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


FORM 10-Q


Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 29, 201828, 2019


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

Commission File Number:  001-09249

GRACO INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)     
Minnesota 41-0285640
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)     
88 - 11th Avenue N.E.
Minneapolis,Minnesota 55413
(Address of principal executive offices)     (Zip Code)     
(612)623-6000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 YesX 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 YesX No 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerXAccelerated filerNon-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company      


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


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


167,150,000166,805,000 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, $1.00 par value, were outstanding as of July 18, 2018.17, 2019.





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

PART I     Item 1.
GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited) (In thousands except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
Net Sales$424,570
 $379,483
 $830,918
 $720,073
$428,328
 $424,570
 $833,198
 $830,918
Cost of products sold194,667
 174,973
 378,594
 329,718
201,374
 194,667
 390,202
 378,594
Gross Profit229,903
 204,510
 452,324
 390,355
226,954
 229,903
 442,996
 452,324
Product development16,112
 14,662
 31,401
 28,921
17,324
 16,112
 33,893
 31,401
Selling, marketing and distribution62,949
 55,583
 125,471
 109,972
60,441
 62,949
 121,258
 125,471
General and administrative37,464
 33,855
 70,378
 63,617
36,828
 37,464
 70,957
 70,378
Operating Earnings113,378
 100,410
 225,074
 187,845
112,361
 113,378
 216,888
 225,074
Interest expense3,891
 4,154
 7,124
 8,209
3,431
 3,891
 6,966
 7,124
Other expense, net4,251
 652
 5,286
 2,457
1,119
 4,251
 1,388
 5,286
Earnings Before Income Taxes105,236
 95,604
 212,664
 177,179
107,811
 105,236
 208,534
 212,664
Income taxes16,096
 15,776
 38,014
 36,619
19,674
 16,096
 33,648
 38,014
Net Earnings$89,140
 $79,828
 $174,650
 $140,560
$88,137
 $89,140
 $174,886
 $174,650
Per Common Share       
Basic net earnings$0.53
 $0.48
 $1.04
 $0.84
Diluted net earnings$0.51
 $0.46
 $1.00
 $0.81
Cash dividends declared$0.13
 $0.12
 $0.27
 $0.24
Net Earnings per Common Share       
Basic$0.53
 $0.53
 $1.05
 $1.04
Diluted$0.51
 $0.51
 $1.02
 $1.00
See notes to consolidated financial statements.




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited) (In thousands)
Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
Net Earnings$89,140
 $79,828
 $174,650
 $140,560
$88,137
 $89,140
 $174,886
 $174,650
Components of other comprehensive
income (loss)
              
Cumulative translation adjustment(15,112) 11,029
 (6,366) 17,347
1,232
 (15,112) 2,401
 (6,366)
Pension and postretirement medical
liability adjustment
2,705
 1,784
 4,531
 3,784
1,910
 2,705
 4,037
 4,531
Income taxes - pension and postretirement
medical liability adjustment
(596) (717) (997) (1,483)(423) (596) (893) (997)
Other comprehensive income(13,003) 12,096
 (2,832) 19,648
2,719
 (13,003) 5,545
 (2,832)
Comprehensive Income$76,137
 $91,924
 $171,818
 $160,208
$90,856
 $76,137
 $180,431
 $171,818
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited) (In thousands)
June 29,
2018
 December 29,
2017
June 28,
2019
 December 28,
2018
ASSETS      
Current Assets      
Cash and cash equivalents$109,854
 $103,662
$180,883
 $132,118
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $5,300 and $4,300290,946
 266,080
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $5,200 and $5,300291,008
 274,608
Inventories271,729
 239,349
297,545
 283,982
Other current assets36,757
 34,247
29,457
 32,508
Total current assets709,286
 643,338
798,893
 723,216
Property, Plant and Equipment, net214,997
 204,298
286,521
 229,295
Goodwill294,343
 278,789
296,273
 293,846
Other Intangible Assets, net174,202
 183,056
163,564
 166,310
Operating Lease Assets32,170
 
Deferred Income Taxes48,683
 50,916
32,691
 32,055
Other Assets31,450
 30,220
30,435
 28,019
Total Assets$1,472,961
 $1,390,617
$1,640,547
 $1,472,741
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Current Liabilities      
Notes payable to banks$6,549
 $6,578
$7,284
 $11,083
Current portion of long term debt75,000
 
Trade accounts payable54,814
 48,748
61,958
 56,902
Salaries and incentives45,647
 55,884
47,109
 62,297
Dividends payable22,146
 22,260
26,716
 26,480
Other current liabilities138,369
 112,368
141,535
 143,041
Total current liabilities267,525
 245,838
359,602
 299,803
Long-term Debt297,295
 226,035
179,081
 266,391
Retirement Benefits and Deferred Compensation174,856
 172,411
135,209
 133,388
Operating Lease Liabilities25,734
 
Deferred Income Taxes17,080
 17,253
14,963
 16,586
Other Non-current Liabilities4,400
 6,017

 4,700
Shareholders’ Equity      
Common stock167,130
 169,319
166,792
 165,171
Additional paid-in-capital505,342
 499,934
556,170
 510,825
Retained earnings185,407
 181,599
342,308
 220,734
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(146,074) (127,789)(139,312) (144,857)
Total shareholders’ equity711,805
 723,063
925,958
 751,873
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$1,472,961
 $1,390,617
$1,640,547
 $1,472,741
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited) (In thousands)
Six Months EndedSix Months Ended
June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
Cash Flows From Operating Activities      
Net Earnings$174,650
 $140,560
$174,886
 $174,650
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
provided by operating activities
      
Depreciation and amortization23,755
 22,362
24,087
 23,755
Deferred income taxes355
 (2,653)(3,881) 355
Share-based compensation15,832
 13,451
17,548
 15,832
Change in      
Accounts receivable(26,100) (35,455)(16,051) (26,100)
Inventories(17,700) (17,103)(13,157) (17,700)
Trade accounts payable2,298
 3,175
4,603
 2,298
Salaries and incentives(13,231) (1,808)(18,514) (13,231)
Retirement benefits and deferred compensation6,627
 6,566
5,780
 6,627
Other accrued liabilities6,493
 10,453
(10,789) 6,493
Other(2,202) (3,857)(690) (2,202)
Net cash provided by operating activities170,777
 135,691
163,822
 170,777
Cash Flows From Investing Activities      
Property, plant and equipment additions(27,443) (16,621)(70,186) (27,443)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired(10,519) (9,905)(6,176) (10,519)
Other(65) 102
(828) (65)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(38,027) (26,424)(77,190) (38,027)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities      
Borrowings (payments) on short-term lines of credit, net112
 1,568
(3,767) 112
Borrowings on long-term line of credit389,340
 293,880
Payments on long-term debt and line of credit(320,603) (288,550)
Borrowings on long-term lines of credit23,944
 389,340
Payments on long-term debt and lines of credit(36,453) (320,603)
Common stock issued20,052
 46,693
33,954
 20,052
Common stock repurchased(155,601) (90,160)(2,438) (155,601)
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards(16,151)
(10,735)(1,268)
(16,151)
Cash dividends paid(44,650) (40,115)(53,075) (44,650)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(127,501) (87,419)(39,103) (127,501)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash448
 333
1,236
 448
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents5,697
 22,181
48,765
 5,697
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash      
Beginning of year112,904
 61,594
132,118
 112,904
End of period$118,601
 $83,775
$180,883
 $118,601
Reconciliation to Consolidated Balance Sheets      
Cash and cash equivalents$109,854
 $75,446
$180,883
 $109,854
Restricted cash included in other current assets8,747
 8,329

