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 30, 2005 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 of 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 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  X   No          

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Large accelerated filer  X    Accelerated filer       Non-accelerated filer    

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 68,290,366 shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $2.3 billion on July 1, 2005.

As of February 22, 2006, 68,343,503 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 21, 2006, 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 10
  Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 10
    Executive Officers of the Company 10
     
Part II    
  Item 5 Market for the Company's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer  
       Purchases of Equity Securities 12
  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 23
  Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 24
        Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 25
        Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 25
        Consolidated Statements of Earnings 27
        Consolidated Balance Sheets 28
        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 29
        Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity 30
        Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 30
  Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants  
       on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 46
  Item 9a Controls and Procedures 46
  Item 9b Other Information 46
     
Part III    
  Item 10 Directors and Executive Officers of the Company 47
  Item 11 Executive Compensation 47
  Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 47
  Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 47
  Item 14 Principal Accounting Fees and Services 47
     
Part IV    
  Item 15 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule 48
     
Signatures   50
     
Exhibit Index   51


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

General Information

Graco Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, supplies technology and expertise for the management of fluids in both industrial and commercial applications. It designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid materials. Graco serves customers around the world in the manufacturing, processing, construction and maintenance industries. The Company’s products help customers solve difficult manufacturing problems, increase productivity, improve quality, conserve energy, save expensive material, control environmental emissions and reduce labor costs. Graco Inc. is the successor to Gray Company, Inc., which was incorporated in 1926 as a manufacturer of automobile lubrication equipment, and became a public company in 1969.

Graco’s strategic growth objectives include: increasing the proportion of sales outside North America, expanding its distribution network, developing new products, penetrating new markets and actively pursuing focused acquisitions where the Company can add significant value. The Company’s long term financial targets include: growing revenue by 10 percent and net earnings by 12 percent per year; achieving returns on sales exceeding 10 percent, on assets of at least 15 percent and on equity of at least 20 percent; generating at least 30 percent of each year’s sales from products introduced in the last three years; and generating at least 5 percent of each year’s sales from markets entered in the last three years. Initiatives for 2006 include, among other objectives, investment in emerging markets, expansion of global sourcing, and commencement of production at the Company’s new manufacturing plant in Suzhou, People’s Republic of China (“P.R.C.”).

Operating Segment Information; Geographic Information

Graco’s businesses are classified by management into three sales/engineering/marketing segments: Industrial/Automotive Equipment, Contractor Equipment and Lubrication Equipment. Financial information concerning these segments is set forth in Part II, Item 7, at page 14, and in Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Financial information about geographic areas is also set forth in Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Industrial/Automotive Equipment

Graco’s Industrial/Automotive Equipment segment designs, markets and sells equipment for the following applications: sealants and adhesives, process, finishing, and protective coatings. The markets served include firms that manufacture, assemble, repair, and refinish a wide variety of equipment and other products, including: motor vehicles and components, wood products, aircraft and other aerospace equipment, farm and construction equipment, appliances, electronics, building materials, and molded plastic parts.

Products offered by the Industrial/Automotive Equipment segment include air, electric and hydraulically-powered pumps that pressurize, transfer and apply single and plural component paints, stains, chemicals, foams, protective coatings, sealants, adhesives, food, and other viscous materials through various application devices, including airless, air-assisted airless, electrostatic, HVLP (high volume-low pressure), and air spray guns, and single and plural component precision dispense valves. Fluid pressures ranging from 5 to more than 7,250 pounds per square inch and flow rates from .02 ounces to 275 gallons per minute are available. Sealant and adhesive, paint circulating and plural component packages and modules, and a complete line of parts and accessories, including advanced controllers, are also offered.

On January 1, 2005, the Company acquired the stock of Liquid Control Corporation of North Canton, Ohio, and its subsidiaries, Profill Corporation of North Canton, Ohio, Decker Industries Inc. of Palm City, Florida and Liquid Control Ltd. of Wellingborough, U.K. Liquid Control designs, manufactures and sells single and plural component manual and automatic resin dispensing equipment and systems, for use in the manufacture and assembly of a wide variety of products, including bonding cell phone housings, potting electronic components, fabrication, composite manufacturing and polyurethane molding and electronic assembly.

