Graco Inc.'s 2007 Form 10-K

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 ended December 28, 2007, 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
Preferred Share Purchase Rights
Shares registered on the New York Stock Exchange.
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

Indicate by a check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned investor, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes   X   No      

Indicate by a 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 a check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 of 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 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 [  ]

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

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is a shell company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act.
Yes      No   X  

The aggregate market value of approximately 65,000,000 shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $2.6 billion on June 29, 2007.

As of February 11, 2008, 61,120,603 shares of Common Stock were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 25, 2008, are incorporated by reference into Part III, as specifically set forth in said Part III.


INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT

ON FORM 10-K


Page

Part I      
  Item 1 Business 3
  Item 1A Risk Factors 8
  Item 1B Unresolved Staff Comments 8
  Item 2 Properties 9
  Item 3 Legal Proceedings 9
  Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 9
    Executive Officers of the Company 9
       
Part II      
  Item 5 Market for the Company's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer  
        Purchases of Equity Securities 11
  Item 6 Selected Financial Data 13
  Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 14
  Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 24
  Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 25
        Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 25
        Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 26
        Consolidated Statements of Earnings 28
        Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 28
        Consolidated Balance Sheets 29
        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 30
        Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity 31
  Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants  
        on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 47
  Item 9A Controls and Procedures 47
  Item 9B Other Information 47
       
Part III      
  Item 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 48
  Item 11 Executive Compensation 48
  Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder  
        Matters 48
  Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence 48
  Item 14 Principal Accounting Fees and Services 49
       
Part IV      
  Item 15 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule 50
       
Signatures 52
       
Exhibit Index 53



                                                                  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 and other 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

Our Company was originally incorporated in the state of South Dakota in 1926 as Gray Company, Inc. and in the state of Minnesota in 1947. It began business as a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based manufacturer of grease guns and lubricating pumps primarily for servicing vehicles. Our Company changed its name to Graco Inc. and first offered its common stock to the public in 1969. Today we provide fluid handling solutions to organizations involved in manufacturing, processing, construction and maintenance throughout the world.

Graco Inc. and its subsidiaries (which we refer to in this Form 10-K as us, we, our Company or the Company) sell a full line of products in each of the following geographic markets: the Americas (North and South America), Europe (including the Middle East and Africa), and Asia Pacific. Sales in the Americas represent approximately 60 percent of our Company’s total sales; sales in Europe approximately 25 percent; and sales in Asia Pacific approximately 15 percent. Part II, Item 7, Results of Operations and Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K contain financial information about these geographic areas. Our Company provides marketing, product design and application assistance to, and employs sales personnel in, each of these geographic markets. Subsidiaries located in Belgium, the People’s Republic of China (“P.R.C.”), Japan, and Korea distribute our Company’s products in their local geographies. The majority of our manufacturing occurs in the United States, but limited lines of products are assembled in the P.R.C., the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) and Belgium.

For more information about our Company, our products, services and solutions, visit our website at www.graco.com. The information on the website is not part of this report nor any other report filed or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Business Segments

Our Company classifies its business into three reportable segments, each with a world-wide focus: Industrial, Contractor and Lubrication. Financial information concerning these segments is set forth in Part II, Item 7, Results of Operations and Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K.

The equipment developed and distributed by our Company’s segments is broadly described as fluid handling equipment. It is used to spray, dispense, measure and move a wide variety of fluids and semi-solids in a wide variety of applications in manufacturing, processing, construction and maintenance industries. Our Company’s products enable customers to reduce their use of labor, material and energy, improve quality and achieve environmental compliance.

The development of technologically superior, multiple-featured, reliable products is a key strategy of our Company. Our Company strives to generate 30 percent of its annual sales from products introduced in the prior three years. In 2007, we generated 21 percent of our sales from new products. In 2006 and 2005, the percentage of sales represented by new products was 21 and 29 percent, respectively. Major product development efforts are carried out in facilities located in Minneapolis and Rogers, Minnesota, North Canton, Ohio and on Lubrication equipment in Suzhou, P.R.C. The product development and engineering group in each segment focuses on new product design, product improvements, applied engineering and strategic technologies for its specific customer base. Total product development expenditures for all segments were $30 million, $30 million and $27 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005 respectively.

Manufacturing is a key competency of Graco. Our Company invests significant resources in maximizing the quality, responsiveness and cost-effectiveness of our production operations by purchasing state-of-the-art equipment and doing most machining, assembly and testing in-house. Principal products are manufactured in vertically integrated focused factories and product cells. Raw materials and purchased components are sourced from suppliers around the world. The segments manage operations devoted to the manufacture of their product lines. Oversight and direction of manufacturing strategy is provided by our vice president of manufacturing and distribution operations. He also manages those factories not fully aligned with a single segment, the warehouses, customer service, and other shared corporate manufacturing functions.

Other primary objectives of our Company include the expansion of distribution, the penetration of new markets and the completion of acquisitions. These subjects are discussed below in the context of each segment’s business operations.

Our Company’s headquarters are located in a 142,000 sq. ft. facility in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 2007, the visitors’ entrance area was renovated and general office space was added. The facility is also occupied by the management, marketing and product development personnel for the Industrial segment. Information systems, accounting services and purchasing for our Company are housed in a 42,000 sq. ft. office building nearby.

A large percentage of our Company’s facilities are devoted to manufacturing and distribution of the various products offered for sale by the business segments.

Products marketed by the Industrial segment are manufactured in owned facilities in Minneapolis, Minnesota (405,000 sq. ft. manufacturing/warehouse/office), Sioux Falls, South Dakota (149,000 sq. ft. manufacturing/office), and North Canton, Ohio (132,000 sq. ft. manufacturing/office), and leased facilities in Mississauga, Ontario (11,760 sq. ft. assembly/office) and Vilanova, Spain (29,000 sq. ft. manufacturing/warehouse/office). Limited lines of products are assembled in owned facilities in Suzhou, P.R.C. (79,000 sq. ft. assembly/warehouse/office), Wellingborough, U.K. (12,500 sq. ft. manufacturing/office) and Maasmechelen, Belgium (75,000 sq. ft. assembly/warehouse/office). During the first half of 2007, our Company ceased manufacturing in Vilanova, Spain. Products formerly manufactured there are now manufactured in Minneapolis. The lease on the Vilanova facility will terminate at the end of February 2008 and operations will move to a new facility (7,280 sq. ft. office/warehouse). The new facility will continue to warehouse and distribute products to Spanish customers. At the end of 2007, we announced that the mobile spray rig manufacturing and customer service functions would move from Mississauga, Ontario to North Canton, Ohio. The move was completed in January 2008. The lease for the Mississauga facility will expire at the end of June 2008. The lease for the Lakewood, New Jersey, facilities where Gusmer and Decker foam and polyurethane equipment was formerly manufactured terminated in April 2007. A 50,000 sq. ft. addition to the facility in North Canton was completed in March 2007. Some Industrial segment products are assembled for the European market in an owned facility located in Maasmechelen, Belgium, the site of our Company’s European headquarters (75,000 sq. ft. assembly/warehouse/ office). A 50,000 sq. ft. warehouse addition to the Maasmechelen facility is expected to be completed in July 2008.

Products marketed by the Contractor segment are manufactured in owned facilities in Rogers, Minnesota (333,000 sq. ft. manufacturing/warehouse/office). Segment management, marketing, engineering, customer service, warehouse, shipping, sales and training are also located at the Rogers facility. The Sioux Falls, South Dakota, plant also manufactures spray guns and accessories for the Contractor segment.

During 2007, the Lubrication segment moved its manufacturing operations in Madison, Wisconsin, Cleveland, Ohio and Minneapolis, Minnesota and its segment management, marketing, engineering, customer service, warehouse, shipping, sales and training functions to an owned facility in Anoka, Minnesota (207,000 sq. ft. manufacturing/office). The lease for the facility in Madison terminated at the end of January 2008 and the sale of the owned facility in Cleveland is pending. A limited line of Lubrication products are being assembled in our owned facility in Suzhou, P.R.C. The output of the Suzhou plant is shipped to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for subsequent worldwide distribution. The plant is expected to produce products designed specifically for the Asia Pacific market sometime in the future.

Industrial Segment

The Industrial segment is the largest part of our Company’s businesses and represents approximately 53 percent of our total sales. This segment includes the Industrial Products and the Applied Fluid Technologies divisions. These divisions were created in 2005. While both divisions market their equipment and services to customers who manufacture, assemble, repair and refinish products such as appliances, vehicles, airplanes, electronics, cabinets and furniture and other articles, the divisions focus on different fluids and application methods in these industries.

Most Industrial segment equipment is sold worldwide through general and specialized distributors, integrators and original equipment manufacturers. Distributors promote and sell the equipment, 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 vendors are aggregated into a single system. Original equipment manufacturers incorporate our Company’s Industrial segment products into the systems and assemblies that they supply to customers. In-plant polyurethane and Liquid Control™ equipment is sold through distribution and directly to manufacturers.

Industrial Products

The Industrial Products division focuses its development and sales efforts on three main product families: equipment to apply paint and other coatings to products such as motor vehicles, appliances, furniture and other industrial and consumer products; equipment to move and dispense chemicals and liquid and semi-solid foods; and equipment to refinish and repair automobiles.

Finishing equipment for applying paints, varnishes and other coatings includes paint circulating and paint supply pumps, plural component coating proportioners, various accessories to filter, transport, agitate and regulate the fluid, spare parts such as spray tips, seals and filter screens, and a variety of applicators that use different methods of atomizing and spraying the paint or other coating depending on the viscosity of the fluid, the type of finish desired, and the need to maximize transfer efficiency, minimize overspray and prevent the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.

We offer double diaphragm and piston transfer pumps to the chemical, petroleum, general manufacturing and food processing industries, pumps for sanitary applications including FDA-compliant 3-A sanitary pumps for use in dairies, diaphragm pumps, transfer pumps and drum and bin unloaders. Our sanitary pumps are used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, beverage and food processing applications. Sharpe® spray guns are used in the refinishing of automobiles.

Applied Fluid Technologies

The Applied Fluid Technologies division directs its engineering, sales and marketing efforts toward three broad product families: equipment to apply high performance coatings and foam (protective coatings); equipment to apply sealants and adhesives; and equipment to create reaction injection molded polyurethane parts.

Our Company offers a full line of plural component proportioning equipment to apply foam and protective coatings to a wide variety of surfaces. The Reactor® line of plural component pumps is used to apply foam to insulate walls and roofs as well as apply polyurea to coat tanks, pipes, roofs, truck beds and foundations where accurate temperatures and pressures are required to achieve optimal results. The XtremeMix™ plural component sprayers provide on-demand mixing, ratio assurance and job site portability to spray high solid epoxies, urethanes and protective coatings with a short pot life. These pumps are incorporated into systems with our Company’s heated hose, diaphragm supply pumps and Fusion® spray guns with accurate mix capability. The Reactor systems are also available installed in trailer rigs for mobility and flexibility at remote job sites.

Our Company offers pumps, applicators and accessories, to supply and precisely dispense sealants and adhesives in automotive assembly, furniture assembly, insulated glass and window manufacturing, bookbinding and other industrial assembly operations. The Therm-O-Flow® bulk hot melt drum unloader system was introduced during 2006 and among other uses, supplies adhesive to roll coaters used in the manufacture of tapes and labels. The line was expanded with a pail version in 2007 for use in the manufacture of insulating glass, carrying the CE mark to permit distribution in Europe. The Therm-O-Flow offers a new generation air motor called the NXT® with an embedded control structure (provides runaway protection, diagnostics and material usage data), modular air valve, and integrated air controls. The Liquid Control line of equipment meters, mixes and dispenses precision beads of sealants and adhesives and is customized for use in the electronics and automotive industries and in bonding, molding, sealing, doming and gasketing other products. In 2007, we introduced the Liquid Control™ PR70, the first meter, mix and dispense plural components system with Graco Control Architecture™ for quick troubleshooting and a compact modular design that is broadly configurable. In-plant polyurethane equipment and systems are used to reduce road noise and vibration in motor vehicles and to produce a wide variety of injection molded parts for automobiles, trucks, consumer products and general industrial use. Material suppliers and end-user customers play a significant role in the development of in-plant polyurethane systems for specific applications.

We work closely with major material manufacturers to identify and configure Graco equipment suitable for the handling of their materials. For example, our equipment is used to supply a catalyzed plastic resin for the formation of the blades used on turbines for generating electricity from wind and adhesive for cementing parts of the blades together.

Contractor Segment

The Contractor segment generated approximately 36 percent of our Company’s 2007 total sales. This segment markets a complete line of airless paint and texture sprayers (air, gas, hydraulically- and electrically-powered), accessories such as spray guns, hoses and filters and spare parts such as tips and seals, to professional and semi-professional painters in the construction and maintenance industries. The products are distributed primarily through stores whose main products are paint and other coatings. Contractor products are also sold through general equipment distributors. A limited line of sprayers are distributed through the home center channel.