 8,747
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$118,601
 $83,775
$180,883
 $118,601
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited) (In thousands)
 Common
Stock
 Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 Retained
Earnings
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Total
Three Months Ended June 28, 2019         
Balance, March 29, 2019$166,364
 $539,067
 $281,038
 $(142,031) $844,438
Shares issued428
 8,678
 
 
 9,106
Stock compensation cost
 8,425
 
 
 8,425
Net earnings
 
 88,137
 
 88,137
Dividends declared ($0.1600 per share)
 
 (26,867) 
 (26,867)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 2,719
 2,719
Balance, June 28, 2019$166,792
 $556,170
 $342,308
 $(139,312) $925,958
Six Months Ended June 28, 2019         
Balance, December 28, 2018$165,171
 $510,825
 $220,734
 $(144,857) $751,873
Shares issued1,621
 31,064
 
 
 32,685
Stock compensation cost
 14,281
 
 
 14,281
Net earnings
 
 174,886
 
 174,886
Dividends declared ($0.3200 per share)
 
 (53,312) 
 (53,312)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 5,545
 5,545
Balance, June 28, 2019$166,792
 $556,170
 $342,308
 $(139,312) $925,958
Three Months Ended June 29, 2018         
Balance, March 30, 2018$168,033
 515,693
 176,524
 $(133,071) $727,179
Shares issued548
 (13,963) 
 
 (13,415)
Shares repurchased(1,451) (4,285) (58,352) 
 (64,088)
Stock compensation cost
 7,897
 
 
 7,897
Restricted stock canceled (issued)
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
 
 89,140
 
 89,140
Dividends declared ($0.1325 per share)
 
 (21,905) 
 (21,905)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 (13,003) (13,003)
Balance, June 29, 2018$167,130
 505,342
 185,407
 $(146,074) $711,805
Six Months Ended June 29, 2018         
Balance, December 29, 2017$169,319
 $499,934
 $181,599
 $(127,789) $723,063
Shares issued1,313
 3,360
 
 
 4,673
Shares repurchased(3,502) (10,340) (141,759) 
 (155,601)
Stock compensation cost
 13,160
 
 
 13,160
Restricted stock canceled (issued)
 (772) 
 
 (772)
Net earnings
 
 174,650
 
 174,650
Dividends declared ($0.2650 per share)
 
 (44,536) 
 (44,536)
Reclassified to retained earnings from AOCI
 
 15,453
 (15,453) 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 (2,832) (2,832)
Balance, June 29, 2018$167,130
 $505,342
 $185,407
 $(146,074) $711,805

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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


The consolidated balance sheet of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 29, 201828, 2019 and the related statements of earnings, and comprehensive income and shareholders' equity for the three and six months ended June 29, 201828, 2019 and June 30, 2017,29, 2018, and cash flows for the six months ended June 29, 201828, 2019 and June 30, 201729, 2018 have been prepared by the Company and have not been audited.


In the opinion of management, these consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of June 29, 2018,28, 2019, and the results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented. Certain prior year disclosures have been revised to conform with current year reporting.


Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. Therefore, these statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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

2.Segment Information

The Company has three reportable segments: Industrial, Process and Contractor. Sales and operating earnings by segment were as follows (in thousands): 
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
Net Sales       
 Industrial$188,507
 $190,459
 $377,607
 $385,655
 Process85,064
 85,059
 171,958
 165,094
 Contractor154,757
 149,052
 283,633
 280,169
 Total$428,328
 $424,570
 $833,198
 $830,918
Operating Earnings       
 Industrial$64,428
 $67,030
 $129,631
 $136,155
 Process18,378
 17,065
 38,392
 34,767
 Contractor40,054
 38,382
 66,593
 69,793
 Unallocated corporate (expense)(10,499) (9,099) (17,728) (15,641)
 Total$112,361
 $113,378
 $216,888
 $225,074


Assets by segment were as follows (in thousands): 
 June 28,
2019
 December 28,
2018
Industrial$633,813
 $640,683
Process364,496
 350,306
Contractor361,832
 283,727
Unallocated corporate280,406
 198,025
Total$1,640,547
 $1,472,741



Geographic information follows (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
Net Sales (based on customer location)       
United States$221,565
 $212,541
 $424,450
 $406,323
Other countries206,763
 212,029
 408,748
 424,595
Total$428,328
 $424,570
 $833,198
 $830,918
 June 28,
2019
 December 28,
2018
Long-lived Assets   
United States$229,398
 $178,331
Other countries57,123
 50,964
Total$286,521
 $229,295


2.Revenue Recognition

Adoption of New Accounting Standard

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a final standard on revenue from contracts with 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 was effective for the Company as of December 30, 2017, the beginning of our fiscal year 2018. The Company adopted the new accounting standard using the modified retrospective transition approach. Application of the transition requirements had no material impact on operations or beginning retained earnings.

We record revenue under ASC 606 at a single point in time, when control is transferred to the customer, which is consistent with past practice. Under ASC 606, rights of return are recorded as a refund liability and a recovery asset is established for the value of product expected to be returned. We previously classified rights of return, net of amounts expected to be recovered, as an allowance reducing accounts receivable. We reclassified prior period balance sheet amounts to conform to ASC 606 requirements. This resulted in an increase in accounts receivable of $9.7 million, a recovery asset of $1.7 million included in other current assets and $11.4 million of refund liability included in other current liabilities as of December 29, 2017.

Accounting Policy

Revenue is recognized upon the satisfaction of performance obligations, which occurs when control of the good or service transfers to the customer. This is generally on the date of shipment; however certain sales have terms requiring recognition when received by the customer. In cases where there are specific customer acceptance provisions, revenue is recognized at the later of customer acceptance or shipment (subject to shipping terms). Payment terms are established based on the type of product, distributor capabilities and competitive market conditions. We generally determine standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers for all material performance obligations.

Variable consideration is accounted for as a price adjustment (sales adjustment). Following are examples of variable consideration that affect the Company's reported revenue. Early payment discounts are provided to certain customers and within certain regions. Rights of return are typically contractually limited, amounts are estimable, and the Company records provisions for anticipated returns at the time revenue is recognized. This includes promotions when, from time to time, the Company may promote the sale of new products by agreeing to accept returns of superseded products. Trade promotions are offered to distributors and end users through various programs, generally with terms of one year or less. Such promotions include rebates based on annual purchases and sales growth, coupons and reimbursement for competitive products. Payment of incentives may take the form of cash, trade credit, promotional merchandise or

free product. Rebates are accrued based on the program rates and progress toward the probability weighted estimate of annual sales amount and sales growth.

Additional promotions include cooperative advertising arrangements. Under cooperative advertising arrangements, the Company reimburses the distributor for a portion of its advertising costs related to the Company’s products; estimated costs are accrued at the time of sale and classified as selling, marketing and distribution expense. The estimated costs related to coupon programs are accrued at the time of sale and classified as selling, marketing and distribution expense or cost of products sold, depending on the type of incentive offered. The considerations payable to customers are deemed as broad based and are not recorded against net sales.

Shipping and handling costs incurred for the delivery of goods to customers are included in cost of goods sold. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales.