On February 4, 2005, the Company acquired the stock of Gusmer Corporation of Lakewood, New Jersey and its subsidiaries, Gusmer Canada Ltd., Gusmer Sudamerica S.A., and Gusmer Machinery (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. In the same transaction, Graco purchased the stock of Gusmer Corporation’s affiliate, Gusmer Europe, S.L. of Vilanova, Spain. Gusmer designs, develops, manufactures and sells specialized two-component equipment systems, designed specifically to dispense multiple component formulations such as polyesters, polyurethanes, polyureas and epoxies. Polyurea and epoxy coatings are used to coat steel and concrete in new construction, metal tanks, cargo beds and metal substrates. Polyurethane is used for insulation, packaging, flotation devices and many other products.

Graco entered the market for reaction injection molding equipment (RIM) with the acquisitions that the Company made in Early 2005: Liquid Control subsidiary, Decker Industries, and Gusmer Corporation. The RIM process uses plural component proportioners to form plastic parts by injecting two-component polyurethanes into molds. The parts produced by this process are strong and of low weight and range from very flexible to extremely rigid. The process is used to produce insulation, appliances, auto interiors, architectural moldings, sporting goods, molded parts, foam-in-place gaskets and filters.

Towable trailers designed to house a complement of plural-component foam and spraying equipment are customized by Gusmer Canada Ltd. Turn-key trailers are equipped with proportioning equipment, spray guns, heated hose, necessary power components and material supply systems that enable a contractor to have self-contained spray capability at a construction job site.

Highly engineered precision resin dispense equipment is designed and manufactured by Liquid Control Corporation in North Canton, Ohio. This equipment is used to precisely meter, mix, and dispense shots, beads, and dots of one and two-component epoxies, urethanes, silicones and other reactive resins for use as sealants and adhesives in a wide variety of products. Plural component fixed- and variable-ratio equipment dispenses materials for the potting and encapsulation of electrical and electronic components and the bonding, molding, sealing, doming, gasketing and coating of other products. Single component applications include the lubrication of switches, component bonding and formed-in-place gaskets for automotive engines, transmissions and electronics.

Industrial/Automotive equipment is sold worldwide direct to end users and through general and specialized distributors, integrators, warehouse distributors, jobbers, manufacturer representatives 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. Warehouse distributors and jobbers are prevalent in the automobile refinishing market and distribute the Company’s Sharpe® brand of air spray guns, parts and accessories to auto body shops for use in touch-up and repair. Original equipment manufacturers incorporate individual Graco products into their general equipment offerings to their customers.

Products marketed by the Industrial/Automotive Equipment segment are manufactured in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, North Canton, Ohio, Lakewood, New Jersey, Mississauga, Ontario, Wellingborough, U.K., and Vilanova, Spain. Assembly of certain products for the European market is performed in Maasmechelen, Belgium.

Important drivers of product development in the Industrial/Automotive Equipment segment are the desire by customers to improve quality and increase productivity by using new materials and/or upgrading or automating production processes, the desire to manage costs by controlling and reducing the amount of material used and/or waste generated, and the need to modify processes in order to meet air quality and other environmental regulations.

Graco is developing new global industrial/automotive products and working to achieve broader coverage in emerging markets.

Recent Developments . At the end of 2005, Graco closed the Decker Industries operation in Palm City, Florida, and consolidated its activities with similar businesses in Lakewood, New Jersey and North Canton, Ohio.

In July, the Company announced that it would relocate the standard spray product manufacturing, engineering and customer service functions performed in Lakewood to Minneapolis and Sioux Falls. The RIM (reaction injection molding) business remains in Lakewood.

The 3150 Sanitary pump was introduced in June 2005. The 3150 is the only 3-inch pump certified 3-A by the Food and Drug Administration for dairy applications. This pump is easy to clean with an easy-to-disassemble, 185(Degree) rotating design.