Contractor equipment includes a wide variety of sprayers, including sprayers that apply markings on roads, parking lots, fields and floors; texture to walls and ceilings; highly viscous coatings to roofs; and paint to walls and structures. Many of these sprayers and their accessories contain one or more advanced technological features such as micro-processor based controls for consistent spray and protective shut-down, a pump that may be removed and re-installed without tools, an easy clean feature, gas/electric convertibility, and an extremely durable pump finish. Continual technological innovation and broad product families with multiple offerings are characteristic of our Company’s Contractor equipment business. Painters are encouraged to upgrade their equipment regularly to take advantage of the new and/or more advanced features. A new line of sprayers for the application of fine finishes to cabinets and other wood surfaces was introduced in 2007. The FinishPro™ air-assisted airless sprayer provides a finish quality comparable to high volume low pressure (HVLP) sprayers, the production speed of an airless sprayer and the ability to switch from airless to air-assisted airless with the flip of a switch. These sprayers are equipped with one of the first air-assisted airless spray guns that uses a reversible spray tip.

A large percentage of our Contractor sales come from the North American market, although Contractor products are marketed and sold in all major geographic areas. In recent years, the segment has increased its effort to appeal to customers outside of North America by developing products specifically for these markets, like the Mark X™ texture sprayer, a 240 volt, 2.4 gallons per minute electric sprayer used to fill in rough areas on plaster and concrete walls and designed to be sold in Europe and Asia Pacific where less drywall is used.

In Europe and Asia Pacific, we are pursuing a broad strategy of converting contractors accustomed to the manual application of paint and other coatings by brush and roller to spray technology. This requires extensive in-person demonstration of the productivity advantages, cost savings and finish quality of our spray equipment. This also requires the conversion of local paint distributors who may have a different method of selling their product. For example, in the P.R.C. some paint companies include spray application in the price they charge for their paint.

Lubrication Segment

The Lubrication segment represented approximately 11 percent of our Company’s sales during 2007. Traditionally, the Lubrication segment has focused on pumps, applicators and accessories, such as meters and hose reels, for the motor vehicle lubrication market. In this market, our Company’s customers include fast oil change facilities, service garages, fleet service centers, automobile dealerships, and auto parts stores. Recent acquisitions have expanded the segment’s product offering, providing access to new markets. Small electric fuel and oil transfer pumps for use in remote locations to supply fuel and oil to ranch, farm and construction machinery and off-road vehicles and automatic lubrication systems are examples.

The Lubriquip® product line consists of systems for the automatic lubrication of factory machine tools, compressors and pumps used in petrochemical and gas transmissions plants; bearings and gears on equipment in metal, pulp and paper mills; conveyors and material handling equipment; and off-road and over-the-road trucks. Lubriquip products are primarily sold through distribution. During 2007, the manufacture of Lubriquip products was transferred from facilities in Madison, Wisconsin and Cleveland, Ohio to the facility in Anoka, Minnesota.

Although the bulk of the Lubrication segment’s sales come from North America, the segment is responsible for world-wide marketing and sales of our lubrication equipment. Products are distributed in each of our Company’s major geographic markets, primarily through independent distributors serviced by independent sales representatives, a dedicated sales force in the automatic lubrication systems market and direct sales generalists in foreign markets. Some automatic lubrication systems are marketed to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Fuel and oil transfer pumps are marketed through OEMs, select home centers, auto parts stores and our traditional distribution channel.

Raw Materials

The primary materials and components used in the manufacturing process are steel of various alloys, sizes and hardness; specialty stainless steel and aluminum bar stock, tubing and castings; tungsten carbide; electric motors; injection molded plastics; sheet metal; forgings; powdered metal; hoses; and electronic components. In general, the raw materials and components used are adequately available through multiple sources of supply. In order to manage cost, our Company continues to increase its global sourcing of materials and components, primarily in the Asia Pacific region.

During 2007, our Company experienced significant volatility in the price of stainless steel, copper, plastic and rubber and the commodities that contained these materials. Our Company endeavors to address fluctuations in the price and availability of various materials and components through close management of current suppliers, agreements and an intensive search for new suppliers.

Intellectual Property

We own a number of patents and have patent applications pending both in the United States and in other countries, 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 States and foreign countries, including registered trademarks for “GRACO,” several forms of a capital “G,” “Decker,” “Gusmer,” “Lubriquip” and various product trademarks which are material to our business, inasmuch as they identify Graco and our products to our customers.

Competition

We face substantial competition in all of our markets. The nature and extent of this competition varies in different markets due to the depth and breadth of our Company’s product lines. Product quality, reliability, design, customer support and service, personal relationships, specialized engineering and pricing are the major competitive factors in our markets. 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 offer competitive products at lower prices. We believe we are one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality specialized fluid handling equipment in the markets we serve. It is not possible to determine our relative market position because of the absence of reliable industry-wide third-party data.

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 28, 2007.

Employees

As of December 28, 2007, we employed approximately 2,200 persons on a full-time basis. Of this total, approximately 400 were employees based outside the United States, and 900 were hourly factory workers in the United States. None of our Company’s U.S. employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Various national industry-wide labor agreements apply to certain employees in Europe. Compliance with such agreements has no material effect on our Company or its operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Foreign Operations — Conditions in foreign countries and changes in foreign exchange rates may impact our sales volume, rate of growth or profitability.

In 2007, approximately 48 percent of our sales was generated by customers located outside the United States. Sales to customers located outside the United States expose us to special risks, including the risk of terrorist activities, civil disturbances, and special taxes, regulations and restrictions. We are increasing our presence in the Asia Pacific region, South America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. We assemble products at our factory in Suzhou, P.R.C. and source an increasing number of the components and materials used in the assembly process from the local market. Sales in Eastern Europe, Russia and the former socialist republics are increasing at a faster rate than in Western Europe. Our revenues and net income may be adversely affected by more volatile economic and political conditions in Asia, South America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies will impact our reported sales and earnings.

Foreign Suppliers – Our Company has increased its sourcing of raw materials and components from vendors located outside the United States. Interruption or delays in delivery may adversely affect our profitability.

We are sourcing an increasing percentage of our materials and components from suppliers outside the United States. Long lead times may reduce our flexibility and make it more difficult to respond promptly to fluctuations in demand. Changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies may impact the manufacturing costs of our products and affect our profitability.

Major Customers — Our Contractor Equipment 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.

We derive 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 our Company’s Contractor Equipment segment. The business of these customers is dependent upon the economic vitality of the construction and home maintenance markets. If these markets decline, the business of our customers could be adversely affected and their purchases of our equipment could decrease. In 2007, one of these large customers informed us that it would reduce the number of stores through which the Graco line would be offered. As a result, it is expected that 2008 sales to this customer will be lower.

Acquisitions — Our growth strategy includes acquisitions. Suitable acquisitions must be located, completed and integrated into our existing businesses in order for this strategy to be successful.

We have identified acquisitions as one of the strategies by which we intend to grow our business. If we do not successfully acquire and integrate businesses into our current business model, or realize projected efficiencies and cost-savings from acquired businesses, we may be unable to meet our growth or profit objectives.

Natural Disasters — Our operations are at risk of damage or destruction by natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tornadoes or unusually heavy precipitation.

The loss of, or substantial damage to, one of our facilities could make it difficult to supply our customers with product and provide our employees with work. Our manufacturing and distribution facility in Minneapolis is on the banks of the Mississippi River where it is exposed to flooding. Flooding could also damage our European headquarters and warehouse in Maasmechelen, Belgium or our factory in Suzhou, P.R.C. Tornadoes could damage or destroy our facilities in Sioux Falls, Rogers, Minneapolis or Anoka and a typhoon could do the same to our facility in Suzhou. An earthquake may adversely impact our operations in Suzhou.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

The information concerning the location and general character of the physical properties of our Company contained under the heading “Business-Business Segments” in Part I of this 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

Sales activities in the countries of Japan, Korea, and the P.R.C. are conducted out of leased facilities – Yokohama, Japan (18,500 gross sq. ft. office) and Gwangju-Gun, Korea (15,750 sq. ft. total for two separate facilities-warehouse and office). Our Company also leases space for liaison offices in the P.R.C. and India and for a sales office in Australia.

Our Company’s facilities are in satisfactory condition, suitable for their respective uses and are generally adequate to meet current needs. Manufacturing capacity generally met business demand during 2007. 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, and the use of available subcontract services.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Our Company is engaged in routine litigation incident to our business, which management believes will not have a material adverse effect upon our operations or consolidated financial position.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No issues were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2007.

Executive Officers of Our Company

The following are all the executive officers of Graco Inc. as of February 18, 2008:

Patrick J. McHale, 46, is President and Chief Executive Officer, a position he has held since June 2007. He served as Vice President and General Manager, Lubrication Equipment Division from June 2003 to June 2007. He was Vice President of Manufacturing and Distribution Operations from April 2001 to June 2003. He served as Vice President, Contractor Equipment Division from February 2000 to March 2001. Prior to becoming Vice President, Lubrication Equipment Division in September 1999, he held various manufacturing management positions in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Plymouth, Michigan; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Mr. McHale joined the Company in December 1989.

Caroline M. Chambers, 43, became Vice President and Controller in December 2006 and has served as the Company’s principal accounting officer since September 2007. 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.

Karen Park Gallivan, 51, 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 and Arundel. She joined the Company in January 2003.

James A. Graner, 63, became Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in September 2005. He was 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 2008.

Dale D. Johnson, 53, became Vice President and General Manager, Contractor Equipment Division in April 2001. 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 Division and the Industrial Equipment Division. He joined the Company in 1976.

Jeffrey P. Johnson, 48, is Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific, a position he has held since February 2008. 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, 52, became Vice President and General Manager, Industrial Products Division in February 2005. 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 February 1995.

Simon J. W. Paulis, 60, became Vice President and General Manager, Europe in September 2005. From February 2005 to September 2005, he served as Director and General Manager, Europe. He served as Sales and Marketing Director, Contractor Equipment Europe from January 1999 to September 2005. Prior to joining Graco, he served as business unit manager for Black & Decker N.V., general sales manager for Alberto Culver, and marketing manager for Ralston Purina/Quaker Oats. Mr. Paulis joined the Company in January 1999.

Charles L. Rescorla, 56, became Vice President of Manufacturing and Distribution Operations in September 2005. He served as Vice President, Manufacturing/Distribution Operations and Information Services from June 2003 to September 2005. From April 2001 until June 2003, he was Vice President of the Industrial/Automotive Equipment Division. Prior to June 2003, he held various positions in manufacturing and engineering management. Mr. Rescorla joined the Company in June 1988.

Mark W. Sheahan, 43, 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, where he was responsible for strategic and financial activities. He joined the Company in September 1995.

Brian J. Zumbolo, 38, became Vice President and General Manager, Lubrication Equipment Division in August 2007. 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 & 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.

With the exception of Patrick J. McHale, Brian J. Zumbolo, Caroline M. Chambers, Jeffrey P. Johnson and Mark W. Sheahan, the Board of Directors elected each of the above executive officers on April 21, 2006, to hold office for the next year, or until their successors are elected and qualify. Mr. McHale was elected President and Chief Executive Officer effective June 11, 2007; Mr. Zumbolo was elected Vice President and General Manager, Lubrication Equipment Division, effective August 1, 2007; Ms. Chambers was elected Vice President and Controller effective December 8, 2006; Jeffrey P. Johnson was elected Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific, effective February 15, 2008; and Mark W. Sheahan was elected Vice President and General Manager, Applied Fluid Technologies Division, effective February 15, 2008.

PART II

Item 5. Market for the Company'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 11, 2008, the share price was $35.47 and there were 61,120,603 shares outstanding and 2,641 common shareholders of record, which includes nominees or broker dealers holding stock on behalf of an estimated 31,000 beneficial owners.

The graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on the common stock of the Company for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Machinery Index over the same period (assuming the value of the investment in Graco common stock and each index was $100 on December 31, 2002, and all dividends were reinvested).