Deferred Revenues

We defer revenue when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance, including amounts which are refundable. This is also the case for services associated with certain product sales. The balance in the deferred revenue and customer advances was $46.9 million as of June 29, 2018 and $22.6 million as of December 29, 2017. The increase from year-end 2017 includes $21.4 million related to a business acquired in 2018. Net sales for the year to date included $20.0 million that was in deferred revenue and customer advances as of December 29, 2017.

Our payment terms vary by the type and location of our customer and the products or services offered. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant. For certain products or services and customer types, we require payment before the products or services are delivered to the customer.

Practical Expedients and Exemptions

We have made an accounting policy election to account for shipping and handling activities that occur after control of the related good transfers as fulfillment activities instead of assessing such activities as performance obligations.

We have made an accounting policy election to exclude from the transaction price all sales taxes related to revenue producing transactions collected from the customer for a governmental authority.

We apply the new revenue standard requirements to a portfolio of contracts (or performance obligations) with similar characteristics for transactions where it is expected that the effects on the financial statements of applying the revenue recognition guidance to the portfolio would not differ materially from applying this guidance to the individual contracts (or performance obligations) within that portfolio.

We have made an accounting policy election to not assess whether promised goods or services are performance obligations if they are immaterial in the context of the contract with the customer. If the revenue related to a performance obligation that includes goods or services that are immaterial in the context of the contract is recognized before those immaterial goods or services are transferred to the customer, then the related costs to transfer those goods or services are accrued.

We generally expense incremental costs of obtaining a contract when incurred because the amortization period would be less than one year. These costs primarily relate to sales commissions and are recorded in selling, marketing and distribution expense.

We disclose disaggregated revenues by reporting segment and geography in accordance with the revenue standard. See Note 7 Segment Information.

3.Earnings per Share


The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
Net earnings available to common shareholders$88,137
 $89,140
 $174,886
 $174,650
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share166,684
 167,260
 166,150
 168,166
Dilutive effect of stock options computed using the treasury stock method and the average market price5,363
 6,005
 5,303
 6,291
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share172,047
 173,265
 171,453
 174,457
Basic earnings per share$0.53
 $0.53
 $1.05
 $1.04
Diluted earnings per share$0.51
 $0.51
 $1.02
 $1.00

 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
Net earnings available to common shareholders$89,140
 $79,828
 $174,650
 $140,560
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share167,260
 167,404
 168,166
 167,354
Dilutive effect of stock options computed using the treasury stock method and the average market price6,005
 6,378
 6,291
 6,105
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share173,265
 173,782
 174,457
 173,459
Basic earnings per share$0.53
 $0.48
 $1.04
 $0.84
Diluted earnings per share$0.51
 $0.46
 $1.00
 $0.81


Stock options to purchase 1,099,0001,532,000 and 801,0001,099,000 shares were not included in the June 29, 201828, 2019 and June 30, 201729, 2018 computations of diluted earnings per share, respectively, because they would have been anti-dilutive.


4.Share-Based Awards


Options on common shares granted and outstanding, as well as the weighted average exercise price, are shown below (in thousands, except exercise prices):
 
Option
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Options
Exercisable
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 28, 201812,270
 $24.67
 7,312
 $20.17
Granted1,285
 45.91
    
Exercised(1,241) 15.59
    
Canceled(22) 32.72
    
Outstanding, June 28, 201912,292
 $27.79
 7,731
 $22.98

 
Option
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Options
Exercisable
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 29, 201713,290
 $21.99
 7,729
 $18.33
Granted1,163
 44.05
    
Exercised(1,745) 19.25
    
Canceled(50) 26.40
    
Outstanding, June 29, 201812,658
 $24.38
 7,616
 $19.80


The Company recognized year-to-date share-based compensation of $17.5 million in 2019 and $15.8 million in 2018 and $13.5 million in 2017.2018. As of June 29, 2018,28, 2019, there was $14.5$12.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options, expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.92.0 years.


The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions and results:
 Six Months Ended
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
Expected life in years7.5
 7.5
Interest rate2.6% 2.8%
Volatility24.6% 25.5%
Dividend yield1.4% 1.2%
Weighted average fair value per share$12.26
 $12.84

 Six Months Ended
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
Expected life in years7.5
 7.0
Interest rate2.8% 2.2%
Volatility25.5% 26.7%
Dividend yield1.2% 1.6%
Weighted average fair value per share$12.84
 $8.08



Under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the Company issued 398,000 shares in 2019 and 480,000 shares in 2018 and 500,000 shares in 2017.2018. The fair value of the employees’ purchase rights under this Plan was estimated on the date of grant. The benefit of the 15 percentdiscount 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:
 Six Months Ended
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
Expected life in years1.0
 1.0
Interest rate2.6% 2.1%
Volatility22.7% 21.3%
Dividend yield1.4% 1.2%
Weighted average fair value per share$11.36
 $10.28

 Six Months Ended
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
Expected life in years1.0
 1.0
Interest rate2.1% 0.9%
Volatility21.3% 22.3%
Dividend yield1.2% 1.5%
Weighted average fair value per share$10.28
 $7.32


5.Retirement Benefits


The components of net periodic benefit cost for retirement benefit plans were as follows (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
Pension Benefits       
Service cost$1,635
 $1,998
 $3,644
 $4,211
Interest cost3,572
 3,411
 7,310
 6,845
Expected return on assets(4,216) (4,632) (8,575) (8,718)
Amortization and other1,838
 2,080
 3,817
 4,175
Net periodic benefit cost$2,829
 $2,857
 $6,196
 $6,513
Postretirement Medical       
Service cost$123
 $175
 $273
 $350
Interest cost264
 265
 581
 529
Amortization29
 136
 137
 272
Net periodic benefit cost$416
 $576
 $991
 $1,151

 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
Pension Benefits       
Service cost$1,998
 $1,754
 $4,211
 $3,815
Interest cost3,411
 3,673
 6,845
 7,603
Expected return on assets(4,632) (4,112) (8,718) (8,464)
Amortization and other2,080
 2,199
 4,175
 4,524
Net periodic benefit cost$2,857
 $3,514
 $6,513
 $7,478
Postretirement Medical       
Service cost$175
 $126
 $350
 $301
Interest cost265
 271
 529
 546
Amortization136
 (55) 272
 (5)
Net periodic benefit cost$576
 $342
 $1,151
 $842


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 adopted the standard effective for the first quarter of 2018, and the Company has applied the change retrospectively to all periods presented. Under the new standard, net periodic benefit costs are disaggregated between service costs presented as operating expenses and other components of pension costs presented as non-operating expenses. The Company previously charged service costs to segment operations and included other components of pension cost in unallocated corporate operating expenses. Under the new standard, unallocated corporate operating expenses decreased, operating earnings increased and other expense increased by the amount of non-service components of pension cost, including the amount of changes in cash surrender value of insurance contracts used to fund certain non-qualified pension and deferred compensation arrangements. There was no impact on reported net earnings or earnings per share. The retrospective application of the new standard resulted in increases of $1.6 million and $3.3 million to previously reported operating earnings and other non-operating expense for the quarter and year to date ended June 30, 2017, respectively.

Subsequent to the end of the second quarter of 2018, the Company made a $40 million voluntary contribution to one of its U.S. qualified defined benefit plans.

