on our results of operations.


Suppliers - 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 are sourcing an increasing percentagesource certain of our materials and components from suppliers outside the United States,U.S., and from suppliers within the United StatesU.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 commodities may impact the manufacturing costs of our products and affect our profitability. Protective tariffs, unpredictable changes in duty rates, and trade regulation changes may make certain foreign-sourced parts no longer competitively priced. Long supply chains may be disrupted by environmental events or other political factors. Raw materials may become limited in availability from certain regions. Port labor disputes 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 rebuild our products. We may be subject to warranty claims and may need to recall products.

Security Breaches – Intrusion


Information Systems - Interruption of or intrusion into our information systems may impact our business.


We rely on information systems and the Internet to conduct and support various activities related to our business. Cyber-security threats are increasing in frequency, sophistication and severity. Security breaches or intrusion into our information systems, and 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.business and reputation. Security breaches or intrusion into the systems or data of the third parties with whom we conduct business may also harm our business.

business and reputation.


Impairment - If acquired businesses do not meet performance expectations, assets acquired 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. In 2016, we recorded an impairment charge of $192 million for our Oil and Natural Gas reporting unit within the Process segment.

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. Terrorist activities and civilCivil disturbances may harm our business.


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. The cost of defending such matters appears to be increasing, particularly in the United States. We may also need to pursue claims or litigation to protect our interests. The cost of pursuing, defending and insuring against such matters appears to be increasing, particularly in the U.S. Such costs may adversely affect our Company’s profitability. Our businesses expose us to potential toxic tort, product liability and commercial claims. Successful claims against the Company and settlements may adversely affect our results.


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 maintenanceimprovement markets. If these markets decline, the business of our customers could be adversely affected and their purchases of our equipment could decrease.


Variable Industries - Our success may be affected by variations in the construction, automotive, mining and automotiveoil 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, industry.

Natural Disasters –mining and oil and natural gas industries.


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, 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.

Catastrophic Events - Our operations are at risk of damage, destruction or destructiondisruption by natural disasters or fire.

and other unexpected events.


The loss of, or substantial damage to, one of our facilities or the facilities of our suppliers could make it difficult to supply our customers with product and provide our employees with work. Flooding, tornadoes, typhoons, unusually heavy precipitation or other severe weather events, earthquakes, fire, explosions or fireacts of war or terrorism could adversely impact our operations.


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 17, 2015,20, 2018, is set forth in the chart below. Facilities are used by all segments, unless otherwise noted.

Facility

Owned or
Leased

Square
Footage
Facility Activities

North America

Operating Segment

Dunnville, Ontario, Canada

Leased3,200Manufacturing for Industrial segment
Guelph, Ontario, CanadaLeased3,300

Warehouse and office for Industrial segment

Tlalnepantla, State of Mexico, MexicoLeased4,000

Manufacturing, warehouse and office for Industrial segment

San Leandro, California, United StatesLeased12,100

Manufacturing, warehouse and office for Industrial segment

North America
Indianapolis, Indiana, United StatesU.S.Owned63,50064,000Warehouse, office, product development and application laboratory for Industrial segment
Dexter, Michigan, United StatesLeased31,300

Manufacturing, warehouse, office and product development for Industrial segment

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United StatesU.S.Owned142,000

Corporate office; office and product development for Industrial segment

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United StatesOwned42,000

Corporate office

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United StatesOwned405,000

Manufacturing, warehouse and office for Industrial segment

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United StatesOwned86,700

Warehouse and assembly for Industrial segment

Anoka, Minnesota, United StatesOwned207,00065,000Manufacturing, warehouse, office and product development for Lubrication segmentProcess
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.Owned141,000Worldwide headquarters; office and product developmentCorporate, Industrial and Process
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.Owned42,000Corporate office
All segments

Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.Owned390,000Manufacturing and officeIndustrial and Process
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.Owned87,000AssemblyIndustrial and Process
Anoka, Minnesota, U.S.Owned208,000Manufacturing, warehouse, office and product developmentProcess
Rogers, Minnesota, United StatesU.S.Owned325,000333,000

Manufacturing, office and product development for

Contractor segment

Rogers, Minnesota, U.S.Leased225,000Distribution center and officeAll segments


Rogers, Minnesota, United StatesU.S.Leased100,000Distribution center227,100

Warehouse and office

All segments
North Canton, Ohio, United StatesU.S.Owned131,000Manufacturing, warehouse, office and application laboratory132,000Industrial
Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.Leased43,000

Manufacturing, warehouse, office and product development

Process
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, U.S.Owned148,000Manufacturing and officeIndustrial and Contractor
Kamas, Utah, U.S.Owned21,000Manufacturing, office and application laboratoryProcess
Pompano Beach, Florida, U.S.Leased51,000Warehouse and officeContractor
Europe
Maasmechelen, BelgiumOwned127,000EMEA headquarters, warehouse, assemblyAll segments
Rödermark, GermanyLeased41,000Warehouse and officeIndustrial
Sibiu, RomaniaLeased31,000ManufacturingIndustrial
St. Gallen, SwitzerlandOwned82,000Manufacturing, warehouse, office, product development and application laboratory for Industrial segment

Erie, Pennsylvania, United StatesSt. Gallen, SwitzerlandLeased43,000

Manufacturing, warehouse, office and product development for Industrial segment

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United StatesOwned149,000

Manufacturing and office for Industrial and Contractor segment spray guns and accessories

Houston, Texas, United States

Leased4,500

Warehouse and office for Industrial segment

Kamas, Utah, United States

Leased20,000

Manufacturing and office for Industrial segment

Chesapeake, Virginia, United States

Leased9,600

Manufacturing and office for Industrial segment

Chesapeake, Virginia, United States

Leased3,300

Warehouse for Industrial segment

South America

Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Leased4,00022,000Manufacturing office and product development for Industrial segment

Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Leased2,900

Manufacturing and warehouse for Industrial segment

Uruguay Free Zone, Montevideo, Uruguay

Leased1,800

Office

Europe

Maasmechelen, BelgiumOwned175,000

Warehouse, office and assembly; European training, testing and education center

Valence, France

Leased3,900

Office for Industrial segment

Rödermark, Germany

Leased8,600

Warehouse and office for Industrial segment

Milan, Italy

Leased7,500

Office and warehouse for Industrial segment

Sibiu, Romania

Leased31,000

Manufacturing for Industrial segment

St. Gallen, Switzerland

Owned78,000

Manufacturing, warehouse, office, product development and application laboratory for Industrial segment

St. Gallen, Switzerland

Leased9,000

Manufacturing for Industrial segment

Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom

Leased3,500Office and warehouse for Industrial segment
Denton, Manchester, United KingdomLeased2,500

Manufacturing, warehouse and office for Industrial segment

Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, United KingdomLeased7,300

Manufacturing, warehouse, office and product development for Industrial segment

Brighouse, West Yorkshire, United KingdomOwnedLeased68,00018,000

Manufacturing, warehouse, office and product development for Industrial segment

Process
Brighouse, West Yorkshire,Coventry, United KingdomOwned25,000OfficeProcess
Leaming Spa, Warwickshire, United KingdomLeased45,00010,800

Manufacturing, warehouse and office for Industrial segment

Process
Brighouse, West Yorkshire, United KingdomLeased6,000

Warehouse for Industrial segment

Asia Pacific

Bundoora, AustraliaLeased2,500

Office

Derrimut, AustraliaLeased22,000WarehouseAll segments
Gurgaon, IndiaLeased18,000Office7,500All segments
Yokohama, JapanLeased19,000

Warehouse

Office
All segments
Shanghai, P.R.C.Leased29,00029,400

Office; Asia Pacific training, testing and education center

headquarters
All segments
Shanghai Waiqaoqiao Pilot Free Trade Zone,FTZ, P.R.C.Leased31,000Warehouse30,700

Warehouse

All segments

Shanghai, P.R.C.

Leased27,000Warehouse and officeOffice and warehouse for Industrial segment
Suzhou, P.R.C.Owned80,00079,000

Manufacturing, warehouse, office and product development

All segments

Yokohama, Japan

Gyeonggi-do, South KoreaLeased22,000Office and application laboratory18,500

Office

Boon Lay Way, Singapore

Leased2,100Warehouse and office for Industrial segment

Anyang, South Korea

Leased5,100

Office

Gwangjoo, South KoreaLeased10,700WarehouseAll 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 SafetyDisclosures

Safety Disclosures


Not applicable.



Executive Officers of Our Company


The following are all the executive officers of Graco Inc. as of February 17, 2015:

20, 2018:


Patrick J. McHale, 53, is56, became President and Chief Executive Officer a position he has held sincein June 2007. He served as Vice President and General Manager, Lubrication Equipment Division from June 2003 to June 2007. He was Vice President, Manufacturing and Distribution Operations from April 2001 to June 2003. He served as Vice President, Contractor Equipment Division from February 2000 to April 2001. From September 1999 to February 2000, he was Vice President, Lubrication Equipment Division. Prior to September 1999, he held various manufacturing management positions in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Plymouth, Michigan; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Mr. McHale joined the Company in 1989.


David M. Ahlers, 56,59, became Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications in April 2010. 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. He joined the Company in 2008.


Caroline M. Chambers, 50, was elected53, became Vice President, Corporate Controller and Information Systems onin December 6,  2013. She has also served as the Company’s principal accounting officer since September 2007. 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, Ms. Chambers was an auditor with Deloitte & Touche in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Paris, France. Ms. Chambers joined the Company in 1992.


Mark D. Eberlein, 54, is57, became Vice President and General Manager, Process Division a position he has held sincein January 2013. From November 2008 to December 2012, he was Director, Business Development, Industrial Products Division. He was Director, Manufacturing Operations, Industrial Products Division from January to October 2008. From 2001 to 2008, he was Manufacturing Operations Manager of a variety of Graco business divisions. Prior to joining Graco, Mr. Eberlein worked as an engineer at Honeywell and at Sheldahl. He joined the Company in 1996.


Karen Park Gallivan, 58,61, became Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in September 2005. She was Vice President, Human Resources from January 2003 to September 2005. Prior to joining Graco, she was Vice President of Human Resources and Communications at Syngenta Seeds, Inc. from January 1999 to January 2003. From 1988 through January 1999, she was the general counsel of Novartis Nutrition Corporation. Prior to joining Novartis, Ms. Gallivan was an attorney with the law firm of Rider, Bennett, Egan & Arundel, L.L.P. She joined the Company in 2003.

James A. Graner, 70,became Chief Financial Officer in September 2005, a position he held in conjunction with Treasurer from September 2005 to June 2011. He served as Vice President and Controller from March 1994 to September 2005. He was Treasurer from May 1993 through February 1994. Prior to becoming Treasurer, he held various managerial positions in the treasury, accounting and information systems departments. He joined the Company in 1974. Mr. Graner has announced his intention to retire in 2015.


Dale D. Johnson, 60,63,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 in April 2001.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 the Director of Marketing, Contractor Equipment Division in June 1996, he held various marketing and sales positions in the Contractor Equipment divisionDivision and the Industrial Equipment division.Division. He joined the Company in 1976.


Jeffrey P. Johnson, 55,58, became Vice President and General Manager, EMEA in January 2013. 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. He joined the Company in 2006.


David M. Lowe, 59,62, became Executive Vice President, Industrial Products Division in April 2012. 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.


Bernard J. Moreau, 54, is57, became Vice President and General Manager, South and Central America a position he has held sincein January 2013. From November 2003 to December 2012, he was Sales and Marketing Director, EMEA, Industrial/Automotive Equipment Division. From January 1997 to October 2003, he was Sales Manager, Middle East, Africa and East Europe. Prior to 1997, he

worked in various Graco sales engineering and sales management positions, mainly to support Middle East, Africa and southern Europe territories. He joined the Company in 1985.



Peter J. O’Shea, 50,53,became Vice President and General Manager, Asia PacificLubrication Equipment Division in January 2013.2016. 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.


Charles L. Rescorla, 63,was elected66, became Vice President, Corporate Manufacturing, Distribution Operations and Corporate Development onin December 6, 2013. From June 2011 to December 2013, he was Vice President, Corporate Manufacturing, Information Systems and Distribution Operations. He was Vice President, Manufacturing, Information Systems and Distribution Operations from April 2009 to June 2011. He served as Vice President, Manufacturing and Distribution Operations from September 2005 to April 2009. From June 2003 to September 2005, he was Vice President, Manufacturing/Distribution Operations and Information Systems. From April 2001 until June 2003, he was Vice President and General Manager, Industrial/Automotive Equipment Division. Prior to April 2001, he held various positions in manufacturing and engineering management. Mr. Rescorla joined the Company in 1988.


Christian E. Rothe, 41,44,became Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in September 2015. From June 2011 through August 2015, he was Vice President and Treasurer in June 2011.Treasurer. Prior to joining Graco, he held various positions in business development, accounting and finance, including, most recently, at Gardner Denver, Inc., a manufacturer of highly engineered products, 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.


Mark W. Sheahan, 50,53, became Vice President and General Manager, Applied Fluid Technologies Division in February 2008. 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. He joined the Company in 1995.


Brian J. Zumbolo, 45,48, became Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific in January 2016. From August 2007 to December 2015, he was Vice President and General Manager, Lubrication Equipment Division in August 2007.Division. He was Director of Sales and Marketing, Lubrication Equipment and Applied Fluid Technologies, Asia Pacific, from November 2006 through July 2007. From February 2005 to November 2006, he was the Director of Sales and Marketing, High Performance Coatings and Foam, Applied Fluid Technologies Division. Mr. Zumbolo was the Director of Sales and Marketing, Finishing Equipment from May 2004 to February 2005. Prior to May 2004, he held various marketing positions in the Industrial Equipment division. Mr. Zumbolo joined the Company in 1999.

Except as otherwise noted above, the Board of Directors elected or re-elected the above executive officers to their current positions on December 7, 2012, effective January 1, 2013.




PART II

Item 5. Market for the Company’sRegistrant’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 February 3, 2015,January 31, 2018, the share price was $71.65$46.80 and there were 58,991,622169,442,333 shares outstanding and 2,7882,080 common shareholders of record, which includes nominees or broker dealers holding stock on behalf of an estimated 78,00080,000 beneficial owners.


High and low sales prices for the Company’s common stock and dividends declared for each quarterly period in the past two years were as follows:

 First
Quarter
 Second
Quarter
 Third
Quarter
 Fourth
Quarter
 

2014

Stock price per share

High

$78.97 $77.82 $79.88 $81.93 

Low

 65.18  70.39  72.29  67.06 

Dividends declared per share

 0.28  0.28  0.28  0.30 

2013

Stock price per share

High

$59.81 $65.43 $74.70 $79.66 

Low

 52.45  53.90  62.84  72.39 

Dividends declared per share

 0.25  0.25  0.25  0.28 

 
First
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 
Third
Quarter
 
Fourth
Quarter
2017(1)
       
Stock price per share       
High$31.70
 $38.22
 $41.62
 $46.01
Low27.47
 30.80
 34.89
 40.94
Dividends declared per share0.12
 0.12
 0.12
 0.13
2016(1)
       
Stock price per share       
High$28.33
 $28.87
 $27.13
 $28.33
Low21.02
 25.65
 23.49
 23.11
Dividends declared per share0.11
 0.11
 0.11
 0.12
(1) All per share data reflects the three-for-one stock split distributed on December 27, 2017.

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 USU.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 25, 2009,31, 2012, and all dividends were reinvested).

 

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Dow Jones US Industrial Machinery

100136129158231228

S&P 500

100115117136180205

Graco Inc.

100135143181281299

 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Dow Jones U.S. Industrial Machinery100 146 145 127 172 229
S&P 500100 132 151 153 171 208
Graco Inc.100 155 165 151 174 289


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities


On September 14, 2012,April 24, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase of up to 6,000,00018,000,000 shares of its outstanding common stock, primarily through open-marketopen market transactions. The authorization expires on September 30, 2015.

is for an indefinite period of time or until terminated by the Board.


In addition to shares purchased under the Board authorization, the Company purchases shares of common stock held by employees who wish to tender owned shares to satisfy the exercise price or tax withholding ondue upon exercise of stock option exercises.

Information on issuer purchasesoptions or vesting 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)
 

Sep 27, 2014 - Oct 24, 2014

 277,035 $71.11  277,035  2,887,377 

Oct 25, 2014 - Nov 21, 2014

 200,000 $78.52  200,000  2,687,377 

Nov 22, 2014 - Dec 26, 2014

 230,000 $79.59  230,000  2,457,377 
restricted stock.

No shares were purchased in the fourth quarter of 2017. As of December 29, 2017, there were 8,807,604 shares that may yet be purchased under the Board authorization.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries


The following table includes historical financial data (in thousands,millions, except per share amounts)

 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 

Net sales

$  1,221,130 $  1,104,024 $  1,012,456 $  895,283 $  744,065 

Net earnings

 225,573  210,822  149,126  142,328  102,840 

Per common share

Basic net earnings

$3.75 $3.44 $2.47 $2.36 $1.71 

Diluted net earnings

 3.65  3.36  2.42  2.32  1.69 

Cash dividends declared

 1.13  1.03  0.93  0.86  0.81 

Total assets

$1,544,778 $1,327,228 $1,321,734 $874,309 $530,474 

Long-term debt (including current portion)

 615,000  408,370  556,480  300,000  70,255 

:

 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Net sales$1,474.7
 $1,329.3
 $1,286.5
 $1,221.1
 $1,104.0
Net earnings252.4
 40.7
 345.7
 225.6
 210.8
Per common share(1)
         
Basic net earnings$1.50
 $0.24
 $2.00
 $1.25
 $1.15
Diluted net earnings1.45
 0.24
 1.95
 1.22
 1.12
Cash dividends declared0.49
 0.45
 0.41
 0.38
 0.34
Total assets$1,379.2
 $1,243.1
 $1,391.4
 $1,544.8
 $1,327.2
Long-term debt (including current portion)226.0
 305.7
 392.7
 615.0
 408.4
(1) All per share data reflects the three-for-one stock split distributed on December 27, 2017.

Net salesearnings in 20122016 included $93$161 million of after-tax loss from impairment charges in the Company’s Oil and Natural Gas reporting unit within the Process Segment.

Net earnings in 2015 included $141 million from Powder Finishing operations acquired in April 2012. The Company used long-term borrowings and available cash balances to complete the $668 million purchasesale of Powder Finishing andthe Liquid Finishing businesses acquired in 2012.

2012 held as a cost-method investment. Proceeds from the sale were principally used to retire long-term debt.

Additional information on the comparability of results is included in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.



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. The discussion is organized in the following sections:


Impairment (2016)

Overview
Acquisition and Planned Divestiture
Results of Operations
Segment Results
Financial Condition and Cash Flow
Critical Accounting Estimates
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Overview

Graco designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment used to pump, meter, mixmove, measure, control, dispense and dispense a wide variety of fluidsspray fluid and coatings.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. More than half of our sales are outside of the United States. Graco’s business is classified by management into three reportable segments, eachsegments: 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 userend-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. We continuedcontinue to develop new products in each operating division including products that are expected to drive incremental sales growth, such as the development of equipment for packaging applications as well as continued refresh and upgrades of existing product lines.

In January 2014, the Company paid $65 million cash to acquire QED Environmental Systems, Graco has made a manufacturernumber of fluid management solutions for environmental monitoringstrategic acquisitions that expand and remediation, markets where Graco had little or no previous exposure. Results of operations are included in the Company’s Industrial segment starting from the date of acquisition.

In October 2014, we acquired the stock of Alco Valves Group (“Alco”) for £72 million cash. Alco is a United Kingdom based manufacturer of high quality, high pressure valves used in the oil and natural gas industry and in other industrial processes. Alco’scomplement organically developed products and business relationships will enhance Graco’s position in the oilprovide new market and natural gas industry and complement Graco’s core competencies of designing and manufacturing advanced flow control technologies. Results of Alco operations are included in the Company’s Industrial segment starting from the date of acquisition.

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 primary manufacturing facilities areWe manufacture some of our products in Switzerland (Industrial segment), the United StatesKingdom (Process segment), the People’s Republic of China (“P.R.C.”) (all segments), Belgium (all segments) and Switzerland, and ourRomania (Industrial segment). Our primary distribution facilities are located in the United States,U.S., Belgium, Switzerland, United Kingdom, P.R.C., Japan, Italy, Korea, Australia and Australia.

AcquisitionBrazil.


Acquisitions

On January 13, 2016, the Company paid $48 million cash to acquire two related companies that manufacture and Planned sell portable and fixed gas analyzers for landfill, biogas and medical applications and landfill gas wellhead equipment. The acquisitions enhance and complement the Company’s position in environmental monitoring and remediation markets. Results of their operations have been included within the Company’s Process segment from the date of acquisition.

On January 20, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of High Pressure Equipment Holdings, LLC (“HiP”) for $161 million cash. HiP designs and manufactures valves, fittings and other flow control equipment engineered to perform in ultra-high pressure environments. HiP’s products and business relationships enhance Graco’s position in the oil and natural gas industry and complement Graco’s core competencies of designing and manufacturing advanced flow control technologies. Results of HiP operations have been included in the Company’s Process segment from the date of acquisition.