Five Year* Cumulative Total Shareholder Return

*Fiscal Year Ended Last Friday in December

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

  First  Second  Third  Fourth 
2007 Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter 

Net sales $197,495  $231,384  $207,270  $205,190 
Gross profit 104,862  122,232  110,646  109,686 
Net earnings 33,735  44,180  39,263  35,658 
Per common share
   Basic net earnings .51  .67  .61  .57 
   Diluted net earnings .50  .66  .60  .56 
   Dividends declared .17  .17  .17  .19 

Stock price (per share)
   High $42.27  $42.07  $46.07  $40.50 
   Low 38.44  38.27  37.84  36.25 
   Close1 39.16  40.28  39.11  37.26 

Volume (# of shares) 22,604  40,254  46,605  28,941 


  First  Second  Third  Fourth 
2006 Quarter  Quarter  Quarter  Quarter 

Net sales $192,216  $218,632  $202,199  $203,421 
Gross profit 103,227  116,946  106,611  107,173 
Net earnings 35,422  41,335  37,392  35,617 
Per common share
   Basic net earnings .52  .61  .55  .53 
   Diluted net earnings .51  .60  .54  .52 
   Dividends declared .15  .15  .15  .17 

Stock price (per share)
   High $45.43  $48.95  $46.37  $43.60 
   Low 36.50  42.50  37.00  38.61 
   Close1 45.43  45.98  39.06  39.62 

Volume (# of shares) 19,428  21,925  24,882  26,326 

1  As of the last trading day of the calendar quarter.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

On February 17, 2006, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to a total of 7,000,000 shares of its outstanding common stock, primarily through open-market transactions. This authorization expires on February 29, 2008. On September 28, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to a total of an additional 7,000,000 shares. This authorization expires on September 30, 2009.

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

Information on issuer purchases of equity securities follows:

Period (a)
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
(b)
Average Price
Paid per
Share
(c)
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
(d)
Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs (at end of
period)

         
Sep 29, 2007 - Oct 26, 2007 709,700 $39.47 709,700 7,047,920
         
Oct 27, 2007 - Nov 23, 2007 259,544 $37.11 259,544 6,788,376
         
Nov 24, 2007 - Dec 28, 2007 640,843 $37.82 640,843 6,147,533


Item 6. Selected Financial Data

Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries

(In thousands, except per share amounts) 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Net sales $841,339 $816,468 $731,702 $605,032 $535,098
Net earnings 152,836 149,766 125,854 108,681 86,713

Per common share1
  Basic net earnings $      2.35 $      2.21 $      1.83 $      1.57 $      1.25
  Diluted net earnings 2.32 2.17 1.80 1.55 1.23

Total assets $536,724 $511,603 $445,630 $371,714 $397,390
Long-term debt (including current portion) 107,060
Cash dividends declared
  per common share1,2 .68 .60 .54 .41 1.76

1 All share and per share data has been restated for the three-for-two stock split distributed in 2004.
2 2003 includes a special dividend of $1.50 per share declared on December 12, 2003, paid on March 25, 2004, to shareholders of record as of March 11, 2004.

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) reviews significant factors affecting the consolidated results of operations, financial condition and liquidity for the three-year period ended December 28, 2007. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the accompanying notes to the financial statements (“Notes”). The discussion is organized in the following sections:

Overview
Results of Operations
Segment Results
Financial Condition
Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates
Forward-Looking Statements

Overview

Our Company’s key strategies include development of new products, expansion of distribution, new market penetration and completion of acquisitions. Long-term financial growth targets accompany these strategies, including 10 percent revenue growth, 12 percent net earnings and earnings per share growth.

Graco’s business is classified by management into three reportable segments, each responsible for product development, marketing and sales of their products. The segments are headquartered in North America. They have responsibility for sales and marketing in the Americas and joint responsibility with Europe and Asia Pacific regional management for sales and marketing in those geographic areas.

Manufacturing is a key competency of the Company, and to facilitate our growth we are aligning manufacturing responsibility with our divisions. Strategic manufacturing expertise will continue to be provided by a management team in Minneapolis, who will also be responsible for factories not fully aligned with a single division. Our primary manufacturing facilities are in the United States and distribution facilities are located in the United States, Belgium, Japan, Korea and China. In 2007 manufacturing activities for the Lubrication division were centralized in Anoka, Minnesota and in 2006, a new assembly factory in Suzhou, China began production.

Results of Operations

(In millions, except per share amounts) 2007 2006 2005

Net Sales $841.3 $816.5 $731.7
Operating Earnings 232.5 226.0 191.1
Net Earnings 152.8 149.8 125.9
Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share $  2.32 $  2.17 $  1.80

Highlights include:
  Sales grew by 3 percent in 2007 and 12 percent in 2006, with continued strong growth in Europe and Asia Pacific of 23 percent and 18 percent, respectively, in 2007. Sales in the Americas decreased by 6 percent in 2007, primarily due to the weak housing and construction industries.
  Sales were higher in the Industrial and Lubrication segments, with growth in 2007 of 7 percent and 13 percent respectively, offset by a 4 percent decline in Contractor.
  Net sales increased by approximately $17 million in 2007 and $5 million in 2006 from favorable currency translation.
  Net earnings grew 2 percent in 2007 and 19 percent in 2006. Currency translation increased net earnings by approximately $7 million in 2007 and $2 million in 2006.
  Investment in new products was 3.6 percent of sales in 2007 and 3.7 percent of sales in 2006.
  The full year impact of the Lubriquip acquisition increased net sales by $11 million or 1 percent in 2007. In 2006, the Lubriquip acquisition and the full year impact of businesses acquired in 2005 (Gusmer, Liquid Control and PBL) increased net sales by $18 million or 2 percent.
  Increased cash flows from operations in each year.

The following table presents net sales by geographic region.

(In millions) 2007  2006  2005 

Geographic Sales
        Americas1 $500.4 $534.9 $486.2
        Europe2 215.5 175.7 151.0
        Asia Pacific 125.4 105.9 94.5

        Total $841.3 $816.5 $731.7

1 North and South America, including the United States. Sales in the United States were $434 million in 2007, $474 million in 2006 and $435 million in 2005.
2 Europe, Africa and Middle East

Sales in the Americas declined by 6 percent overall and by 4 percent and 14 percent in the Industrial and Contractor segments, respectively, in 2007 as compared to the prior year. Lubrication sales in the Americas increased by 10 percent, primarily due to the full year impact of the Lubriquip acquisition. Strong growth in Europe and Asia Pacific in all three segments reflects a favorable business environment, continued emphasis on expanding sales and marketing resources in those regions and focus on new distribution as well as the positive effect of foreign currency translation rates.

The following table presents components of net sales change:


2007

  Industrial Contractor Lubrication Consolidated   Americas Europe Asia
Pacific
Consolidated


Volume & price 4% (6%)  (2%) 0%   (8%) 13% 16%  0%
Acquisitions 0%  0%   14%  1%    2%   1%  1%  1%
Currency 3%  2%    1% 2%    0%    9%  1%  2%


Total 7% (4%)  13% 3%   (6%) 23% 18% 3%




2006

  Industrial Contractor Lubrication Consolidated   Americas Europe Asia
Pacific
Consolidated


Volume & price 12% 4%   8%  9%    6% 14% 11%  9%
Acquisitions   1% 0% 25%  2%    3%   1%   1%  2%
Currency   1% 1%   1%  1%    1%   1%   0%  1%


Total 14% 5% 34% 12%   10% 16% 12% 12%



The following table presents an overview of components of operating earnings as a percentage of net sales:

  2007 2006 2005

Net Sales 100.0 100.0 100.0
Cost of products sold 46.8 46.8 48.2

Gross profit 53.2 53.2 51.8
Product development 3.6 3.7 3.7
Selling, marketing and distribution 14.8 14.6 15.0
General and administrative 7.2 7.2 7.0

Operating earnings 27.6 27.7 26.1

Interest expense 0.4 0.1 0.2
Other expense, net 0.0 0.1 0.0

Earnings before income taxes 27.2 27.5 25.9
Income taxes 9.0 9.2 8.7

Net Earnings 18.2 18.3 17.2


Operating expenses in 2007 were $215 million compared to $208 million in the prior year. Although spending increased for selling, marketing and distribution (increase of $5 million) and general and administrative (increase of $1 million), total operating expenses as a percentage of sales was consistent with the prior year at 26 percent. Included in cost of goods sold and operating expenses were costs and expenses related to the closure and move of the Lubriquip operations in Cleveland, Ohio and Madison, Wisconsin to the Anoka, Minnesota factory totaling $2.3 million in 2007. Operating expenses included $7 million of stock compensation in 2007.

Operating expenses in 2006 were $208 million versus $188 million in 2005. Acquired businesses had approximately $4 million of operating expenses in 2006. Although spending increased for product development (increase of $3 million), selling (increase of $9 million) and general and administrative (increase of $8 million), total operating expenses as a percentage of sales was consistent with the prior year at 26 percent. Included in cost of goods sold and operating expenses were costs and inventory charges related to closure of the Gusmer New Jersey facility and move of production totaling $5 million for the year. Operating expenses included $7 million of stock compensation due to adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) in 2006.

Consolidated operating earnings increased 3 percent to $232 million, or 28 percent of sales in fiscal 2007, with growth in sales of 3 percent as compared to the prior year and consistent gross profit margins and expenses. Gross profit margin as a percentage was consistent with the prior year, as the favorable impact of pricing and foreign currency translation offset higher spending and material costs.

Consolidated operating earnings increased 18 percent to $226 million, or 28 percent of sales in fiscal 2006, compared to $191 million, or 26 percent of sales in fiscal 2005. The increase in earnings as a percentage of sales was primarily due to stronger gross profit margin of 53.2 percent in 2006 compared to 51.8 percent in 2005. A substantial portion of this difference is due to the higher cost of inventory of the acquired businesses in 2005. Improved manufacturing efficiencies and higher sales volume more than offset the negative impact of higher material, labor and overhead costs.

Interest expense increased by $2.5 million in 2007 as the Company increased its utilization of credit lines to purchase Company stock.

The Company’s effective tax rate was 33 percent in 2007, consistent with the effective tax rate in 2006. The rate in both periods is lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35 percent due primarily to U.S. business credits and the Domestic Production Deduction (DPD).

Segment Results

The following table presents net sales and operating earnings by business segment:

 (In millions)      2007    2006    2005  

Segment Sales   
                                          Industrial   $ 444.7 $ 416.5 $ 367.1
                                          Contractor    306.7  320.5  305.3
                                          Lubrication    89.9  79.5  59.3

                                          Consolidated   $ 841.3 $ 816.5 $ 731.7

 
Segment Operating Earnings
                                          Industrial   $ 152.3 $ 128.5 $ 98.3
                                          Contractor    81.5  89.1  77.6
                                          Lubrication    9.3  18.7  15.6
                                          Unallocated corporate    (10.6 )  (10.3 )  (0.4 )

                                          Consolidated   $ 232.5 $ 226.0 $ 191.1

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.


Industrial

The following table presents net sales, components of net sales change and operating earnings for the Industrial segment.

(In millions) 2007 2006 2005

Sales
                                        Americas $213.1 $221.4 $191.5
                                        Europe 138.0 115.9 101.7
                                        Asia Pacific 93.6 79.2 73.9

                                        Total $444.7 $416.5 $367.1

 
Components of Net Sales Change
                                          Volume & Price 4% 12% 8%
                                          Acquisitions 0% 1% 25%
                                          Currency 3% 1% 1%

                                          Total 7% 14% 34%

         
Operating Earnings $152.3 $128.5 $98.3

In 2007, sales in the Industrial segment increased by 7 percent, with sales growth in Europe and Asia offsetting sales declines in the Americas. Sales in Europe grew by 19 percent, including 9 percentage points related to favorable currency translation rates. The sales growth in Asia Pacific was 18 percent and the effect of currency translation rates was not significant.

In 2007, operating earnings in the Industrial segment were up 19 percent due to the increase in sales, improvements in gross profit margins and lower spending as percentage of sales. The lower spending is primarily the result of efficiencies obtained following the move of Gusmer operations into the Minneapolis, Sioux Falls and Ohio facilities and closure of the New Jersey facility in 2006.

In 2006, sales in the Industrial segment grew by 13 percent, with growth in all geographic regions. Growth in various product categories, such as high performance coatings and foam equipment, and full year impact of businesses acquired in 2005 contributed to the strong sales growth in the Industrial segment in 2006. Europe continued to experience strong sales growth in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

In 2006, operating earnings in the Industrial segment were up 31 percent compared to 2005. Sales increased by 13 percent and gross profit margin as a percentage of sales increased by 2 percentage points. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to the higher cost of inventory of the acquired businesses in 2005.

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 and the level of the U.S. dollar versus the euro, Japanese yen, South Korean won and the Canadian dollar.


Contractor

The following table presents net sales, components of net sales change and operating earnings for the Contractor segment.