6.Shareholders’ Equity


Changes in components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax were (in thousands):
 
Pension and
Postretirement
Medical
 
Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment
 Total
Balance, March 31, 2017$(75,192) $(59,484) $(134,676)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 11,029
 11,029
Reclassified to pension cost and deferred tax1,067
 
 1,067
Balance, June 30, 2017$(74,125) $(48,455) $(122,580)

Balance, March 30, 2018$(92,458) $(40,613) $(133,071)
Pension and
Postretirement
Medical
 
Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment
 Total
Three Months Ended June 28, 2019     
Balance, March 29, 2019$(85,232) $(56,799) $(142,031)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 (15,112) (15,112)
 1,232
 1,232
Reclassified to pension cost and deferred tax2,109
 
 2,109
1,487
 
 1,487
Balance, June 29, 2018$(90,349) $(55,725) $(146,074)
Balance, June 28, 2019$(83,745) $(55,567) $(139,312)

Six Months Ended June 28, 2019     
Balance, December 28, 2018$(86,889) $(57,968) $(144,857)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 2,401
 2,401
Reclassified to pension cost and deferred tax3,144
 
 3,144
Balance, June 28, 2019$(83,745) $(55,567) $(139,312)

Pension and
Postretirement
Medical
 
Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment
 Total
Balance, December 30, 2016$(76,426) $(65,802) $(142,228)
Three Months Ended June 29, 2018     
Balance, March 30, 2018$(92,458) $(40,613) $(133,071)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 17,347
 17,347

 (15,112) (15,112)
Reclassified to pension cost and deferred tax2,301
 
 2,301
2,109
 
 2,109
Balance, June 30, 2017$(74,125) $(48,455) $(122,580)
Balance, June 29, 2018$(90,349) $(55,725) $(146,074)
Six Months Ended June 29, 2018     
Balance, December 29, 2017$(78,430) $(49,359) $(127,789)$(78,430) $(49,359) $(127,789)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 (6,366) (6,366)
 (6,366) (6,366)
Reclassified to pension cost and deferred tax3,534
 
 3,534
3,534
 
 3,534
Reclassified to retained earnings(15,453) 
 (15,453)(15,453) 
 (15,453)
Balance, June 29, 2018$(90,349) $(55,725) $(146,074)$(90,349) $(55,725) $(146,074)


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


In February 2018, FASBthe Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued a new standard related to reclassification of certain tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). We early-adoptedadopted the new standard in the first quarter of 2018. We elected to reclassify $15.5 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, representing the amount of "stranded" tax effects resulting from the change in the U.S. federal tax rate and the consequent revaluation of deferred tax assets related to pension and postretirement medical expense.


On April 30, 2018, the Company repurchased 0.7 million shares of its common stock for $28.2 million from the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The $43.33 per share purchase price represented a discount of 3 percent from the closing price of the Company’s stock immediately prior to the date of the transaction. The repurchase is expected to be accretive to earnings per share and yield a rate of return to remaining shareholders that will exceed the Company’s equity cost of capital. The Company used available cash balances and borrowings under its revolving line of credit to fund the repurchase.

7.Segment Information

The Company has three reportable segments: Industrial, Process and Contractor. Sales and operating earnings by segment were as follows (in thousands): 
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
Net Sales       
 Industrial$190,459
 $174,868
 $385,655
 $331,258
 Process85,059
 73,399
 165,094
 143,428
 Contractor149,052
 131,216
 280,169
 245,387
 Total$424,570
 $379,483
 $830,918
 $720,073
Operating Earnings       
 Industrial$67,030
 $61,596
 $136,155
 $115,331
 Process17,065
 13,418
 34,767
 26,881
 Contractor38,382
 33,759
 69,793
 59,778
 Unallocated corporate (expense)(9,099) (8,363) (15,641) (14,145)
 Total$113,378
 $100,410
 $225,074
 $187,845


Assets by segment were as follows (in thousands): 7.Inventories
 June 29,
2018
 December 29,
2017
Industrial$627,490
 $572,436
Process341,272
 345,572
Contractor298,431
 255,615
Unallocated corporate205,768
 216,994
Total$1,472,961
 $1,390,617

Geographic information follows (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
Net Sales (based on customer location)       
United States$212,541
 $194,619
 $406,323
 $369,473
Other countries212,029
 184,864
 424,595
 350,600
Total$424,570
 $379,483
 $830,918
 $720,073
 June 29,
2018
 December 29,
2017
Long-lived Assets   
United States$165,818
 $163,416
Other countries49,179
 40,882
Total$214,997
 $204,298


8.Inventories


Major components of inventories were as follows (in thousands):
 June 28,
2019
 December 28,
2018
Finished products and components$147,159
 $142,535
Products and components in various stages of completion87,670
 83,768
Raw materials and purchased components122,318
��115,705
Subtotal357,147
 342,008
Reduction to LIFO cost(59,602) (58,026)
Total$297,545
 $283,982

 June 29,
2018
 December 29,
2017
Finished products and components$141,101
 $124,327
Products and components in various stages of completion73,900
 61,274
Raw materials and purchased components108,083
 103,407
Subtotal323,084
 289,008
Reduction to LIFO cost(51,355) (49,659)
Total$271,729
 $239,349


9.8.Intangible Assets


Components of other intangible assets were (dollars in thousands):
Finite Life Indefinite Life  Finite Life Indefinite Life  
Customer
Relationships
 Patents and
Proprietary
Technology
 Trademarks,
Trade Names
and Other
 Trade
Names
 TotalCustomer
Relationships
 Patents and
Proprietary
Technology
 Trademarks,
Trade Names
and Other
 Trade
Names
 Total
As of June 29, 2018         
As of June 28, 2019         
Cost$179,444
 $19,371
 $1,070
 $59,937
 $259,822
$182,410
 $18,913
 $1,020
 $60,220
 $262,563
Accumulated amortization(60,872) (8,515) (674) 
 (70,061)(73,974) (9,557) (545) 
 (84,076)
Foreign currency translation(10,427) (860) (72) (4,200) (15,559)(10,352) (861) (72) (3,638) (14,923)
Book value$108,145
 $9,996
 $324
 $55,737
 $174,202
$98,084
 $8,495
 $403
 $56,582
 $163,564
Weighted average life in years13
 10
 4
 N/A
  13
 10
 4
 N/A
  
As of December 29, 2017         
As of December 28, 2018         
Cost$179,826
 $18,479
 $1,071
 $59,553
 $258,929
$179,449
 $18,571
 $1,020
 $59,537
 $258,577
Accumulated amortization(54,076) (7,795) (542) 
 (62,413)(67,322) (8,647) (439) 
 (76,408)
Foreign currency translation(9,186) (727) (61) (3,486) (13,460)(10,817) (895) (73) (4,074) (15,859)
Book value$116,564
 $9,957
 $468
 $56,067
 $183,056
$101,310
 $9,029
 $508
 $55,463
 $166,310
Weighted average life in years13
 10
 4
 N/A
  13
 10
 4
 N/A
  



Amortization of intangibles for the quarter was $3.8 million in 2019 and $4.0 million in 2018 and $3.7 million in 2017 and for the year to date was $7.7 million in 2019 and $8.0 million in 2018 and $7.3 million in 2017.2018. Estimated annual amortization expense based on the current carrying amount of other intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Thereafter
Estimated Amortization Expense$15,503
 $15,289
 $15,089
 $15,001
 $14,088
 $39,686

 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter
Estimated Amortization Expense$15,540
 $15,014
 $14,798
 $14,602
 $14,617
 $51,862


Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for each reportable segment were (in thousands): 
 Industrial     Process     Contractor     Total    
Balance, December 28, 2018$177,124
 $97,168
 $19,554
 $293,846
Additions, adjustments from business acquisitions
 1,575
 
 1,575
Foreign currency translation803
 49
 
 852
Balance, June 28, 2019$177,927
 $98,792
 $19,554
 $296,273

 Industrial     Process     Contractor     Total    
Balance, December 29, 2017$161,673
 $97,971
 $19,145
 $278,789
Additions, adjustments from business acquisitions17,544
 170
 409
 18,123
Foreign currency translation(2,141) (428) 
 (2,569)
Balance, June 29, 2018$177,076
 $97,713
 $19,554
 $294,343


The Company completed business acquisitions in 20182019 that were not material to the consolidated financial statements.