In July 2005, the Company released the AA Series of air-airless spray guns with models G15 (1,500 psi) and G40 (4,000 psi). The guns are targeted at the wood and small metal finishing market, produce excellent finish quality, have a handle designed to fit a wide variety of hand shapes and sizes, and are lighter in weight with a significantly lighter trigger pull than competitive guns. The guns enable the operator to adjust the fan pattern without changing the spray tip, resulting in less overspray, material waste and volatile fumes.

The Reactor™ E-10 plural-component proportioner was released in September 2005. The E-10 is designed to spray foam insulation into rim joists, roof gaps and window leaks, to fill joints in concrete with polyureas and to perform industrial maintenance. This entry-level unit is more compact and lighter in weight than other Reactor models, making it suitable for small and touch-up jobs. Unlike the larger units in the Reactor line, the E-10 plugs into a standard electrical outlet.

Xtreme-Duty™ airless high pressure hose was released in December 2005. Xtreme-Duty hose is color-coded by pressure to simplify the choice of the right hose, purple for 4500 psi, grey for 5600 psi and black for 7250 psi. Each pressure rating is offered in a variety of lengths and diameters.

In December 2005, the Company released a new series of RIM products called RimCell Select™. The RimCell Select Series has a flexible and configurable platform with a choice of either high pressure impingement mixing or low pressure mechanical mixing, a wide flow range, and a large number of pre-engineered options. At the heart of the RimCell Select Series is a programmable logic control system that can be regulated through a touch screen with an easy-to-use graphic interface. Digital readouts include pressure, temperature, output and ratio, raw material tank monitoring and alarm screen.

Contractor Equipment

Graco’s Contractor Equipment segment designs and markets sprayers for the application of paint and other architectural coatings, and the high-pressure cleaning of equipment and structures. The segment offers its equipment to distributors and retailers who sell to contractors in the painting, roofing, texture, corrosion control and line striping markets. The segment offers equipment that gives contractors and do-it-yourself users the opportunity to produce a high quality finish at high production rates with sprayers that are durable and easy to use.

The segment’s primary product lines are airless paint sprayers and associated parts and accessories, such as hose, spray guns, filters, valves and tips. Also offered are pressure washers and specialized spraying equipment for the application of roofing materials, texture coatings and traffic paint. HVLP (high volume-low pressure) equipment provides the ability to spray a fine finish with reduced overspray. Fluid pressures ranging from 5 to more than 4,000 pounds per square inch, and flow rates up to 4 gallons per minute, are available. Pumps powered by electricity, air, hydraulic, and gasoline engines are available. Replacement and maintenance parts, such as packings and seals, which must be replaced periodically in order to maintain efficiency and prevent loss of material, are also offered for sale.

The equipment is sold primarily through retail stores that sell paint and other coatings, and secondarily through general equipment distributors. In 2005, sales to The Sherwin-Williams Company, a paint manufacturer and retailer, were 10 percent of the Company’s consolidated sales. Graco also markets a limited line of paint and texture sprayers through the home center channel.

Graco sales personnel represent Graco-branded and private label equipment to the paint store, home center and rental agency channels. The ASM® product line of airless paint sprayers and spray guns, pressure washers and parts and accessories is promoted to these same channels largely through independent sales representatives.

Products for the contractor equipment markets are manufactured in Rogers, Minnesota and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Recent Developments. Graco introduced the GMAX II™ line of gas mechanical sprayers during the first quarter of 2005. Gasoline-powered sprayers permit painting contractors to spray in locations where electricity is not available. The GMAX II 3900 and 5900 sprayers have a new rod and sleeve with improved wear resistance (Chromex™ Rod), a pump that can be installed, adjusted and removed without tools (ProConnect™ System), a digital display which provides equipment identification information to the user at the push of a button, and a simple-to-use on-off toggle switch to engage the WatchDog™ Protection System so that the system will shut down when the paint bucket runs dry or a leak develops. The GMAX II 7900 is lighter in weight and more compact than its predecessor for easier maneuverability, and has a rod manufactured with MaxLife™ Technology for superior wear resistance in high production use.