(In millions) 2007 2006 2005

Sales
                                        Americas $210.9  $244.0 $242.2
                                        Europe 71.0  55.3 46.2
                                        Asia Pacific 24.8  21.2 16.9

                                        Total $306.7  $320.5 $305.3

 
Components of Net Sales Change
                                          Volume & Price (6%) 4% 9%
                                          Acquisitions 0%  0% 0%
                                          Currency 2%  1% 0%

                                          Total (4%) 5% 9%

         
Operating Earnings $81.5 $89.1 $77.6

In 2007, sales in the Contractor segment decreased by 4%. Although sales in the Americas decreased by 14 percent, sales in Europe and Asia Pacific grew by 28 percent and 17 percent, respectively. Sales in the Americas were lower due to declines in both the home center and professional paint store channels. Sales growth in both Europe and Asia Pacific is attributed to continued focus on converting professional contractors from manual to spray applications and new distribution.

In 2007, operating earnings in the Contractor segment decreased by 9 percent. Operating earnings include approximately $1 million of incremental expense related to the launch and production of a new paint sprayer line for the home center channel. Gross profit margins and spending levels were otherwise consistent with the prior year.

In 2006, sales in the Contractor segment increased by 5 percent. Sales in the Americas were $244 million or 76 percent of total segment sales, an increase of 1 percent from 2005. The lower rate of growth as compared to 2005 reflected the slowing housing market in the United States. Sales in Europe and Asia Pacific increased by 20 percent and 25 percent respectively due to new product introductions and increased distribution throughout both regions.

In 2006, operating earnings in the Contractor segment increased 15 percent due to higher net sales, gross profit margin improvement and spending that was slightly lower than the prior year as a percentage of sales.

In this segment, sales in the Americas and Europe are significant and management reviews economic and financial indicators in each region, including levels of residential, commercial and institutional building, 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.


Lubrication

The following table presents net sales, components of net sales change and operating earnings for the Lubrication segment.

(In millions) 2007  2006 2005

Sales
                                        Americas $76.4  $69.5 $52.6
                                        Europe 6.6  4.5 3.1
                                        Asia Pacific 6.9  5.5 3.6

                                        Total $89.9  $79.5 $59.3

 
Components of Net Sales Change
                                          Volume & Price (2%) 8% 13%
                                          Acquisitions 14%  25% 1%
                                          Currency 1%  1% 1%

                                          Total 13%  34% 15%

         
Operating Earnings $9.3  $18.7 $15.6

In 2007, sales in the Lubrication segment increased by 13 percent. Sales in the Americas increased by $7 million, with full year effect of the Lubriquip acquisition of $9 million for the region. Sales in Europe increased by 46 percent, including 7 percentage points related to favorable currency translation rates. Sales in Asia Pacific increased by 26 percent; the effect of currency translation was not significant.

In 2007, operating earnings decreased by $9 million, including $2.3 million of expenses related to the integration of the Lubriquip manufacturing operations, closure of the Lubriquip facilities in Madison, Wisconsin and Cleveland, Ohio and the transfer of Lubrication manufacturing from the facility in Minneapolis to the new facility in Anoka, Minnesota. The segment also had higher spending than the prior year in new product development, marketing and warranty expense, partially due to the full year impact of the Lubriquip acquisition.

In 2006, sales in the Lubrication segment increased by 34 percent, with the acquired Lubriquip business providing 19 percentage points of the overall sales growth and the full year impact of the 2005 PBL acquisition providing 6 percentage points of the sales growth.

In 2006, operating earnings in the Lubrication Equipment segment increased by 20 percent with an increase in segment sales of 34 percent. Lubriquip contributed approximately one half of the sales growth and $4 million of incremental operating expenses in 2006.

The Americas represent the vast majority of sales for the Lubrication Equipment segment and indicators in that region are the most important. The indicators used by management include levels of capital investment, industrial production and gross domestic product.

Unallocated corporate

(In millions) 2007  2006  2005 

Unallocated corporate (expenses) $(10.6) $(10.3) $(0.4)


Unallocated corporate includes items such as stock compensation, bad debt expense, contributions to the Company’s charitable foundation and certain other charges or credits driven by corporate decisions. In 2007, unallocated corporate was $11 million, and included $9 million of stock compensation and $1 million of contributions to the Company’s charitable foundation.

In 2006, unallocated corporate increased $10 million and included $8 million of stock compensation, an increase from the prior year due to the adoption of SFAS No. 123 (R). Contributions to the Company’s charitable foundation were $2 million, an increase of $1 million as compared to 2005.

Financial Condition

Working Capital. The following table highlights several key measures of asset performance.

(Dollars in millions) 2007 2006

Working capital $123.0 $110.1
Current ratio 2.0 1.9
Days of sales in receivables outstanding 61 60
Inventory turnover (LIFO) 5.0 5.6

The Company’s financial condition and cash flows from operations remain strong.

In 2007, the Company obtained a 5 year credit facility that provides $250 million of unsecured committed credit with an option for an additional $150 million. The facility is available for general corporate purposes, working capital needs, share repurchases and acquisitions. During the year, the Company used cash and long-term borrowings for share repurchases of $230 million and dividend payments of $43 million. Accounts receivable increased by $6 million to $140 million. The 5 percent increase was primarily due to higher sales (increase of 3 percent) compared to the prior year. Inventories decreased $2 million in 2007 to $75 million.

In 2006, the Company used cash for share repurchases of $88 million and dividends of $39 million. Cash and short-term borrowings were used to fund payments of $31 million to acquire Lubriquip. Accounts receivable increased by $11 million to $134 million. The 9 percent increase was primarily due to higher sales (increase of 12 percent) compared to the prior year. Inventories increased $20 million in 2006 to $76 million due to additions associated with the Lubriquip business, start-up of the new factory in Suzhou, China and inventory related to new product introductions.

Capital Structure. At December 28, 2007, the Company’s capital structure included current debt of $19 million, long-term debt of $107 million and shareholders’ equity of $245 million.

Shareholders’ equity decreased $86 million in 2007 to $245 million. The key components of changes in shareholders’ equity include current year earnings of $153 million, common stock issued of $25 million, reduced by $44 million of dividends declared and $232 million of shares repurchased.

Liquidity and Capital Resources. At December 28, 2007, the Company had various lines of credit totaling $293 million, of which $172 million was unused. The Company’s primary credit facility provides $250 million of unsecured committed credit with an option for an additional $150 million. Internally generated funds and unused financing sources provide the Company with the flexibility to meet its liquidity needs in 2008, including its capital expenditure plan of approximately $35 million, planned dividends of an estimated $46 million and acquisitions.

In December 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the Company’s regular common dividend from an annual rate of $0.66 to $0.74 per share, a 12 percent increase.

Cash Flow

A summary of cash flow follows:

(In millions)       2007     2006     2005  

Operating Activities     $ 177   $ 156   $ 153  
Investing Activities    (38 )  (65 )  (131 )
Financing Activities    (138 )  (103 )  (65 )
Effect of exchange rates on cash    (2 )  (1 )  1  

Net cash (used) provided   $ (1 ) $ (13 ) $ (42 )

Cash and cash equivalents at year-end   $ 5   $ 6   $ 19  

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities. During 2007, $177 million was generated from operating cash flows, compared to $156 million in 2006 and $153 million in 2005. The higher cash flows from operating activities in 2007 were primarily due to changes in inventories (decreased $2 million in 2007 and increased $16 million in 2006) and the $3 million increase in net earnings. The increase in operating cash flows in 2006 was primarily due to higher net earnings.

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities. During 2007, cash was used to fund $37 million of additions to property, plant and equipment including expansion of manufacturing facilities in North Canton, Ohio, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In 2006, cash was used to fund $34 million of capital expenditures and $31 million for a business acquisition. 2006 capital expenditures increased $14 million from the prior year, and included purchase of a new manufacturing/office facility in Anoka, Minnesota, construction of a new manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China, and manufacturing equipment additions.

Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities. During 2007, $138 million was used in financing activities compared to $103 million in 2006. Net borrowings on the long-term line of credit totaled $107 million. Cash was used for share repurchases totaling $230 million, an increase of $143 million from the prior year. Cash dividends paid totaled $43 million, an increase of $4 million from the prior year.

In February 2006, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 7 million shares of its outstanding common stock, primarily through open-market transactions. At December 28, 2007, there were no remaining shares to be purchased under this authorization. In September 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to a total of an additional 7 million shares. This authorization will expire on September 30, 2009 and approximately 6 million shares could yet be purchased under this plan at December 28, 2007.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations. As of December 28, 2007, the Company is obligated to make cash payments in connection with its long-term debt, capital leases, operating leases and purchase obligations in the amounts listed below. The current portion of uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 is also noted. 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 28, 2007. The Company has also guaranteed the debt of its subsidiaries for up to $9 million. All debt of subsidiaries is reflected in the consolidated balance sheets.

           
  Payments due by period

    Less than 1-3 3-5 More than
(In millions) Total 1 year years years 5 years

Long-term debt $107 $— $— $107 $—
Capital lease obligations
Operating leases 6 3 2 1
Purchase obligations1 49 49
Fixed rate payments on interest swap 11 4 7
Unfunded pension and postretirement
         medical benefits 29 3 6 6 14
Uncertain tax positions2

Total $202 $59 $15 $113 $15

1 The Company is committed to pay suppliers under the terms of open purchase orders issued in the normal course of business. The Company has also committed up to $5 million under capital expenditure plans for facility construction and improvements. In addition, the Company 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 The total liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 at December 28, 2007 was approximately $5.4 million. The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the timing of future payments relating to non-current unrecognized tax benefits.

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 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.

Sales Returns. An allowance is established for possible return of products. The amount of the allowance is an estimate, which is based on historical ratios of returns to sales, the historical average length of time between the sale and the return and other factors. Also, the Company’s written agreements with distributors typically limit the amount that may be returned. From time to time, the Company may choose to terminate a distributor relationship and may take back inventory. These are considered period events and not included in the allowance for returns. Although management considers these balances adequate, changes in customers’ behavior versus historical experience or changes in the Company’s return policies are among the factors that would result in materially different amounts for this item.

Excess and Discontinued Inventory. The Company’s inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Reserves for excess and discontinued product 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.

Product Warranty. A liability is established for estimated warranty claims to be paid in the future that relate to current and prior period sales. The Company estimates these costs based on historical claim experience, changes in warranty programs and other factors, including evaluating specific product warranty issues. The establishment of reserves requires the use of judgment and assumptions regarding the potential for losses relating to warranty issues. Though management considers these balances adequate, changes in the Company’s warranty policy or a significant change in product defects versus historical averages 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, 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, which have been determined to be the Company’s divisions 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 by a present value of future cash flows calculation. The estimated fair value is then compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including recorded goodwill. The Company also performs a separate impairment test for each other intangible asset with indefinite life, based on estimated future use and discounting estimated future cash flows. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests. Though management considers its judgments and assumptions to be reasonable, changes in product offerings or marketing strategies could change the estimated fair values and result in impairment charges.

Self-Insured Retentions. The Company purchases insurance for products liability, workers compensation and employee medical benefits with high deductibles. Third party insurance is carried for what is believed to be the major portion of potential exposures that would exceed the Company’s self-insured retentions. The Company has established liabilities for potential uninsured claims, including estimated costs and legal fees. The Company employs actuaries to assist in evaluating its potential ultimate exposure for uninsured claims and then considers factors such as known outstanding claims, historical experience, sales trends and other relevant factors in setting the liabilities. Though management considers these balances adequate, a substantial change in the number and /or severity of claims would result in materially different amounts for this item.

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, changes in statutory tax 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 increases and demographic experience. These assumptions may have an impact on the expense and timing of future contributions.

The assumptions used in developing the required estimates for pension obligations include discount rates, 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 the “Citigroup Pension Liability Index,” a published index commonly used as a benchmark. For plans outside of 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. Mortality rates are based on a common group mortality table for males and females.

Net pension credit in 2007 was $0.7 million and was allocated to cost of products sold and operating expenses based on salaries and wages. At December 28, 2007, a one-half percentage point decrease in the indicated assumptions would have the following effects (in millions):

Assumption Funded Status Expense


Discount rate $  (13.9) $   0.4
Expected return on assets $     —   $   1.0

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This statement establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures on fair market value measurements. The Company will adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities in 2008. With respect to non-financial assets and liabilities, the statement is effective for the Company starting in fiscal 2009. The impact of the initial adoption of SFAS No. 157 is not expected to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. The Company has not determined the impact, if any, the adoption of this statement as it pertains to non-financial assets and liabilities will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company sells and purchases products and services in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and pays variable interest rates on borrowings under its primary credit facility. 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 28, 2007, the currencies to which the company had the most significant balance sheet exchange rate exposure were the euro, Canadian dollar, Japanese yen, British pound and 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. When compared to 2006 results, the weaker U.S. dollar versus other currencies helped to increase sales and net earnings. For the year ended December 28, 2007 the impact of currency translation resulted in a calculated increase in net sales and net earnings of approximately $17 million and $7 million, respectively. For the year ended December 29, 2006, the calculated impact of currency translation resulted in an increase in net sales and net earnings of approximately $5 million and $2 million, respectively.