10.9.Other Current Liabilities
Components of other current liabilities were (in thousands):
 June 28,
2019
 December 28,
2018
Accrued self-insurance retentions$7,920
 $7,870
Accrued warranty and service liabilities11,797
 11,056
Accrued trade promotions7,229
 11,449
Payable for employee stock purchases6,437
 11,916
Customer advances and deferred revenue41,509
 39,995
Income taxes payable9,727
 8,515
Right of return refund liability12,996
 12,705
Operating lease liability, current8,416
 
Other35,504
 39,535
Total$141,535
 $143,041

 June 29,
2018
 December 29,
2017
Accrued self-insurance retentions$7,853
 $7,956
Accrued warranty and service liabilities10,956
 10,535
Accrued trade promotions9,064
 10,588
Payable for employee stock purchases5,666
 10,053
Customer advances and deferred revenue46,881
 22,632
Income taxes payable12,554
 7,564
Right of return refund liability12,119
 11,412
Other33,276
 31,628
Total$138,369
 $112,368

The Company managed certain self-insured loss exposures through a wholly-owned captive insurance subsidiary. Cash balances of $8.7 million as of June 29, 2018 and $9.2 million as of December 29, 2017 were restricted to funding of the captive's loss reserves and are included within other current assets on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company has begun the process of dissolving the captive insurance subsidiary. Cash balances will no longer be restricted upon final dissolution.


A liability is established for estimated future warranty and service claims that relate to current and prior period sales. The Company estimates warranty costs based on historical claim experience and other factors including evaluating specific product warranty issues. Following is a summary of activity in accrued warranty and service liabilities (in thousands):
Balance, December 28, 2018$11,056
Charged to expense5,001
Margin on parts sales reversed1,537
Reductions for claims settled(5,797)
Balance, June 28, 2019$11,797

Balance, December 29, 2017$10,535
Charged to expense3,917
Margin on parts sales reversed1,440
Reductions for claims settled(4,936)
Balance, June 29, 2018$10,956


Deferred Revenues

For certain products or services and customer types, we require payment before delivery to the customer. We defer revenue when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance, including amounts which are refundable. This is also the case for services associated with certain product sales. The balance in the deferred revenue and customer advances was $41.5 million as of June 28, 2019 and $40.0 million as of December 28, 2018. Net sales for the year to date included $29.9 million in 2019 and $20.0 million in 2018 that related to deferred revenue as of the beginning of each period.

11.10.Fair Value


Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and fair value measurement level were as follows (in thousands):
 Level    June 28,
2019
 December 28,
2018
Assets     
Cash surrender value of life insurance2 $16,572
 $14,320
Forward exchange contracts2 78
 82
Total assets at fair value  $16,650
 $14,402
Liabilities     
Contingent consideration3 $4,700
 $7,200
Deferred compensation2 4,373
 4,203
Total liabilities at fair value  $9,073
 $11,403

 Level    June 29,
2018
 December 29,
2017
Assets     
Cash surrender value of life insurance2 $16,000
 $16,128
Forward exchange contracts2 677
 
Total assets at fair value  $16,677
 $16,128
Liabilities     
Contingent consideration3 $5,300
 $4,081
Deferred compensation2 4,257
 3,836
Forward exchange contracts2 
 517
Total liabilities at fair value  $9,557
 $8,434


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

compensation plans. The deferred compensation liability balances are valued based on amounts allocated by participants to the underlying performance measurement funds.


Contingent consideration 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 future revenues.


Long-term notes payable with fixed interest rates have a carrying amount of $225 million, including $75 million classified as current, and an estimated fair value of $235$240 million as of June 29, 201828, 2019 and $245$235 millionas of December 29, 2017.28, 2018. 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.


12.Income Taxes11.Recent Accounting Pronouncements


Leases

Adoption of New Accounting Standard

The effective income tax rate was 15 percent for the quarter, down 1 percentage point from the second quarter last year. The effective income tax rate for the year to date was 18 percent, down 3 percentage points from last year. U.S. federal income tax reform legislation (the "Tax Act") passed at the end of 2017 decreased the effective tax rate by 9 percentage points percentage points for both the quarter and the year to date compared to last year. Excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises reduced the effective tax rate by 6 percentage points in the second quarter of 2018 and 14 percentage points in the second quarter last year. Year-to-date excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises reduced the effective tax rate by 4 percentage points in 2018 and 10 percentage points in 2017.
Our accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act related to the transition tax is incomplete; however, we have determined reasonable estimates for those effects and have recorded provisional amounts in our consolidated financial statementsCompany adopted ASU No. 2016-02— Leases (Topic 842) as of JuneDecember 29, 2018, the beginning of our fiscal year 2019. Using the modified retrospective approach with transition relief, we recorded operating lease assets and liabilities of approximately $35 million as of December 29, 2018, and December 29, 2017. Wemade no adjustments to retained earnings. Adoption of the new standard did not makematerially impact our consolidated net earnings and cash flows.

Practical Expedients and Exemptions

Electing the package of practical expedients permitted under transition guidance, we did not reassess previous conclusions about whether existing contracts contained a lease, historical lease classification, or initial direct costs. Electing the hindsight practical expedient to determine the lease term for existing leases did not result in any measurement-period adjustmentschanges to those amounts duringexisting lease terms. We elected not to apply recognition requirements to short term leases with terms of twelve months or less across all asset classes. We elected to analyze vehicle assets using the first halfportfolio approach. Lastly, we elected as an accounting policy not to separate the lease and non-lease components in the lease payments across all asset classes.

Accounting Policy

The Company owns most of 2018.the assets used in its operations, but leases certain buildings and land, vehicles, office equipment and other rental assets. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. All of the Company's current lease arrangements are classified as operating leases. The Company historically has not entered into financing leases. Operating lease assets and obligations are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Lease expense is recognized by amortizing the amount recorded as an asset on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

In determining lease asset value, the Company considers fixed or variable payment terms, prepayments, incentives, and options to extend, terminate or purchase. Renewal, termination or purchase options affect the lease term used for determining lease asset value only if the option is reasonably certain to be exercised. The Company generally uses its incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.

As of June 28, 2019, the weighted average remaining lease term was 6.0 years and the weighted average discount rate used to determine the operating lease liability was 4.1%. For the six months ended June 28, 2019, expense related to operating leases was $5.8 million, operating lease payments included in operating cash flows totaled $5.7 million and non-cash additions to operating lease assets totaled $2.0 million.