On January 2, 2015, the Company acquired White Knight Fluid Handling (“White Knight”) for $16 million cash and a commitment for additional consideration if future revenues exceed certain thresholds, initially valued at $8million. The maximum payout is not limited. White Knight designs and manufactures high purity, metal-free pumps used in the production process of manufacturing semiconductors, solar panels, LED flat panel displays and various other electronics. Results of White Knight operations have been included in the Company’s Process segment from the date of acquisition.

The Company completed other business acquisitions in 2017, 2016 and 2015 that were not material to the consolidated financial statements.


Impairment (2016)

In 2016, operating results of our Oil and Natural Gas reporting unit (“ONG”) within the Process segment fell short of expectations due to weakness in oil and natural gas markets. At the end of the third quarter of 2016, we concluded that the depth and length of industry weakness, and its continuing impact on ONG results, were greater than previously expected, so we initiated an impairment analysis. We completed the analysis in the fourth quarter of 2016 and recorded adjustments to reduce goodwill by $147 million and other intangible assets by $45 million. The impairment charges reduced 2016 operating earnings by $192 million, created a $31 million deferred tax benefit, and decreased net earnings by $161 million.

Divestiture of ITW Liquid Finishing Businesses

(2015)


In April 2012, wethe Company purchased the finishing businesses of ITW.Illinois Tool Works Inc. The acquisition included finishing equipment operations, technologies and brands of the Powder Finishing and Liquid Finishing businesses. Results of the Powder Finishing businesses have been included in the Industrial segment since the date of acquisition. In March 2012, the FTC issued an order to hold the Liquid Finishing assets separate from our other businesses. In May 2012, the FTC issued a proposed decision and order that required us to sell the held separate Liquid Finishing business assets no later than 180 days from the date the order becomes final. The FTC approved a final decision and order that became effective on October 9, 2014.

Pursuant to the final order, Graco must sell the Liquid Finishing business assets within 180 days of the effective date. On October 8, 2014, the Company announced it had signed a definitive agreement to sell the Liquid Finishing business assets for $590 million cash, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. The sale transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2015, in compliance with the FTC’s final decision and order. Graco will continue to hold the Liquid Finishing businesses separate and maintain them as viable and competitive until the sale process is complete.

Under terms of thea hold separate order from the Federal Trade Commission, the Company doesdid not have the power to direct the activities of the Liquid Finishing businesses that most significantly impactimpacted the economic performance of those businesses. Therefore,Consequently, we have determined that the Liquid Finishing businesses are variable interest entities for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary and that they should not be consolidated. Furthermore, the Company does not have a controlling interest in the Liquid Finishing businesses, nor is it able to exert significant influence over the Liquid Finishing businesses. Consequently, our investment in the shares of the Liquid Finishing businesses has been reflected as a cost-method investment on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013, and their results of operations have not been consolidated with those of the Company. As a cost-method investment, income is recognized based on dividends received from current earnings of Liquid Finishing. Dividends of $28 million received in 2014, $28 million received in 2013 and $12 million received in 2012 are included in other expense (income) on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. We evaluate our cost-method investment for other-than-temporary impairment at each reporting period. As of December 26, 2014, we evaluated our investment in the Liquid Finishing businesses as a cost-method investment on our balance sheet, and determined that there was no impairment.

their results of operations were not consolidated with those of the Company.


In 2015, the Company sold the Liquid Finishing business assets for a price of $610 million cash. Held separate investment income included the pre-tax gain on sale of $150 million, net of transaction and other related expenses, including a $7 million contribution to the Company’s charitable foundation. Held separate investment income also included dividends of $42 million. Net earnings included after-tax gain and dividends totaling $141 million.

Results of Operations

Net sales, operating earnings, net earnings and earnings per share were as


A summary of financial results follows (in millions except per share amounts):

 2014 2013 2012 

Net Sales

$  1,221 $  1,104 $  1,012 

Operating Earnings

 309  280  225 

Net Earnings

 226  211  149 

Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share

$3.65 $3.36 $2.42 

2014 Summary:

Net sales grew by 11 percent, representing growth in all reportable segments and regions, including double digit growth
 2017 2016 2015
Net Sales$1,474.7
 $1,329.3
 $1,286.5
Operating Earnings360.4
 113.9
 302.1
Net Earnings252.4
 40.7
 345.7
Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share$1.45
 $0.24
 $1.95
Adjusted (non-GAAP)(1):
     
Operating Earnings, adjusted$372.5
 $305.9
 $302.1
Net Earnings, adjusted249.4
 202.1
 204.3
Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share, adjusted$1.43
 $1.18
 $1.15
(1)
Excludes impacts of non-recurring income tax adjustments, changes in accounting for stock compensation, and pension restructuring in 2017. Also excludes the effects of impairment charges in 2016 and net investment income from the Liquid Finishing businesses sold in 2015. See adjusted financial results below for a reconciliation of the adjusted non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP.

Multiple events in the Americas.
Saleslast three years caused significant fluctuations in financial results, including changes in accounting for tax benefits related to stock compensation, U.S. federal income tax reform and pension plan restructuring in 2017, impairment charges in 2016 and investment income from acquired operations totaled $41 millionLiquid Finishing businesses sold in 2015. Excluding the impacts of those events presents a more consistent basis for 2014, contributing 4 percentage pointscomparison of financial results. A calculation of the growth for the year.
Changes in currency translationnon-GAAP measurements of adjusted operating earnings, earnings before income taxes, effective tax rates, reduced sales and net earnings by approximately $3 million and $2 million, respectively.diluted net earnings per share follows (in millions except percentages and per share amounts):
Gross profit margin, expressed
 2017 2016 2015
Operating Earnings, as reported$360.4
 $113.9
 $302.1
Pension settlement loss12.1
 
 
Impairment
 192.0
 
Operating Earnings, adjusted$372.5
 $305.9
 $302.1
      
Earnings before income taxes$347.1
 $96.7
 $474.7
Adjustments12.1
 192.0
 (191.6)
Earnings before income taxes, adjusted$359.2
 $288.7
 $283.1
      
Income taxes, as reported$94.7
 $56.0
 $129.0
Excess tax benefit from option exercises36.3
 
 
Income tax reform(35.6) 
 
Other non-recurring tax changes10.0
 
 
Tax effects of adjustments4.4
 30.6
 (50.2)
Income taxes, adjusted$109.8
 $86.6
 $78.8
      
Effective income tax rate     
   As reported27% 58% 27%
   Adjusted31% 30% 28%
      
Net Earnings, as reported$252.4
 $40.7
 $345.7
Pension settlement loss, net7.7
 
 
Excess tax benefit from option exercises(36.3) 
 
Income tax reform35.6
 
 
Other non-recurring tax changes(10.0) 
 
Impairment, net
 161.4
 
Held separate investment (income), net
 
 (141.4)
Net Earnings, adjusted$249.4
 $202.1
 $204.3
      
Weighted Average Diluted Shares174.3
 170.9
 177.0
Diluted Net Earnings per Share     
   As reported$1.45
 $0.24
 $1.95
   Adjusted$1.43
 $1.18
 $1.15


The following table presents an overview of components of net earnings as a percentage of sales, was 55 percent for the year, slightly lower than 2013 due to the effects of purchase accounting ($2.5 million) and lower margins from acquired operations.net sales:
Investment in new product development was $54 million or 4 percent of sales in 2014.
Operating expenses increased $30 million over 2013; approximately 75 percent of the increase relates to acquired operations and spending on regional and product growth initiatives.
 2017 2016 2015
Net Sales100.0 % 100.0% 100.0 %
Cost of products sold46.2
 46.7
 46.8
Gross profit53.8
 53.3
 53.2
Product development4.1
 4.6
 4.5
Selling, marketing and distribution15.9
 16.2
 15.7
General and administrative9.4
 9.5
 9.5
Impairment
 14.4
 
Operating earnings24.4
 8.6
 23.5
Interest expense1.1
 1.3
 1.4
Held separate investment (income), net
 
 (14.9)
Other expense (income), net(0.2) 
 0.1
Earnings before income taxes23.5
 7.3
 36.9
Income taxes6.4
 4.2
 10.0
Net Earnings17.1 % 3.1% 26.9 %
Net Earnings, adjusted (see non-GAAP measurements above)16.9 % 15.2% 15.9 %
Operating earnings were consistent in 2014 and 2013 at 25 percent of sales.
Other expense (income) included dividends received from the Liquid Finishing businesses that are held separate from the Company’s other businesses. Dividends for 2014 and 2013 were $28 million in each year.
The effective tax rate was 28 12 percent, up from 27 percent in 2013. The effective rate was lower in 2013 primarily because it included two years of federal R&D credit as the credit was reinstated in the first quarter of 2013 retroactive to the beginning of 2012.
Cash flows from operations totaled $241 million, compared to $243 million in the prior year; increases in accounts receivable and inventories were in line with volume growth.
Long-term debt was $615 million at December 26, 2014, compared to $408 million at December 27, 2013.
Dividends paid totaled $66 million in 2014.
The Company repurchased $195 million of its stock in 2014 compared to $68 million in 2013.

2013 Summary:

Net sales grew by 9 percent, including increases of 11 percent in the Americas, 10 percent in EMEA and 3 percent in Asia Pacific. Sales in the Industrial segment grew by 8 percent; sales in the Contractor segment grew by 15 percent and sales in the Lubrication segment decreased by 1 percent.
First quarter 2013 sales from Powder Finishing operations acquired in April 2012 contributed approximately 3 percentage points to full-year 2013 sales growth.
Changes in currency translation rates did not have a significant impact on sales or earnings in 2013.
Gross profit margin as a percentage of sales increased to 55 percent from 54 percent. The effects of realized price increases and higher production volume offset the unfavorable effect of changes in product mix, including the effect of increased Powder Finishing equipment and Contractor segment sales. In 2012, non-recurring purchase accounting effects reduced gross margin for the year by approximately 1 percentage point.
Investment in new product development was $51 million or 5 percent of sales in 2013.

Total operating expenses increased $2 million over 2012, with increases in product development and selling and marketing activities largely offset by decreases in general and administrative expenses, including a $14 million decrease in acquisition and divestiture costs.
Operating earnings were 25 percent of sales in 2013 as compared to 22 percent in 2012.
Other expense (income) included dividends received from the Liquid Finishing businesses that are held separate from the Company’s other businesses. Dividends for 2013 and 2012 totaled $28 million and $12 million, respectively.
The effective tax rate was 27 percent, down from 31 percent in 2012. The lower rate for 2013 reflected the effects of higher after-tax dividend income received from the Liquid Finishing businesses and the federal R&D credit that was renewed in 2013, effective retroactive to the beginning of 2012. There was no R&D credit recognized in 2012.
Cash flows from operations grew to $243 million compared to $190 million in the prior year, with increases in working capital in line with volume growth.
Long-term debt was $408 million at December 27, 2013, compared to $556 million at December 28, 2012.
Dividends paid totaled $61 million in 2013.
The Company repurchased $68 million of its stock in 2013 compared to $1 million in 2012.

The following table presents net sales by geographic region (in millions):

 2014 2013 2012 

Americas

$684 $595 $536 

EMEA

 305  283  257 

Asia Pacific

 232  226  219 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$  1,221 $  1,104 $  1,012 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 2017 2016 2015
Americas(1)
$850.5
 $777.0
 $759.9
EMEA(2)
343.3
 311.1
 291.4
Asia Pacific280.9
 241.2
 235.2
Consolidated$1,474.7
 $1,329.3
 $1,286.5
1
(1)
North, South and Central America, including the United States.U.S. Sales in the United StatesU.S. were $577$743 million in 2014, $4982017, $686 million in 20132016 and $441$654 million in 2012.2015.
2
(2)Europe, Middle East and Africa


The following table presents the components of net sales change by geographic region:
 2017 2016
 Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total
Americas9% 0% 0% 9% 1% 1% 0% 2%
EMEA9% 0% 1% 10% 6% 3% (2)% 7%
Asia Pacific17% 0% (1)% 16% 3% 1% (1)% 3%
Consolidated11% 0% 0% 11% 3% 1% (1)% 3%

There were 52 weeks in fiscal 2017, compared to 53 weeks in fiscal 2016. Strong, broad-based demand levels around the world drove a double-digit percentage increase in sales in 2017. Sales growth was notably strong in China and across most other areas of Asia Pacific.

There were 53 weeks in fiscal 2016, compared to 52 weeks in fiscal 2015. In 2014,2016, net sales at consistent currency translation rates increased 4 percent, including 3 percentage points of organic growth and 1 percentage point from acquired operations. The effects of currency translation offset the impact of sales from acquired operations. Strong sales increases in the Americas increasedfrom the Contractor segment were mostly offset by 15 percent in total, with increases of 18 percentdecreases in the Industrial segment, 12 percent in the Contractor segment and 13 percent in the Lubrication segment as compared to the prior year. Sales from acquired operations totaled $32 million in the Americas, contributing 6 percentage points of growth. All of the growth from acquisitions is included the Industrial segment. Excluding acquisitions the Industrial segment grew by 7 percent in the region, with strength broadly across industrial end user markets and successful new product launches. The Contractor segment continues to benefit from the recovery of the U.S. housing and construction markets. Sales in the Lubrication segment reflected double digitProcess segments. EMEA had sales growth in both vehicle service applicationsdeveloped and industrial lubrication customers.

In 2014, sales in EMEA increased by 8 percent (7 percent at consistent translation rates). Sales in the Industrial segment increased by 9 percent (8 percent at consistent translation rates). Sales increased by 5 percent in the Contractor segment (4 percent at consistent translation rates) and decreased by 1 percent in the Lubrication segment (2 percent at consistent translation rates). Growth in EMEA came primarily from the developed economies in the West. The emerging markets, increased slightly over 2013, with gainsstrong growth from Contractor and Industrial segments. Strong sales growth in Eastern EuropeChina more than offset decreases in other areas of Asia Pacific.



Gross Profit

In 2017, gross profit margin rate was one-half percentage point higher than the 2016 rate. Favorable effects from currency translation, higher production volume and the Middle East,realized pricing were partially offset by declinesthe unfavorable impact of product and channel mix.

In 2016, gross profit margin rate of 53% was consistent with the rate in Russia.

In 2014, sales in Asia Pacific grew by 3 percent. Sales increased by 3 percent in the Industrial segment (4 percent at consistent translation rates). Sales in the Contractor segment decreased by 3 percent (4 percent at consistent translation rates) and sales in the Lubrication segment decreased by 7 percent (4 percent at consistent translation rates). China grew by 3 12 percent, with good growth in the automotive industry. However, we continue to see lack of growth in a number of other markets throughout the region and continue to see variability in bookings and billings by country and product line.

In 2013, sales in the Americas increased by 11 percent in total, with increases of 6 percent in the Industrial segment, 22 percent in the Contractor segment and flat in the Lubrication segment as compared to the prior year. The increasefavorable effects of realized pricing and product and channel mix offset the unfavorable impacts of lower factory volume.


Operating Expenses

The Company restructured its funded U.S. defined benefit pension plan in 2017. Included in the Americasrestructuring was ledthe transfer of certain plan liabilities and assets to an insurance company that resulted in a $12 million pension settlement loss included in general and administrative expense. Total operating expenses for 2016 included an impairment charge of $192 million. Before the pension settlement loss in 2017 and the impairment charge in 2016, total operating expenses for 2017 were $18 million (5 percent) higher than 2016, driven by volume and rate-related increases. Investment in new product development was $60 million, slightly lower than 2016.

Total operating expenses for 2016 were $212 million higher than 2015, including the Contractor segment, which benefitedimpairment charge of $192 million. Incremental expenses from growthacquired operations accounted for nearly half of the remainder of the increase. Incremental spending related to product and corporate initiatives increased expenses by approximately $3 million, andchanges in U.S. housing starts and construction spending. Increasedcurrency translation rates reduced operating expenses by approximately $4 million. Investment in new product development was $61 million or 4½ percent of sales in the Industrial segment were driven by improvement in a variety of general industrial, construction and process-related end-markets. Sales in the Lubrication segment reflected modest demand growth in vehicle service applications and a low rate of investment by industrial lubrication customers.

In 2013, sales in EMEA increased by 10 percent (8 percent at2016, consistent translation rates). Sales in the Industrial segment increased by 12 percent (9 percent at consistent translation rates). Sales increased by 4 percent in the Contractor segment (2 percent at consistent translation rates) and increased by 14 percent in the Lubrication segment (12 percent at consistent translation rates). We saw growth during 2013 in the emerging markets of EMEA, though end-markets in many industries remained weak in Western Europe throughout much of the year.

In 2013, sales in Asia Pacific grew by 3 percent (5 percent at consistent translation rates). Sales increased by 7 percent in the Industrial segment (10 percent at consistent translation rates). Sales in the Contractor segment decreased by 4 percent (3 percent at consistent translation rates) and sales in the Lubrication segment decreased by 13 percent (10 percent at consistent translation rates). Industrial project activity was strong in the fourth quarter, which brought the Industrial segment back to modest growth for the year. However, we saw lack of growth in a number of end user markets throughout Asia Pacific, including shipyards, container manufacturing, heavy machinery, general manufacturing, housing, paint and mining.

The following table presents components of net sales change:

 2014 
 Segment Region   
 Industrial Contractor Lubrication Americas Europe Asia Pacific Consolidated 

Volume and Price

 6 %   10 %   9 %   10 %   5 %   2 %   7 %  

Acquisitions

 6 %   -  %   -  %   6 %   2 %   2 %   4 %  

Currency

 -  %   -  %   (1)%   (1)%   1 %   (1)%   -  %  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

 12 %   10 %   8 %   15 %   8 %   3 %   11 %  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 2013 
 Segment Region   
 Industrial Contractor Lubrication Americas Europe Asia Pacific Consolidated 

Volume and Price

 3 %   14 %   -  %   10 %   2 %   1 %   6 %  

Acquisitions

 5 %   -  %   -  %   1 %   6 %   4 %   3 %  

Currency

 -  %   1 %   (1)%   -  %   2 %   (2)%   -  %  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

 8 %   15 %   (1)%   11 %   10 %   3 %   9 %  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table presents an overview of components of operating earningswith 2015 expense as a percentage of net sales:

 2014 2013 2012 

Net Sales

 100.0 %  100.0  100.0 

Cost of products sold

 45.4  45.0  45.6 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross profit

 54.6  55.0  54.4 

Product development

 4.4  4.7  4.8 

Selling, marketing and distribution

 16.0  16.1  16.2 

General and administrative

 8.9  8.9  11.2 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating earnings

 25.3  25.3  22.2 

Interest expense

 1.5  1.6  1.9 

Other expense (income), net

 (2.0)   (2.5)   (1.1)  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

 25.8  26.2  21.4 

Income taxes

 7.3  7.1  6.7 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Earnings

 18.5 %  19.1  14.7 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

2014 Comparedsales.


Operating Earnings

Operating earnings in 2017 were three times higher than 2016 operating earnings. Excluding the $12 million pension settlement loss in 2017 and the $192 million impairment charge in 2016, improved gross margin rate and expense leverage in 2017 led to 2013

Operatinga 22 percent gain in operating earnings and a 2 percentage point increase as a percentage of sales were 25sales.


Operating earnings in 2016 before the impairment charge increased 1 percent, in 2014, consistent with 2013. The impact of purchase accounting, acquisition and divestiture costs, and spending on regional and product expansion offsetas the improvement in operating expense leverage from higher sales.

Gross profit margin as a percentage of sales decreased approximately one-half percentage point from 2013. Acquisitions negatively impacted the margin rate in 2014, decreasing the rate by 0.2 percentage point for purchase accounting, and 0.3 percentage point for lower margins in the acquired businesses. The favorable effect of realized price increases and higher production volume offset the unfavorable effect of changes in product mix.

Operating expenses for 2014 increased $30 million. The increase included $15 million from acquired operations, $8 million from regional and product expansion initiatives and a $2 million5 percent increase in divestiture and acquisition costs. Product development spending increased $3 million (includingexpenses exceeded the 3 percent increase in sales. Changes in currency translation rates reduced operating earnings by approximately $1 million from acquired operations), and represents 4 percent of sales, down slightly from 2013.

Interest expense was $19$4 million in 2014, compared to $18 million in 2013. Other expense (income) included dividends received from the Liquid Finishing businesses that are held separate from the Company’s other businesses. These dividends totaled $28 million for the year, consistent with 2013.

2016.


Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate for 2017 was 28 1227 percent. Adoption of a new accounting standard, requiring excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises to be credited to the income tax provision (formerly credited to equity), reduced the tax provision by $36 million, decreasing the effective tax rate by 10 percentage points. U.S. federal income tax reform legislation passed at the end of 2017 required a revaluation of net deferred tax assets and instituted a toll charge on unrepatriated foreign earnings that increased the tax provision by a total of $36 million, increasing the effective tax rate by 10 percentage points. Effects of tax planning and other non-recurring tax changes decreased the 2017 effective rate by 3 percentage points.

The effective tax rate for 2016 was 58 percent, in 2014,including approximately 28 percentage points related to the impairment charge, compared to 27 percent in 2013. Last year’s2015. The 2015 rate included favorable impacts of non-recurring tax benefits and post-tax dividend income, partially offset by the tax rate effects of the gain on the sale of Liquid Finishing business assets. The net increase in effective rate from those items was partially offset by additional 2016 benefit from foreign earnings being taxed at lower primarily because it included two yearsrates than the U.S.

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 federal R&D credit as the credit was reinstated in the first quarterCompany’s three reportable segments. Management assesses performance of 2013 retroactivesegments by reference to the beginning of 2012.