In 2007 the Company entered into interest rate swap contracts that effectively fix the rates paid on a total of $80 million of variable rate borrowings under the Company’s primary credit facility. The contracts fix the rates at approximately 4.7 percent through 2010.

2008 Outlook

The Company is expecting higher net sales and net earnings in 2008. Management believes that economic conditions in the U.S. will remain challenging in 2008, particularly in markets related to the housing industry. However, the Company anticipates that sales activity outside of the Americas will continue to be solid and that most of the Company’s major markets will continue to experience favorable economic conditions. 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 improved sales outlook is dependent upon many factors, including the successful launch of new products, expanding distribution coverage, realization of price increases and stable foreign currency exchange rates. The earnings outlook assumes higher sales, continued improvements in manufacturing (which help offset cost increases including higher material prices), the continued disciplined management of operating expenses and the successful management and integration of acquisitions. The Company expects its effective tax rate will be approximately 34 percent. The tax rate in any quarter can be affected positively or negatively by developments in the specific quarter.

Forward-Looking Statements

A forward-looking statement is any statement made in this report and other reports that the Company files periodically with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or in press or earnings releases, analyst briefings, conference calls and the Company’s Annual Report to shareholders which reflects the Company’s current thinking on market trends and the Company’s future financial performance at the time they are made. All forecasts and projections are forward-looking statements.

The Company desires to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 by making cautionary statements concerning any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. The Company cannot give any assurance that the results forecasted in any forward-looking statement will actually be achieved. 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: economic conditions in the United States and other major world economies, currency fluctuations, political instability, changes in laws and regulations, and changes in product demand. Please refer to Item 1A of, and Exhibit 99 to, the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2007 for a more comprehensive discussion of these and other risk factors.

Investors should realize that factors other than those identified above and in Item 1A and Exhibit 99 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

Page

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (See Part II, Item 5, Market for the Company's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities) 11
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 25
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 26
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005 28
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005 28
Consolidated Balance Sheets for fiscal years 2007 and 2006 29
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005 30
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005 31
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 32

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 28, 2007. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.

Based on our assessment and those criteria, management believes the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 28, 2007.

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

REPORTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Graco Inc.
Minneapolis, Minnesota

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 28, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  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.

A company’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’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the 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 prevented or detected on a timely basis.  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.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 28, 2007, of the Company and our report dated February 18, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s change in the method of accounting for share-based compensation in 2006 described in Note A.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 18, 2008

Consolidated Financial Statements

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Graco Inc.
Minneapolis, Minnesota

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 28, 2007 and December 29, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2007.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15.  These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  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 includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  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 28, 2007 and December 29, 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2007, 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.

As discussed in Note A to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for share-based compensation in 2006.

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 28, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 18, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 18, 2008

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries

  Years Ended
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts) December 28, 2007 December 29, 2006 December 30, 2005

Net Sales $841,339 $816,468 $731,702
   Cost of products sold 393,913 382,511 352,352

Gross Profit 447,426 433,957 379,350
   Product development 30,277 29,970 26,970
   Selling, marketing and distribution 124,508 119,122 110,135
   General and administrative 60,161 58,866 51,175

Operating Earnings 232,480 225,999 191,070
   Interest expense 3,433 946 1,374
   Other expense, net 211 687 342

Earnings before Income Taxes 228,836 224,366 189,354
   Income taxes 76,000 74,600 63,500

Net Earnings $152,836 $149,766 $125,854

Basic Net Earnings per Common Share $      2.35 $      2.21 $      1.83

Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share $      2.32 $      2.17 $      1.80

Dividends Declared per Common Share $        .68 $        .60 $        .54

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries

  Years Ended
 
(In thousands) December 28, 2007  December 29, 2006  December 30, 2005 

Net Earnings $152,836  $149,766  $125,854 
   Other comprehensive income (loss)      
      Cumulative translation adjustment 108  2,693  (2,390)
      Pension and postretirement medical liability
            adjustment
(875) 115  (1,050)
      Gain (loss) on interest hedge contracts (1,700) —  — 
      Income taxes 895  (3) 368 

         Other comprehensive income (loss) (1,572) 2,805  (3,072)

Comprehensive Income $151,264  $152,571  $122,782 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts) December 28, 2007  December 29, 2006 

ASSETS
Current Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents $    4,922  $    5,871 
  Accounts receivable, less allowances of $6,500 and $5,800 140,489  134,105 
  Inventories 74,737  76,311 
  Deferred income taxes 21,650  20,682 
  Other current assets 7,034  2,014 

   Total current assets 248,832  238,983 
Property, Plant and Equipment, net 140,594  124,524 
Prepaid Pension 31,823  26,903 
Goodwill 67,204  67,174 
Other Intangible Assets, net 41,889  50,325 
Other Assets 6,382  3,694 

   Total Assets $536,724  $511,603 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
  Notes payable to banks $  18,991  $  18,363 
  Trade accounts payable 27,379  27,442 
  Salaries, wages and commissions 20,470  26,303 
  Dividends payable 11,476  11,055 
  Other current liabilities 47,561  45,766 

   Total current liabilities 125,877  128,929 
Long-Term Debt 107,060  — 
Retirement Benefits and Deferred Compensation 40,639  36,946 
Uncertain Tax Positions 5,400  — 
Deferred Income Taxes 13,074  14,724 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note K)
Shareholders' Equity
  Common stock, $1 par value; 97,000,000 shares authorized;
    61,963,962 and 66,804,781 shares outstanding in 2007 and 2006 61,964  66,805 
  Additional paid-in capital 156,420  130,621 
  Retained earnings 32,986  138,702 
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (6,696) (5,124)

   Total shareholders' equity 244,674  331,004 

   Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $536,724  $511,603 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries

Years Ended

(In thousands) December 28, 2007 December 29, 2006 December 30, 2005

Cash Flows from Operating Activities                
  Net earnings   $ 152,836   $ 149,766   $ 125,854  
   Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to  
     net cash provided by operating activities  
      Depreciation and amortization    28,665    26,046    23,496  
      Deferred income taxes    (1,590 )  (6,597 )  1,260  
      Share-based compensation       8,583     8,392      
      Excess tax benefit related to share-based   
         payment arrangements     (4,508 )  (2,857 )    
      Change in:  
        Accounts receivable    (1,844 )  (3,584 )  (9,101 )
        Inventories      2,045    (15,587 )  4,524
        Trade accounts payable    (2,314 )  (74 )  701  
        Salaries, wages and commissions    (6,527 )  1,917    2,239  
        Retirement benefits and deferred compensation    (2,290 )  (12 )  396  
        Other accrued liabilities    4,666    (2,302 )  1,189  
        Other    (625 )  521    2,666  

Net cash provided by operating activities     177,097    155,629    153,224  

Cash Flows from Investing Activities   
  Property, plant and equipment additions       (36,869 )   (33,652 )   (19,904 )
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment    296    128    239  
  Investment in life insurance    (1,499 )        
  Capitalized software and other intangible asset additions    (85 )  (202 )  (802 )
  Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired           (30,676 )   (111,005 )

Net cash used in investing activities     (38,157 )  (64,402 )  (131,472 )

Cash Flows from Financing Activities   
  Net borrowings (payments) on short-term lines of credit    (312 )  9,593    2,498  
  Borrowings on long-term line of credit    158,351          
  Payments on long-term line of credit    (51,295 )        
   Excess tax benefit related to share-based  
         payment arrangements    4,508    2,857      
  Common stock issued    24,055    12,008    10,481  
  Common stock retired    (230,412 )  (87,570 )  (42,297 )
  Cash dividends paid    (43,188 )  (39,429 )  (35,805 )

Net cash used in financing activities     (138,293 )  (102,541 )  (65,123 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash    (1,596 )  (1,479 )  1,481  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents    (949 )  (12,793 )  (41,890 )
Cash and cash equivalents  
  Beginning of year    5,871    18,664    60,554  

  End of year    $ 4,922   $ 5,871   $ 18,664  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries

Years Ended

(In thousands) December 28, 2007 December 29, 2006 December 30, 2005

Common Stock                
   Balance, beginning of year     $ 66,805   $ 68,387   $ 68,979  
   Shares issued       1,077     539     599  
   Shares repurchased       (5,918 )   (2,121 )   (1,191 )

Balance, end of year       61,964     66,805     68,387  

Additional Paid-In Capital                
   Balance, beginning of year       130,621     110,842     100,180  
   Shares issued       24,093     11,469     9,882  
   Stock compensation cost       8,583     8,392      
   Tax benefit related to stock options exercised       5,808     3,357     2,510  
   Restricted Stock Issued       (1,115 )        
   Shares repurchased       (11,570 )   (3,439 )   (1,730 )

Balance, end of year       156,420     130,621     110,842  

Retained Earnings                
   Balance, beginning of year       138,702     112,506     62,773  
   Net income       152,836     149,766     125,854  
   Dividends declared       (43,609 )   (40,554 )   (36,745 )
   Shares repurchased       (214,943 )   (83,016 )   (39,376 )

Balance, end of year       32,986     138,702     112,506  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)                
   Balance, beginning of year       (5,124 )   (4,051 )   (979 )
   Other comprehensive income (loss)       (1,572 )   2,805     (3,072 )
   Adjustments to initially apply new accounting                      
      standard, net of tax           (3,878 )    

Balance, end of year       (6,696 )   (5,124 )   (4,051 )

Total Shareholders' Equity     $ 244,674 $ 331,004   $ 287,684  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries

Years Ended December 28, 2007, December 29, 2006 and December 30, 2005

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 28, 2007, December 29, 2006 and December 30, 2005, were 52-week years.

Basis of Statement Presentation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its subsidiaries after elimination of all significant intercompany balances and transactions. As of December 28, 2007, all subsidiaries are 100 percent owned.

Foreign Currency Translation. The functional currency of one subsidiary in Great Britain is local currency. Accordingly, adjustments resulting from the translation of that subsidiary’s financial statements into U.S. dollars are charged or credited to accumulated other comprehensive income. The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for all other foreign subsidiaries, including one subsidiary in Spain whose functional currency changed to the U.S. dollar from the euro effective at the beginning of 2007. Accordingly, gains and losses from the translation of foreign currency balances and transactions of those subsidiaries are included in other expense, net.

Accounting Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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.

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.

Inventory Valuation. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. 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) 2007  2006 

Prepaid income taxes $4,936  $     — 
Prepaid expenses and other 2,098  2,014 

Total $7,034  $2,014 


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 improvements 10 to 30 years
Leasehold improvements lesser of 5 to 10 years or life of lease
Manufacturing equipment 5 to 10 years
Office, warehouse and automotive equipment 3 to 10 years

Intangible Assets. Goodwill has been assigned to reporting units, which are the Company’s divisions. The amounts of goodwill for each reportable segment were:

(In thousands) 2007  2006 

Industrial $42,221  $42,191 
Contractor 7,939  7,939 
Lubrication 17,044  17,044 

Total $67,204  $67,174 

Components of other intangible assets were:

(Dollars in thousands) Estimated Life
(Years)
Original Cost   Amortization   Foreign   
Currency  
Translation
and Other 
  Book Value  

December 28, 2007                                  
Customer relationships and distribution            
   network       4 - 8   $ 26,102   $ (11,092 ) $ 29   $ 15,039  
Patents, proprietary technology and product    
   documentation       5 - 15    22,243    (7,720 )  16    14,539  
Trademarks, trade names and other    3 - 10    4,684    (2,555 )  22    2,151  

              53,029     (21,367 )   67     31,729  
Not Subject to Amortization  
Brand names             10,260         (100 )   10,160  

Total           $ 63,289   $ (21,367 ) $ (33 ) $ 41,889  

 
December 29, 2006                                  
Customer relationships and distribution network              
   network       4 - 8   $ 26,102   $ (7,335 ) $ 6   $ 18,773  
Patents, proprietary technology and product    
   documentation       5 - 15    22,243    (4,443 )  5    17,805  
Trademarks, trade names and other    3 - 10    5,114    (1,641 )  14    3,487  

              53,459     (13,419 )   25     40,065  
Not Subject to Amortization  
Brand names             10,260             10,260  

Total           $ 63,719   $ (13,419 ) $ 25   $ 50,325  


Amortization of intangibles was $8.5 million in 2007 and $6.9 million in 2006. Estimated future annual amortization is as follows: $7.7 million in 2008, $6.9 million in 2009, $5.8 million in 2010, $4.9 million in 2011 and $6.4 million thereafter.

Other Assets. Components of other assets were:

(In thousands) 2007  2006 

Cash surrender value of life insurance $1,450  $     — 
Assets held for sale 1,138  — 
Capitalized software 1,019  1,614 
Deposits and other 2,775  2,080 

Total $6,382  $3,694 

In June 2007, the Company paid $1.5 million for 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 be 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 2007.