As of June 28, 2019, future maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
13.Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 Operating Leases
2019$4,755
20208,581
20216,473
20225,320
20233,947
20241,825
Thereafter7,507
Total lease payments$38,408
Present value adjustment(4,258)
Operating lease liabilities$34,150


Aggregate annual rental commitments under operating leases with noncancelable terms of more than one year at December 28, 2018 were reported under previous lease accounting standards as follows (in thousands):

 Total
2019$11,613
20208,759
20216,745
20225,102
20233,721
Thereafter2,340
Total$38,280


Credit Losses

In FebruaryJune 2016, the FASB issued a final standard on leases contained in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842 (“ASC 842”).accounting for credit losses. The new standard is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2019fiscal 2020 and requires most leases to be recorded ona change in credit loss calculations using the balance sheet.expected loss method. The Company plans to adopt the new accounting standard using the modified retrospective transition approach and will elect to use the package of practical expedients. The modified retrospective transition approach will recognize any changesexpects no significant impact on earnings or financial condition from the beginning of the year of initial application through retained earnings with no restatement of comparative periods.
We have established an implementation team that has gathered and analyzed a significant portion of our lease contracts. Based on preliminary results of the process, which has not been completed, nothing has come to our attention that would indicate that adoption of the new standard will have a material impact on our earnings or shareholders equity. We expect thatstandard. The Company is continuing to evaluate the recordingeffects of right-of-use assets and associated lease liabilities will have a significant effect on our consolidated balance sheet; however, we are unable to determine an amount at this time.
We are in the process of evaluating changes to our business processes, systems and controls needed to support recognition and disclosure under the new standard. Further, we are continuing to assess any incrementalstandard on related disclosures that will be required in our consolidated financial statements.






and accounting systems.

Item 2. GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


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


Overview


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


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


Consolidated Results


A summary of financial results follows (in millions except per share amounts):
Three Months Ended     Six Months EndedThree Months Ended     Six Months Ended
June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
 
%
 Change 
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
 
%
 Change 
June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
 
%
 Change 
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
 
%
 Change 
Net Sales$424.6
 $379.5
 12% $830.9
 $720.1
 15%$428.3
 $424.6
 1 % $833.2
 $830.9
 0 %
Operating Earnings113.4
 100.4
 13% 225.1
 187.8
 20%112.4
 113.4
 (1)% 216.9
 225.1
 (4)%
Net Earnings89.1
 79.8
 12% 174.7
 140.6
 24%88.1
 89.1
 (1)% 174.9
 174.7
 0 %
Net Earnings, adjusted (1)
82.7
 66.2
 25% 166.8
 123.4
 35%85.9
 82.7
 4 % 166.0
 166.8
 0 %
Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share$0.51
 $0.46
 11% $1.00
 $0.81
 23%$0.51
 $0.51
 0 % $1.02
 $1.00
 2 %
Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share, adjusted (1)
$0.48
 $0.38
 26% $0.96
 $0.71
 35%$0.50
 $0.48
 4 % $0.97
 $0.96
 1 %
(1) See below for a reconciliation of adjusted non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP.


Sales forincreases in the quarterAmericas and year to date increased double-digit percentages with growthEMEA were offset by decreases in all segments.Asia Pacific. Changes in currency translation rates increaseddecreased worldwide sales by approximately $9 million (3(2 percentage points) for the quarter and $23$20 million (3 percentage points) for the year to date. Acquired operations contributed 3date (3 percentage pointspoints). Gross margin rates decreased from the comparable periods last year, and operating expenses decreased both in dollars and as a percentage of sales growth for the quarter and year to date. Operating expense leverage on higher sales drove 13 percent and 20 percent increases in operating earnings for the quarter and year to date, respectively.sales.




Excluding the impact of tax benefits related to stock option exercises and the effects of certain tax provision adjustments presents a more consistent basis for comparison of financial results. A calculation of the non-GAAP measurements of adjusted income taxes, effective income tax rates, net earnings and diluted earnings per share follows (in millions except per share amounts):
Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
Jun 29,
2018
 Jun 30,
2017
 Jun 29,
2018
 Jun 30,
2017
June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
Earnings before income taxes$105.2
 $95.6
 $212.7
 $177.2
$107.8
 $105.2
 $208.5
 $212.7
              
Income taxes, as reported$16.1
 $15.8
 $38.0
 $36.6
$19.7
 $16.1
 $33.6
 $38.0
Excess tax benefit from option exercises6.4
 13.6
 7.9
 17.2
2.2
 6.4
 7.4
 7.9
Other non-recurring tax benefit
 
 1.5
 
Income taxes, adjusted$22.5
 $29.4
 $45.9
 $53.8
$21.9
 $22.5
 $42.5
 $45.9
              
Effective income tax rate              
As reported15.3% 16.5% 17.9% 20.7%18.2% 15.3% 16.1% 17.9%
Adjusted21.4% 30.7% 21.6% 30.4%20.3% 21.4% 20.4% 21.6%
              
Net Earnings, as reported$89.1
 $79.8
 $174.7
 $140.6
$88.1
 $89.1
 $174.9
 $174.7
Excess tax benefit from option exercises(6.4) (13.6) (7.9) (17.2)(2.2) (6.4) (7.4) (7.9)
Other non-recurring tax benefit
 
 (1.5) 
Net Earnings, adjusted$82.7
 $66.2
 $166.8
 $123.4
$85.9
 $82.7
 $166.0
 $166.8
              
Weighted Average Diluted Shares173.3
 173.8
 174.5
 173.5
172.0
 173.3
 171.5
 174.5
Diluted Earnings per Share              
As reported$0.51
 $0.46
 $1.00
 $0.81
$0.51
 $0.51
 $1.02
 $1.00
Adjusted$0.48
 $0.38
 $0.96
 $0.71
$0.50
 $0.48
 $0.97
 $0.96


The following table presents an overview of components of net earnings as a percentage of net sales:
Three Months Ended    Six Months EndedThree Months Ended    Six Months Ended
June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
Net Sales100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of products sold45.9
 46.1
 45.6
 45.8
47.0
 45.9
 46.8
 45.6
Gross Profit54.1
 53.9
 54.4
 54.2
53.0
 54.1
 53.2
 54.4
Product development3.8
 3.9
 3.8
 4.0
4.1
 3.8
 4.1
 3.8
Selling, marketing and distribution14.8
 14.6
 15.1
 15.3
14.1
 14.8
 14.6
 15.1
General and administrative8.8
 8.9
 8.4
 8.8
8.6
 8.8
 8.5
 8.4
Operating Earnings26.7
 26.5
 27.1
 26.1
26.2
 26.7
 26.0
 27.1
Interest expense0.9
 1.1
 0.9
 1.1
0.8
 0.9
 0.8
 0.9
Other expense, net1.0
 0.2
 0.6
 0.4
0.2
 1.0
 0.2
 0.6
Earnings Before Income Taxes24.8
 25.2
 25.6
 24.6
25.2
 24.8
 25.0
 25.6
Income taxes3.8
 4.2
 4.6
 5.1
4.6
 3.8
 4.0
 4.6
Net Earnings21.0% 21.0% 21.0% 19.5%20.6% 21.0% 21.0% 21.0%





Net Sales


The following table presents net sales by geographic region (in millions):
Three Months Ended    Six Months EndedThree Months Ended    Six Months Ended
June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
Americas(1)
$245.7
 $221.4
 $467.1
 $421.4
$253.7
 $245.7
 $485.7
 $467.1
EMEA(2)
96.8
 87.0
 198.2
 166.1
101.1
 96.8
 200.6
 198.2
Asia Pacific82.1
 71.1
 165.6
 132.6
73.5
 82.1
 146.9
 165.6
Consolidated$424.6
 $379.5
 $830.9
 $720.1
$428.3
 $424.6
 $833.2
 $830.9
(1)North, South and Central America, including the United States
(2)Europe, Middle East and Africa


The following table presents the components of net sales change by geographic region:
Three Months Six MonthsThree Months Six Months
Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency TotalVolume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total
Americas10% 1% 0% 11% 10% 1% 0% 11%4% 0% (1)% 3% 4% 0% 0% 4%
EMEA(2)% 6% 7% 11% 3% 6% 10% 19%10% 0% (6)% 4% 7% 0% (6)% 1%
Asia Pacific7% 3% 5% 15% 15% 4% 6% 25%(6)% 0% (4)% (10)% (7)% 0% (4)% (11)%
Consolidated6% 3% 3% 12% 9% 3% 3% 15%3% 0% (2)% 1% 3% 0% (3)% 0%


Gross Profit


Gross profit margin rates improved slightly for the quarter and year to date. Favorable effectsdate decreased by 1 percentage point from the comparable periods last year. Changes in currency translation and realized pricing were mostly offset byrates accounted for approximately half of the unfavorable effectsdecrease. Price changes implemented in the first quarter had a stronger impact on second quarter gross margin rate, largely offsetting the adverse impacts of higher material costs, lower gross margins from acquired operationsfactory volume and changes in product and channel mix.