In March 2005, Graco released the LineLazer™ IV airless walk-behind line striper. The LineLazer IV striper has commonly-used controls mounted on the handlebars, permitting the operator to adjust system operation without stopping production. Several of the models in this line have an advanced vibration reduction system that cuts engine vibration at the spray tip by over half, rear gun mounts that permit the application of straighter long lines and smoother curved lines, and a lighter weight gun holder to minimize gun movement caused by rough pavement.

In December 2005, Graco introduced the BlueMax™ II airless paint spray hose. BlueMax II hose, with a working pressure of 3300 psi, is available in a variety of lengths and diameters. This hose has superior flexibility and reduced coil memory and is approximately 10% lighter in weight than its predecessor. In addition, the hose has a conductive core tube instead of a ground wire to safely discharge static electricity generated by fluid flow through the hose.

Lubrication Equipment

Graco’s Lubrication Equipment segment designs and markets products for lubrication and maintenance of vehicles and other equipment. The markets for the segment’s products include fast oil change facilities, service garages, fleet service centers, automobile dealerships, industrial lubrication, auto parts stores and specialty trailer manufacturers. The purchase of vehicle lubrication equipment is often funded by major oil companies for their customers as a marketing tool.

The Lubrication Equipment segment offers a full line of lubrication pumps (air, electric and hydraulically-powered), hose reels, meters and dispense valves, a line of electric fuel transfer pumps, fluid management systems, equipment for handling used oil, automatic lubrication equipment, and parts and accessories.

Products are distributed primarily through independent distributors worldwide, that are serviced by a network of independent sales representatives and direct sales generalists in foreign markets. With the acquisition of the assets of PBL Industries late in 2005, the Company began distributing fuel transfer pumps directly to OEM customers.

Products for the Lubrication Equipment markets are manufactured in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In mid-2005, the Company began the construction of a manufacturing facility in Suzhou P.R.C. This facility is expected to begin production in the third quarter 2006 and will supply some of the lower technology products in the Lubrication Equipment line.

Recent Developments.

Sales of the Matrix™ Total Fluid Management System, first introduced in late 2002, were suspended in July 2003 because of field performance issues. The Company reintroduced this product on a limited basis in March 2005 and fully in June 2005. The Matrix System provides wireless automated tracking and monitoring of vehicle fluids for car dealerships, fleet servicing centers, fast oil change centers and general vehicle servicing.

In late November 2005, the Company purchased the assets of PBL Industries of Angola, Indiana. PBL manufactured and marketed electrically-powered fuel and oil transfer pumps and related parts and accessories to OEM and retail customers in channels different from those traditionally used by Graco. Customers include manufacturers of specialty trailers designed for hauling motorized equipment, like snowmobiles and motorcycles, to provide a source of fuel in remote locations, and distributors of equipment used in agriculture and construction.

Marketing and Distribution

Graco sells its full line of products in each of the following major geographic markets: the Americas (North and South America), Europe (including the Middle East and Africa), and Asia Pacific. Graco provides worldwide marketing, product design and application assistance in each of these geographic markets. Graco employs sales personnel in all geographic markets.

Graco sells its equipment worldwide principally through independent distributors. Manufacturers’ representatives are also used. In Japan, Korea and Europe, Graco equipment is sold to distributors through sales subsidiaries. In the P.R.C., in addition to sales to independent distributors, a limited line of contractor equipment and some industrial/automotive equipment is sold to domestic distributors by a local subsidiary.

In 2005, Graco’s net sales in the Americas were $486 million, or approximately 66 percent of the Company’s consolidated net sales; in Europe, net sales were $151 million or approximately 21 percent; and in the Asia Pacific region, net sales were $95 million, or approximately 13 percent.

Product Development

Graco’s product development and engineering activities are organized by segment. 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. The Company’s goal of generating at least 30 percent of each year’s sales from products introduced in the prior three years was exceeded in 2003, nearly achieved in 2004 with 29 percent coming from new products, and 28 percent in 2005. Major product development activities are conducted in facilities located in Minneapolis and Rogers, Minnesota; certain development work related to select Gusmer and Liquid Control products is performed in Lakewood, New Jersey and North Canton, Ohio, respectively. Total product development expenditures were $27 million, $22 million and $18 million for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Raw Materials

The primary materials used in the manufacturing process are: various alloys, sizes and hardness of steel, 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. The Company continues to increase its global sourcing of materials and components.