Operations in Cleveland, Ohio were moved to new facilities in Anoka, Minnesota in 2007. The property that formerly housed those operations is listed for sale and was reclassified to other assets from property, plant and equipment at estimated market value.

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

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal 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 have been no significant write-downs of any long-lived assets in the periods presented.

Other Current Liabilities. Components of other current liabilities were:

(In thousands) 2007  2006 

Accrued self-insured retentions $  7,842  $  7,833 
Accrued warranty and service liabilities 7,084  6,675 
Accrued trade promotions 6,480  7,265 
Payable for employee stock purchases 5,829  5,846 
Income taxes payable 678  3,920 
Other 19,648  14,227 

Total $47,561  $45,766 

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

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)       2007     2006  

Balance, beginning of year   $ 6,675   $ 7,649  
Charged to expense    6,053    4,442  
Margin on parts sales reversed    3,186    1,944  
Reductions for claims settled    (8,830 )  (7,360 )

Balance, end of year   $ 7,084   $ 6,675  

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 are shipped FOB destination and revenue is recognized 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 FOB 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 2 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.

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 coupons. 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 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.

Share-based Compensation. SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” became effective for the Company at the beginning of 2006. This standard requires compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions to be recognized in the financial statements. The Company adopted the standard using the modified prospective transition method, whereby compensation cost related to unvested awards as of the effective date are recognized as calculated for pro forma disclosures under SFAS No. 123, and cost related to new awards are recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R). The Company continues to use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value option grants.

The Company recognized share-based compensation cost of $8.6 million in 2007 and $8.4 million in 2006, which reduced net income by $6.4 million, or $0.10 per weighted common share in 2007 and $6.1 million, or $0.09 per weighted common share in 2006. As of December 28, 2007, there was $11.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options, expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately two years.

Had share-based compensation cost for the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and stock options granted under various stock incentive plans been recognized prior to 2006, the Company’s net earnings and earnings per share would have been reduced as follows:

(In thousands, except per share amounts)      2005  

Net earnings  
  As reported   $ 125,854  
  Stock compensation, net of related tax effects    (4,636 )

  Pro forma   $ 121,218  

Net earnings per common share    
  Basic as reported     $ 1.83  
  Diluted as reported       1.80  
  Pro forma basic       1.76  
  Pro forma diluted     1.74  


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:

        2007     2006     2005  

Expected life in years    5.6     6.3     6.3  
Interest rate       4.2 %  4.6 %  4.2 %
Volatility    25.1 %  27.8 %  18.7 %
Dividend yield    1.7 %  1.4 %  1.4 %
Weighted average fair value per share   $ 10.5 5 $ 12.9 7 $ 8.2 4

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. For 2007 and 2006, expected volatility is based on historical volatility over a period commensurate with the expected life of options. Prior to 2006, volatility was based on historical volatility over a three-year period.

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:

       2007    2006    2005  

Expected life in years    1.0    1.0    1.0  
Interest rate    4.9 %  4.6 %  4.4 %
Volatility    24.4 %  24.0 %  18.9 %
Dividend yield    1.6 %  1.4 %  1.4 %
Weighted average fair value per share   $ 9.7 9 $ 10.1 8 $ 8.2 6

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.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans. In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.” SFAS No. 158 requires the recognition of the funded status of a defined benefit plan in the statement of financial position, requires that changes in the funded status be recognized through comprehensive income and expands disclosures. SFAS No. 158 was effective for the Company for year-end 2006 financial statements. The following table shows the incremental effect of SFAS No. 158 on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 29, 2006:

(In thousands) Before
Application of
SFAS No. 158
Adjustments After
Application of
SFAS No. 158

Deferred income taxes, current     $ 19,820   $ 862   $ 20,682  
Total current assets    238,121    862    238,983  
Prepaid pension    31,303    (4,400 )  26,903  
Total assets    515,141    (3,538 )  511,603  
Other current liabilities    43,435    2,331    45,766  
Total current liabilities    126,598    2,331    128,929  
Retirement benefits and deferred compensation    37,521    (575 )  36,946  
Deferred income taxes, non-current    16,140    (1,416 )  14,724  
Accumulated other comprehensive income    (1,246 )  (3,878 )  (5,124 )
Total shareholders' equity    334,882    (3,878 )  331,004  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity    515,141    (3,538 )  511,603  

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 and interest rate swaps 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.

In 2007, the Company entered into interest rate swap contracts that effectively fix the rates paid on a total of $80 million of variable rate borrowings. One contract fixed the rate on $40 million of borrowings at 4.7 percent plus the applicable spread (depending on cash flow leverage ratio) until December 2010. The second contract fixed an additional $40 million of borrowings at 4.6 percent plus the applicable spread until January 2011. Both contracts have been designated as hedges against interest rate volatility. Consequently, changes in the fair market value are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). As of December 28, 2007, the fair market value of the swap contracts totaled $1.7 million and was included in other current liabilities.

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 current market values and the gains and losses are included in other expense, net. The Company believes it uses strong financial counterparts in these transactions and that the resulting credit risk under these hedging strategies is not significant.

The Company may periodically hedge anticipated transactions, generally with forward exchange contracts, which are designated as cash flow hedges. Gains and losses representing effective hedges are initially recorded as a component of other comprehensive income and are subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. There were no gains or losses on such transactions in 2007, 2006 and 2005, and there were no such transactions outstanding as of December 28, 2007, and December 29, 2006.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This statement establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures on fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for the Company starting in fiscal 2008 with respect to financial assets and liabilities. With respect to non-financial assets and liabilities, the statement is effective for the Company starting in fiscal 2009. The impact of the initial adoption of SFAS No. 157 in 2008 is not expected to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. The Company has not determined the impact, if any, the adoption of this statement as it pertains to non-financial assets and liabilities will have on its consolidated financial statements.

B. Segment Information

The Company has three reportable segments: Industrial, Contractor and Lubrication. 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 truck assembly and components plants, wood products, rail, marine, aerospace, farm, construction, bus, recreational vehicles, and various other industries. The Contractor segment markets sprayers for architectural coatings for painting, roofing, texture, corrosion control and line striping and also high-pressure washers. 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. 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. Assets of the Company are not tracked along reportable segment lines. 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 the sales, marketing and development of their products and market channel. This allows for focused marketing and efficient product development. The segments share common purchasing, manufacturing, distribution and administration functions.

(In thousands)                
Reportable Segments     2007    2006    2005  

Net sales  
   Industrial   $ 444,725   $ 416,498   $ 367,119  
   Contractor    306,703    320,476    305,298  
   Lubrication    89,911    79,494    59,285  

Total   $ 841,339   $ 816,468   $ 731,702  

Operating earnings  
   Industrial   $ 152,278   $ 128,460   $ 98,330  
   Contractor    81,528    89,064    77,598  
   Lubrication    9,252    18,744    15,633  
   Unallocated corporate (expense)    (10,578 )  (10,269 )  (491 )

Total   $ 232,480   $ 225,999   $ 191,070  

Unallocated corporate is not included in management’s measurement of segment performance and includes such items as stock compensation, bad debt expense, charitable contributions and certain other charges or credits driven by corporate decisions.

(In thousands)      
Geographic Information 2007  2006  2005 

Net sales (based on customer location)
   United States $434,012  $474,366  $435,091 
   Other countries 407,327  342,102  296,611 

Total $841,339  $816,468  $731,702 

Long-lived assets
   United States $266,722  $240,341  $202,601 
   Other countries 21,170  32,279  29,131 

Total $287,892  $272,620  $231,732 

Sales to Major Customers

There were no customers that accounted for 10 percent or more of consolidated sales in 2007. Sales to a paint retailer were 10 percent of consolidated sales in each of the years 2006 and 2005.

C. Inventories

Major components of inventories were as follows:

(In thousands)      2007    2006  

Finished products and components   $ 46,677   $ 44,969  
Products and components in various stages of completion    24,805    26,841  
Raw materials and purchased components    37,311    35,258  

     108,793    107,068  
Reduction to LIFO cost    (34,056 )  (30,757 )

Total   $ 74,737   $ 76,311  

Inventories valued under the LIFO method were $46.6 million for 2007 and $49.5 million for 2006. All other inventory was valued on the FIFO method.

In 2007, certain inventory quantities were reduced, resulting in liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower costs from prior years. The effect on net earnings was not significant.

D. Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment were as follows:

(In thousands)      2007    2006  

Land and improvements   $ 10,066   $ 8,028  
Buildings and improvements    92,145    76,485  
Manufacturing equipment    166,869    149,603  
Office, warehouse and automotive equipment    30,580    26,335  
Additions in progress    6,413    17,867  

Total property, plant and equipment    306,073    278,318  
Accumulated depreciation    (165,479 )  (153,794 )

Net property, plant and equipment   $ 140,594   $ 124,524  

Depreciation expense was $19.5 million in 2007, $18.2 million in 2006 and $18.3 million in 2005.

E. Income Taxes

Earnings before income tax expense consist of:

(In thousands) 2007  2006  2005 

Domestic $203,795  $197,410  $172,164 
Foreign 25,041  26,956  17,190 

Total $228,836  $224,366  $189,354 

Income tax expense consists of:

(In thousands)      2007    2006    2005  

Current    
  Domestic    
   Federal     $ 67,255   $ 65,652   $ 51,103  
   State and local    4,600    4,520    5,000  
  Foreign    6,023    7,206    5,958  

     77,878    77,378    62,061  

Deferred  
  Domestic    (1,874 )  (2,611 )  973  
  Foreign    (4 )  (167 )  466  

     (1,878 )  (2,778 )  1,439  

Total   $ 76,000   $ 74,600   $ 63,500  

Income taxes paid were $74.6 million, $77.6 million and $57.0 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005.

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

       2007    2006    2005  

Statutory tax rate    35 %  35 %  35 %
Earnings from non-U.S. sales at lower tax rates    (1 )  (2 )  (2 )
State taxes, net of federal effect    2    2    2  
U.S. general business tax credits    (1 )  (1 )  (1 )
Domestic production deduction    (2 )  (1 )  (1 )

Effective tax rate    33 %  33 %  33 %

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 are as follows:

(In thousands)       2007     2006  

Inventory valuations   $ 8,986   $ 7,963  
Insurance accruals    2,298    2,510  
Warranty reserves    2,331    2,131  
Vacation accruals    1,917    2,047  
Bad debt reserves    1,888    1,715  
Stock compensation    2,000    3,114  
Other    2,230    1,202  

  Current    21,650    20,682  

Unremitted earnings of consolidated foreign subsidiaries    (1,800 )  (2,400 )
Excess of tax over book depreciation    (14,483 )  (14,324 )
Postretirement benefits    7,462    7,372  
Stock, pension and deferred compensation    (4,531 )  (5,816 )
Other    278    444  

  Non-current    (13,074 )  (14,724 )

Net deferred tax assets   $ 8,576   $ 5,958  

Total deferred tax assets were $36.8 million and $32.6 million, and total deferred tax liabilities were $28.2 million and $26.6 million on December 28, 2007, and December 29, 2006.

Effective at the beginning of 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” The adoption of FIN 48 resulted in no adjustment to beginning retained earnings.

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 2001. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) commenced an examination of the Company’s U.S. income tax returns for 2004 and 2005 in the first quarter of 2007, which is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2008. The Company does not anticipate that adjustments related to the resolution of the audit, if any, would result in a material change to its financial position.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

(In thousands)      2007  

Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 20, 3006     $ 4,900  
Gross increases - current period tax positions    800  
Lapse of statute of limitations    (1,000 )

Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 28, 2007     $ 4,700  

At the end of 2007, the Company’s liability for uncertain tax positions was $5.4 million, including $ 0.7 million of interest and penalties. Unrecognized tax benefits of $4.0 million would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. The Company records penalties and accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

There is a reasonable possibility that unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $3 to $4 million in the next twelve months pursuant to the following events: expiring statute of limitations, the closure of the IRS audit, and the closure of other tax jurisdiction audits.

F. Debt

In July 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with a syndicate of lenders providing an unsecured credit facility for 5 years. This credit facility provides $250 million of committed credit with an option for an additional $150 million. The facility is available for general corporate purposes, working capital needs, share repurchases and acquisitions. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at either the bank’s prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.5 percent or the London Interbank Offered Rate plus a spread of between 0.23 percent and 0.57 percent, depending on the Company’s cash flow leverage ratio (debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization). The Company is also required to pay a facility fee on the full amount of the loan commitment at an annual rate ranging from 0.07 percent to 0.15 percent, depending on the Company’s cash flow leverage ratio. The agreement requires the Company to maintain certain financial ratios as to cash flow leverage and interest coverage.