2013 Compared to 2012

Operating earnings as a percentage of sales were 25 percent in 2013 as compared to 22 percent in 2012. Expense leverage and reductions of acquisition and divestiture costs led to the improvements in operating earnings as a percentage of sales.

Gross profit margin as a percentage of sales was 55 percent in 2013 as compared to 54 percent in 2012. The favorable effect of realized price increasesexcluding unallocated corporate expenses and higher production volume offset the unfavorable effect of changes in product mix, including increased sales of powder finishing equipment and Contractor segment sales. For 2012, non-recurring purchase accounting effects reduced the gross margin percentage by approximately 1 percentage point.

Operating expenses for the year increased $2 million over 2012 with business activity-related increases largely offset by decreases in acquisition and divestiture costs in 2013. Acquisition and divestiture costs were $2 million in 2013, as compared to $16 million in 2012. Overall, product development spending was 5 percent of sales in 2013, consistent with 2012.

Interest expense was $18 million in 2013, a decrease of $1 million from 2012. Other expense (income) included dividends received from the Liquid Finishing businesses that are held separate from the Company’s other businesses. Dividends for the year totaled $28 million in 2013 and $12 million in 2012.

The effective income tax rate was 27 percent for the year as compared to 31 percent in 2012. The lower rate for 2013 reflected the effects of higher after-tax dividend income received from the Liquid Finishing businesses and the federal R&D credit that was renewed in 2013, effective retroactive to the beginning of 2012. There was no R&D credit recognized in 2012.

Segment Results

asset impairments.


The following table presents net sales and operating earnings by businessreporting segment (in millions):

 2014 2013 2012 

Sales

Industrial

$727 $652 $603 

Contractor

 376  343  299 

Lubrication

 118  109  110 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$  1,221 $  1,104 $  1,012 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Earnings

Industrial

$225 $211 $186 

Contractor

 82  72  54 

Lubrication

 26  23  23 

Unallocated corporate

 (24 (26 (38
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$309 $280 $225 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Management looks at economic and financial indicators relevant to each segment and geography to gauge the business environment, as noted in the discussion below for each segment.

 2017 2016 2015
Sales     
Industrial$692.0
 $629.6
 $616.1
Process294.6
 266.6
 273.6
Contractor488.1
 433.1
 396.8
Total$1,474.7
 $1,329.3
 $1,286.5
Operating Earnings  
  
Industrial$237.7
 $207.2
 $201.8
Process52.2
 35.8
 43.8
Contractor113.9
 91.8
 86.4
Unallocated corporate (expense) (1)
(43.4) (28.9) (29.9)
Impairment (2)

 (192.0) 
Total$360.4
 $113.9
 $302.1

(1)Unallocated corporate (expense) includes such items as stock compensation, divestiture and certain acquisition transaction costs, bad debt expense, charitable contributions, non-service cost portions of pension expense and certain central warehouse expenses. The pension settlement loss and an increase in stock compensation expense account for most of the increase in unallocated corporate expenses in 2017. Unallocated corporate expenses in 2016 were consistent with the prior year.
(2)The impairment charge recorded in 2016 related to assets of our Oil and Natural Gas reporting unit included within the Process Segment. Refer to Critical Accounting Estimates for more discussion on the impairment charge.

Industrial

Segment


The following table presents net sales components of net sales change and operating earnings as a percentage of sales for the Industrial segment (dollars in millions):

 2014 2013 2012 

Sales

Americas

$327 $276 $261 

EMEA

 224  206  184 

Asia Pacific

 176  170  158 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$727 $652 $603 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Components of Net Sales Change

Volume and Price

 6 %   3 %   3 %  

Acquisitions

 6 %   5 %   19 %  

Currency

 -  %   -  %   (2)%  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

 12 %   8 %   20 %  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Operating Earnings as a Percentage of Sales 31 %   32 %   31 %  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 2017 2016 2015
Sales     
Americas$299.5
 $281.3
 $288.9
EMEA199.2
 184.5
 173.3
Asia Pacific193.3
 163.8
 153.9
Total$692.0
 $629.6
 $616.1
Operating Earnings as a Percentage of Sales34% 33% 33%

The following table presents the components of net sales change by geographic region for the Industrial segment:
 2017 2016
 Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total
Americas6% 0% 0% 6% (2)% 0% (1)% (3)%
EMEA6% 1% 1% 8% 8% 0% (2)% 6%
Asia Pacific18% 1% (1)% 18% 7% 1% (2)% 6%
Segment Total9% 1% 0% 10% 3% 0% (1)% 2%

In 2014,2017, strong growth in Asia Pacific drove the Industrial segment to a double-digit percentage increase in sales. The Industrial segment in the Americas benefited from favorable construction markets and continued activity in automotive and general industry, while protective coatings, heavy equipment and South America remained challenging. In EMEA, the Industrial segment benefited from strong improvement in industrial production in Western Europe as well as growth in Eastern Europe, while sales in Africa and other emerging markets experienced a slight decline. As economies in Asia Pacific benefited from recovery in global demand, we saw growth in automotive and a broad base of general industries.

Higher sales volume, including strong finishing systems growth, and expense leverage drove a 1 percentage point increase in operating margin rate. Increased spending on product and regional growth initiatives in the fourth quarter partially offset strong operating margins earned in the first three quarters.

In 2016, sales in the Industrial segment totaled $727 million, an increase of 12 percent from the prior year. Sales for the year increased 18 percentwere down in the Americas, 9 percentwith a weaker capital spending environment and softness in agriculture, energy, mining and heavy machinery markets. The decrease in the Americas was more than offset by increases in EMEA, led by strong growth in the powder business, and 3 percent in Asia Pacific. Results for 2014 included the operations of EcoQuip, acquired at the end of 2013, QED Environmental Systems, acquired at the beginning of fiscal 2014, and Alco, acquired at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Acquired operations contributed $41 million (6 percentage points of growth) in the Industrial segment for the year.

Operating margin rates for 2014 decreased by 1 percentage point compared to last year due to lower margins on acquired operations, including the impact of acquisition-related inventory valuation adjustments, acquisition expense and spending on regional and product expansion.

In 2013, salesthis segment in the Industrial segment totaled $652 million, an increase of 8 percent from2016 were consistent with the prior year. First quarter 2013 sales from the acquired Powder Finishing operations contributed approximately 5 percentage points to the 2013 sales growth. Overall for the Industrial segment, sales increased by 6 percent in the Americas, increased 12 percent in EMEA (9 percent at consistent translation rates) and increased 7 percent in Asia Pacific (10 percent at consistent translation rates).

Operating earnings as a percentage of sales were 32 percent in 2013 as compared to 31 percent in 2012. The effects of purchase accounting related to inventory reduced the operating margin rate for 2012 by approximately 1 percentage point.


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 Australian dollar and various Asian currencies.

Contractor


Process Segment

The following table presents net sales and operating earnings as a percentage of sales for the Process segment (dollars in millions):
 2017 2016 2015
Sales     
Americas$187.6
 $170.4
 $171.8
EMEA56.0
 52.4
 55.0
Asia Pacific51.0
 43.8
 46.8
Total$294.6
 $266.6
 $273.6
Operating Earnings as a Percentage of Sales18% 13% 16%

The following table presents the components of net sales change by geographic region for the Process segment:
 2017 2016
 Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total
Americas10% 0% 0% 10% (5)% 4% 0% (1)%
EMEA9% 0% (2)% 7% (12)% 12% (5)% (5)%
Asia Pacific17% 0% (1)% 16% (8)% 4% (2)% (6)%
Segment Total11% 0% 0% 11% (7)% 6% (2)% (3)%

In 2017, legacy product applications of the Process segment had double-digit percentage growth for the year. In the Americas and in EMEA, the Process segment saw growth in 2017 in technology, sanitary and vehicle service applications and stable markets for industrial lubrication and environmental applications. Sales directly into oil and natural gas applications were flat for the year, though offshore activity remains weak. In Asia Pacific, process applications continued to be favorable and, though sales into mining applications remained low in 2017, rising commodity prices could give rise to higher activity levels going forward. Operating margin rates for this segment increased 5 percentage points, driven by higher sales volume, favorable expense leverage and a decrease in intangible amortization related to the impairment recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016.

In 2016, sales in the Process segment decreased in all regions, with weakness in oil and natural gas and mining markets. Early in 2016, the segment acquired two businesses that enhance and complement the Company’s position in environmental monitoring and remediation markets. Incremental sales from the acquired operations totaled $14 million in 2016. Operating margin rate decreased in 2016 due to lower sales volume and unfavorable expense leverage.

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):

 2014 2013 2012 

Sales

Americas

$265 $237 $194 

EMEA

 71  67  64 

Asia Pacific

 40  39  41 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$376 $343 $299 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Components of Net Sales Change

Volume and Price

 10 %   14 %   4 %  

Currency

 -  %   1 %   (1)%  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

 10 %   15 %   3 %  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Earnings as a Percentage of Sales

 22 %   21 %   18 %  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sales in

 2017 2016 2015
Sales     
Americas$363.4
 $325.3
 $299.2
EMEA88.1
 74.3
 63.1
Asia Pacific36.6
 33.5
 34.5
Total$488.1
 $433.1
 $396.8
Operating Earnings as a Percentage of Sales23% 21% 22%

The following table presents the components of net sales change by geographic region for the Contractor segment:
 2017 2016
 Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total
Americas12% 0% 0% 12% 9% 0% 0% 9%
EMEA17% 0% 2% 19% 19% 0% (1)% 18%
Asia Pacific9% 0% 0% 9% (1)% 0% (2)% (3)%
Segment Total12% 0% 1% 13% 10% 0% (1)% 9%

In 2017, the Contractor segment increased 10 percenthad strong sales growth in all channels and regions. New product sales, expanded distribution and improved economic environment drove strong growth in EMEA from both developed and emerging markets. The Contractor segment benefited from the ongoing strength in both residential and commercial construction in North America, Western Europe, and Central East Europe. Ongoing emphasis on development of commercial resources and distribution in Asia Pacific resulted in growth in many areas of the region. Economic conditions and equipment adoption rates remain challenging in emerging markets in EMEA, Asia Pacific and South America. Contractor segment operating margin rate for the year which included increases of 12 percentincreased 2 percentage points compared to last year due to higher sales volume, improved gross margin rate and favorable expense leverage.

In 2016, new products and continued strength in the Americas, 5 percent in EMEAU.S. residential and 3 percent in Asia Pacific. Thecommercial construction markets drove sales growth in the Contractor segment was led byAmericas. Both the Americas, which continued to benefithome center channel and the paint store channel had solid sales growth in the Americas. In EMEA, sales growth came from the recoveryboth developed and emerging markets, with most of the U.S. housingincrease from Western and construction markets.

Central Europe. Operating earnings as a percentage of sales were 22 percent, up 1 percentage point from 2013. Higher sales and the leverage on expenses drove improvements in operating earnings in the Contractor Segment.

In 2013, sales in the Contractor segment increased 15 percent asmargin rates decreased slightly compared to 2012. By geography, sales increased by 22 percent in the Americas, increased 4 percent in Europe (2 percent at consistent translation rates)2015 rates due to unfavorable expense leverage and decreased 4 percent in Asia Pacific.

Operating earnings as a percentage of sales were 21 percent in 2013 as compared to 18 percent in 2012. Higher salesproduct and the leveraging of expenses drove the improvement of operating earnings as a percentage of sales.

channel mix.


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.

Lubrication

The following table presents net sales, components of net sales change and operating earnings as a percentage of sales for the Lubrication segment (dollars in millions):

 2014 2013 2012 

Sales

Americas

$92 $82 $81 

EMEA

 10  10  9 

Asia Pacific

 16  17  20 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$118 $109 $110 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Components of Net Sales Change

Volume and Price

 9 %   -  %   8 %  

Currency

 (1)%   (1)%   (1)%  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

 8 %   (1)%   7 %  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Earnings as a Percentage of Sales

 22 %   21 %   20 %  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

In 2014, sales in the Lubrication segment increased by 8 percent for the year. Sales increased 13 percent in the Americas, decreased 1 percent in EMEA and 7 percent in Asia Pacific.

Operating earnings increased by 1 percentage point in 2014. Higher sales volume and expense leverage led to higher operating margin in the Lubrication segment.

In 2013, sales in the Lubrication segment decreased by 1 percentage point compared to 2012. By geography, sales were flat in the Americas, increased 14 percent in EMEA, and decreased 13 percent in Asia Pacific.

Although the Americas represent the substantial majority of sales for the Lubrication segment, and indicators in that region are the most significant, management monitors indicators such as levels of gross domestic product, capital investment, industrial production and mining activity worldwide.

Unallocated corporate

(in millions)

 2014 2013 2012 

Unallocated corporate (expense)

$(24$(26$(38

Unallocated corporate includes such items as stock compensation, divestiture and certain acquisition transaction costs, bad debt expense, charitable contributions, certain portions of pension expense, and in 2014, central warehouse startup expenses. In 2014, unallocated corporate expenses included $17 million of stock compensation expense, $3 million of acquisition and divestiture costs, and $2 12 million of contributions to the Company’s charitable foundation, and $1 12 million related to the new central warehouse. In 2013, unallocated corporate included $16 million of stock compensation, $6 million related to the non-service cost portion of pension expense, $2 million related to acquisition/divestiture activities, and $2 million of contributions to the Company’s charitable foundation.


Financial Condition and Cash Flow


Working Capital.The following table highlights several key measures of asset performance (dollars in millions):

 2014 2013 

Working capital

$  685 $  624 

Current ratio

 4.9  4.7 

Days of sales in receivables outstanding

 64  60 

Inventory turnover (LIFO)

 3.8  3.8 

Accounts

 2017 2016
Working capital$397.5
 $325.4
Current ratio2.7
 2.8
Days of sales in receivables outstanding63
 61
Inventory turnover (LIFO)3.1
 3.0

Increases in accounts receivable and inventory balances increased in both 2014 and 2013 due to increases in business activity.

Changes in receivableswere consistent with higher sales levels, and inventories increased in line with volume growth.

to meet higher demand and service levels.


Capital Structure.At December 26, 2014, 29, 2017,the Company’s capital structure included current notes payable of $5$7 million, long-term debt of $615$226 million and shareholders’ equity of $596$723 million. At December 27, 2013,30, 2016, the Company’s capital structure included current notes payable of $10$9 million, long-term debt of $408$306 million and shareholders’ equity of $634$574 million.



Shareholders’ equity decreasedincreased by $38$149 million in 2014.2017. The decreases in shareholders’ equity include $195 million of shares repurchased, $67 million of dividends declared, and decreases of $54 million in other comprehensive income (loss) due to pension and post-retirement medical liability adjustments and foreign currency translation. The decreases in shareholders’ equity were offset byincrease from current year earnings of $226$252 million was partially offset by dividends of $83 million and $30 million forshare repurchases of $90 million. Increases related to shares issued.

issued, stock compensation and changes in accumulated other comprehensive income totaled $70 million.


Liquidity and Capital Resources. The Company had cash held in deposit accounts totaling $24$104 million at December 26, 201429, 2017, and $20$52 million atas of December 27, 2013, held in deposit accounts.

30, 2016. As of December 29, 2017, cash balances of $9 million were restricted to funding of certain self-insured loss reserves, and included within other current assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. In January 2014,2015, the Company paid $65 millionasserted that it will indefinitely reinvest earnings of foreign subsidiaries to support expansion of its international business. As of December 29, 2017, the amount of cash held outside the U.S. was not significant to acquire QED Environmental Systems, a manufacturer of fluid management solutions for environmental monitoring and remediation, markets where Graco had little or no previous exposure. The acquired business will expand and complement the Company’s Industrial segment.

liquidity and was available to fund investments abroad.


On June 26, 2014,December 15, 2016, the Company executed an amendment to its revolving credit agreement, extending the expiration date to June 26, 2019,December 15, 2021 and increasing the amountdecreasing certain interest rates and fees. The amended agreement with a syndicate of credit availablelenders provides up to $500 million a $50 million increase. Theof committed credit, facility is with a syndicate of

lenders and is available for general corporate purposes, working capital needs, share repurchases and acquisitions. The Company may borrow up to $50 million under the swingline portion of the facility for daily working capital needs.


Under terms of the amended revolving credit agreement, borrowings may be denominated in U.S. dollars or certain other currencies. Loans denominated in U.S. dollars bear interest, at the Company’s option, at either a base rate applied to borrowingsor a LIBOR-based rate. Loans denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars bear interest at a LIBOR-based rate. The base rate is an annual rate equal to a margin ranging from zero percent to 0.8750.75 percent, (down from zero to 1 percent under the prior agreement), depending on the Company’s cash flow leverage ratio (debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and extraordinary non-operating or non-cash charges and expenses) plus the highest of (i) the bank’s prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5 percent, or (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 1.5 percent. In general, LIBOR-based loans bear interest at LIBOR plus 1 percent to 1.8751.75 percent, (down from 1 to 2 percent), depending on the Company’s cash flow leverage ratio. FeesIn addition to paying interest on the undrawnoutstanding loans, the Company is required to pay a fee on the unused amount of the loan commitment decreased to a range of 0.15commitments at an annual rate ranging from 0.125 percent to 0.300.25 percent, (down from 0.15 percent to 0.40 percent), depending on the Company’s cash flow leverage ratio.

On October 1, 2014, the Company used proceeds from its revolving line of credit to acquire the stock of Alco Valves Group for £72 million cash, subject to normal post-closing purchase price adjustments. Alco is a United Kingdom based manufacturer of high quality, high pressure valves used in the oil and natural gas industry and in other industrial processes. Alco’s products and business relationships will enhance Graco’s position in the oil and natural gas industry and complement Graco’s core competencies of designing and manufacturing advanced flow control technologies. Alco revenues for the most recent trailing twelve months were approximately £19 million. Results of Alco operations have been included in the Company’s Industrial segment starting from the date of acquisition.

Pursuant to a final order from the FTC that became effective on October 9, 2014, Graco must sell the Liquid Finishing business assets acquired in 2012 within 180 days of the effective date. Graco will continue to hold the Liquid Finishing businesses separate and maintain them as viable and competitive until a sale process is complete. The Liquid Finishing business assets are held as a cost-method investment on Graco’s balance sheet, and income is recognized based on dividends received from current earnings. Since the date of acquisition, the Company received $68 million of dividends from current earnings of the Liquid Finishing businesses, including $28 million in 2014. Once the Company completes the sale of its investment, there will be no further dividends from Liquid Finishing.

On October 8, 2014, the Company announced it had signed a definitive agreement to sell the Liquid Finishing business assets for $590 million cash, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. The sale transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2015, in compliance with the FTC’s final decision and order. Graco expects to use the proceeds from the sale of the Liquid Finishing assets for reduction of outstanding debt, ongoing share repurchases, and to make investments in strategic acquisitions that provide synergistic opportunities.


On December 26, 2014,29, 2017, the Company had $550$545 million in lines of credit, including the $500 million revolvingin committed credit agreement notedfacilities described above and $45 million with foreign banks. The unused portion of which $200committed credit lines was $512 million was unused. as of December 29, 2017.

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 29, 2017.

Internally generated funds and unused financing sources are expected to provide the Company with the flexibility to meet its liquidity needs in 2015,2018, including its capital expenditure plan of approximately $35$40 million (excluding several building expansion projects that are currently in planning and design phases), planned dividends (estimatedestimated at $70 million)$90 million, share repurchases and acquisitions. In January 2015, the Company used proceeds from its revolving line of credit to acquire High Pressure Equipment Holdings, LLC (HiP) for $160 million. The Company completed two additional business acquisitions in January 2015, for cash consideration totaling approximately $20 million. If acquisition opportunities increase, the Company believes that reasonable financing alternatives are available for the Company to execute on those opportunities.


In December 2014,2017, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the Company’s regular commonquarterly dividend to $0.1325 from an annual rate of $1.10 to $1.20$0.1200 per share, a 9 percent increase.

an increase of 10 percent.


Cash Flow.A summary of cash flow follows (in millions):

 2014 2013 2012 

Operating Activities

$241 $243 $190 

Investing Activities

 (217 (31 (695

Financing Activities

 (23 (226 233 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

 3  3  -   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used)

 4  (11 (272
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at year-end

$24 $20 $31 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 2017 2016 2015
Operating activities$337.9

$276.0
 $191.4
Investing activities(68.5) (90.9) 369.9
Financing activities(217.1) (185.2) (536.2)
Effect of exchange rates on cash(1.0) 0.2
 3.5
Net cash provided51.3
 0.1
 28.6
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$103.7
 $52.4
 $52.3

Cash Flows From Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $241$338 million in 2014 and $2432017, up $62 million in 2013. Thecompared to 2016, driven by an increase in accounts receivable and inventories was $20 million higher in 2014 than the increase in the comparable period of 2013. Accounts receivable and inventory balances have increased since the end of 2013 due to increases in business activity.

net earnings. Net cash provided by operating activities was $243$276 million in 2013 and $1902016, up $85 million in 2012. During 2013, changes in receivables and inventories increased in line with volume growth. Net cash provided bycompared to 2015. Cash flows from operating activities in 2013 was driven by net2015 included the effects of increases in inventory and accounts receivable and payments of transaction costs and income taxes related to the sale of $211 million and adjustments for depreciation and amortization and share-based compensation.

Liquid Finishing business assets.



Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities. Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $217$68 million in 2014, compared to $312017, including $40 million for capital additions and $28 million for business acquisitions. Cash outflows from investing activities totaled $91 million in 2013. During 2014,2016. The Company used proceeds from its revolving line of credit to acquire two related businesses for a total cash price of $49 million and made capital additions of $42 million. Cash inflows from investing activities in 2015 included $610 million from the sale of the Liquid Finishing business assets, partially offset by cash outflows consisted of $189 million for acquisitions of $185and $42 million and additions to property, plant and equipment of $31 million. During 2013, cash used in investing activities was $31 million compared to $695 million in 2012. During 2013, cash outflows consisted of $23 million of additions to property, plant and equipment, and business acquisitions of $12 million.

for capital additions.


Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities. Cash flows used in financing activities totaled $24$217 million in 2014, compared to $2262017 and included dividends of $80 million, net payments of $83 million on long-term debt and outstanding lines of credit (including a $75 million prepayment of private placement debt that was due in 2018) and share repurchases of $90 million (partially offset by net proceeds from share issuances of $36 million). Cash flows used in financing activities totaled $185 million in 2013.2016. Cash inflows were generatedoutflows in 2016 included dividend payments of $73 million, share repurchases of $50 million (partially offset by borrowingsproceeds from share issuances of $33 million) and net payments on outstanding lines of credit of $202 million and share issuances of $30$93 million. This was offset by share repurchases of $195 million and dividends paid of $66 million. During 2013, cashCash flows used in financing activities was $226 million. Netin 2015 included net payments on outstanding lines of credit were $148of $211 million, share repurchases totaled $68of $275 million and cash dividends paid were $61 million in 2013. These cash uses were offset by the issuance of stock of $42$69 million.

In September 2012,


On April 24, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase of up to 618 million shares, of its outstanding stock, primarily through open-marketopen market transactions. ThisThe authorization will expire on September 30, 2015.is for an indefinite period of time or until terminated by the Board. Under the current authorization, 2.58.8 million shares remain available for purchase as of December 26, 2014.

29, 2017.


The Company repurchased and retired 2.6 million shares at a cost of $195 million in 2014,2017, compared to repurchasing nearly 12.3 million shares at a cost of $68in 2016 and 11.6 million shares in 2013 and $1 million of2015. The Company expects to continue to make opportunistic share repurchases in 2012. Share repurchases are expected to continue in 2015 with a goal of weighted average dilutive shares outstanding at2018 via open market transactions or below 60 million shares.

short-dated accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) programs.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations. As of December 26, 2014, the Company is obligated to make cash payments in connection with its long-term debt, operating leases and purchase obligations in the amounts listed below. The Company has no significant off-balance sheet debt or other unrecorded obligations other than the items noted in the following table.In addition, to the commitments noted in the following table, the Company could be obligated to perform under standby letters of credit totaling $2 million at December 26, 2014.29, 2017. The Company has also guaranteed the debt of its subsidiaries for up to $9$10 million. All debt of subsidiaries is reflected in the consolidated balance sheets.

 Payments due by period (in millions) 
 Total Less than
1 year
 1-3
years
 3-5
years
 More than
5 years
 

Long-term debt

$615 $- $- $390 $225 

Operating leases

 29  6  9  6  8 

Purchase obligations

 112  112  -  -  - 

Interest on long-term debt

 125  18  37  30  40 

Unfunded pension and postretirement medical benefits

 30  2  5  6  17 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$  911 $  138 $  51 $  432 $  290 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


As of December 29, 2017, the Company is obligated to make cash payments in connection with obligations as follows (in millions):
 Payments due by period
 Total 
Less than
1 year
 
1-3
years
 
3-5
years
 
More than
5 years
Long-term debt$226.0
 $
 $75.0
 $1.0
 $150.0
Interest on long-term debt63.2
 11.4
 20.2
 15.6
 16.0
Other non-current liabilities (1)
6.0
 1.0
 4.0
 0.4
 0.6
Operating leases28.2
 8.3
 10.2
 4.9
 4.8
Service contracts6.4
 2.9
 3.2
 0.3
 
Purchase obligations (2)
130.0
 130.0
 
 
 
Unfunded pension and postretirement medical benefits (3)
35.4
 2.7
 6.1
 7.1
 19.5
Total$495.2
 $156.3
 $118.7
 $29.3
 $190.9
1
(1)
Other non-current liabilities include estimated obligations for representations and warranties associated with the Liquid Finishing business divestiture, additional purchase consideration based on future revenues of an acquired business in excess of specified thresholds, and amounts related to certain capitalized leasehold improvements.
(2)
The Company is committed to pay suppliers under the terms of open purchase orders issued in the normal course of business. 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.

2
(3)
The amounts and timing of future Company contributions to the funded qualified defined benefit pension plan are unknown because they are dependent on pension fund asset performance.performance and pension obligation valuation assumptions.



Critical Accounting Estimates


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.


Excess and Discontinued Inventory. The Company’s inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market.net realizable value. Reserves for excess and discontinued products are estimated. The amount of the reserve is determined based on projected sales information, plans for discontinued products and other factors. Though management considers these balances adequate, changes in sales volumes due to unanticipated economic or competitive conditions are among the factors that would result in materially different amounts for this item.


Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.The Company performs impairment testing for goodwill and other intangible assets annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. For goodwill, the Company performs impairment reviews for the Company’s reporting units using a fair-value method based on management’s judgments and assumptions. The Company estimates the fair value of the reporting units by an allocation of market capitalization value, cross-checked byusing a present value of future cash flows calculation.calculation cross-checked by an allocation of market capitalization approach. The estimatedimpairment test is performed using a two-step process. In the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is then compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including recorded goodwill. Based on our most recent goodwill impairment assessment performed duringunit. If the fourth quarter of 2014, theestimated fair value of each reporting unit significantly exceededexceeds its carrying value, except for the businesses acquired in 2014. The fair value of those businesses still exceeded their carrying value, and the results related to the analyses for those businesses are in line with management’s expectations given the recent date of appraisal and purchase price allocation. Accordingly, step two of the impairment analysis wasis 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 also performs a separateCompany’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 testwhenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Indefinite lived intangibles are reviewed for each other intangibleimpairment annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset with indefinite life, based on estimated future use and discounting estimated future cash flows. 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 economic or market conditions, product offerings or marketing strategiesthese assumptions could changeimpact the estimated fair valuesvalue.

In 2016, operating results of our Oil and Natural Gas reporting unit (“ONG”) within the Process segment fell short of expectations due to weakness in oil and natural gas markets. We concluded that the depth and length of industry weakness, and its continuing impact on ONG results, were greater than previously expected, so we completed an impairment analysis and recorded adjustments to reduce goodwill by $147 million and other intangible assets by $45 million. The impairment charges reduced 2016 operating earnings by $192 million, created a $31 million deferred tax benefit, and decreased net earnings by $161 million.

In 2017, we completed our annual impairment testing of goodwill and other intangible assets in the fourth quarter. No impairment charges were recorded as a result in impairment charges.

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.


Retirement Obligations. 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 increase 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 advisors, its long-term historical returns, the allocation of plan assets and projected returns on plan assets. The Company changeddecreased its investment return assumption for its U.S. planplans to 7.8a weighted average rate of 7.0 percent for 2015.2018. Mortality rates are based on current common group mortality tables for males and females.

Net


In 2017, net pension cost in 2014 was $7of $15 million and was allocated to cost of products sold and operating expenses based on salaries and wages.wages, and the $12 million settlement loss component of pension cost was charged to general and administrative expense. At December 26, 2014,29, 2017, a one-half percentage point decrease in the indicated assumptions would have the following effects (in millions):

Assumption

Funded Status Expense 

Discount rate

$(29$2 

Expected return on assets

 -    1 

Assumption    Funded Status Expense
Discount rate    $(30.6) $3.0
Expected return on assets    
 1.3

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014,


Refer to Note A (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) to the Consolidated Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a final standard on revenue from contracts with customers. The new standard sets forth a single comprehensive modelStatements of this Form 10-K for recognizing and reporting revenue. The new standard is effective for the Company in its fiscal year 2017, and permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements anddisclosures related disclosures, and has not yet selected a transition method.

to recent accounting pronouncements.

Item 7A. Quantitative andQualitativeand 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 26, 2014,29, 2017, 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 2014,2017, changes in currency translation rates increased sales and net earnings by approximately $2 million and $1 million, respectively. In 2016, changes in currency translation rates reduced sales and net earnings by approximately $3$12 million and $2 million, respectively. ChangesIn 2015, changes in currency translation rates had no significant effect on 2013 net sales or earnings. In 2012, the effect of the stronger U.S. dollar compared to other currencies (primarily the euro) resulted in a decrease inreduced sales and net earnings ofby approximately $15$58 million and $5$20 million, respectively.

2015


2018 Outlook

Worldwide demand levels were resilient throughout 2014. We expect demand


Our outlook for the full-year 2018 is for mid single-digit sales growth on an organic, constant currency basis, with growth expected in every region and reportable segment. Demand levels in 2015 will continue to be supportivethe fourth quarter of growth in every reportable segment2017 remained solid and geography, although currency fluctuations and ongoing geopolitical instability remainprovide a concern. Our long-term growth initiatives continue to be our priority, providing a cornerstonefoundation for our mid-single digit organic growth expectations for the first quarter and full year 2015. Acquisitions completed in recent months are expected to add approximately 5 percentage points to the Company’sfull-year outlook. While Industrial segment sales growth in 2015the fourth quarter was low, bookings were better than billings and provide earnings accretionindicative of 13 to 15 cents per share for the full year before purchase accounting and transaction costs. a capital equipment environment that remains stable-to-improving.

At currentJanuary 2018 exchange rates, unfavorableassuming the same volumes, mix of products and mix of business by currency as in 2017, the movement in foreign currencies would be a headwindtailwind of approximately 43 percent on sales and 107 percent on earnings in 2015.

2018.


The Company’s backlog is typically small compared to annual sales and is not a good indicator of future 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.


Forward-Looking Statements


The Company desires to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions regarding forward-looking statements of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is filing this Cautionary Statement in order to do so. From time to time various forms filed by our Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including this Form 10-K and our Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks, and other disclosures, including our 20142017 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: our Company’s growth strategies, which include making acquisitions, investingto, the factors discussed in new products, expanding geographically and targeting new industries; whether we are able to effectively complete a divestiture of the acquired Liquid Finishing businesses, which has not been completed and remains subject to FTC approval; economic conditions in the United States and other major world economies; changes in currency translation rates; changes in laws and regulations; compliance with anti-corruption laws; new entrants who copy our products or infringe on our intellectual property; risks incident to conducting business internationally; the ability to meet our customers’ needs and changes in product demand; supply interruptions or delays; security breaches; political instability; results of and costs associated with, litigation, administrative proceedings and regulatory reviews incident to our business; the possibility of decline in purchases from few large customers of the Contractor segment; variations in activity in the construction and automotive industries; and natural disasters. Please refer to Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2014 for a more comprehensive discussion of these and other risk factors.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 above and in Item 1A might prove important to the Company’s future results. It is not possible for management to identify each and every factor that may have an impact on the Company’s operations in the future as new factors can develop from time to time.



Item 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 26, 2014.29, 2017. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) inInternal 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 26, 2014.

29, 2017.


The Company’s independent auditors have issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. That report appears in this Form 10-K.


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Shareholdersshareholders 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”"Company") as of December 26, 2014,29, 2017, based on criteria established inInternal Control - Integrated Framework(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Commission ("COSO"). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2017, 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 29, 2017 of the Company and our report dated February 20, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’sCompany'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’sCompany'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 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).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’scompany's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel 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’scompany'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’scompany's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of theits inherent limitations, of internal control over financial reporting including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be preventedprevent or detected on a timely basis.detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 20, 2018


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 29, 2017 and December 30, 2016, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 29, 2017, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the Company maintained,financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, effective internal control overthe financial reportingposition of the Company as of December 26, 2014, based on29, 2017, and December 30, 2016, and the criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Framework(2013) issued by the Committeeresults of Sponsoring Organizationsits operations and its cash flows for each of the Treadway Commission.

three years in the period ended December 29, 2017, 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 consolidatedCompany's internal control over financial statements and financial statement schedulereporting as of and forDecember 29, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the year ended December 26, 2014,Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the CompanyTreadway Commission and our report dated February 17, 2015,20, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidatedthe Company's internal control over financial statements and financial statement schedule.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

February 17, 2015

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of

Graco Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flowsreporting.

Basis for each of the three years in the period ended December 26, 2014. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. Opinion
These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’sCompany's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements and financial statement schedule 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 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).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. An audit includesmisstatement, 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 supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An auditOur audits also includes assessingincluded evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement presentation.statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 26, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2014, based on the criteria established inInternal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 17, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

February 17, 2015

20, 2018


We have served as the Company's auditor since at least 1969, in connection with its initial public offering.


GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 Years Ended 
 December 26,
2014
 December 27,
2013
 December 28,
2012
 

Net Sales

$1,221,130 $1,104,024 $1,012,456 

Cost of products sold

 554,394  496,569  461,926 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross Profit

 666,736  607,455  550,530 

Product development

 54,246  51,428  48,921 

Selling, marketing and distribution

 194,751  177,853  163,523 

General and administrative

 108,814  98,405  113,409 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating Earnings

 308,925  279,769  224,677 

Interest expense

 18,733  18,147  19,273 

Other expense (income), net

 (24,881 (27,200 (11,922
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings Before Income Taxes

 315,073  288,822  217,326 

Income taxes

 89,500  78,000  68,200 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Earnings

$225,573 $210,822 $149,126 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Basic Net Earnings per Common Share

$3.75 $3.44 $2.47 

Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share

$3.65 $3.36 $2.42 

Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share

$1.13 $1.03 $0.93 

 Years Ended
 December 29,
2017
 December 30,
2016
 December 25,
2015
Net Sales$1,474,744
 $1,329,293
 $1,286,485
Cost of products sold681,695
 621,054
 601,785
Gross Profit793,049
 708,239
 684,700
Product development60,106
 60,606
 58,559
Selling, marketing and distribution233,462
 215,253
 201,855
General and administrative139,034
 126,481
 122,161
Impairment
 192,020
 
Operating Earnings360,447
 113,879
 302,125
Interest expense16,202
 17,590
 17,643
Held separate investment (income), net
 
 (191,635)
Other expense (income), net(2,849) (366) 1,404
Earnings Before Income Taxes347,094
 96,655
 474,713
Income taxes94,682
 55,981
 129,000
Net Earnings$252,412
 $40,674
 $345,713
Basic Net Earnings per Common Share$1.50
 $0.24
 $2.00
Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share$1.45
 $0.24
 $1.95
Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share$0.49
 $0.45
 $0.41
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

 Years Ended 
 December 26,
2014
 December 27,
2013
 December 28,
2012
 

Net Earnings

$225,573 $210,822 $149,126 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Cumulative translation adjustment

 (27,935 7,812  (3,206

Pension and postretirement medical liability adjustment

 (39,164 46,955  (6,171

Income taxes

Pension and postretirement medical liability adjustment

 12,712  (17,371 2,113 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 (54,387 37,396  (7,264
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

$171,186 $248,218 $141,862 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 Years Ended
 December 29,
2017
 December 30,
2016
 December 25,
2015
Net Earnings$252,412
 $40,674
 $345,713
Components of other comprehensive income (loss)     
Cumulative translation adjustment16,443
 (31,227) (10,423)
Pension and postretirement medical liability adjustment(3,321) (10,715) 10,372
Income taxes - pension and postretirement medical liability1,317
 4,211
 (3,710)
Other comprehensive income (loss)14,439
 (37,731) (3,761)
Comprehensive Income$266,851
 $2,943
 $341,952
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 December 26, December 27, 
 2014 2013 

ASSETS

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$23,656 $19,756 

Accounts receivable, less allowances of $8,100 and $6,300

 214,944  183,293 

Inventories

 159,797  133,787 

Deferred income taxes

 19,969  18,827 

Investment in businesses held separate

 421,767  422,297 

Other current assets

 19,374  14,633 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

 859,507  792,593 

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 161,230  151,717 

Goodwill

 292,574  189,967 

Other Intangible Assets, net

 176,278  147,940 

Deferred Income Taxes

 28,982  20,366 

Other Assets

 26,207  24,645 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Assets

$1,544,778 $1,327,228 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current Liabilities

Notes payable to banks

$5,016 $9,584 

Trade accounts payable

 39,306  34,282 

Salaries and incentives

 40,775  38,939 

Dividends payable

 17,790  16,881 

Other current liabilities

 71,593  69,167 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 174,480  168,853 

Long-term Debt

 615,000  408,370 

Retirement Benefits and Deferred Compensation

 136,812  94,705 

Deferred Income Taxes

 22,454  20,935 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note K)

Shareholders’ Equity

Common stock, $1 par value; 97,000,000 shares authorized; 59,198,527 and 61,003,203 shares outstanding in 2014 and 2013

 59,199  61,003 

Additional paid-in-capital

 384,704  347,058 

Retained earnings

 252,865  272,653 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 (100,736 (46,349
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 596,032  634,365 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

$1,544,778 $1,327,228 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 December 29,
2017
 December 30,
2016
ASSETS   
Current Assets   
Cash and cash equivalents$103,662
 $52,365
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $14,000 and $12,700256,421
 218,365
Inventories239,349
 201,609
Other current assets32,494
 31,023
Total current assets631,926
 503,362
Property, Plant and Equipment, net204,298
 189,596
Goodwill278,789
 259,849
Other Intangible Assets, net183,056
 178,336
Deferred Income Taxes50,916
 86,653
Other Assets30,220
 25,313
Total Assets$1,379,205
 $1,243,109
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   
Current Liabilities   
Notes payable to banks$6,578
 $8,913
Trade accounts payable48,748
 39,988
Salaries and incentives55,884
 37,109
Dividends payable22,260
 20,088
Other current liabilities100,956
 71,887
Total current liabilities234,426
 177,985
Long-term Debt226,035
 305,685
Retirement Benefits and Deferred Compensation172,411
 159,250
Deferred Income Taxes17,253
 17,672
Other Non-current Liabilities6,017
 8,697
Commitments and Contingencies (Note K)

 
Shareholders’ Equity   
Common stock, $1 par value; 291,000,000 shares authorized;
169,318,926 and 167,503,236 shares outstanding in 2017 and 2016
169,319
 55,834
Additional paid-in-capital499,934
 453,394
Retained earnings181,599
 206,820
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(127,789) (142,228)
Total shareholders’ equity723,063
 573,820
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$1,379,205
 $1,243,109
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

   Years Ended 
   December 26,
2014
  December 27,
2013
  December 28,
2012
 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

    

Net earnings

  $225,573  $210,822  $149,126 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities Depreciation and amortization

   35,515   37,316   38,762 

Deferred income taxes

   329   (1,715  (10,786

Share-based compensation

   17,249   16,545   12,409 

Excess tax benefit related to share-based payment arrangements

   (6,634  (8,347  (4,217

Change in

    

Accounts receivable

   (26,557  (11,880  (2,752

Inventories

   (15,079  (10,186  5,941 

Trade accounts payable

   450   2,436   (952

Salaries and incentives

   1,520   2,022   (4,251

Retirement benefits and deferred compensation

   5,052   3,629   3,209 

Other accrued liabilities

   6,151   5,556   3,288 

Other

   (2,314  (3,143  (95
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from operating activities

 241,255  243,055  189,682 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Property, plant and equipment additions

 (30,636 (23,319 (18,234

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

 (185,462 (11,560 (240,068

Investment in businesses held separate

 530  4,516  (426,813

Proceeds from sale of assets

 -    1,600  -   

Other

 (1,163 (2,475 (9,405
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 (216,731 (31,238 (694,520
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

Borrowings (payments) on short-term lines of credit, net

 (4,459 1,280  (619

Borrowings on notes and long-term line of credit

 717,845  419,905  649,325 

Payments on long-term line of credit

 (511,215 (568,122 (392,845

Payments of debt issuance costs

 (890 -    (1,921

Excess tax benefit related to share-based payment arrangements

 6,634  8,347  4,217 

Common stock issued

 30,199  41,664  30,194 

Common stock repurchased

 (195,326 (67,827 (1,378

Cash dividends paid

 (66,362 (61,139 (54,302
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from (used in) financing activities

 (23,574 (225,892 232,671 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 2,950  2,711  137 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 3,900  (11,364 (272,030

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Beginning of year

 19,756  31,120  303,150 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

End of year

$23,656 $19,756 $31,120 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 Years Ended
 December 29,
2017
 December 30,
2016
 December 25,
2015
Cash Flows From Operating Activities     
Net Earnings$252,412
 $40,674
 $345,713
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
provided by operating activities
     
Impairment
 192,020
 
Depreciation and amortization45,583
 48,290
 44,607
Deferred income taxes34,446
 (35,561) (11,585)
Share-based compensation23,652
 21,134
 19,224
(Gain) loss on sale of business
 
 (149,894)
Change in     
Accounts receivable(28,010) 4,506
 (18,276)
Inventories(32,011) (693) (34,109)
Trade accounts payable4,588
 553
 4,305
Salaries and incentives11,431
 (6,809) (1,385)
Retirement benefits and deferred compensation6,920
 10,995
 11,870
Other accrued liabilities23,909
 3,298
 1,645
Other(5,056) (2,401) (20,701)
Net cash provided by operating activities337,864
 276,006
 191,414
Cash Flows From Investing Activities     
Property, plant and equipment additions(40,194) (42,113) (41,749)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired(27,905) (48,946) (189,017)
Proceeds from sale of assets
 