The automated equipment used in many of the Company’s production processes requires special grades and sizes of bar stock, tubing and cutting tools to achieve maximum efficiency and productivity. Price and availability pressures in the steel and specialty stainless steel markets eased in 2005. Variability in the consistency of stainless steel, however, affected productivity. During 2005, the Company continued to experience upward pressure on the price of aluminum, copper, plastics, and tungsten carbide. The Company is managing fluctuations in the price and availability of various materials through more precise forecasts and long-term agreements. No disruptions in deliveries of the Company’s products are attributable to the shortage of raw material, but increases in the cost of raw materials has led to selected price increases.

Intellectual Property

Graco owns a number of patents and has patent applications pending both in the United States and in other countries, licenses its patents to others, and is a licensee of patents owned by others. In the opinion of the Company, its business is not materially dependent upon any one or more of these patents or licenses. The Company also owns a number of trademarks in the United States and foreign countries, including the registered trademarks for “GRACO,” several forms of a capital “G,” “Gusmer” and various product trademarks which are material to the business of the Company, inasmuch as they identify Graco and its products to its customers.

Competition

Graco faces substantial competition in all of its markets. The nature and extent of this competition varies in different markets due to the depth and breadth of the Company’s product lines. Product quality, reliability, design, customer support and service, specialized engineering and pricing are the major competitive factors in Graco’s markets. Although no competitor duplicates all of Graco’s products, some competitors are larger than the Company, both in terms of sales of directly competing products and in terms of total sales and financial resources. The Company also faces competitors with different cost structures and expectations of profitability and these companies offer competitive products at lower prices. Graco believes it is one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality specialized fluid management equipment. It is not possible to determine its relative market position because of the absence of reliable industry-wide third-party data.

Environmental Protection

The Company’s compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations did not have a material effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position of the Company during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2005.

Employees

As of December 30, 2005, the Company employed approximately 2,100 persons on a full-time basis. Of this total, approximately 350 were employees based outside the United States, and 850 were hourly factory workers in the United States. None of the Company’s U.S. employees is 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 the Company or its operations. The acquisition of Liquid Control Corporation and Gusmer Corporation and their affiliated companies added approximately 340 employees, approximately 90 of whom are based outside the United States.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Foreign Operations — Conditions in foreign countries and changes in foreign exchange rates may impact our results of operations

Graco has operations in North and South America, Europe and Asia. In 2005, approximately 40% of our sales was generated by customers located outside the United States. Sales to foreign customers involve special risks, including the risk of terrorist activities and civil disturbances, and special taxes, regulations and restrictions. We are increasing our presence in the Asia Pacific region. We anticipate that we will begin assembling products at our factory in Suzhou, P.R.C. in the third quarter of 2006 and will be sourcing many of the components used in the assembly process from the local market. In addition, sales in Eastern Europe are increasing at a faster rate than in Western Europe. We are sourcing more of our materials and components from suppliers outside the United States. Long lead times and quality issues could impact our profitability. Our revenues and net income may be adversely affected by more volatile economic and political conditions in the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Europe. Changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies will impact our reported sales and earnings.

Major Customers — Graco’s 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.

Graco derives a significant amount of revenue from a few large customers. Substantial decreases in purchases by these customers, difficulty in collecting amounts due or the loss of their business would adversely affect the sales of the Company’s Contractor Equipment segment. The business of these customers is dependent upon the economic vitality of the construction and home repair markets. If these markets decline, the business of our customers could be adversely affected and their purchases of Graco equipment could decrease.