On December 28, 2007, the Company had $293 million in lines of credit, including the $250 million in committed credit facilities described above and uncommitted lines of credit totaling $20 million with U.S. banks and $23 million with foreign banks. The unused portion of these credit lines was $172 million at December 28, 2007. Borrowing rates under these credit lines vary with the prime rate, rates on domestic certificates of deposit and the London Interbank market. The weighted average short-term borrowing rates were 5.3 percent, 5.2 percent and 4.3 percent for the years ended December 28, 2007, December 29, 2006 and December 30, 2005. The Company pays facility fees of up to 0.15 percent per annum on certain of these lines. No compensating balances are required.

The Company is in compliance with the financial covenants of its debt agreements.

Interest paid on debt during 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $2.6 million, $0.9 million and $1.3 million.

G. Shareholders’ Equity

At December 28, 2007, 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.

The Company maintains a plan in which one preferred share purchase right (Right) exists for each common share of the Company. Each Right will entitle its holder to purchase one four-hundredth of a share of a new series of junior participating preferred stock at an exercise price of $180, subject to adjustment. The Rights are exercisable only if a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 15 percent or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The Rights expire in March 2010 and may be redeemed earlier by the Board of Directors for $.001 per Right.

Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were:

(In thousands)      2007    2006  

Pension liability adjustment   $ (5,672 ) $ (5,064 )
Gain (loss) on hedge contracts    (1,072 )  --  
Cumulative translation adjustment    48    (60 )

Total   $ (6,696 ) $ (5,124 )

H. Share-Based Awards and Purchase Plans

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 recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital and is charged to operations over the vesting period. Compensation cost charged to operations for restricted share awards was $31,000 in 2007 and $116,000 in 2005. There was no compensation cost related to restricted shares in 2006. 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 10,338 shares in 2007, 10,955 shares in 2006 and 12,933 shares in 2005. 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 per share amounts):

Options Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Options
Exercisable
Weighted Average
Exercise Price

Outstanding, December 31, 2004       3,622   $ 18.28     1,804   $ 11.87  
  Granted    389    37.95  
  Exercised       (341 )   11.57  
  Canceled    (55 )  29.93  

Outstanding, December 30, 2005    3,615   $ 20.85    2,017   $ 14.28  
  Granted    703    41.11  
  Exercised    (324 )  15.11  
  Canceled    (38 )  34.29  

Outstanding, December 29, 2006    3,956   $ 24.79    2,272   $ 16.94  
  Granted    1,037    40.08  
  Exercised    (836 )  19.96  
  Canceled    (378 )  38.98  

Outstanding, December 28, 2007    3,779   $ 28.63    2,228   $ 21.41  

The following table summarizes information for options outstanding and exercisable at December 28, 2007 (in thousands, except per share 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

$  6-13      772 2 $10.13    772 $10.13
17-29 1,041 5   22.77    906   21.99
32-39    929 8   36.53    415   34.61
40-49 1,037 9   41.22    135   41.40

$ 6-49   3,779 6 $28.63 2,228 $21.41

The aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable option shares was $36.5 million as of December 28, 2007, with a weighted average contractual term of 4.5 years. There were approximately 3.7 million vested share options and share options expected to vest as of December 28, 2007, with an aggregate intrinsic value of $37.8 million, a weighted average exercise price of $28.30 and a weighted average contractual term of 6.1 years.

Information related to options exercised follows:

(In thousands) 2007  2006  2005 

Cash received $16,688  $4,889  $3,945 
Aggregate intrinsic value 17,465  8,851  8,574 
Tax benefit realized 6,500  3,200  3,000 

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. The Company issued 202,096 shares under this Plan in 2007, 204,478 shares in 2006 and 245,303 shares in 2005.

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 28, 2007

Stock Incentive Plan (2006) 7,375 3,861
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2006) 2,000 2,000

Total 9,375 5,861

Amounts available for future issuance exclude outstanding options. Options outstanding as of December 28, 2007, include options granted under three plans that were replaced by the Stock Incentive Plan in 2001 and 2006. No shares are available for future grants under those plans. At the annual meeting of shareholders in April 2006, shareholders approved the 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which authorized 2 million shares of common stock. The new plan became effective in March 2007, at which time shares remaining authorized and unissued by the old plan were cancelled.

I. Earnings per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

(In thousands, except per share amounts) 2007  2006  2005 

Numerator
  Net earnings available to common shareholders $152,836  $149,766  $125,854 

Denominators
  Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share 65,043  67,807  68,766 
  Dilutive effect of stock options computed based on the treasury
    stock method using the average market price 941  1,170  1,096 

  Denominator for diluted earnings per share 65,984  68,977  69,862 

Basic earnings per share $      2.35  $      2.21  $      1.83 

Diluted earnings per share $      2.32  $      2.17  $      1.80 

Stock options to purchase 1,142,000 and 615,000 common shares were not included in the 2007 and 2006 calculations of diluted earnings per share, respectively, because they would have been anti-dilutive.

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 elect 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 $3.0 million in 2007, $2.6 million in 2006 and $2.3 million in 2005.

The Company’s postretirement medical plan provides certain medical benefits for retired U.S. employees. Employees hired before January 1, 2005, are eligible for these benefits upon retirement and fulfillment of other eligibility requirements as specified by the plan.

The Company has both funded and unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that together cover most U.S. employees hired before January 1, 2006, certain directors and some of the employees of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries. For U.S. plans, benefits are based on years of service and the highest five consecutive years’ earnings in the ten years preceding retirement. The Company funds annually in amounts consistent with minimum funding requirements and maximum tax deduction limits.

Investment policies and strategies of the funded pension plan are based on a long-term view of economic growth and heavily weighted toward equity securities. The plan invests primarily in common stocks and bonds, including the Company’s common stock. The market value of the plan’s investment in the common stock of the Company was $13.0 million at December 28, 2007, and $13.8 million at December 29, 2006. For the funded pension plan, asset allocations at year-end were as follows:

  2007  2006 

Graco common stock 6% 7%
Other equity securities 72% 77%
Debt securities 15% 10%
Real estate 6% 5%
Cash 1% 1%

Total 100% 100%

The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for all of its plans. The following provides a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets over the periods ending December 28, 2007, and December 29, 2006, and a statement of the funded status as of the same dates.

      Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits

(In thousands)    2007    2006    2007    2006  

Change in benefit obligation   
Obligation, beginning of year   $ 202,578   $ 191,261   $ 21,416   $ 30,555  
Pension obligation of acquired business        4,531          
Service cost    5,618    5,444    537    849  
Interest cost    11,504    10,541    1,345    1,511  
Plan amendments        211    873    (8,164 )
Actuarial loss (gain)    (10,615 )  (3,265 )  1,772    (1,254 )
Exchange rate changes    914    865          
Benefit payments    (7,817 )  (7,010 )  (2,347 )  (2,081 )

Obligation, end of year   $ 202,182   $ 202,578   $ 23,596   $ 21,416  

Change in plan assets   
Fair value, beginning of year   $ 212,819   $ 185,330   $   $  
Pension assets of acquired business        4,907          
Actual return on assets    9,492    28,815          
Employer contributions    884    777    2,347    2,081  
Benefit payments    (7,817 )  (7,010 )  (2,347 )  (2,081 )

Fair value, end of year   $ 215,378   $ 212,819   $   $  

Funded status    $ 13,196   $ 10,241   $ (23,596 ) $ (21,416 )

Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets
Non-current assets   $ 31,823   $ 26,903   $   $  
Current liabilities    645    839    2,344    1,492  
Non-current liabilities    17,982    15,823    21,252    19,924  

Net   $ 13,196   $ 10,241   $ (23,596 ) $ (21,416 )

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $182 million as of year-end for both 2007 and 2006. Information for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets follows:

(In thousands) 2007  2006 

Projected benefit obligation $18,628  $16,662 
Accumulated benefit obligation 15,806  14,530 
Fair value of plan assets —  — 

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the plans for 2007, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

  Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits

(In thousands)       2007     2006     2005     2007     2006     2005  

Service cost - benefits earned during the period     $ 5,618   $ 5,444   $ 4,648   $ 537   $ 849   $ 841  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation       11,504     10,541     9,931     1,345     1,511     1,620  
Expected return on assets       (18,795 )   (16,582 )   (15,549 )            
Amortization of transition obligation (asset)               (11 )            
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)      244     147     144     (739 )   (161 )    
Amortization of net loss (gain)       236     535     92     811     595     526  
Cost of pension plans which are not significant    
  and have not adopted SFAS No. 87       478     320     370     N/A     N/A     N/A  

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)     $ (715 ) $ 405   $ (375 ) $ 1,954   $ 2,794   $ 2,987  

Amounts recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss in 2007 were as follows:

(In thousands) Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits

Prior service cost (credit) arising during the period   $   $ 873  
Net loss (gain) arising during the period    (1,218 )  1,772  
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)    (244 )  739  
Amortization of net gain (loss)    (236 )  (811 )

Total   $ (1,698 ) $ 2,573  

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss as of December 28, 2007 and December 29, 2006, that had not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, were as follows:

Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits

(In thousands) 2007   2006   2007   2006  

Prior service cost (credit)   $ 742   $ 996   $ (6,390 ) $ (8,002 )
Net loss    4,963    6,407    9,600    8,639  

Net before income taxes    5,705    7,403    3,210    637  
Income taxes    (2,055 )  (2,740 )  (1,188 )  (236 )

Net   $ 3,650   $ 4,663   $ 2,022   $ 401  

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in 2008 were as follows:

(In thousands) Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits

Prior service cost (credit)   $ 252   $ (658 )
Net loss (gain)    144    638  

Net before income taxes    396    (20 )
Income taxes    (146 )  7  

Net   $ 250   $ (13 )

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

  Pension Benefits  Postretirement Medical Benefits

Weighted average assumptions 2007 2006 2007 2006     

Discount rate 6.2% 5.7% 6.3% 5.8%     
Rate of compensation increase 3.8% 3.8% 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 2007  2006  2005  2007 2006 2005

Discount rate 5.7% 5.5% 5.9% 5.8% 5.5% 6.0%
Expected return on assets 9.0% 9.0% 9.0% N/A N/A N/A
Rate of compensation increase 3.8% 3.8% 3.8% 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. In 2006, the annual cost increase limitation was changed to 5 percent for 2007, 4 percent for 2008 and 3 percent thereafter. In 2007, the Company made changes in the administration of the plan to facilitate compliance with the cost limitation provisions. The Company also amended the plan to remove the 30-year service cap applied to the calculation of service-based credits provided to future retirees for postretirement health care costs. In measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO), the annual trend rate for health care costs was assumed to be 9.0 percent for 2008, decreasing by one-half percentage point each year to a constant rate of 5 percent in 2016 and thereafter, subject to the plan’s annual increase limitation.

At December 28, 2007, a one percent change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have no 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 $0.6 million to its unfunded pension plans and $2.3 million to the postretirement medical plan in 2008. No contribution to the funded pension plan is expected in 2008. Estimated future benefit payments are as follows:

(In thousands) Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits

2008 $  8,400  $2,300 
2009 9,000  2,200 
2010 10,500  2,100 
2011 10,800  2,000 
2012 11,500  1,800 
Years 2013 - 2017 69,700  8,200 

K. Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Commitments. Aggregate annual rental commitments under operating leases with noncancelable terms of more than one year were $5.6 million at December 28, 2007, payable as follows:

(In thousands) Buildings  Vehicles & 
Equipment 
Total 

2008 $   629  $1,833  $2,462 
2009 272  1,312  1,584 
2010 30  529  559 
2011 22  196  218 
2012 22  78  100 
Thereafter 679  685 

Total $1,654  $3,954  $5,608 

Total rental expense was $2.3 million for 2007, $1.8 million for 2006 and $1.7 million for 2005.

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 $20 million at December 28, 2007. 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 $24 million. In addition, the Company could be obligated to perform under standby letters of credit totaling $2 million at December 28, 2007. The Company has also guaranteed the debt of its subsidiaries for up to $9 million.

Contingencies. The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. The Company is actively defending these matters and has recorded an estimate of the probable costs. 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.

L.  Acquisitions

Lubriquip. In July 2006, the Company purchased the stock of Lubriquip, Inc. for approximately $31 million cash. Lubriquip, with sales of approximately $30 million in 2005, is a manufacturer of centralized and automated oil and grease lubrication systems, force-feed lubricators, metering devices and related electronic controls and accessories. The products, brands and distribution channels of Lubriquip will expand and complement the Company’s Lubrication Equipment business. Results of Lubriquip operations have been included in the Lubrication segment since the date of acquisition.

Lubriquip had manufacturing facilities in Warrensville Heights, Ohio and Madison, Wisconsin. In 2007, the Company combined those operations with the Company’s existing lubrication businesses in a new facility in Anoka, Minnesota.