 610,162
Change in restricted assets(12) 288
 (9,518)
Other(348) (164) 61
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(68,459) (90,935) 369,939
Cash Flows From Financing Activities     
Borrowings (payments) on short-term lines of credit, net(3,026) (5,995) 11,216
Borrowings on long-term line of credit315,920
 648,134
 720,605
Payments on long-term debt and line of credit(395,570) (735,144) (942,910)
Payments of debt issuance costs
 (860) 
Common stock issued60,685
 35,796
 20,165
Common stock repurchased(90,160) (50,497) (274,503)
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards(24,448) (3,165) (1,330)
Cash dividends paid(80,477) (73,434) (69,429)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(217,076) (185,165) (536,186)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(1,032) 164
 3,472
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents51,297
 70
 28,639
Cash and Cash Equivalents     
Beginning of year52,365
 52,295
 23,656
End of year$103,662
 $52,365
 $52,295
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands)

 Common
Stock
 Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 Retained
Earnings
 Accumulated
Other
Compre-
hensive
Income (Loss)
 Total 

Balance December 30, 2011

$59,747 $242,007 $97,467 $(76,481$322,740 

Shares issued

 1,048  29,146  -    -    30,194 

Shares repurchased

 (28 (116 (1,234 -    (1,378

Stock compensation cost

 -    11,941  -    -    11,941 

Tax benefit related to stock options exercised

 -    4,817  -    -    4,817 

Net earnings

 -    -    149,126  -    149,126 

Dividends declared

 -    -    (56,062 -    (56,062

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 -    -    -    (7,264 (7,264
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance December 28, 2012

 60,767  287,795  189,297  (83,745 454,114 

Shares issued

 1,196  41,146  -    -    42,342 

Shares repurchased

 (960 (4,545 (64,652 -    (70,157

Stock compensation cost

 -    14,693  -    -    14,693 

Tax benefit related to stock options exercised

 -    8,647  -    -    8,647 

Restricted stock issued

 -    (678 -    -    (678

Net earnings

 -    -    210,822  -    210,822 

Dividends declared

 -    -    (62,814 -    (62,814

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 -    -    -    37,396  37,396 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance December 27, 2013

 61,003  347,058  272,653  (46,349 634,365 

Shares issued

 789  29,410  -    -    30,199 

Shares repurchased

 (2,593 (14,751 (178,090 -    (195,434

Stock compensation cost

 -    16,253  -    -    16,253 

Tax benefit related to stock options exercised

 -    6,734  -    -    6,734 

Net earnings

 -    -    225,573  -    225,573 

Dividends declared

 -    -    (67,271 -    (67,271

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 -    -    -    (54,387 (54,387
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance December 26, 2014

$59,199 $384,704 $252,865 $(100,736$596,032 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Total
Balance December 26, 2014$59,199
 $384,704
 $252,865
 $(100,736) $596,032
Shares issued446
 18,040
 
 
 18,486
Shares repurchased(3,879) (25,201) (242,984) 
 (272,064)
Stock compensation cost
 19,107
 
 
 19,107
Tax benefit related to stock options exercised
 1,775
 
 
 1,775
Restricted stock canceled (issued)
 349
 
 
 349
Net earnings
 
 345,713
 
 345,713
Dividends declared
 
 (70,086) 
 (70,086)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 (3,761) (3,761)
Balance December 25, 201555,766
 398,774
 285,508
 (104,497) 635,551
Shares issued830
 31,947
 
 
 32,777
Shares repurchased(762) (5,449) (44,286) 
 (50,497)
Stock compensation cost
 21,355
 
 
 21,355
Tax benefit related to stock options exercised
 6,913
 
 
 6,913
Restricted stock canceled (issued)
 (146) 
 
 (146)
Net earnings
 
 40,674
 
 40,674
Dividends declared
 
 (75,076) 
 (75,076)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 (37,731) (37,731)
Balance December 30, 201655,834
 453,394
 206,820
 (142,228) 573,820
Stock split112,879
 
 (112,879) 
 
Shares issued1,489
 35,164
 
 
 36,653
Shares repurchased(883) (7,172) (82,105) 
 (90,160)
Stock compensation cost
 18,963
 
 
 18,963
 Restricted stock canceled (issued)
 (415) 
 
 (415)
Net earnings
 
 252,412
 
 252,412
Dividends declared
 
 (82,649) 
 (82,649)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 14,439
 14,439
Balance December 29, 2017$169,319
 $499,934
 $181,599
 $(127,789) $723,063
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries

Years Ended December 26, 2014,29, 2017, December 27, 201330, 2016 and December 28, 2012

25, 2015


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 years ended December 26, 2014, December 27, 201329, 2017 and December 28, 2012,25, 2015 were 52-week years.

The year ended December 30, 2016 was a 53-week year.


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 26, 2014,29, 2017, all subsidiaries are 100 percent owned.

controlled by the Company. All share and per share data have been adjusted to reflect the three-for-one stock split distributed on December 27, 2017. Certain other prior year disclosures have been revised to conform with current year reporting.


As more fully described in Note L,M (Divestiture), in 2015, the Company purchased the Powder Finishing and Liquid Finishing businesses in April 2012. The FTC issued an order requiring the Company to holdsold the Liquid Finishing businesses separate from the rest of the Company’s businesses. Under terms of the hold separate order, the Company does not have the power to direct the activities of the Liquid Finishing businessesbusiness assets acquired in 2012 that most significantly impact the economic performance of those businesses. Therefore, the Company has determined that the Liquid Finishing businesses are variable interest entities for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary, and that they should not be consolidated. Furthermore, the Company does not have a controlling interest in the Liquid Finishing businesses, nor is it able to exert significant influence over the Liquid Finishing businesses. Consequently, the Company’s investment in the shares of the Liquid Finishing businesses, totaling $422 million, has been reflectedwere held as a cost-method investmentinvestment. Investment income in the Company’s consolidated statements of earnings includes the pre-tax gain on the Consolidated Balance Sheet assale, net of December 26, 2014,transaction and their resultsother related expenses, along with dividend income received prior to the sale from after-tax earnings of operations have not been consolidated with those of the Company.

Liquid Finishing.


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 (income), net.


Accounting Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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  2014 2013 

Assets

Cash surrender value of life insurance

2$13,187 $12,611 

Forward exchange contracts

2 280  291 
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets at fair value

$  13,467 $  12,902 
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

Deferred compensation

2$2,676 $2,296 
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 Level   2017 2016
Assets     
Cash surrender value of life insurance2 $16,128
 $13,785
Forward exchange contracts2 
 571
Total assets at fair value  $16,128
 $14,356
Liabilities     
Contingent consideration3 $4,081
 $4,081
Deferred compensation2 3,836
 3,265
Forward exchange contracts2 517
 
Total liabilities at fair value  $8,434
 $7,346

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 an acquired business based on its future revenues (see Note L, Acquisitions).

Disclosures related to other fair value measurements are included below in Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, in Note F (Debt) and in Note J (Retirement Benefits).


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 $207$244 million in 20142017 and $178$209 million in 2013.2016. Other receivables totaled $8$12 million in 20142017 and $5$9 million in 2013.

2016.


Inventory Valuation. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.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):

 2014 2013 

Prepaid income taxes

$10,849 $7,894 

Prepaid expenses and other

 8,525  6,739 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$  19,374 $  14,633 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 2017 2016
Prepaid income taxes$8,934
 $10,723
Restricted cash9,242
 9,230
Prepaid expenses and other14,318
 11,070
Total$32,494
 $31,023

Cash balances included within other current assets were restricted to funding of certain self-insured loss reserves.

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 2017. No impairment charges were recorded as a result of that review. In 2016, we recorded an impairment charge of $192 million for our Oil and Natural Gas reporting unit within the Process segment. There were no impairment charges in 2015.

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:

Buildings and improvements10 to 30 years
Leasehold improvementslesser of 5 to 10 years or life of lease
Manufacturing equipmentlesser of 5 to 10 years or life of equipment
Office, warehouse and automotive equipment3 to 10 years


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 Contractor Lubrication Total 

December 26, 2014

        

Beginning balance

$157,738 $12,732 $19,497 $189,967 

Additions from business acquisitions

 114,331  -  -  114,331 

Foreign currency translation

 (11,724 -  -  (11,724
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

$260,345 $12,732 $19,497 $292,574 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 27, 2013

        

Beginning balance

$148,999 $12,732 $19,497 $181,228 

Additions from business acquisitions

 6,626  -  -  6,626 

Foreign currency translation

 2,998  -  -  2,998 

Other

 (885 -  -  (885
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

$157,738 $12,732 $19,497 $189,967 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 Industrial Process Contractor Total
Balance, December 25, 2015$153,283
 $228,473
 $12,732
 $394,488
Additions from business acquisitions
 28,130
 
 28,130
Impairment
 (146,669) 
 (146,669)
Foreign currency translation(2,727) (13,373) 
 (16,100)
Balance, December 30, 2016150,556
 96,561
 12,732
 259,849
Additions (adjustments) from business acquisitions7,152
 (62) 6,413
 13,503
Foreign currency translation3,965
 1,472
 
 5,437
Balance, December 29, 2017$161,673
 $97,971
 $19,145
 $278,789


Components of other intangible assets were (dollars in thousands):

 Estimated
Life
(years)
Cost Accumulated
Amortization
 Foreign
Currency
Translation
 Book
Value
 

December 26, 2014

         

Customer relationships

3 - 14$143,144 $(21,948$(7,334$113,862 

Patents, proprietary technology and product documentation

3 - 11 18,268  (7,126 (655 10,487 

Trademarks, trade names and other

5 175  (44 -  131 
    

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 161,587  (29,118 (7,989 124,480 

Not Subject to Amortization Brand names

 55,265  -  (3,467 51,798 
    

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

$216,852 $(29,118$(11,456$176,278 
    

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

December 27, 2013

         

Customer relationships

3 - 14$121,205 $(26,377$1,458 $96,286 

Patents, proprietary technology and product documentation

3 - 11 16,125  (5,869 118  10,374 

Trademarks, trade names and other

5 175  (9 -  166 
    

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 137,505  (32,255 1,576  106,826 

Not Subject to Amortization Brand names

 40,400  -  714  41,114 
    

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

$177,905 $(32,255$2,290 $147,940 
    

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 Finite Life Indefinite Life  
 Customer
Relationships
 Patents and
Proprietary
Technology
 Trademarks,
Trade Names
and Other
 Trade
Names
 Total
As of December 29, 2017         
Cost$179,826
 $18,479
 $1,071
 $59,553
 $258,929
Accumulated amortization(54,076) (7,795) (542) 
 (62,413)
Foreign currency translation(9,186) (727) (61) (3,486) (13,460)
Book value$116,564
 $9,957
 $468
 $56,067
 $183,056
Weighted average life in years13
 10
 4
 N/A
  
As of December 30, 2016         
Cost$170,284
 $17,321
 $895
 $57,853
 $246,353
Accumulated amortization(41,599) (6,088) (337) 
 (48,024)
Foreign currency translation(13,630) (1,055) (59) (5,249) (19,993)
Book value$115,055
 $10,178
 $499
 $52,604
 $178,336
Weighted average life in years13
 10
 4
 N/A
  

Amortization of intangibles was $11.6$14.8 million in 2014, $12.52017, $17.8 million in 20132016 and $15.0$17.2 million in 2012.2015. Estimated future annual amortization expense based on the current carrying amount of other intangible assets is as follows (excluding amounts related to businesses acquired subsequent to the end of 2014)(in thousands): $12.4 million in 2015, $12.1 million in 2016, $11.8 million in 2017, $11.7 million in 2018, $11.6 million in 2019 and $64.9 million thereafter.

 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter
Estimated Amortization Expense$15,418
 $15,089
 $14,910
 $14,740
 $14,740
 $52,092

Other Assets. Components of other assets were (in thousands):

 2014 2013 

Cash surrender value of life insurance

$13,187 $12,611 

Capitalized software

 3,596  3,448 

Equity method investment

 5,859  5,569 

Deposits and other

 3,565  3,017 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$  26,207 $  24,645 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 2017 2016
Cash surrender value of life insurance$16,128
 $13,785
Capitalized software1,784
 1,812
Equity method investment6,755
 6,366
Prepaid pension2,538
 
Deposits and other3,015
 3,350
Total$30,220
 $25,313

The Company paid $1.5 million in 2013 forhas 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 will beare 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 operating expense and were not significant in 20142016 and 2012.2015. In 2013,2017, increases in cash surrender value totaled $1.6$2.3 million and were offset by expenses related to the non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans funded by the insurance contracts.


Capitalized software is amortized over its estimated useful life (generally 2 to 5 years) beginning at date of implementation.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.The Company evaluates long-lived assets (including property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization are also reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter. There were no write-downs of long-lived assets in the periods presented.



Other Current Liabilities.Components of other current liabilities were (in thousands):

 2014 2013 

Accrued self-insurance retentions

$7,089 $6,381 

Accrued warranty and service liabilities

 7,609  7,771 

Accrued trade promotions

 7,697  7,245 

Payable for employee stock purchases

 9,126  7,908 

Customer advances and deferred revenue

 8,918  11,693 

Income taxes payable

 5,997  4,561 

Other

 25,157  23,608 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$  71,593 $  69,167 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 2017 2016
Accrued self-insurance retentions$7,956
 $7,105
Accrued warranty and service liabilities10,535
 8,934
Accrued trade promotions10,588
 6,007
Payable for employee stock purchases10,053
 9,328
Customer advances and deferred revenue22,632
 9,400
Income taxes payable7,564
 8,608
Other31,628
 22,505
Total$100,956
 $71,887

Self-Insurance. The Company is self-insured for certain losses and costs relating to product liability, workers’ compensation, and employee medical benefits claims.benefit claims and representations and warranties associated with the Liquid Finishing business divestiture. The Company has purchased stop-loss coverage in order to limit its exposure to significant claims. Accrued self-insuredself-insurance retentions are based on claims filed, and estimates of claims incurred but not reported.

reported, and other actuarial assumptions. Self-insured reserves totaled $8.5 million as of December 29, 2017, and $9.8 million as of December 30, 2016, including $0.5 million and $2.7 million, respectively, classified as other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


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):

 2014 2013 

Balance, beginning of year

$7,771 $7,943 

Assumed in business acquisition

 12  - 

Charged to expense

 6,069  6,119 

Margin on parts sales reversed

 1,920  3,819 

Reductions for claims settled

 (8,163 (10,110
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of year

$7,609 $7,771 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 2017 2016
Balance, beginning of year$8,934
 $7,870
Charged to expense7,930
 7,516
Margin on parts sales reversed2,826
 1,796
Reductions for claims settled(9,155) (8,248)
Balance, end of year$10,535
 $8,934

Revenue Recognition. Sales are recognized when revenue is realized or realizable and has been earned. The Company’s policy is to recognize revenue when risk and title passes 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. Rights of return are typically contractually limited, amounts are estimable, and the Company records provisions for anticipated returns and warranty claims at the time revenue is recognized. Historically, sales returns have been approximately 2less than 3 percent of sales. 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. From time to time, the Company may promote the sale of new products by agreeing to accept returns of superseded products. In such cases, provisions for estimated returns are recorded as a reduction of net sales.


Trade promotions are offered to distributors and end users through various programs, generally with terms of one year or less. Such promotions include cooperative advertising arrangements, 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. 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. Rebates are accrued based on the program rates and progress toward the estimated annual sales amount and sales growth, and are recorded as a reduction of sales (cash, trade credit) or cost of products sold (free goods). 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.


Shipping and Handling.Shipping and handling costs incurred for the delivery of goods to customers are included in cost of goods sold in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.Earnings. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales.



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 26, 201429, 2017, totaled $22$34 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 interest rate volatility and 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 and balance sheet classification of such instruments follows (in thousands):

  Balance Sheet Classification       2014               2013         

Gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts

Gains

$280  $306 

Losses

 -  (15)  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net

Accounts receivable$280 $291 
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 2017 2016
Foreign Currency Contracts   
Assets$
 $621
Liabilities(517) (50)
Net Assets (Liabilities)$(517) $571

Recent Accounting Pronouncements.
Share-based Payments
A new accounting standard that changed certain aspects of accounting for share-based payments became effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2017. Excess tax benefits on exercised stock options that were previously credited to equity now reduce the current income tax provision. The change in accounting for excess tax benefits decreased the current income tax provision and increased net earnings for the year by $36.3 million, reduced the effective income tax rate by 10 percentage points and increased diluted earnings per share by $0.21. Under the new standard, excess tax benefits are no longer reclassified out of cash flows from operating activities to financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We elected to apply the cash flow presentation requirements retrospectively to all periods presented, which resulted in an increase in previously reported net cash provided by operating activities and a decrease in net cash provided by financing activities of $6.9 million for the year ended December 30, 2016 and $1.8 million for the year ended December 25, 2015. Also under the new standard, the Company elected to account for share-based grant forfeitures as they occur. The impact of the change in accounting for forfeitures was not significant, and was reflected in share-based compensation cost in the first quarter of 2017.

Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a final standard on revenue from contracts with customers.customers, contained in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 (“ASC 606”). The new standard sets forth a single comprehensive model for recognizing and reporting revenue. ASC 606 will become effective for the Company beginning with the first quarter of 2018, and the Company plans to adopt the new accounting standard using the modified retrospective transition approach. The modified retrospective transition approach will recognize any changes from the beginning of the year of initial application through retained earnings with no restatement of comparative periods.


Because the new standard impacted our business processes, systems and controls, we developed a comprehensive change management project plan to guide the implementation. This project plan included analyzing the standard’s impact on our revenue streams and associated contracts, comparing our historical accounting policies and practices to the requirements of the new standard, and identifying differences from applying the requirements of the new standard to our contracts. We developed internal controls to ensure that we adequately evaluated our portfolio of contracts under the five-step model to ensure proper assessment of our operating results under ASC 606. We reported on the progress of the implementation to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors on a regular basis during the project’s duration.

For most of our contracts, we will record revenue under ASC 606 at a single point in time, when control is transferred to the customer, which is consistent with past practice. We have made the necessary changes to our business processes, policies, systems and controls to support recognition and disclosure under the new standard. Further, we will include incremental disaggregated revenue and other disclosures as required in our consolidated financial statements.

Based on the results of the evaluation, nothing has come to our attention that would indicate that adoption of the new standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Application of the transition requirements of the new standard will not have a material impact on opening retained earnings.

Presentation of Pension Cost
In March 2017, the FASB issued a final standard that changes the presentation of net periodic benefit cost related to defined benefit plans. The Company will adopt the standard when it becomes effective in fiscal 2018 and it will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Under the new standard, net periodic benefit costs are required to be disaggregated between service costs presented as operating expenses and other components of pension costs presented as non-operating expenses. The Company currently charges service costs to segment operations and includes other components of pension cost in unallocated corporate operating expenses. Under the new standard, unallocated corporate operating expenses will decrease, operating earnings will increase and other expense will increase by the amount of other (non-service) components of pension cost. There will be no impact on reported segment earnings, net earnings or earnings per share.

Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued a final standard on accounting for leases. The new standard is effective for the Company in its fiscal year 2017,2019 and permitsrequires most leases to be recorded on the use of either a retrospective or a cumulative effect transition method.balance sheet. The Company is evaluating the effect of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and has not yet selected a transition method.

accounting systems.




B. Segment Information


The Company has six operating segments which are aggregated into three reportable segments: Industrial, (which aggregates six operating segments), ContractorProcess and Lubrication.Contractor.

The Industrial segment includes our Industrial Products and Applied Fluid Technologies divisions. The Industrial segment markets equipment and pre-engineered packages 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, process, 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 various other industries. fluids. Markets served include food and beverage, dairy, oil and natural gas, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, electronics, 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 Lubrication segment markets products to move and dispense lubricants for fast oil change facilities, service garages, fleet service centers, automobile dealerships, the mining industry and industrial lubrication applications. All segments market parts and accessories for their products.


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.

Reportable Segments (in thousands)

      2014        

 

      2013        

 

      2012        

 

Net Sales

Industrial

$727,389 $652,344 $603,398 

Contractor

 375,574  342,546  298,811 

Lubrication

 118,167  109,134  110,247 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

$1,221,130 $1,104,024 $1,012,456 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating Earnings

Industrial

$225,337 $211,265 $186,129 

Contractor

 81,892  72,245  54,310 

Lubrication

 26,403  22,512  22,535 

Unallocated corporate (expense)

 (24,707 (26,253 (38,297
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

$308,925 $279,769 $224,677 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Assets

Industrial

$770,623 $591,135 

Contractor

 176,757  152,300 

Lubrication

 83,148  82,503 

Unallocated corporate

 514,250  501,290 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total

$1,544,778 $1,327,228 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  


Segments information follows (in thousands):
 2017 2016 2015
Net Sales     
Industrial$691,978
 $629,581
 $616,069
Process294,652
 266,630
 273,631
Contractor488,114
 433,082
 396,785
Total$1,474,744
 $1,329,293
 $1,286,485
Operating Earnings     
Industrial$237,700
 $207,183
 $201,749
Process52,216
 35,750
 43,833
Contractor113,898
 91,837
 86,447
Unallocated corporate (expense)(43,367) (28,871) (29,904)
Impairment
 (192,020) 
Total$360,447
 $113,879
 $302,125
Assets     
Industrial$572,436
 $546,366
  
Process345,572
 318,444
  
Contractor255,615
 208,016
  
Unallocated corporate205,582
 170,283
  
Total$1,379,205
 $1,243,109
  

Management assesses performance of segments by reference to operating earnings excluding unallocated corporate expenses and asset impairments. Unallocated corporate (expense) is not included in management’s measurement of segment performance and includes such items as stock compensation, divestiture and certain acquisition transaction costs, bad debt expense, charitable contributions, certain portions of pension expense and in 2014,certain central warehouse startup expenses. Unallocated assets include cash, allowances and valuation reserves, deferred income taxes, certain capital items and other assets.

