Graco Reports Record Quarterly Operating Earnings

Graco Inc. (NYSE: GGG) today announced results for the third quarter ended September 29, 2023.

 

Summary

$ in millions except per share amounts

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Sep 29,

2023

 

Sep 30,

2022

 

%

Change

 

Sep 29,

2023

 

Sep 30,

2022

 

%

Change

Net Sales

$

539.7

 

$

545.6

 

(1

)%

 

$

1,629.0

 

$

1,588.5

 

3

%

Operating Earnings

 

163.2

 

 

143.1

 

14

%

 

 

476.9

 

 

420.2

 

13

%

Net Earnings

 

133.1

 

 

116.2

 

15

%

 

 

396.6

 

 

334.5

 

19

%

Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share

$

0.77

 

$

0.67

 

15

%

 

$

2.30

 

$

1.93

 

19

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted (non-GAAP): (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Earnings, adjusted

$

162.4

 

$

143.1

 

13

%

 

$

476.1

 

$

420.2

 

13

%

Net Earnings, adjusted

$

131.5

 

$

114.8

 

15

%

 

$

386.9

 

$

331.3

 

17

%

Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share, adjusted

$

0.76

 

$

0.66

 

15

%

 

$

2.24

 

$

1.91

 

17

%

(1)

Excludes impacts of contingent consideration fair value adjustments, impairment charges and excess tax benefits from stock option exercises. See Financial Results Adjusted for Comparability below for a reconciliation of adjusted non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP.

  • Net sales decreased 1 percent for the quarter. Sales growth in the Process segment was offset by a decline in the Contractor segment.
  • Gross profit margin rate for the quarter was 5 percentage points higher than the comparable period last year due to realized pricing and lower product costs.
  • Operating earnings expressed as a percentage of sales for the quarter increased 4 percentage points to 30 percent.

"Graco achieved record operating earnings for the third quarter," said Mark Sheahan, Graco's President and CEO. "We saw softer demand in some of our key end markets that were partially offset by broad-based sales growth in the Process segment. Global construction markets weakened and the Industrial segment project business in EMEA was a headwind. Strong price realization and lower input costs led to operating margins of 30% or greater in each of our segments."

Consolidated Results

Net sales for the quarter decreased 1 percent from the comparable period last year (2 percent at consistent translation rates). Sales were flat in the Americas and decreased 4 percent in EMEA (10 percent at consistent translation rates) and 1 percent in Asia Pacific (sales increased 2 percent at consistent translation rates). Year-to-date net sales increased 3 percent from the comparable period last year. Sales increased 5 percent in the Americas and 2 percent in EMEA (sales were flat at consistent translation rates), and decreased 4 percent in Asia Pacific (sales were flat at consistent translation rates). Changes in currency translation rates increased worldwide sales by $5 million for the quarter and decreased worldwide sales by $8 million for the year to date.

Gross profit margin rates for the quarter and year to date increased from the comparable periods last year mainly due to realized pricing. The impact of lower product costs further increased the gross profit margin rate in the quarter from the comparable period last year.

Operating expenses for the quarter and year to date included a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $8 million and a $9 million gain from the reduction in fair value of contingent consideration related to the reorganization of a business acquired in 2020. Excluding these items, total operating expenses increased $4 million (4 percent) for the quarter and $21 million (6 percent) for the year to date from the comparable periods last year due to volume and rate-related increases and incremental share-based compensation.

Interest expense was flat for the quarter and decreased $4 million for the year to date as private placement debt was repaid in the first quarter last year and in the third quarter of the current year. Other non-operating income increased $2 million for the quarter and $9 million for the year to date mostly due to increased interest income.

The effective income tax rate was up 1 percentage point to 19 percent for the quarter and down 1 percentage point to 18 percent for the year to date from the comparable periods last year due to variations in excess tax benefits from stock option exercises.