Operating Expenses


Total operating expenses for the quarter increased $12 million (12 percent) compared to the second quarter last year. The increase includes approximately $2 million related to currency translation, $2 million from acquired operations, $4 million of increases in costs directly based on sales and earnings and a $1 million increase in market-driven share-based compensation. Year-to-date operating expenses increased $25 million (12 percent) compared to the first half last year. The increase includes approximately $5 million related to currency translation, $4 million from acquired operations, $9 million of increases in costs directly based on sales and earnings and a $2 million increase in market-driven share-based compensation.

Other expense

Other expense for the quarter and year to date includes $3 million anddecreased $2 million of exchange losses on net assets of foreign operations,(2 percent) and $1 million (1 percent), respectively, compared to small gainslast year. Reductions in volume and earnings-based expenses more than offset increases in product development expenses, which increased 8 percent for both the comparable periods last year.quarter and the year to date.


Income Taxes


The effective income tax rate was 15 percent for the quarter down 1was 18 percent, up 3 percentage pointpoints from the second quartercomparable period last year. U.S. federal income tax reform legislation passed at the end of 2017 decreased the effective tax rate by 9 percentage points for the quarter, andThe increase was primarily due to a $4 million decrease in excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises increased the effective rate by 8 percentage points compared to the second quarter of last year.exercises. The effective income tax rate for the year to date was 1816 percent, down 3 percentage points from last year. U.S. federal income tax reform legislation decreased the year-to-date effective tax rate by 9 percentage points and the decrease in excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises increased the effective rate by 62 percentage points from the comparable period last year. The decrease was due to additional net benefits from U.S. tax reform provisions and non-recurring benefits from other tax planning activities.


Segment Results


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


Industrial Segment


The following table presents net sales and operating earnings as a percentage of sales for the Industrial segment
(dollars in millions):
Three Months Ended   Six Months EndedThree Months Ended   Six Months Ended
June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
Net Sales              
Americas$79.3
 $75.9
 $153.5
 $144.9
$80.7
 $79.3
 $161.6
 $153.5
EMEA56.5
 49.9
 116.7
 94.0
59.1
 56.5
 117.2
 116.7
Asia Pacific54.7
 49.1
 115.5
 92.4
48.7
 54.7
 98.8
 115.5
Total$190.5
 $174.9
 $385.7
 $331.3
$188.5
 $190.5
 $377.6
 $385.7
Operating earnings as a percentage of net sales35% 35% 35% 35%34% 35% 34% 35%


The following table presents the components of net sales change by geographic region for the Industrial segment:
Three Months Six MonthsThree Months Six Months
Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency TotalVolume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total
Americas4% 0% 0% 4% 6% 0% 0% 6%2% 0% 0% 2% 6% 0% (1)% 5%
EMEA(5)% 11% 7% 13% 2% 11% 11% 24%10% 0% (5)% 5% 7% 0% (7)% 0%
Asia Pacific2% 5% 5% 12% 12% 6% 7% 25%(6)% 0% (5)% (11)% (10)% 0% (4)% (14)%
Segment Total1% 4% 4% 9% 6% 5% 5% 16%2% 0% (3)% (1)% 1% 0% (3)% (2)%


For both the quarter and the year to date, Industrial segment sales growth included $8 million for the quarter and $17 million for the year to date from acquired operations. Sales growth for the quarter was modest due to timing of finishing system sales and other project activity. Strong finishing systems sales in the first quarter boosted year to dateAmericas and EMEA was more than offset by decreases in Asia Pacific, where end markets softened. Operating earnings as a percentage of sales growth. Operating margin rates fordecreased as the quarter and year to date were consistent with comparable periods last year. The favorable effects of pricing and expense leverage were more than offset by the adverse impacts of currency translation, higher material costs, lower factory volume and product and channel mix were offset by the effects of purchase accounting and lower operating margins in acquired operations.mix.


Process Segment


The following table presents net sales and operating earnings as a percentage of sales for the Process segment
(dollars in millions):
Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
Net Sales              
Americas$54.8
 $46.6
 $106.1
 $91.2
$55.1
 $54.8
 $112.2
 $106.1
EMEA14.4
 13.9
 29.4
 28.8
14.3
 14.4
 30.1
 29.4
Asia Pacific15.9
 12.9
 29.6
 23.4
15.7
 15.9
 29.7
 29.6
Total$85.1
 $73.4
 $165.1
 $143.4
$85.1
 $85.1
 $172.0
 $165.1
Operating earnings as a percentage of net sales20% 18% 21% 19%22% 20% 22% 21%



The following table presents the components of net sales change by geographic region for the Process segment:
Three Months Six MonthsThree Months Six Months
Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency TotalVolume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total
Americas16% 2% 0% 18% 14% 2% 0% 16%1% 0% 0% 1% 6% 0% 0% 6%
EMEA(2)% 1% 5% 4% (5)% 1% 6% 2%2% 1% (4)% (1)% 6% 0% (4)% 2%
Asia Pacific18% 1% 4% 23% 21% 1% 5% 27%3% 0% (4)% (1)% 4% 0% (4)% 0%
Segment Total13% 1% 2% 16% 11% 1% 3% 15%1% 0% (1)% 0% 6% 0% (2)% 4%


The Process segment had sales growthfor the year to date increased in all product applications. Strong salesapplications, although the rate of growth continued in the segment's Lubrication division, and the Oil and Natural Gas division had solid growthslowed in the second quarter. Gross margin rates were consistent with the comparable periods last year at constant currency translation rates. Operating margin ratesrate for the quarter for this segment improved by 2 percentage points, for bothdriven by lower volume and earnings-based costs. For the quarter and year to date, driven by higher sales volume and expense leverage.leverage led to a 1 percentage point increase in operating margin rate.