Geographic Information (in thousands)

      2014        

 

      2013        

 

      2012        

 

Net Sales (based on customer location)

United States

$577,359 $498,478 $440,757 

Other countries

 643,771  605,546  571,699 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$1,221,130 $1,104,024 $1,012,456 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-lived Assets

United States

$131,131 $120,262 

Other countries

 30,099  31,455 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total

$161,230 $151,717 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   



Geographic information follows (in thousands):
 2017 2016 2015
Net Sales (based on customer location)     
United States$743,344
 $685,981
 $653,534
Other countries731,400
 643,312
 632,951
Total$1,474,744
 $1,329,293
 $1,286,485
Long-lived Assets     
United States$163,416
 $151,911
  
Other countries40,882
 37,685
  
Total$204,298
 $189,596
  

Sales to Major Customers

There were no customers that accounted forCustomers. Worldwide sales to one customer in the Contractor and Industrial segments individually represented over 10 percent or more of the Company’s consolidated sales in 2014, 2013 or 2012.

2017, 2016 and 2015.


C. Inventories


Major components of inventories were as follows (in thousands):

 2014 2013 

Finished products and components

$87,384 $65,963 

Products and components in various stages of completion

 47,682  41,458 

Raw materials and purchased components

 69,212  69,051 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
 204,278  176,472 

Reduction to LIFO cost

 (44,481 (42,685
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$  159,797 $  133,787 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 2017 2016
Finished products and components$124,327
 $113,643
Products and components in various stages of completion61,274
 50,557
Raw materials and purchased components103,407
 84,631
Subtotal289,008
 248,831
Reduction to LIFO cost(49,659) (47,222)
Total$239,349
 $201,609

Inventories valued under the LIFO method were $84.0$135.9 million in 20142017 and $76.9$103.2 million in 2013.2016. All other inventory was valued on the FIFO method.


In 2017, there were no reductions in inventory quantities resulting in liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower costs from prior years.

D. Property, Plant and Equipment


Property, plant and equipment were as follows (in thousands):

 2014 2013 

Land and improvements

$16,311 $16,506 

Buildings and improvements

 123,126  118,460 

Manufacturing equipment

 242,978  222,810 

Office, warehouse and automotive equipment

 39,219  35,887 

Additions in progress

 12,117  14,224 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment

 433,751  407,887 

Accumulated depreciation

 (272,521 (256,170
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net property, plant and equipment

$161,230 $151,717 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 2017 2016
Land and improvements$24,469
 $23,253
Buildings and improvements145,009
 132,343
Manufacturing equipment298,719
 286,742
Office, warehouse and automotive equipment41,747
 37,940
Additions in progress18,170
 9,364
Total property, plant and equipment528,114
 489,642
Accumulated depreciation(323,816) (300,046)
Net property, plant and equipment$204,298
 $189,596

Depreciation expense was $24.1$29.5 million in 2014, $23.42017, $28.8 million in 20132016 and $22.2$25.7 million in 2012.

2015.




E. Income Taxes


Passage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") required a revaluation of net deferred tax assets that increased the 2017 tax provision by $29.0 million and instituted a transition tax on un-repatriated foreign earnings that increased the tax provision by $6.6 million. Those adjustments increased the effective income tax rate by 10 percentage points. Adjustments recorded in 2017 were prepared on a provisional basis using estimates based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and available inputs and underlying information. The ultimate impact of the Tax Act may differ from those estimates due to continuing analysis or further regulatory guidance that may be issued. Any adjustments to the provisional amounts recorded as of December 29, 2017 that are identified within one year of the Tax Act enactment date will be included as an adjustment to tax expense in the period the amounts are determined.

Adoption of a new accounting standard, requiring excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises to be credited to the income tax provision (formerly credited to equity), reduced the 2017 tax provision by $36.3 million, decreasing the effective tax rate by 10 percentage points.

No additional income or withholding taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the transition tax as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. As of December 29, 2017, the amount of cash held outside the U.S. was not significant to the Company’s liquidity and was available to fund investments abroad.
Earnings before income tax expense (income) consist of (in thousands):

 2014 2013 2012 

Domestic

$266,627 $238,928 $184,132 

Foreign

 48,446  49,894  33,194 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$  315,073 $  288,822 $  217,326 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 2017 2016 2015
Domestic$269,258
 $107,440
 $402,453
Foreign77,836
 (10,785) 72,260
Total$347,094
 $96,655
 $474,713

Income tax expense (income) consists of (in thousands):

 2014 2013 2012 

Current

Domestic

Federal

$73,584 $64,753 $61,989 

State and local

 2,775  2,470  5,180 

Foreign

 12,263  11,569  11,218 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 88,622  78,792  78,387 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred

Domestic

 2,497  (553 (5,431

Foreign

 (1,619 (239 (4,756
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 878  (792 (10,187
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$89,500 $78,000 $68,200 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 2017 2016 2015
Current     
Federal$41,996
 $67,126
 $117,883
State and local3,088
 4,868
 4,576
Foreign19,486
 18,195
 18,115
Current income tax expense64,570
 90,189
 140,574
Deferred     
Domestic35,782
 (27,509) (10,175)
Foreign(5,670) (6,699) (1,399)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)30,112
 (34,208) (11,574)
Total$94,682
 $55,981
 $129,000

Income taxes paid were $92.1 million, $78.0 million and $71.7$61.0 million in 2014, 20132017, $78.6 million in 2016 and 2012.

$150.5 million in 2015.


A reconciliation between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate follows:

 2014 2013 2012 

Statutory tax rate

 35 35 35

Tax effect of international operations

 (1 (1 (1

State taxes, net of federal effect

 1   1   1 

U.S. general business tax credits

 (1 (2 -   

Domestic production deduction

 (3 (3 (2

Dividends from Liquid Finishing

 (3 (3 (2
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

 28 27 31
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 2017 2016 2015
Statutory tax rate35 % 35 % 35 %
Tax effect of international operations(6) 4
 (3)
State taxes, net of federal effect1
 1
 1
U.S. general business tax credits(1) (3) (1)
Domestic production deduction(2) (7) (2)
Stock compensation excess tax benefit

(10) 
 
Impact of 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

10
 
 
Impairment
 28
 
Dividends from Liquid Finishing
 
 (3)
Effective tax rate27 % 58 % 27 %

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 arewere as follows (in thousands):

 2014 2013 

Inventory valuations

$9,163 $8,825 

Self-insurance retention accruals

 2,098  1,887 

Warranty reserves

 2,074  2,089 

Vacation accruals

 3,023  2,740 

Bad debt reserves

 2,409  1,961 

Other

 1,202  1,325 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes, current

 19,969  18,827 

Included in other current liabilities

 (1,743 (1,095
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current

 18,226  17,732 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unremitted earnings of consolidated foreign subsidiaries

 (7,316 (6,316

Excess of tax over book depreciation

 (50,664 (42,322

Pension liability

 35,247  20,798 

Postretirement medical

 7,743  8,097 

Acquisition costs

 3,369  3,644 

Stock compensation

 16,657  14,401 

Deferred compensation

 1,350  1,193 

Other

 142  (64
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Non-current

 6,528  (569
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

$24,754 $17,163 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 2017 2016
Inventory valuations$(1,686) $9,845
Self-insurance retention accruals1,264
 1,836
Warranty reserves1,658
 2,390
Vacation accruals1,942
 3,343
Bad debt reserves2,620
 3,824
Excess of tax over book depreciation and amortization(30,381) (31,849)
Pension liability31,220
 43,924
Postretirement medical4,313
 6,856
Acquisition costs680
 1,052
Stock compensation14,185
 24,521
Deferred compensation1,801
 1,495
Foreign tax credit carryforward

5,000
 
Other1,047
 1,744
Net deferred tax assets$33,663
 $68,981

Total deferred tax assets were $95.3$68.8 million and $78.6$103.4 million, and total deferred tax liabilities were $70.6$35.1 million and $61.4$34.5 million on December 26, 201429, 2017 and December 27, 2013.30, 2016. The difference between the deferred income tax provision and the change in net deferred income taxes is due to the change in other comprehensive income (loss) items and the impact of acquisitions.

items.


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 2008.

2011.


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.


F. Debt


A summary of debt follows (dollars in thousands):

 Average
Interest Rate
December 26,
2014
 Maturity 2014 2013 

Private placement unsecured fixed-rate notes

Series A

 4.00 March 2018  $75,000 $75,000 

Series B

 5.01 March 2023   75,000  75,000 

Series C

 4.88 January 2020   75,000  75,000 

Series D

 5.35 July 2026   75,000  75,000 

Unsecured revolving credit facility

 1.28 June 2019   315,000  108,370 

Notes payable to banks

 0.85 2015   5,016  9,584 
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt, including current portion

$  620,016 $  417,954 
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 Average Interest Rate      
 December 29, 2017 Maturity 2017 2016
Private placement unsecured fixed-rate notes       
Series A4.00% March 2018 $
 $75,000
Series B5.01% March 2023 75,000
 75,000
Series C4.88% January 2020 75,000
 75,000
Series D5.35% July 2026 75,000
 75,000
Unsecured revolving credit facility2.56% December 2021 1,035
 5,685
Notes payable to banks0.77% 2018 6,578
 8,913
Total debt    $232,613
 $314,598

The estimated fair value of debt withthe fixed interest ratesrate private placement debt was $330$245 million on December 26, 201429, 2017 and $320$325 million on December 27, 2013.30, 2016. 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 June 26, 2014,December 15, 2016, the Company executed an amendment to its revolving credit agreement, extending the expiration date to June 26, 2019.December 15, 2021 and decreasing certain interest rates and fees. The amended agreement with a syndicate of lenders provides up to $500

$500 million of committed credit, available for general corporate purposes, working capital needs, share repurchases and acquisitions. The Company may borrow up to $50 million under the swingline portion of the facility for daily working capital needs.


Under terms of the amended revolving credit agreement, loansborrowings may be denominated in U.S. dollars or certain other currencies. 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 currencies other than U.S. dollars bear interest at a LIBOR-based rate. The base rate is an annual rate equal to a margin ranging from zero percent to 0.8750.75 percent, depending on the Company’s cash flow leverage ratio (debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and extraordinary non-operating or non-cash charges and expenses) plus the highest of (i) the bank’s prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5 percent, or (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 1.5 percent. In general, LIBOR-based loans bear interest at LIBOR plus 1 percent to 1.8751.75 percent, depending on the Company’s cash flow leverage ratio. TheIn addition to paying interest on the outstanding loans, the Company is also required to pay a fee on the undrawnunused amount of the loan commitmentcommitments at an annual rate ranging from 0.150.125 percent to 0.300.25 percent, depending on the Company’s cash flow leverage ratio.


On December 26, 2014,29, 2017, the Company had $550$545 million in lines of credit, including the $500 million in committed credit facilities described above and $50$45 million with foreign banks. The unused portion of committed credit lines was $200$512 million as of December 26, 2014.29, 2017. In addition, the Company has unused, uncommitted lines of credit with foreign banks totaling $31$26 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 percent per annum 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.

agreements as of December 29, 2017.


Annual maturities of debt are as follows (in thousands):

       
 

          2015

  $5,016 
 

          2016

   -   
 

          2017

   -   
 

          2018

   75,000 
 

          2019

   315,000 
 

Thereafter

   225,000 

 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter
Maturities of debt$6,578
 $
 $75,000
 $1,035
 $
 $150,000

Interest paid on debt during 2014, 2013was $16.5 million in 2017, $17.6 million in 2016 and 2012 was $18.6$17.5 million $18.3 million and $19.0 million.

in 2015.


G. Shareholders’ Equity


At December 26, 2014,29, 2017, 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.


All stock option, share and per share data reflect the three-for-one common stock split distributed on December 27, 2017.

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

   Pension
and Post-
retirement
Medical
   Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment
   Total 

2012

            

Beginning balance

  $(75,658  $(823  $(76,481

Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications

   (10,993   (3,206   (14,199

Amounts reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income

   6,935    -      6,935 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

$(79,716$(4,029$(83,745
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

2013

      

Beginning balance

$(79,716$(4,029$(83,745

Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications

 23,103  7,812  30,915 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income

 6,481  -    6,481 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

$(50,132$3,783 $(46,349
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

2014

      

Beginning balance

$(50,132$3,783 $(46,349

Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications

 (29,563 (27,935 (57,498

Amounts reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income

 3,111  -    3,111 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

$(76,584$(24,152$(100,736
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 
Pension and
Postretirement
Medical
 
Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment
 Total
Balance, December 26, 2014$(76,584) $(24,152) $(100,736)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications641
 (10,423) (9,782)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income6,021
 
 6,021
Balance, December 25, 2015(69,922) (34,575) (104,497)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(12,169) (31,227) (43,396)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income5,665
 
 5,665
Balance, December 30, 2016(76,426) (65,802) (142,228)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(14,791) 16,443
 1,652
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income12,787
 
 12,787
Balance, December 29, 2017$(78,430) $(49,359) $(127,789)


Amounts related to pension and postretirement medical adjustments are reclassified to pension cost, which is allocated to cost of products sold and operating expenses generally based on salaries and wages,wages. Included in the 2017 reclassification is $12 million related to a pension settlement loss that was charged to general and administrative expense (see Note J). Amounts allocated, including the pension settlement loss were approximately as follows (in thousands):

 2014 2013 2012 

Cost of products sold

$1,701 $3,635 $3,900 

Product development

 714  1,699  1,728 

Selling, marketing and distribution

 1,371  2,828  2,886 

General and administrative

 820  2,124  2,032 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total before tax

$4,606 $10,286 $10,546 

Income tax (benefit)

 (1,495 (3,805 (3,611
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total after tax

$3,111 $6,481 $6,935 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 2017 2016 2015
Cost of products sold$3,165
 $3,379
 $3,370
Product development1,307
 1,334
 1,352
Selling, marketing and distribution3,085
 3,033
 3,109
General and administrative13,635
 1,586
 1,543
Total before tax$21,192
 $9,332
 $9,374
Income tax (benefit)(8,405) (3,667) (3,353)
Total after tax$12,787
 $5,665
 $6,021


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 three or four years, and in such installments as set by the Company, and expire ten 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 charged to operations for restricted share awards was $0.3 million in 2014, $0.5 million in 2013 and $0.4 million in 2012. Individual nonemployee directors of the Company may elect to receive, either currently or deferred, all or part of their annual retainer, and/or payment for attendance at Board or Committee meetings, in the form of shares of the Company’s common stock instead of cash. Under this arrangement, the Company issued 4,867 shares in 2014, 6,079 shares in 2013 and 7,656 shares in 2012. The expense related to this arrangementrestricted 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 thisthe stock appreciation plan was $1.0$4.5 million in 2014, $1.9 million2017 and was not significant in 20132016 and $0.5 million2015.

Individual nonemployee directors of the Company may elect to receive, either currently or deferred, all or part of their retainer in 2012.

the form of shares of the Company’s common stock instead of cash. Under this arrangement, the Company issued 5,975 shares in 2017, 6,882 shares in 2016 and 5,963 shares in 2015. 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):

                                                                                        
 Option
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 Options
Exercisable
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Outstanding, December 30, 2011

 5,478 $32.12   3,211  $32.27  

Granted

 566  50.33  

Exercised

 (805 27.14  

Canceled

 (47 35.24  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 28, 2012

 5,192  34.85   3,194   32.99  

Granted

 969  65.97  

Exercised

 (990 33.04  

Canceled

 (22 40.71  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 27, 2013

 5,149  41.03   3,311   33.20  

Granted

 475  74.62  

Exercised

 (607 35.73  

Canceled

 (42 61.35  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 26, 2014

 4,975 $44.72   3,318  $34.86  
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 
Option
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Options
Exercisable
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 26, 201414,925
 $14.91
 9,954
 $11.62
Granted1,629
 24.73
    
Exercised(984) 12.43
    
Canceled(75) 24.00
    
Outstanding, December 25, 201515,495
 16.05
 10,749
 12.83
Granted3,483
 25.53
    
Exercised(2,286) 13.00
    
Canceled(87) 23.36
    
Outstanding, December 30, 201616,605
 18.42
 11,016
 15.13
Granted1,725
 30.71
    
Exercised(4,903) 12.86
    
Canceled(137) 26.63
    
Outstanding, December 29, 201713,290
 $21.99
 7,729
 $18.33


The following table summarizes information for options outstanding and exercisable at December 26, 201429, 2017 (in thousands, except exercise prices and contractual term amounts):

  Range of  
Prices

Options
Outstanding
 Options
Outstanding
Weighted Avg.
Remaining
Contractual Term
in Years
Options
Outstanding
Weighted Avg.
Exercise Price
 Options
Exercisable
 Options
Exercisable
Weighted Avg.
Exercise Price
 
$  16-30 1,352 4$23.60  1,352 $23.60 
$  30-45 1,585 4 39.31  1,458  39.01 
$  45-60 1,177 7 53.99  491  52.24 
$  60-76 861 9 75.19  17  74.89 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
$  16-76 4,975 6$44.72  3,318 $34.86 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

  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
$5 - $15 2,200
 2.2 $10.52
 2,200
 $10.52
$15 - $20 2,795
 4.6 18.14
 2,795
 18.14
$20 - $25 4,676
 7.3 24.43
 2,222
 24.62
$25 - $30 1,912
 8.2 27.07
 507
 25.51
$30 - $38 1,707
 9.2 30.71
 5
 31.44
$5 - $38 13,290
 6.3 $21.99
 7,729
 $18.33

The aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable option shares was $154.5$211.0 million as of December 26, 2014,29, 2017, with a weighted average contractual term of 4.64.7 years. There were approximately 4.913.3 million vested share options and share options expected to vest as of December 26, 2014,29, 2017, with an aggregate intrinsic value of $182.2$314.2 million, a weighted average exercise price of $44.50$21.99 and a weighted average contractual term of 5.86.3 years.


Information related to options exercised follows (in thousands):

 2014 2013 2012 

Cash received

$  20,343 $  33,630 $  21,687 

Aggregate intrinsic value

 25,284  33,028  18,195 

Tax benefit realized

 8,200  11,200  6,200 

 2017 2016 2015
Cash received$48,833
 $21,142
 $7,720
Aggregate intrinsic value119,442
 30,247
 11,851
Tax benefit realized42,000
 9,900
 3,600

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. TheUnder this plan, the Company issued 193,084 shares under this plan in 2014, 196,913499,956 shares in 2013 and 238,6212017, 510,432 shares in 2012.

2016 and 497,691 shares in 2015.


Authorized Shares.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 26, 2014
 

Stock Incentive Plan (2010)

 5,100  2,031 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2006)

 7,000  5,094 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

 12,100  7,125 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 
Total Shares
Authorized
 Available for Future
Issuance as of December 29, 2017
Stock Incentive Plan (2015)10,500
 5,186
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2006)21,000
 13,775
Total31,500
 18,961

Amounts available for future issuance exclude outstanding options. Options outstanding as of December 26, 2014,29, 2017, include options granted under threetwo 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 of $17.2 million in 2014, $16.5 million in 2013 and $12.4 million in 2012, which reduced net income by $12.8 million, or $0.21 per weighted diluted common share in 2014, $12.6 million, or $0.20 per weighted diluted common share in 2013 and $9.5 million, or $0.15 per weighted diluted common share in 2012. as follows (in thousands):
 2017 2016 2015
Share-based compensation$23,652
 $21,134
 $19,224
Tax benefit5,100
 6,100
 5,400
Share-based compensation, net of tax$18,552
 $15,034
 $13,824

As of December 26, 2014,29, 2017, there was $13.7$10.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options, expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.62.1 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:

 2014 2013 2012 

Expected life in years

 6.5  5.9  6.5 

Interest rate

 2.0 1.3 1.3

Volatility

 36.1 35.4 36.6

Dividend yield

 1.5 1.6 1.8

Weighted average fair value per share

$  24.83 $  19.44 $  15.60 

 2017 2016 2015
Expected life in years7.0
 6.2
 6.5
Interest rate2.2% 1.6% 1.7%
Volatility26.7% 27.5% 35.0%
Dividend yield1.6% 1.7% 1.6%
Weighted average fair value per share$8.08
 $5.96
 $7.73

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:

 2014 2013 2012 

Expected life in years

 1.0  1.0  1.0 

Interest rate

 0.1 0.2 0.2

Volatility

 21.4 26.0 40.6

Dividend yield

 1.4 1.7 1.7

Weighted average fair value per share

$  17.81 $  14.16 $  15.58 

 2017 2016 2015
Expected life in years1.0
 1.0
 1.0
Interest rate0.9% 0.7% 0.2%
Volatility22.3% 24.6% 18.9%
Dividend yield1.5% 1.7% 1.6%
Weighted average fair value per share$7.32
 $6.38
 $5.50

I. Earnings per Share


The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 2014 2013 2012 

Net earnings available to common shareholders

$  225,573 $  210,822 $  149,126 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share

 60,148  61,203  60,451 

Dilutive effect of stock options computed based on the treasury stock method using the average market price

 1,597  1,587  1,260 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share

 61,745  62,790  61,711 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

$3.75 $3.44 $2.47 

Diluted earnings per share

$3.65 $3.36 $2.42 

 2017 2016 2015
Net earnings available to common shareholders$252,412
 $40,674
 $345,713
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share167,925
 166,851
 172,829
Dilutive effect of stock options computed based on the treasury stock method using the average market price6,393
 4,025
 4,191
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share174,318
 170,876
 177,020
Basic earnings per share$1.50
 $0.24
 $2.00
Diluted earnings per share$1.45
 $0.24
 $1.95

Stock options to purchase 0.6 million, 0.42.9 million and 0.64.1 million shares were not included in the 2014, 20132016 and 20122015 computations of diluted earnings per share, respectively, because they would have been anti-dilutive.