Segment Results

Management assesses performance of segments by reference to operating earnings excluding unallocated corporate expenses. For a reconciliation of segment operating earnings to consolidated operating earnings, refer to the segment information table included in the financial statement section of this release. Certain measurements of segment operations are summarized below:

 

Three Months

 

Nine Months

 

Contractor

 

Industrial

 

Process

 

Contractor

 

Industrial

 

Process

Net Sales (in millions)

$

245.3

 

 

$

157.1

 

 

$

137.3

 

 

$

746.9

 

 

$

470.8

 

 

$

411.3

 

Percentage change from last year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

(7

)%

 

 

1

%

 

 

10

%

 

 

(2

)%

 

 

3

%

 

 

13

%

Operating earnings

 

13

%

 

 

1

%

 

 

40

%

 

 

12

%

 

 

1

%

 

 

43

%

Operating earnings as a percentage of sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023

 

30

%

 

 

35

%

 

 

31

%

 

 

29

%

 

 

35

%

 

 

31

%

2022

 

25

%

 

 

35

%

 

 

24

%

 

 

25

%

 

 

35

%

 

 

24

%

Components of net sales change by geographic region for the Contractor segment were as follows:

 

Three Months

 

Nine Months

 

Volume and Price

 

Acquisitions

 

Currency

 

Total

 

Volume and Price

 

Acquisitions

 

Currency

 

Total

Americas

(5

)%

 

0

%

 

(1

)%

 

(6

)%

 

(1

)%

 

0

%

 

(1

)%

 

(2

)%

EMEA

(17

)%

 

0

%

 

6

%

 

(11

)%

 

(2

)%

 

0

%

 

1

%

 

(1

)%

Asia Pacific

(9

)%

 

0

%

 

(3

)%

 

(12

)%

 

(8

)%

 

0

%

 

(4

)%

 

(12

)%

Consolidated

(8

)%

 

0

%

 

1

%

 

(7

)%

 

(2

)%

 

0

%

 

0

%

 

(2

)%

Contractor segment sales decreased for the quarter and year to date as favorable response to new product offerings and improved product availability were unable to offset reduced demand from slower economic activity in worldwide construction markets. Strong realized pricing and lower product costs drove the operating margin rate for this segment 5 percentage points higher for the quarter. Realized pricing offset higher product costs and drove an increase of 4 percentage points in the operating margin rate for the year to date.

Components of net sales change by geographic region for the Industrial segment were as follows:

 

Three Months

 

Nine Months

 

Volume

and Price

 

Acquisitions

 

Currency

 

Total

 

Volume

and Price

 

Acquisitions

 

Currency

 

Total

Americas

1

%

 

0

%

 

1

%

 

2

%

 

8

%

 

0

%

 

0

%

 

8

%

EMEA

(11

)%

 

0

%

 

7

%

 

(4

)%

 

0

%

 

0

%

 

1

%

 

1

%

Asia Pacific

6

%

 

0

%

 

(3

)%

 

3

%

 

1

%

 

0

%

 

(4

)%

 

(3

)%

Consolidated

(1

)%

 

0

%

 

2

%

 

1

%

 

3

%

 

0

%

 

0

%

 

3

%

Industrial segment sales increased 1 percent for the quarter as improved project activity in Asia Pacific was mostly offset by declines in finishing system sales in EMEA. Underlying end market strength in the Americas drove Industrial segment sales higher for the year to date. The operating margin rate for this segment was flat for the quarter and year to date.

Components of net sales change by geographic region for the Process segment were as follows:

 

Three Months

 

Nine Months

 

Volume

and Price

 

Acquisitions

 

Currency

 

Total

 

Volume

and Price

 

Acquisitions

 

Currency

 

Total

Americas

12

%

 

0

%

 

0

%

 

12

%

 

17

%

 

1

%

 

0

%

 

18

%

EMEA

14

%

 

0

%

 

4

%

 

18

%

 

9

%

 

0

%

 

1

%

 

10

%

Asia Pacific

2

%

 

0

%

 

(2

)%

 

0

%

 

4

%

 

0

%

 

(2

)%

 

2

%

Consolidated

9

%

 

0

%

 

1

%

 

10

%

 

13

%

 

1

%

 

(1

)%

 

13

%

Process segment sales increased double digits for the quarter and year to date, although the rate of growth slowed in the third quarter. The operating margin rate for this segment increased 7 percentage points for both the quarter and year to date from the comparable periods last year primarily due to price realization and expense leverage.