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 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 plant in Minneapolis, which supplies our Industrial/Automotive and Lubrication equipment, is on the banks of the Mississippi River. Flooding could also damage our European headquarters and warehouse in Maasmechelen, Belgium. Tornadoes could damage or destroy our facilities in Sioux Falls, Rogers or Minneapolis.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

As of December 30, 2005, the Company’s principal operations that occupy more than 10,000 square feet were conducted in the following facilities:

  Type of Facility Location Gross Square Footage
       
  Owned    
       
  Manufacturing/Warehouse/Office Minneapolis, Minnesota 405,000
  Office Minneapolis, Minnesota   42,000
  Manufacturing/Warehouse/Office/Contract
   or Product Development and Marketing
Rogers, Minnesota 333,000
  Corporate Headquarters/Lubrication and
   Industrial/Automotive Product
   Development and Marketing
Minneapolis, Minnesota 139,000
  Manufacturing/Office Sioux Falls, South Dakota 127,000
  Manufacturing/Office North Canton, Ohio   73,250
  European Headquarters/Warehouse Maasmechelen, Belgium   75,000
  Manufacturing/Office Wellingborough, United Kingdom   12,500
       
  Leased    
       
  Office Lakewood, New Jersey   23,000
  Manufacturing/Warehouse Lakewood, New Jersey   59,000
  Office/Manufacturing Mississauga, Ontario, Canada   11,760
  Office/Manufacturing/Warehouse Vilanova, Spain   29,000
  Office Yokohama, Japan   18,500
  Office/Warehouse Gwangju-Gun, Korea (2 facilities)   14,500

The Company leases space for liaison offices and a warehouse in the P.R.C.

The facilities listed above are in satisfactory condition, suitable for their respective uses and are generally adequate to meet current needs. Manufacturing capacity generally met business demand during 2005, but there were periods when the Company had difficulty meeting expected delivery service levels. Demand for several newly introduced products substantially exceeded forecast. Foreign sourcing of components and materials has lengthened lead times and made the Company more dependent upon efficient and responsive transportation systems. The cost of commodities, like aluminum, copper and tungsten carbide, rose in 2005, but availability improved. While the price increases of steel and stainless steel eased and availability improved, the composition of purchased stainless steel was variable and more difficult to machine. Production requirements in the immediate future are expected to be met through existing production capabilities, the installation of new automatic and semi-automatic machine tools, efficiency and productivity improvements, and the use of available subcontract services.

The Company’s spray tip manufacturing was transferred from Minneapolis, Minnesota to the plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota beginning in the first quarter and ending in September, 2005. The move freed up space in the Minneapolis manufacturing facility for the manufacture of products formerly distributed by PBL Industries. The demonstration laboratory formerly located in the Minneapolis manufacturing facility is in the process of being moved to the product development building in Minneapolis. The lab will be in operation by the end of the first quarter 2006. Construction of spray equipment manufactured in Lakewood, New Jersey is being moved to the Minneapolis and Sioux Falls plants.

The Company expects to finish construction of a manufacturing facility in Suzhou, P.R.C. by the end of the first quarter of 2006. The 73,000 square foot factory/office facility is being built to Graco specifications and will assemble lower technology lubrication products for worldwide distribution. The Company intends to locally source many of the components used in the manufacture of the products, but machined parts will be sourced largely from the Company’s Minneapolis manufacturing facilities.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

The Company is engaged in routine litigation incident to its business, which management believes will not have a material adverse effect upon its operations or consolidated financial position. The Company has also been named as a defendant in a number of lawsuits alleging bodily injury as a result of exposure to asbestos, and a number of lawsuits alleging bodily injury as a result of exposure to silica. All of these lawsuits have multiple (most in excess of 100) defendants, and several have multiple plaintiffs. None of the suits make specific allegations regarding the Company or any of its products. A portion of the cost and potential liability for these claims is covered by insurance. Management does not expect that resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company, although the ultimate outcome cannot be determined based on available information.

Item 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 2005.

Executive Officers of the Company

The following are all the executive officers of Graco Inc. as of February 22, 2006.

David A. Roberts, 58, is President and Chief Executive Officer, a position he has held since June 25, 2001. Prior to joining Graco, from 1996 to June 2001, he was Group Vice President of the Marmon Group, where he had responsibility for a group of manufacturing companies producing grocery store refrigeration units, retail store fixtures and fast food restaurant equipment. Mr. Roberts has been a director of Graco since June 2001.