The number of anti-dilutive options excluded from the 2017 computation of diluted earnings per share was not significant.


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 contributes an amount equal to 1.5 percent of the employee’s compensation. Employer contributions totaled $6.9$7.8 million in 2014,2017, $6.7 million in 2016 and $6.3 million in 2013 and $5.6 million in 2012.

2015.


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. The Company restructured its U.S. qualified defined benefit plan in 2017. Under the restructuring, the plan transferred $42 million of liabilities and assets associated with certain plan participants to an insurance company via the purchase of a group annuity contract, and the Company recognized a $12 million settlement loss in 2017 general and administrative expense. Remaining pension plan participants and related liabilities and assets were transferred into one of two newly established, legally separate qualified defined benefit plans, and the former plan was terminated. The benefits offered to the plans’ participants were unchanged.

For U.S. plans,

benefits are based on years of service and the highest five5 consecutive years’ earnings in the ten10 years preceding retirement. The Company funds annually in amounts consistent with minimum funding levels and maximum tax deduction limits.

The Company maintains a defined contribution plan covering employees of a Swiss subsidiary, funded by Company and employee contributions. In 2013, the Company transferred responsibility for pension coverage under Swiss law to a reputable Swiss insurance company. To effect the change, plan assets were converted to cash and deposited with the insurance company for investment under 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 in the “other” assets category, level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The transfer of responsibility for current retirees to the new plan carrier was treated as a settlement under ASC 715 and resulted in a reduction of plan obligations and assets, and a small settlement gain in 2013.


Investment policies and strategies of the U.S. funded pension planplans are based on participant demographics of each plan. For the larger of the two plans (the “Blue plan”) covering active participants and retirees with higher benefit amounts, investments are based on a long-term view of economic growth and heavily 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 Blue plan assets are 54 percent equity securities, 36 percent fixed income securities and 10 percent real estate and alternative investments. For the smaller of the two plans (the “Gray plan”) covering retirees with lower benefit amounts, investments are based on a shorter-term, more conservative outlook. The midpoints of the ranges of strategic target allocations for the Gray plan assets are 5838 percent equity securities, 3153 percent fixed income securities and 119 percent real estate and alternative investments.


Plan assets are held in a trusttrusts for the benefit of plan participants and are invested in various commingled funds, most of which are sponsored by the trustee. Equity securities are valued using quoted prices in active markets. The fair values for commingled equity, and fixed-income funds, international equity funds, 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. Commingled fund and international equity funds are classified as level 2 because the net asset value is not directly traded on an active exchange. Certain trustee-sponsored funds allow redemptions monthly or quarterly, with 10 or 60 days advance notice, while most of the funds allow redemptions daily.

Level 3 assets in the U.S. funded pension plan consist primarily of The plans had unfunded commitments to make additional investments in real estate investment trustcertain funds whosetotaling $3 million as of December 29, 2017 and $4 million as of December 30, 2016.


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 valued at least annuallyinvested 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 independent appraisal firms, usingthe insurance company has no direct impact on the surrender value of the insurance contract. The insurance backed assets have no active market income and cost approaches. Significant unobservable quantitative inputs usedare classified as level 3 in determining the fair value hierarchy.

Assets of each investment include cash flow assumptions, capitalization rates and discount rates. These inputs are subject to change based on changes in economic and market conditions and/or changes in use or timing of exit. Changes in cash flows, discount rates and terminal capitalization rates will result in increases or decreases in the fair values of these investments. It is not possible for us to predict the effect of future economic or market conditions on the estimated fair values of plan assets.

Plan assetsall plans by category and fair value measurement level were as follows (in thousands):

 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 

December 26, 2014

        

Equity

U.S. Large Cap

$92,272 $-   $92,272 $-   

U.S. Small/Mid Cap

 14,948  -    14,948  -   

International

 45,958  -    45,958  -   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Equity

 153,178  -    153,178  -   

Fixed income

 53,548  -    40,693  12,855 

Insurance contract

 28,899  -    -    28,899 

Real estate and other

 41,583  1,356  15,008  25,219 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$277,208 $1,356 $208,879 $66,973 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 27, 2013

        

Equity

U.S. Large Cap

$95,025 $-   $95,025 $-   

U.S. Small/Mid Cap

 18,020  -    18,020  -   

International

 69,140  -    69,140  -   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Equity

 182,185  -    182,185  -   

Fixed income

 48,718  -    40,158  8,560 

Real estate and other

 49,704  1,149  31,271  17,284 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$  280,607 $  1,149 $  253,614 $  25,844 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

A

 Level 2017 2016
Cash and cash equivalents1 $3,254
 $698
Insurance contract3 26,411
 24,287
Investments categorized in fair value hierarchy
 29,665
 24,985
Equity     
U.S. Large CapN/A 55,488
 58,236
U.S. Small/Mid CapN/A 12,077
 10,009
InternationalN/A 45,958
 40,404
Total Equity  113,523
 108,649
Fixed incomeN/A 81,358
 78,209
Real estate and otherN/A 29,640
 44,062
Investments measured at net asset value
 224,521
 230,920
Total
 $254,186
 $255,905



The following table is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances ofpension assets measured at fair value using level 3 plan assets follows:

 2014 2013 

Balance, beginning of year

$25,844 $15,138 

Transfer from level 2 (insurance contract)

 31,271  -   

Purchases

 12,914  14,277 

Redemptions

 (3,849 (5,351

Change in unrealized gains (losses)

 793  1,780 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of year

$66,973 $25,844 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company uses a fiscal year-end measurement date for all of its plans. inputs (in thousands):

 2017 2016
Balance, beginning of year$24,287
 $28,080
Purchases1,934
 1,928
Redemptions(2,150) (5,267)
Unrealized gains (losses)2,340
 (454)
Balance, end of year$26,411
 $24,287

The following provides a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets over the periods ending December 26, 2014,29, 2017, and December 27, 2013,30, 2016, and a statement of the funded status as of the same dates (in thousands):

 Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits 
 2014 2013 2014 2013 

Change in benefit obligation

Obligation, beginning of year

$352,271 $359,701 $21,342 $23,472 

Service cost

 6,846  7,447  486  626 

Interest cost

 15,944  14,149  981  961 

Actuarial loss (gain)

 44,290  (15,653 1,037  (2,582

Plan changes

 -    3,197  -    -   

Benefit payments

 (23,593 (10,762 (1,082 (1,135

Settlements

 -    (7,430 -    -   

Exchange rate changes

 (6,066 1,622  -    -   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Obligation, end of year

$389,692 $352,271 $22,764 $21,342 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in plan assets

Fair value, beginning of year

$280,607 $246,606 $-   $-   

Actual return on assets

 21,622  40,280  -    -   

Employer contributions

 1,814  10,728  1,082  1,135 

Benefit payments

 (23,593 (10,762 (1,082 (1,135

Settlements

 -    (7,241 -    -   

Exchange rate changes

 (3,242 996  -    -   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value, end of year

$277,208 $280,607 $-   $-   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded status

$(112,484$(71,664$(22,764$(21,342
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets

Current liabilities

$1,308 $1,116 $1,165 $1,256 

Non-current liabilities

 111,176  70,548  21,599  20,086 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

$112,484 $71,664 $22,764 $21,342 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Change in benefit obligation       
Obligation, beginning of year$386,373
 $380,672
 $26,576
 $23,211
Service cost7,675
 7,834
 601
 543
Interest cost15,044
 15,684
 1,093
 1,084
Actuarial loss (gain)37,994
 11,012
 577
 2,840
Benefit payments(13,299) (20,147) (1,076) (1,102)
Settlements(43,539) (6,817) 
 
Exchange rate changes3,311
 (1,865) 
 
Obligation, end of year$393,559
 $386,373
 $27,771
 $26,576
Change in plan assets       
Fair value, beginning of year$255,905
 $268,258
 $
 $
Actual return on assets32,132
 11,397
 
 
Employer contributions21,885
 4,117
 1,076
 1,102
Benefit payments(13,299) (20,147) (1,076) (1,102)
Settlements(43,539) (6,817) 
 
Exchange rate changes1,102
 (903) 
 
Fair value, end of year$254,186
 $255,905
 $
 $
Funded status$(139,373) $(130,468) $(27,771) $(26,576)
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets       
Non-current assets$2,538
 $
 $
 $
Current liabilities1,416
 1,030
 1,330
 1,387
Non-current liabilities140,495
 129,438
 26,441
 25,189
Net$139,373
 $130,468
 $27,771
 $26,576

The accumulated benefit obligation as of year-end for all defined benefit pension plans was $361 million for 20142017 and $326$360 million for 2013.2016. Information for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets follows (in thousands):

 2014 2013 

Projected benefit obligation

$  389,692 $  352,271 

Accumulated benefit obligation

 360,945  326,030 

Fair value of plan assets

 277,208  280,607 

 2017 2016
Projected benefit obligation$344,733
 $386,373
Accumulated benefit obligation311,876
 359,854
Fair value of plan assets202,822
 255,905


The components of net periodic benefit cost for the plans for 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 20122015 were as follows (in thousands):

 Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits 
 2014 2013 2012 2014 2013 2012 

Service cost-benefits earned during the period

$6,846 $7,447 $6,414 $486 $626 $589 

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

 15,944  14,149  13,729  981  961  986 

Expected return on assets

 (21,253 (18,508 (15,907 -    -    -   

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

 320  8  (5 (658 (658 (658

Amortization of net loss (gain)

 4,929  10,456  10,814  15  480  395 

Cost of pension plans which are not significant and have not adopted ASC 715

 80  94  121  N/A   N/A   N/A  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

$6,866 $13,646 $15,166 $824 $1,409 $1,312 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits
 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
Service cost-benefits earned during the period$7,675
 $7,834
 $8,406
 $601
 $543
 $542
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation15,044
 15,684
 14,790
 1,093
 1,084
 954
Expected return on assets(17,186) (18,009) (19,442) 
 
 
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)255
 269
 268
 (344) (766) (676)
Amortization of net loss (gain)8,634
 7,980
 9,036
 334
 285
 323
Settlement loss (gain)12,313
 1,565
 423
 
 
 
Cost of pension plans which are not significant and have not adopted ASC 715122
 85
 79
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
Net periodic benefit cost$26,857
 $15,408
 $13,560
 $1,684
 $1,146
 $1,143

Amounts recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss in 20142017 and 20132016 were as follows (in thousands):

 Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits 
 2014 2013 2014 2013 

Net loss (gain) arising during the period

$42,733 $(37,284$1,037 $(2,582

Prior service cost (credit) arising during the period

 -  3,197  -  -  

Amortization of net gain (loss)

 (4,929 (10,456 (15 (480

Amortization of prior service credit (cost)

 (320 (8 658  658 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

$37,484 $(44,551$1,680 $(2,404
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net loss (gain) arising during the period$23,936
 $17,208
 $577
 $2,840
Amortization of net gain (loss)(8,634) (7,980) (334) (285)
Settlement gain (loss)(12,313) (1,565) 
 
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(255) (269) 344
 766
Total$2,734
 $7,394
 $587
 $3,321

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss as of December 26, 201429, 2017 and December 27, 2013,30, 2016, that had not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, were as follows (in thousands):

 Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits 
 2014 2013 2014 2013 

Prior service cost (credit)

$2,658 $3,271 $(1,786$(2,444

Net loss

 111,298  73,200  4,347  3,325 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net before income taxes

 113,956  76,471  2,561  881 

Income taxes

 (39,011 (26,903 (922 (317
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net

$74,945 $49,568 $1,639 $564 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Prior service cost (credit)$1,746
 $1,920
 $
 $(344)
Net loss111,598
 108,689
 6,836
 6,593
Net before income taxes113,344
 110,609
 6,836
 6,249
Income taxes(39,289) (38,182) (2,461) (2,250)
Net$74,055
 $72,427
 $4,375
 $3,999

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in 20152018 were as follows (in thousands):

 Pension
Benefits
 Postretirement
Medical
Benefits
 

Prior service cost (credit)

$295 $(676

Net loss (gain)

 8,922  271 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net before income taxes

 9,217  (405

Income taxes

 (3,318 146 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net

$5,899 $(259
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 
Pension
Benefits
 
Postretirement
Medical Benefits
Prior service cost (credit)$277
 $
Net loss (gain)7,797
 543
Net before income taxes8,074
 543
Income taxes(1,776) (119)
Net$6,298
 $424


Assumptions used to determine the Company’s benefit obligations are shown below:

 Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits 

Weighted average assumptions

    2014         2013         2014     2013 

U.S. Plans

Discount rate

 4.2 5.0 4.2 5.0 

Rate of compensation increase

 3.0 3.0 N/A   N/A  

Non-U.S. Plans

Discount rate

 1.5 2.5 N/A   N/A  

Rate of compensation increase

 1.3 1.3 N/A   N/A  

  Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits
Weighted average assumptions 2017 2016 2017 2016
U.S. Plans        
Discount rate 3.9% 4.5% 3.9% 4.5%
Rate of compensation increase 2.8% 2.8% N/A
 N/A
Non-U.S. Plans        
Discount rate 1.0% 0.9% N/A
 N/A
Rate of compensation increase 0.9% 1.0% 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            

    2014         2013         2012         2014         2013         2012     

U.S. Plans

Discount rate

 5.0  4.2  4.6  5.0  4.2  4.6 

Rate of compensation increase

 3.0  3.0  3.0  N/A   N/A   N/A  

Expected return on assets

 8.5  8.5  8.5  N/A   N/A   N/A  

Non-U.S. Plans

Discount rate

 2.5  2.3  2.9  N/A   N/A   N/A  

Rate of compensation increase

 1.3  1.2  1.2  N/A   N/A   N/A  

Expected return on assets

��2.0  3.0  3.0 % N/A   N/A   N/A  

  Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits
Weighted average assumptions             2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
U.S. Plans            
Discount rate 4.5% 4.7% 4.2% 4.5% 4.7% 4.2%
Rate of compensation increase 2.8% 3.0% 3.0% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
Expected return on assets 7.0% 7.5% 7.8% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
Non-U.S. Plans            
Discount rate 0.9% 1.1% 1.4% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
Rate of compensation increase 1.0% 1.3% 1.3% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
Expected return on assets 2.0% 2.0% 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 advisors, 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 7.06.5 percent for 2015,2018, decreasing each year to a constant rate of 4.5 percent for 20262038 and thereafter, subject to the plan’s annual increase limitation.


At December 26, 2014,29, 2017, a one percent change in assumed health care cost trend rates would not have a significant impact on the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement health care benefit cost or the APBO for health care benefits.


The Company expects to contribute $2.3$1.4 million to its unfunded pension plans and $1.2$1.3 million to the postretirement medical plan in 2015.2018. The Company will not be required to make contributions to the funded pension planplans under minimum funding requirements for 2015.2018. Estimated future benefit payments are as follows (in thousands):

 Pension
Benefits
 Postretirement
Medical
Benefits
 

2015

$15,290 $1,165 

2016

 17,085  1,259 

2017

 16,299  1,310 

2018

 17,417  1,373 

2019

 18,248  1,440 

Years 2020 - 2024

 105,418  7,873 

 
Pension
Benefits
 
Postretirement
Medical Benefits
2018$13,385
 $1,330
201913,977
 1,434
202015,584
 1,561
202116,576
 1,635
202217,881
 1,712
Years 2023-2027101,558
 8,971


K. Commitments and Contingencies


Lease Commitments. Aggregate annual rental commitments under operating leases with noncancelable terms of more than one year were as follows at December 26, 201429, 2017 (in thousands):

 Buildings Vehicles &
Equipment
 Total 

2015

$3,472 $2,896 $6,368 

2016

 2,556  2,086  4,642 

2017

 2,307  1,481  3,788 

2018

 1,983  882  2,865 

2019

 2,023  607  2,630 

Thereafter

 7,942  442  8,384 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

$20,283 $8,394 $28,677 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 Buildings 
Vehicles &
Equipment
 Total
2018$4,911
 $3,368
 $8,279
20193,659
 2,078
 5,737
20203,113
 1,364
 4,477
20211,923
 828
 2,751
20221,524
 646
 2,170
Thereafter4,170
 609
 4,779
Total$19,300
 $8,893
 $28,193

Total rental expense was $5.0$7.6 million for 2014, $3.6in 2017, $7.8 million for 2013in 2016 and $3.3$6.9 million for 2012.

in 2015.


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 $76$97 million at December 26, 2014.29, 2017. 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 $36$33 million.

The Company enters into contracts with vendors to receive services. Commitments under these service contracts with noncancelable terms of more than one year include $3 million in 2018 and $3 million in 2019.

In addition, the Company could be obligated to perform under standby letters of credit totaling $2 million at December 26, 2014.29, 2017. The Company has also guaranteed the debt of its subsidiaries for up to $9$10 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.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.

As more fully described in Note L, under terms of orders issued by the FTC,


L. Acquisitions

In January 2016, the Company is requiredpaid $48 million cash to separately maintainacquire two related companies that manufacture and sell portable and fixed gas analyzers for landfill, biogas and medical applications and landfill gas wellhead equipment. The acquisitions enhance and complement the Liquid Finishing businesses as viableCompany’s position in environmental monitoring and competitive while it seeks a buyer for those businesses.remediation markets served by its Process segment. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a resultpurchase price was allocated based on estimated fair values, including $28 million of its involvement with the Liquid Finishing businesses would include the entiretygoodwill, $24 million of its investmentother identifiable intangible assets and $4 million of $422 million and reimbursement of losses of the operations of the Liquid Finishing businesses in accordance with the hold separate order, which cannot be quantified. The operating earnings of the Liquid Finishing businesses exceed $160 million (unaudited) since the date of acquisition, and no additional financial resources were required to be funded by the Company.

L. Acquisitions and Divestitures

other net liabilities.


On October 1, 2014,January 20, 2015, the Company acquiredcompleted the stockacquisition of Alco Valves GroupHigh Pressure Equipment Holdings, LLC (“HiP”) for £72$161 million cash, subjectcash. HiP designs and manufactures valves, fittings and other flow control equipment engineered to normal post-closing purchase price adjustments. Alco is a United Kingdom based manufacturer of high quality, highperform in ultra-high pressure valves used in the oil and natural gas industry and in other industrial processes. Alco’senvironments. HiP’s products and business relationships will enhance Graco’s position in the oil and natural gas industry and complement Graco’s core competencies of designing and manufacturing advanced flow control technologies. Alco revenues for the twelve months preceding the acquisition were approximately £19 million.HiP had sales of $38 million in 2014. Results of AlcoHiP operations including $6 million of sales, have been included in the Company’s IndustrialProcess segment starting from the date of acquisition.

acquisition, including sales of $22 million in 2017, $22 million in 2016 and $29 million in 2015.


Purchase consideration was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values as follows (in thousands):

       
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $1,929 
 

Accounts receivable

   9,821 
 

Inventories

   9,565 
 

Other current assets

   343 
 

Property, plant and equipment

   1,047 
 

Other non-current assets

   225 
 

Identifiable intangible assets

   30,348 
 

Goodwill

   73,445 
   

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

 126,723 

Current liabilities assumed

 (3,291)  

Deferred income taxes

 (6,266)  
   

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

$117,166 
   

 

 

 

None of the goodwill acquired with Alco is deductible for tax purposes.

Identifiable

Cash and cash equivalents$1,904
Accounts receivable4,714
Inventories7,605
Other current assets69
Property, plant and equipment1,962
Deferred income taxes1,840
Identifiable intangible assets60,100
Goodwill86,149
Total assets acquired164,343
Liabilities assumed(3,414)
Net assets acquired$160,929

Acquired identifiable intangible assets and estimated useful life arewere as follows (dollars in thousands):

           
       Estimated
Life (years)
  

Customer relationships

  $22,883   10  

Trade names

   7,465   Indefinite  
  

 

 

     

Total identifiable intangible assets

$30,348 
  

 

 

     

In

   
Estimated
 Life (years) 
Customer relationships$47,100
 12
Trade names13,000
 Indefinite
Total identifiable intangible assets$60,100
  

Approximately two-thirds of the first quarter of 2014,goodwill acquired with HiP is deductible for tax purposes.