Outlook

"Our results reflect underlying business trends that were in line with our expectations for the year across our businesses," said Sheahan. "Despite lower Contractor segment volumes and uncertain macroeconomic conditions, we remain confident in our ability to deliver on our outlook for the full year of low single-digit growth on an organic, constant currency basis."

Financial Results Adjusted for Comparability

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

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Sep 29,

2023

 

Sep 30,

2022

 

Sep 29,

2023

 

Sep 30,

2022

Operating earnings, as reported

$

163.2

 

 

$

143.1

 

 

$

476.9

 

 

$

420.2

 

Contingent consideration

 

(8.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

(8.6

)

 

 

 

Impairment

 

7.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.8

 

 

 

 

Operating earnings, adjusted

$

162.4

 

 

$

143.1

 

 

$

476.1

 

 

$

420.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

$

164.3

 

 

$

142.4

 

 

$

481.3

 

 

$

411.7

 

Contingent consideration

 

(8.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

(8.6

)

 

 

 

Impairment

 

7.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.8

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes, adjusted

$

163.5

 

 

$

142.4

 

 

$

480.5

 

 

$

411.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes, as reported

$

31.2

 

 

$

26.2

 

 

$

84.7

 

 

$

77.3

 

Excess tax benefit from option exercises

 

0.8

 

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

8.9

 

 

 

3.2

 

Income taxes, adjusted

$

32.0

 

 

$

27.6

 

 

$

93.6

 

 

$

80.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

19.0

%

 

 

18.4

%

 

 

17.6

%

 

 

18.8

%

Adjusted

 

19.6

%

 

 

19.4

%

 

 

19.5

%

 

 

19.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Earnings, as reported

$

133.1

 

 

$

116.2

 

 

$

396.6

 

 

$

334.5

 

Contingent consideration

 

(8.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

(8.6

)

 

 

 

Impairment

 

7.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.8

 

 

 

 

Excess tax benefit from option exercises

 

(0.8

)

 

 

(1.4

)

 

 

(8.9

)

 

 

(3.2

)

Net Earnings, adjusted

$

131.5

 

 

$

114.8

 

 

$

386.9

 

 

$

331.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Diluted Shares

 

172.8

 

 

 

172.8

 

 

 

172.3

 

 

 

173.4

 

Diluted Earnings per Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

$

0.77

 

 

$

0.67

 

 

$

2.30

 

 

$

1.93

 

Adjusted

$

0.76

 

 

$

0.66

 

 

$

2.24

 

 

$

1.91

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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

Future results could differ materially from those expressed due to the impact of changes in various factors. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business; Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the sanctions and actions taken against Russia and Belarus in response to the invasion; economic conditions in the United States and other major world economies; our Company’s growth strategies, which include making acquisitions, investing in new products, expanding geographically and targeting new industries; changes in currency translation rates; the ability to meet our customers’ needs and changes in product demand; supply interruptions or delays; security breaches; new entrants who copy our products or infringe on our intellectual property; risks incident to conducting business internationally; catastrophic events; changes in laws and regulations; compliance with anti-corruption and trade laws; changes in tax rates or the adoption of new tax legislation; the possibility of asset impairments if acquired businesses do not meet performance expectations; political instability; results of and costs associated with litigation, administrative proceedings and regulatory reviews incident to our business; our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified personnel; the possibility of decline in purchases from a few large customers of the Contractor segment; variations in activity in the construction, automotive, electronics, aerospace, semiconductor, and agriculture and construction equipment industries; and the impact of declines in interest rates, asset values and investment returns on pension costs and required pension contributions. Please refer to Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2022 (and most recent Form 10-Q) for a more comprehensive discussion of these and other risk factors. These reports are available on the Company’s website at www.graco.com and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Investors should realize that factors other than those identified above and in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2022 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.

Conference Call

Graco management will hold a conference call, including slides via webcast, with analysts and institutional investors on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 11 a.m. ET, 10 a.m. CT, to discuss Graco’s third quarter results.