Contractor Segment


The following table presents net sales and operating earnings as a percentage of sales for the Contractor segment
(dollars in millions):
Three Months Ended    Six Months EndedThree Months Ended    Six Months Ended
June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
 June 29,
2018
 June 30,
2017
June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
 June 28,
2019
 June 29,
2018
Net Sales              
Americas$111.6
 $98.9
 $207.5
 $185.3
$118.0
 $111.6
 $211.9
 $207.5
EMEA26.0
 23.2
 52.2
 43.3
27.7
 26.0
 53.3
 52.2
Asia Pacific11.5
 9.1
 20.5
 16.8
9.1
 11.5
 18.4
 20.5
Total$149.1
 $131.2
 $280.2
 $245.4
$154.8
 $149.1
 $283.6
 $280.2
Operating earnings as a percentage of net sales26% 26% 25% 24%26% 26% 23% 25%


The following table presents the components of net sales change by geographic region for the Contractor segment:
Three Months Six MonthsThree Months Six Months
Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency TotalVolume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total Volume and Price Acquisitions Currency Total
Americas11% 2% 0% 13% 10% 2% 0% 12%6% 0% 0% 6% 2% 0% 0% 2%
EMEA4% 0% 8% 12% 10% 0% 11% 21%12% 0% (5)% 7% 9% 0% (7)% 2%
Asia Pacific22% 0% 4% 26% 17% 0% 5% 22%(17)% 0% (4)% (21)% (5)% 0% (5)% (10)%
Segment Total11% 1% 2% 14% 11% 1% 2% 14%5% 0% (1)% 4% 3% 0% (2)% 1%


Contractor segment sales at consistent currency translation rates increased in all channels.by 5 percent, driving year-to-date growth to 3 percent. Operating margin ratesrate for the quarter and year to date improved slightly compared towas consistent with the rate for the comparable periodsquarter last year. Favorable effects of translation and expense leverage were offset by increasesReductions in volume and earnings-based incentive costs.costs offset the adverse impacts of currency translation. Operating margin rate for the year to date was 2 percentage points lower than last year due to changes in currency translation rates, higher material costs, lower factory volume and higher factory spending.


Liquidity and Capital Resources


Net cash provided by operating activities of $171totaled $164 million increased $35 million compared toin the first half of last year, driven by2019 compared to $171 million in the increase in net earnings.comparable period of 2018. The decrease reflects increased payments related to various accrued liabilities. Increases in accounts receivable and inventories reflect acquired operations and growth in business activity in the six months ended June 28, 2019. Significant uses of cash in 2019 included dividend payments of $53 million, property, plant and equipment additions of $70 million and net payments on credit lines of $16 million. Proceeds from shares issued in the first half of 2018. The Company used cash2019 totaled $34 million, partially offset by $2 million of $11 millionpayments for shares repurchased in 2018 and $10 millionsettled in 2017 to acquire businesses that were2019. Although the Company did not material torepurchase any shares in the consolidated financial statements. Otherfirst half of 2019, it may make additional opportunistic purchases going forward.

In 2018, significant uses of cash in 2018 included share repurchases of $156 million, (including $28 million repurchased from the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer), cash dividends of $45 million, and property, plant and equipment additions of $27 million.


Subsequent to the end of the second quarter of 2018, the Company used available cash and borrowings under its revolving line of credit to make a $40 million voluntary contribution to one of its U.S. qualified defined benefit retirement plans.


At June 29, 2018,28, 2019, the Company had various lines of credit totaling $544$594 million, of which $466$559 million was unused. Internally generated funds and unused financing sources are expected to provide the Company with the flexibility to meet its liquidity needs in 2018.2019, including its capital expenditure plan (including several building projects to expand production and distribution capacity), planned dividends, share repurchases, and acquisitions. Subsequent to the end of the second quarter of 2019, the Company prepaid $75 million of private placement debt that was due in January, 2020.


Outlook


Demand remains broad-based across products and geographies. We are holdingGiven the slow start to the year, we lowered our full-year 2019 worldwide outlook of mid-to-highto low single-digit organic sales growth on a constant currency basis worldwidebasis. While overall economic conditions are challenging, we continue to pursue our growth strategies and manage the business for the full year 2018. Although we anticipate second half pressures from tariffs, material costs and currency, we are encouraged by the strong levels of demand in many of our key end markets. As a result, we believe Graco is well positioned to deliver another record year of sales and earnings in 2018.long term.


Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements


The Company desires to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions regarding forward-looking statements of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is filing this Cautionary Statement in order to do so. From time to time various forms filed by our Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks, and other disclosures, including our 20172018 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, investing in new products, expanding geographically and targeting new industries; changes in currency translation rates; economic conditions in the United States and other major world economies; the ability to meet our customers’ needs and changes in tax ratesproduct demand; supply interruptions or the adoption of new tax legislation: changes in currency translation rates; changes in laws and regulations; compliance with anti-corruption and trade laws;delays; security breaches; 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 andcatastrophic events; changes in product demand; supply interruptionslaws and regulations; compliance with anti-corruption and trade laws; changes in tax rates or delays; security breaches;the adoption of new tax legislation; the possibility of asset impairments if acquired businesses do not meet performance expectations; political instability; results of and costs associated with litigation, administrative proceedings and regulatory reviews incident to our business; our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified personnel; the possibility of decline in purchases from a few large customers of the Contractor segment; and variations in activity in the construction, automotive, mining and oil and natural gas industries; our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified personnel; and catastrophic events.industries. Please refer to Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 20172018 for a more comprehensive discussion of these and other risk factors. These reports are available on the Company’s website at www.graco.com and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.


Investors should realize that factors other than those identified above and in Item 1A might prove important to the Company’s future results. It is not possible for management to identify each and every factor that may have an impact on the Company’s operations in the future as new factors can develop from time to time.

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk


There have been no material changes related to market risk from the disclosures made in the Company’s 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Item 4.Controls and Procedures


Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures


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


Changes in internal controls


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

PART IIOTHER INFORMATION


Item 1A.Risk Factors


There have been no material changes to the Company’s risk factors from those disclosed in the Company’s 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities


On April 24, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to 18,000,000 shares of its outstanding common stock, primarily through open-market transactions. There were approximately 3.3 million shares remaining under the authorization on December 7, 2018, when the board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to an additional 18 million shares. The authorization isauthorizations are for an indefinite period of time or until terminated by the Board.


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


Information on issuer purchasesNo shares were purchased in the second quarter 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)
Mar 31, 2018 - Apr 27, 2018 768,078
 $44.87
 768,078
 5,988,729
Apr 28, 2018 - May 25, 2018 (1)
 683,188
 $43.36
 683,188
 5,305,541
May 26, 2018 - June 29, 2018 
 $
 
 5,305,541
2019. As of June 28, 2019, there were 21,002,528 shares that may yet be purchased under the Board authorizations.

(1) On April 30, 2018, the Company repurchased 650,770 shares of its common stock for $28.2 million from the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The $43.33 per share purchase price represented a discount of 3 percent from the closing price of the Company’s stock immediately prior to the date of the transaction.






Item 6.Exhibits
3.1

 
   
3.2

 
   
10.1

 
   


Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of non-incentive stock options to nonemployee directors under the Graco Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan in 2019.




Nonemployee Director Stock and Deferred Stock Program (2019 Restatement).

 Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
   


 Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
   


 Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18, U.S.C.
   


 Press Release Reporting Second Quarter Earnings dated July 25, 2018.24, 2019.
   
101

 Interactive Data File.data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language).

SIGNATURES


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


GRACO INC.
       
Date: July 25, 201824, 2019 By: /s/ Patrick J. McHale
      Patrick J. McHale
      President and Chief Executive Officer
      (Principal Executive Officer)
    
Date: July 25, 201824, 2019 By: /s/ Mark W. Sheahan
      Mark W. Sheahan
      Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
      (Principal Financial Officer)
    
Date: July 25, 201824, 2019 By: /s/ Caroline M. Chambers
      Caroline M. Chambers
      
Executive Vice President, Corporate Controller
     and Information Systems
      (Principal Accounting Officer)