On January 2, 2015, the Company paid $65acquired White Knight Fluid Handling (“White Knight”) for $16 million cash to acquireand a manufacturercommitment for additional consideration if future revenues exceed certain thresholds, initially valued at $8 million. The maximum payout is not limited. White Knight designs and manufactures high purity, metal-free pumps used in the production process of fluid management solutions for environmental monitoringmanufacturing semiconductors, solar panels, LED flat panel displays and remediation, markets where Graco had little or no previous exposure.various other electronics. The acquired business expandsproducts, brands and complementsdistribution channels of White Knight expand and complement the offerings of the Company’s IndustrialProcess segment. The purchase price was allocated based on estimated fair values, including $37$12 million of goodwill, $22$9 million of other identifiable intangible assets and $6$3 million of net tangible assets.


The Company completed other business acquisitions in 2017, 2016 and 2015 that were not material to the consolidated financial statements.

M. Divestiture

In April 2012, the Company completed the purchase ofpurchased the finishing businesses of Illinois Tool Works Inc. The acquisition included finishing equipment operations, technologies and brands of the Powder Finishing and Liquid Finishing businesses. ResultsUnder terms of a hold separate order from the Powder Finishing businessesFederal Trade Commission, the Company did not have been included in the Industrial segment sincepower to direct the dateactivities of acquisition. Pursuant to a March 2012 order, the Liquid Finishing businesses were to be held separate fromthat most significantly impacted the resteconomic performance of Graco’s businesses while the FTC considered a settlement with Graco and determined which portions ofthose businesses. Consequently, we reflected our investment in the Liquid Finishing business Graco must divest.

The Company transferred cash purchase considerationbusinesses as a cost-method investment on our balance sheet, and their results of $660 million tooperations were not consolidated with those of the seller on April 2, 2012. Company.


In July 2012,2015, the Company transferred additional cash purchase consideration of $8 million, representing the difference between cash balances acquired and the amount estimated at the time of closing. In 2013, the seller reimbursed Graco approximately $5 million for payments of pre-acquisition tax liabilities paid by Liquid Finishing businesses after the acquisition date. This reimbursement was recorded as a reduction of the cost-method investment.

Purchase consideration was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values as follows (in thousands):

       
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $6,007 
 

Accounts receivable

   17,835 
 

Inventories

   21,733 
 

Other current assets

   2,534 
 

Property, plant and equipment

   18,359 
 

Other non-current assets

   50 
 

Identifiable intangible assets

   150,500 
 

Goodwill

   86,056 
   

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

 303,074 

Current liabilities assumed

 (27,434

Non-current liabilities assumed

 (7,984

Deferred income taxes

 (26,105
   

 

 

 

Net assets acquired, Powder Finishing

 241,551 

Investment in businesses held separate

 426,813 
   

 

 

 

Total purchase consideration

$  668,364 
   

 

 

 

Identifiable intangible assets and estimated useful life are as follows (dollars in thousands):

           
       Estimated
     Life (years)     
  

Customer relationships

  $103,500   14  

Developed technology

   9,600   11  

Trade names

   37,400   Indefinite  
  

 

 

     

Total identifiable intangible assets

$  150,500 
  

 

 

     

The Company adjusted the preliminary purchase price allocation in the fourth quarter of 2012 to recognize deferred tax liability on certain identifiable intangible assets, which resulted in an $8 million increase in goodwill. Substantially none of the goodwill acquired in 2012 is deductible for tax purposes.

In the fourth quarter of 2014, the FTC approved a final decision and order that became effective on October 9, 2014. Pursuant to the final order, Graco must sell the Liquid Finishing business assets within 180 days of the effective date. On October 8, 2014, the Company announced it had signed a definitive agreement to sellsold the Liquid Finishing business assets for $590a price of $610 million cash, subject to regulatory approvalcash. Held separate investment income included the pre-tax gain on sale of $150 million, net of transaction and other customary closing conditions. The sale transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2015, in compliance with the FTC’s final decision and order. Graco will continue to hold the Liquid Finishing businesses separate and maintain them as viable and competitive until the sale process is complete.

The Liquid Finishing business assets are held asrelated expenses, including a cost-method investment on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Income is recognized based on dividends received from after-tax earnings of Liquid Finishing and included in other expense (income) on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Dividends received totaled $28$7 million in 2014, $28 million in 2013 and $12 million in 2012. Once the Company completes the sale of its investment, there will be no further dividends from Liquid Finishing.

The Company evaluates its cost-method investment for other-than-temporary impairment at each reporting period. As of December 26, 2014, the Company evaluated its investment in Liquid Finishing and determined that there is no impairment.

Sales and operating earnings of the Liquid Finishing businesses were as follows (unaudited, in thousands):

  2014 2013 2012 

Net Sales

$  288,231 $  278,543 $  269,099 

Operating Earnings

 62,605  61,174  52,256 

The Company completed other business acquisitions in 2014, 2013 and 2012 that were not materialcontribution to the consolidated financial statements.

Subsequent events:In January 2015, the Company completed the acquisitionCompany’s charitable foundation. Held separate investment income also included dividends of High Pressure Equipment Holdings, LLC (HiP) for $160$42 million. HiP designsNet earnings included after-tax gain and manufactures valves, fittings and other flow control equipment engineered to perform in ultra-high pressure environments. The Company also acquired White Knight Fluid Handling, a manufacturer of high purity, metal free pumps used in the production process of manufacturing semiconductors, solar panels, LED flat panel displays and various other electronics, and Multimaq-Pistolas e Equipamentos Para Pintura Ltda., a manufacturer and distributor of finishing products in the Brazilian market.

M.dividends totaling $141 million.



N. Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

 First
Quarter
 Second
Quarter
 Third
Quarter
 Fourth
Quarter
 

2014

Net Sales

$289,962 $322,549 $302,614 $306,005 

Gross Profit

 159,312  176,850  165,814  164,760 

Net Earnings

 50,745  66,236  59,551  49,041 

Basic Net Earnings per Common Share

$0.83 $1.10 $0.99 $0.83 

Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share

 0.81  1.07  0.97  0.80 

Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share

 0.28  0.28  0.28  0.30 

2013

Net Sales

$269,046 $286,020 $277,035 $271,923 

Gross Profit

 150,644  158,739  150,873  147,199 

Net Earnings

 52,130  57,843  56,101  44,748 

Basic Net Earnings per Common Share

$0.86 $0.94 $0.91 $0.73 

Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share

 0.84  0.92  0.89  0.71 

Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share

 0.25  0.25  0.25  0.28 

(Unaudited)

Unaudited quarterly financial data is summarized below (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
First
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 
Third
Quarter
 
Fourth
Quarter
 
2017        
Net Sales$340,590
 $379,483
 $379,812
 $374,859
 
Gross Profit185,273
 203,941
 203,465
 200,370
 
Net Earnings60,732
 79,828
 75,460
 36,392
(1) 
Basic Net Earnings per Common Share$0.36
 $0.48
 $0.45
 $0.22
(1) 
Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share0.35
 0.46
 0.43
 0.21
(1) 
Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share0.12
 0.12
 0.12
 0.13
 
2016        
Net Sales$304,912
 $348,126
 $327,192
 $349,063
 
Gross Profit161,796
 185,141
 176,598
 184,704
 
Net Earnings (Loss)39,552
 50,947
 54,388
 (104,213)
(2) 
Basic Net Earnings (Loss) per Common Share$0.24
 $0.31
 $0.33
 $(0.62)
(2) 
Diluted Net Earnings (Loss) per Common Share0.23
 0.30
 0.32
 (0.61)
(2) 
Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share0.11
 0.11
 0.11
 0.12
 
(1)
Net earnings in the fourth quarter of 2017 included income tax charges totaling $36 million to recognize the effects of U.S. federal income tax reform.
(2)
Net earnings (loss) in the fourth quarter of 2016 included $161 million of after tax loss from non-cash impairment charges in the Company’s ONG reporting unit within the Process Segment.


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 report, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures.procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)). 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, the Vice President, Corporate Controller and Information Systems, and the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. 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 20142017 Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.


Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


The information under the headingheadings “Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm:Firm" and "Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” in Part II, Item 8, of this 20142017 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. OtherInformation

Other Information


Not applicable.


PART III


Item 10. Directors, ExecutiveOfficersExecutive Officers and Corporate Governance


The information under the heading “Executive Officers of Our Company” in Part I of this 20142017 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the information under the heading “Board of Directors” in our Company’s Proxy Statement for its 20152018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 24, 201527, 2018 (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.


Section 16(a) Reporting Compliance


The information under the heading “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the 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 BeneficialOwnersBeneficial 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. PrincipalAccountingPrincipal 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.



PART IV


Item 15. Exhibits,Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule

Schedules
(a)The following documents are filed as part of this report:

    (1)

Financial Statements

See Part II

(2)Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 61  
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or are not required, or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.
(3)

Management Contract, Compensatory Plan or Arrangement. (See Exhibit Index)

Those entries marked by an asterisk are Management Contracts, Compensatory Plans

or Arrangements.

 
63
  

  Page
(1)
   
(2)
Financial Statement Schedule 
 
   
 All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or are not required, or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto. 
   
(3)
 Those entries marked by an asterisk are Management Contracts, Compensatory Plans or Arrangements. 

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts


Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries

(in thousands)

 Balance at
beginning
of year
 Additions
charged to
costs and
expenses
 Deductions
from
reserves
 Other
add
(deduct)
 Balance
at end
of year
 

Year ended

December 26, 2014

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$1,300 $800 $300 $600 $2,400 

Allowance for returns and credits

 5,000  22,400  21,700  -    5,700 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$6,300 $23,200 $22,000 $600 $8,100 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 27, 2013

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$2,100 $600 $1,400 $-   $1,300 

Allowance for returns and credits

 4,500  17,300  16,800  -    5,000 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$6,600 $17,900 $18,200 $-   $6,300 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 28, 2012

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$1,400 $500 $100 $300 $2,100 

Allowance for returns and credits

 4,100  13,700  13,300  -    4,500 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$5,500 $14,200 $13,400 $300 $6,600 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 
Allowance for
Doubtful Accounts
 
Allowance for
Returns and Credits
 Total
Balance, December 26, 2014$2,400
 $5,700
 $8,100
Additions charged to costs and expenses1,500
 24,600
 26,100
Deductions from reserves (1)
(900) (23,000) (23,900)
Other additions (deductions) (2)

 100
 100
Balance, December 25, 20153,000
 7,400
 10,400
Additions charged to costs and expenses1,200
 27,800
 29,000
Deductions from reserves (1)
(100) (26,400) (26,500)
Other additions (deductions) (2)
(200) 
 (200)
Balance, December 30, 20163,900
 8,800
 12,700
Additions charged to costs and expenses1,600
 30,600
 32,200
Deductions from reserves (1)
(1,700) (29,500) (31,200)
Other additions (deductions) (2)
200
 100
 300
Balance, December 29, 2017$4,000
 $10,000
 $14,000
1
(1)For doubtful accounts, represents amounts determined to be uncollectible and charged against reserve, net of collections on accounts previously charged against reserves. For returns and credits, represents amounts of credits issued and returns processed.

2
(2)
Includes amounts assumed or established in connection with acquisitions and effects of foreign currency translation.

Signatures

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.


Exhibit Index
Graco Inc.
Exhibit
Number

   /s/ PATRICK J. MCHALE

February 17, 2015Description
 Patrick J. McHale
   President and Chief Executive Officer2.1

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/ PATRICK J. MCHALE

February 17, 2015
   Patrick J. McHale
   President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

   /s/ JAMES A. GRANER

February 17, 2015
   James A. Graner
   Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

   /s/ CAROLINE M. CHAMBERS

February 17, 2015
   Caroline M. Chambers
   Vice President, Corporate Controller and    Information Systems
(Principal Accounting Officer)

Lee R. MitauDirector, Chairman of the Board
William J. CarrollDirector
Jack W. EugsterDirector
Eric P. EtchartDirector
J. Kevin GilliganDirector
Patrick J. McHaleDirector
Martha A. MorfittDirector
R. William Van SantDirector

Patrick J. McHale, 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.

   /s/ PATRICK J. MCHALE

February 17, 2015
   Patrick J. McHale
(For himself and as attorney-in-fact)

Exhibit Index

Exhibit
Number

Description

2.1

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated April 14, 2011, by and among Graco Inc., Graco Holdings Inc., Graco Minnesota Inc., Illinois Tool Works Inc. and ITW Finishing LLC (excluding schedules and exhibits, which the Company agrees to furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request). (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed April 15, 2011.2011.) First Amendment dated April 2, 2012. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed April 2, 2012.)

2.2

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated October 7, 2014, by and among Carlisle Companies Incorporated, Carlisle Fluid Technologies, Inc., Graco Inc. and Finishing Brands Holdings Inc. (excluding schedules and exhibits, which the Company agrees to furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed October 9, 2014.)
**2.3
Agreement relating to the sale and purchase of the entire issued share capital of Xamol Limited to acquire Alco Valves Group, dated as of October 1, 2014 (excluding certain schedules and exhibits, which the Company agrees to furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request). (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended September 26, 2014.)

2.4


Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2014, by and among High Pressure Equipment Holdings LLC, Wasserstein Partners III, LP, Wasserstein Partners III (Offshore), L.P., Wasserstein Partners III (Offshore), LTD, Audax Mezzanine Fund III, L.P., Audax Co-Invest III, L.P., Audax Trust Co-Invest, L.P., certain other Sellers, Wasserstein Partners III (GP), LP, Graco Fluid Handling (C) Inc. and Graco Inc. (excluding certain schedules and exhibits, which the Company agrees to furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request). (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed January 6, 2015.2015.)

3.1


Restated Articles of Incorporation as amended June 13, 2014. (IncorporatedDecember 8, 2017. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed June 16, 2014.December 8, 2017.)

3.2


*10.1


*10.2


Employee Stock
Graco Inc. Incentive Plan, as adopted by the Board of Directors on February 19, 1999. (IncorporatedBonus Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23Appendix A to the Company’s 2002 Annual ReportDefinitive Proxy Statement on Form 10-K.Schedule 14A filed March 15, 2017.) Amended and restated June 18, 2004. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2005.)

*10.3


Graco Inc. Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2001.) Amended and restated June 18, 2004. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2005.)

*10.4

*10.5

10.4

*10.6

10.5

Deferred Compensation Plan Restated, effective December 1, 1992. (Incorporated

*10.7

*10.6
Deferred Compensation Plan (2005 Statement) as amended and restated on April 4, 2005. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2005.) Second Amendment

dated November 1, 2005. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.10-K.) Third Amendment adopted on December 29, 2008. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.10-K.) Second Amendment dated October 25, 2012. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.)
 
*10.810.7
 
Sixth Amendment adopted February 15, 2018.
 
*10.910.8
 
Graco Inc. Retirement Plan for Nonemployee Directors. (Incorporated by reference to Attachment C to Item 5 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 1991.) First Amendment adopted on December 29, 2008. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.10-K.)
 
*10.1010.9
 
Form of Amendment to Executive Officer and Non-Employee Director Stock Options to Permit Net Exercises, as adopted by the Board of Directors February 17, 2012. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2012.2012.)


*10.11Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement for award of nonstatutory stock options to nonemployee directors under the Graco Inc. Stock Incentive Plan in 2005 and 2006. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2004.)
*10.10*10.12
 
Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of nonstatutory stock options to nonemployee directors under the Graco Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (2006). (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2007.2007.) Amended form of agreement for awards made to nonemployee directors in 2008. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 27, 2008.) Amended and restated form of agreement for awards made to nonemployee directors in 2009. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.)
 
*10.1310.11
 
Stock Option Agreement.  Form of agreement used for award of nonstatutory stock options to nonemployee directors under the Graco Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan in 2011.  (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.10-K.)  Amended form of agreement for awards made to nonemployee directors commencing in 2012. (Incorporated2012 (and subsequently used for awards made to nonemployee directors under the Graco Inc. 2015 Stock Incentive Plan in 2015).  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2012.2012.)
 
*10.1410.12
 Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement for award of non-incentive stock options to executive officers under the Graco Inc. Stock Incentive Plan in 2005 and 2006. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2004.)
*10.15
Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of non-incentive stock options to executive officers under the Graco Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (2006) in 2007. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2007.2007.) Amended form of agreement for awards made to executive officers in 2008, 2009 and 2010. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2008.)
 
*10.1610.13
 
Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of non-incentive stock options to Chief Executive Officer under the Graco Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (2006) in 2007. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2007.2007.) Amended form of agreement for awards made to Chief Executive Officer in 2008, 2009 and 2010. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2008.2008.)
 
*10.1710.14
 
Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of non-incentive stock options to executive officers under the Graco Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan in 2011. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2011.2011.) Amended form of agreement for awards made to executive officers commencing in 2012. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2012.2012.)

 
*10.1810.15
 
Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of non-incentive stock options to Chief Executive Officer under the Graco Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan in 2011. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2011.2011.) Amended form of agreement for awards made to Chief Executive Officer commencing in 2012. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2012.2012.)
 
*10.1910.16
 
Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of non-incentive stock options to Chief Executive Officer under the Graco Inc. 2015 Stock Incentive Plan in 2016. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 25, 2016.)
*10.17
Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of non-incentive stock options to executive officers under the Graco Inc. 2015 Stock Incentive Plan in 2016. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 25, 2016.)
*10.18
Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of non-incentive stock options to nonemployee directors under the Graco Inc. 2015 Stock Incentive Plan in 2016. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 24, 2016.)
*10.19
Nonemployee Director Stock and Deferred Stock Program. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.A.)
 
*10.20
 
Key Employee Agreement. Form of agreement used with Chief Executive Officer. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.)
 
*10.21
 
Key Employee Agreement. Form of agreement used with executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.)
 *
10.22
 
Executive Group Long-Term Disability Policy as revised in 1995. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K.10-K.) Enhanced by Supplemental Income Protection Plan in 2004. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.)


*10.23Amendment to the 2003 through 2006 Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreements of one nonemployee director. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.)
10.2310.24
 
Omnibus Amendment, dated June 26, 2014, amending and restating the Credit Agreement among Graco Inc., the borrowing subsidiaries from time to time party thereto, the banks from time to time party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed July 1, 2014.)
Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated December 15, 2016, amending the Credit Agreement among Graco Inc., the borrowing subsidiaries from time to time party thereto, the banks from time to time party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report 8-K filed December 20, 2016.) Fourth amendment to Credit Agreement, dated May 23, 2017, amending the Credit Agreement among Graco Inc., the borrowing subsidiaries from time to time party thereto, the banks from time to time party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's 10-Q filed for the thirteen weeks ended June 30, 2017.)
 10.25
10.24
 
Note Agreement, dated March 11, 2011, between Graco Inc. and the Purchasers listed on the Purchaser Schedule attached thereto, which includes as exhibits the form of Senior Notes. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed March 16, 2011.) Amendment No. 1 dated May 23, 2011. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2011.) Amendment and Restatement No. 1 to Note Agreement dated as of March 27, 2012. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed April 2, 2012.) Amendment No. 2 dated as of June 26, 2014 to Note Agreement dated as of March 11, 2011. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q filed Julyfor the thirteen weeks ended June 27, 2014.) Amendment No. 3 dated as of December 15, 2016 to Note Agreement dated as of March 11, 2011. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K .) Amendment No. 4 dated May 23, 2014.2017 to Note Agreement dated as of March 11, 2011. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's 10-Q filed for the thirteen weeks ended June 30, 2017.)
 10.26
10.25
 
Agreement between Graco Inc., Illinois Tool Works Inc., and ITW Finishing LLC, as the Respondents, and Counsel for the Federal Trade Commission. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed March 27, 2012.)
 10.27
10.26
 
Agreement Containing Consent Orders, by and between Graco Inc., Illinois Tool Works Inc., and ITW Finishing LLC, as the Respondents, and Counsel for the Federal Trade Commission. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed June 6, 2012.2012.)
 10.28
10.27
 
Decision and Order by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission in the matter of Graco Inc., Illinois Tool Works Inc. and ITW Finishing LLC. (Incorporated(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed October 8, 2014.)
 11
 
11
Statement of Computation of Earnings per share included in Note I on page 48.
49
 
21
 
 
23
 
 
24
 
 
31.1
 
 
31.2
 

 
32
 
  101 
101
Interactive Data File.File

Except as otherwise noted, all documents incorporated by reference above relate to File No. 001-09249.


* Management Contracts, Compensatory Plans or Arrangements.

** Certain portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment and have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


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.

66



Signatures

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/ PATRICK J. MCHALE
February 20, 2018
Patrick J. McHale
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/ PATRICK J. MCHALE
February 20, 2018
Patrick J. McHale
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
   /s/ CHRISTIAN E. ROTHE
February 20, 2018
Christian E. Rothe
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
   /s/ CAROLINE M. CHAMBERS
February 20, 2018
Caroline M. Chambers
Vice President, Corporate Controller and Information Systems
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Lee R. MitauDirector, Chairman of the Board
William J. CarrollDirector
Eric P. EtchartDirector
Jack W. EugsterDirector
Jody H. FeragenDirector
J. Kevin GilliganDirector
Patrick J. McHaleDirector
Martha A. MorfittDirector
R. William Van SantDirector
Emily C. WhiteDirector

Patrick J. McHale, 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.

   /s/ PATRICK J. MCHALE
February 20, 2018
Patrick J. McHale
(For himself and as attorney-in-fact)

64