A real-time listen-only webcast of the conference call will be broadcast by Nasdaq. Individuals can access the call and view the slides on the Company’s website at www.graco.com. Listeners should go to the website at least 15 minutes prior to the live conference call to install any necessary audio software.

About Graco

Graco Inc. supplies technology and expertise for the management of fluids and coatings in both industrial and commercial applications. It designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid and powder materials. A recognized leader in its specialties, Minneapolis-based Graco serves customers around the world in the manufacturing, processing, construction and maintenance industries. For additional information about Graco Inc., please visit us at www.graco.com.

 

GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited)

(In thousands except per share amounts)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Sep 29,

2023

 

Sep 30,

2022

 

Sep 29,

2023

 

Sep 30,

2022

Net Sales

$

539,672

 

 

$

545,644

 

 

$

1,628,962

 

 

$

1,588,476

 

Cost of products sold

 

255,148

 

 

 

284,556

 

 

 

767,883

 

 

 

803,853

 

Gross Profit

 

284,524

 

 

 

261,088

 

 

 

861,079

 

 

 

784,623

 

Product development

 

19,817

 

 

 

19,704

 

 

 

61,582

 

 

 

58,749

 

Selling, marketing and distribution

 

60,495

 

 

 

61,386

 

 

 

194,258

 

 

 

186,457

 

General and administrative

 

41,823

 

 

 

36,849

 

 

 

129,130

 

 

 

119,225

 

Contingent consideration

 

(8,600

)

 

 

 

 

 

(8,600

)

 

 

 

Impairment

 

7,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,800

 

 

 

 

Operating Earnings

 

163,189

 

 

 

143,149

 

 

 

476,909

 

 

 

420,192

 

Interest expense

 

1,391

 

 

 

1,542

 

 

 

4,536

 

 

 

8,555

 

Other (income) expense, net

 

(2,483

)

 

 

(866

)

 

 

(8,877

)

 

 

(106

)

Earnings Before Income Taxes

 

164,281

 

 

 

142,473

 

 

 

481,250

 

 

 

411,743

 

Income taxes

 

31,158

 

 

 

26,241

 

 

 

84,693

 

 

 

77,290

 

Net Earnings

$

133,123

 

 

$

116,232

 

 

$

396,557

 

 

$

334,453

 

Net Earnings per Common Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

0.79

 

 

$

0.69

 

 

$

2.35

 

 

$

1.97

 

Diluted

$

0.77

 

 

$

0.67

 

 

$

2.30

 

 

$

1.93

 

Weighted Average Number of Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

169,005

 

 

 

169,166

 

 

 

168,569

 

 

 

169,368

 

Diluted

 

172,780

 

 

 

172,789

 

 

 

172,336

 

 

 

173,388

 

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Sep 29,

2023

 

Sep 30,

2022

 

Sep 29,

2023

 

Sep 30,

2022

Net Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contractor

$

245,269

 

 

$

264,086

 

 

$

746,888

 

 

$

764,417

 

Industrial

 

157,084

 

 

 

156,182

 

 

 

470,797

 

 

 

459,176

 

Process

 

137,319

 

 

 

125,376

 

 

 

411,277

 

 

 

364,883

 

Total

$

539,672

 

 

$

545,644

 

 

$

1,628,962

 

 

$

1,588,476

 

Operating Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contractor

$

73,512

 

 

$

65,123

 

 

$

216,152

 

 

$

192,314

 

Industrial

 

54,298

 

 

 

53,964

 

 

 

162,955

 

 

 

161,795

 

Process

 

43,001

 

 

 

30,638

 

 

 

127,186

 

 

 

89,183

 

Unallocated corporate (expense)

 

(8,422

)

 

 

(6,576

)

 

 

(30,184

)

 

 

(23,100

)

Contingent consideration

 

8,600

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,600

 

 

 

 

Impairment

 

(7,800

)

 

 

 

 

 

(7,800

)

 

 

 

Total

$

163,189

 

 

$

143,149

 

 

$

476,909

 

 

$

420,192

 

 

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