The purchase price was allocated based on estimated fair values as follows (in thousands):

Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses     $ 2,400  
Inventories    3,700  
Deferred income taxes    600  
Property, plant and equipment    3,000  
Prepaid pension    400  
Identifiable intangible assets    17,000  
Goodwill    14,000  

Total purchase price    41,100  
Current liabilities assumed    (3,600 )
Deferred income taxes    (6,800 )

Net assets acquired   $ 30,700  

Identifiable intangible assets and weighted average estimated useful life were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Product documentation (8 years) $  8,500 
Customer relationships (7 years) 3,700 
Proprietary technology (5 years) 1,600 

Total (7 years) 13,800 
Brand names (indefinite useful life) 3,200 

Total identifiable intangible assets $17,000 

None of the goodwill or identifiable intangible assets is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

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. 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 and Controller, and the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Based upon that evaluation, they concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in gathering, analyzing and disclosing information needed to satisfy the Company’s disclosure obligations under the Exchange Act.

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 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The information under the heading “Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm: Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” in Part II, Item 8, of this 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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

Item 9B. Other Information

Not applicable.

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information under the heading “Executive Officers of the Company” in Part I of this 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the information under the headings “Election of Directors-Nominees and Other Directors,” “Director Qualifications and Selection Process” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” of our Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be held on April 25, 2008 (the “Proxy Statement”), are incorporated herein by reference.

New York Stock Exchange Rule 303A.12

Our Company’s Annual CEO Certification as required by NYSE Rule 303A.12(a) was filed with the New York Stock Exchange on or about May 10, 2007. The certifications of the President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, regarding the quality of our Company’s disclosure in this 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K, have been filed as exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 hereto.

Audit Committee Members and Audit Committee Financial Expert

The information under the heading “Committees of the Board of Directors” of 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 the Audit, Governance, and Management Organization and Compensation Committees of the Board of Directors. We have also issued Conduct of Business Guidelines (Code of Ethics) that apply to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, all officers, directors, and employees of Graco Inc. and all of its subsidiaries and branches worldwide. The Corporate Governance Guidelines, Committee Charters, and Conduct of Business Guidelines, with any amendments or waivers thereto, may be accessed free of charge by visiting the Graco website at www.graco.com. Copies of these documents are also available in print by written request directed to Secretary, Graco Inc., P.O. Box 1441, Minneapolis, MN 55440-1441.

Our Company intends to post on the Graco website any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Conduct of Business Guidelines 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” of the Company’s Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information contained under the headings “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Report of the Management Organization and Compensation Committee” of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information contained under the headings “Equity Compensation Plan Information” and “Beneficial Ownership of Shares” of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

The information under the headings “Certain Business Relationships,” “Related Person Transaction Approval Policy” and “Director Independence” of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information under the headings “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services” and “Pre-Approval Policies” of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
       
  (1) Financial Statements
See Part II
 
      Page
  (2) Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
51
       
    All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or 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.
53

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries


Description   Balance at
beginning
of year
Additions
charged to
costs and
expenses
Deductions
from
reserves1
Other
add
(deduct)2
Balance
at end of
year

Year ended December 28, 2007                                  
  Allowance for doubtful accounts   $ 2,600   $ 200   $400   $100   $ 2,500  
  Allowance for returns and credits    3,200    12,400    11,600        4,000  

      $5,800   $ 12,600   $ 12,000   $ 100   $ 6,500  

Year ended December 29, 2006  
  Allowance for doubtful accounts   $ 2,300   $   $   $300   $ 2,600  
  Allowance for returns and credits    3,600    10,400    10,900    100    3,200  

      $5,900   $ 10,400   $ 10,900   $ 400   $ 5,800  

Year ended December 30, 2005  
  Allowance for doubtful accounts   $ 2,300   $ 300   $ 200   $ (100 ) $ 2,300  
  Allowance for returns and credits    3,300    8,100    7,700    (100 )  3,600  

      $ 5,600   $ 8,400   $ 7,900   $ (200 ) $ 5,900  

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 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.

Graco Inc.

  /s/Patrick J. McHale         February 18, 2008
  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 18, 2008
  Patrick J. McHale  
  President and Chief Executive Officer  
  (Principal Executive Officer)  
   
  /s/James A. Graner            February 18, 2008
  James A. Graner  
  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer  
  (Principal Financial Officer)  
   
   
  /s/Caroline M. Chambers       February 18, 2008
  Caroline M. Chambers  
  Vice President and Controller  
  (Principal Accounting Officer)  


Lee R. Mitau Director, Chairman of the Board
William J. Carroll Director
Jack W. Eugster Director
J. Kevin Gilligan Director
Patrick J. McHale Director
Marti Morfitt Director
Mark H. Rauenhorst Director
William G. Van Dyke Director
R. William Van Sant Director

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 18, 2008
  Patrick J. McHale  
 (For himself and as attorney-in-fact)  

Exhibit Index

Exhibit
Number

Description

2.1

Stock Purchase Agreement By and Among PMC Global, Inc. Gusmer Machinery Group, Inc. and Graco Inc., dated as of February 4, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated February 10, 2005.)

2.2

Stock Purchase Agreement By and Among PMC Europe Investments, S.L. and Graco Inc. dated as of February 4, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated February 10, 2005.)

3.1

Restated Articles of Incorporation as amended June 14, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2007.)

3.2

Restated Bylaws as amended June 13, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2002.)

4.1

Share Rights Agreement dated as of February 25, 2000, between the Company and Wells Fargo, formerly known as Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Rights Agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated March 9, 2000.)

4.2

Credit Agreement dated July 12, 2007, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and Bank of America, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 12, 2007.)

*10.1

Executive Officer Bonus Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated February 18, 2005.)

*10.2

Executive Officer Annual Incentive Bonus Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 6, 2007.)

*10.3

Graco Inc. Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated June 18, 2004. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2005.)

*10.4

Long Term Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated June 18, 2004. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2005.)

*10.5

Graco Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (2006). (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 14, 2006.)

10.6

Employee Stock Incentive Plan, as 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.)

*10.7

Deferred Compensation Plan Restated, effective December 1, 1992. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated March 11, 1993.) Amendment 1 dated September 1, 1996. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 1997.) Amendment 2 dated May 27, 2000. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.) Amendment 3 adopted on December 19, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.) Amendment 4 adopted June 14, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2007.)

*10.8

Deferred Compensation Plan (2005 Statement) as amended and restated on April 4, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended July 1, 2005.) Amendment 2 dated November 1, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.)

10.9

CEO Award Program. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.)

*10.10

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.)

*10.11

Graco Restoration Plan (2005 Statement.) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2006.) First Amendment adopted December 8, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.) Second Amendment adopted August 15, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2007.)

*10.12

Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of nonstatutory stock options to nonemployee directors under the Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K.)

*10.13

Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of nonstatutory stock options to nonemployee directors under the Graco Inc. Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K.) Amended form of agreement for awards made to nonemployee directors. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2004.)

*10.14

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 by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2007.)

*10.15

Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of non-incentive stock options to executive officers under the Long Term Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K.)

*10.16

Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of non-incentive stock options to executive officers under the Graco Inc. Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2002.) Amended form of agreement for awards made to Chief Executive Officer in 2001 and 2002. Amended form of agreement for awards made to executive officers in 2003. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the Company’s 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.) Amended form of agreement for awards made to executive officers in 2004. Amended form of agreement for awards made to Chief Executive Officer in 2004. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 and 10.4 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2004.)

*10.17

Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award in 2007 of non-incentive stock options to executive officers under the Graco Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (2006). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2007.)

*10.18

Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award in 2007 of non-incentive stock options to chief executive officer under the Graco Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (2006). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2007.)

*10.19

Executive Deferred Compensation Agreement. Form of supplementary agreement entered into by the Company which provides a retirement benefit to one executive officer, as amended by Amendment 1, effective September 1, 1990. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated March 11, 1993.)

*10.20

Executive Officer Restricted Stock Agreement. Form of agreement used to award restricted stock to selected executive officers.

*10.21

Election Form. Form of agreement used for the issuance of stock or deferred stock in lieu of cash payment of retainer and/or meeting fees to nonemployee directors under the Graco Inc. Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K.) Amended form of agreement used for the 2006 plan year. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2007.)

*10.22

Election Form. Form of agreement used for the 2007 plan year for the issuance of stock or deferred stock in lieu of cash payment of retainer and/or meeting fees to nonemployee directors under the Graco Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (2006). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2007.) Amended form of agreement used for the 2008 plan year.

*10.23

Key Employee Agreement. Form of agreement with officers and other key employees relating to change of control. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K.)

*10.24

Key Employee Agreement. Form of agreement used with chief executive officer.

*10.25

Key Employee Agreement. Form of agreement used with executive officers reporting to the chief executive officer.

*10.26

Key Employee Agreement. Form of agreement used with executive officer reporting to an executive officer other than the chief executive officer.

*10.27

Letter Agreement with President and Chief Executive Officer, dated June 5, 2001. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2001.)

*10.28

Executive Group Long-Term Disability Policy as revised in 1995. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K.) As enhanced by Supplemental Income Protection Plan in 2004.

11

Statement of Computation of Earnings per share included in Note I on page 42.

21

Subsidiaries of the Registrant included herein on page 56.

23

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Consent included herein on page 57.

24

Power of Attorney included herein on page 58.

31.1

Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) included herein on page 59.

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) included herein on page 60.

32

Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18, U.S.C. included herein on page 61.

99

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements included herein on page 62.

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

*Management Contracts, Compensatory Plans or Arrangements.

Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, copies of certain instruments defining the rights of holders of certain long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries are not filed as exhibits because the amount of debt authorized under any such instrument does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company agrees to furnish copies thereof to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

Exhibit 21

Subsidiaries of Graco Inc.

The following are subsidiaries of the Company as of December 28, 2007

   Subsidiary Jurisdiction
of
Organization
Percentage of Voting
Securities Owned by
the Company

   Graco Australia Pty Ltd. Australia                100%3
   Graco Canada Inc. Canada                100% 
   Graco do Brasil Limitada Brazil                100%1
   Graco Fluid Equipment (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. China (PRC)                100% 
   Graco Fluid Equipment (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. China (PRC)                100%6
   Graco GmbH Germany                100% 
   Graco Hong Kong Ltd. Hong Kong                100% 
   Graco Indiana Inc. United States                100% 
   Graco K.K. Japan                100% 
   Graco Korea Inc. Korea                100% 
   Graco Ltd. England                100% 
   Graco Minnesota Inc. United States                100% 
   Graco N.V. Belgium                100%1
   Graco Ohio Inc. United States                100% 
   Graco S.A.S. France                100% 
   Gusmer Corporation United States                100% 
   Gusmer Canada Ltd. Canada                100%4
   Gusmer Europe, S.L. Spain                100%4
   Gusmer Sudamerica S.A. Argentina                100%5
   Liquid Control Ltd. England                100%2
   Lubriquip, Inc. United States                100% 

1 Includes shares held by executive officer of the Company or the relevant subsidiary to satisfy the requirements of local law.
2 Shares 100% held by Graco Ohio Inc.
3 Shares 100% held by Graco Hong Kong Ltd.
4 Shares 100% held by Gusmer Corporation.
5 Shares held by Gusmer Corporation and by executive officer of the Company to satisfy the requirements of local law.
6 Shares 100% owned by Graco Minnesota Inc.

Exhibit 23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 333-17691, No. 333-03459, No. 333-75307, No. 333-63128, No. 333-123813, No. 333-134162, and No. 333-140848 on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 18, 2008, relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedule of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company") (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph related to the Company’s change in the method of accounting for share-based compensation in 2006 described in Note A), and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year ended December 28, 2007.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 18, 2008

Exhibit 24

Power of Attorney

Know all by these presents, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Patrick J. McHale or James A. Graner, that person’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution for that person and in that person’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2007, of Graco Inc. (and any and all amendments thereto) and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as that person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

In witness whereof, the following persons have signed this Power of Attorney on the date indicated.

  Date
   
   
   
/s/William J. Carroll                  February 15, 2008         
William J. Carroll  
   
/s/Jack W. Eugster                 February 15, 2008         
Jack W. Eugster  
   
/s/J. Kevin Gilligan                   February 15, 2008         
J. Kevin Gilligan  
   
/s/Patrick J. McHale                   February 15, 2008         
Patrick J. McHale  
   
/s/Lee R. Mitau                      February 15, 2008         
Lee R. Mitau  
   
/s/Marti Morfitt                 February 15, 2008         
Marti Morfitt  
   
/s/Mark H. Rauenhorst          February 15, 2008         
Mark H. Rauenhorst  
   
/s/William G. Van Dyke            February 15, 2008         
William G. Van Dyke  
   
/s/R. William Van Sant              February 15, 2008         
R. William Van Sant