Karen Park Gallivan, 49, became Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary on September 6, 2005. She was Vice President, Human Resources from January 6, 2003 to September, 2005. Prior to joining Graco, she was Vice President of Human Resources & Communications at Syngenta Seeds, Inc., an agribusiness, from January 1999 through December 2002.

James A. Graner, 61, became Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer on September 6, 2005. He was Vice President and Controller from February 1994 to September, 2005. He was Treasurer from May 1993 to 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.

Dale D. Johnson, 51, became Vice President and General Manager, Contractor Equipment Division on March 19, 2001. From January 14, 2000, to 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.

D. Christian Koch, 41, became Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific, effective June 16, 2003. From February 2000 until June 2003, he was Vice President, Lubrication Equipment Division. From August 1999 to February 2000, he was the Director, Industrial Global Sales and Marketing. From December 1998 to August 1999, he was Director, Lubrication Marketing. Mr. Koch joined the Company in December 1998.

David M. Lowe, 50, was elected Vice President and General Manager, Industrial Products Division, effective February 18, 2005. He was Vice President and General Manager, European Operations, from September 1999 to February 2005. He was Vice President, Lubrication Equipment Division, from December 1996 to September 1999. From February 1995 to December 1996, he was Treasurer. Mr. Lowe joined the Company in 1995.

Patrick J. McHale, 44, Vice President and General Manager, Lubrication Equipment Division. He has held this position since June 16, 2003. He was Vice President of Manufacturing from March 2001 until June 2003. From February 2000 to March 2001, he served as Vice President, Contractor Equipment Division. Mr. McHale was Vice President, Lubrication Equipment Division, from September 1999 to February 2000. Prior to becoming Contractor Equipment Manufacturing – Distribution Operations Manager in February 1998, he held various manufacturing management positions in Plymouth, Michigan and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Mr. McHale joined the Company in 1989.

Simon J. W. Paulis, 58, became Vice President and General Manager, Europe, effective September 6, 2005. From February 2005 to September 2005, he served as Director and General Manager, Europe. He served as Sales and Marketing Director, CED Europe, from January 1999 to September 2005. Prior to joining Graco, he served as a Business Unit Manager for Black & Decker N.V., a General Sales Manager for Alberto Culver and a Brand and Product Manager for Ralston Purina/Quaker Oats. Mr. Paulis joined the Company in 1999.

Charles L. Rescorla, 54, became Vice President of Manufacturing/Distribution Operations, effective June 16, 2003. From March 2001 until June 2003, he was Vice President of the Industrial/Automotive Equipment Division. Prior to becoming Vice President, Manufacturing and Distribution Operations in January 1995, he held various positions in manufacturing and engineering management. Mr. Rescorla joined the Company in 1988.

Mark W. Sheahan, 41, became Chief Administrative Officer on September 6, 2005. He was Vice President and Treasurer from December 11, 1998 to September 2005. Effective December 1996, he became Treasurer. Prior to becoming Treasurer, he was Manager of Treasury Services where he was responsible for strategic and financial activities. He joined the Company in 1995.

Fred A. Sutter, 45, became Vice President and General Manager, Applied Fluid Technologies Division, on February 18, 2005. He was Vice President and General Manager, Industrial Automotive Equipment Division, June 2003 to February 2005. He was Vice President, Asia Pacific and Latin America, from March 1999 to June 2003. From March 1995 to February 1999, he was Director of Industrial Marketing. He joined the Company in 1995.

The Board of Directors elected Ms. Gallivan, Mr. Graner, Mr. Paulis, and Mr. Sheahan to hold their respective offices on September 6, 2005, Mr. Lowe, Mr. Sutter, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Koch, Mr. McHale, Mr. Rescorla and Mr. Roberts on April 22, 2005, all to hold office for the next year, or until their successors are elected and qualify.

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 22, 2006, the share price was $41.36 and there were 68,343,503 shares outstanding and 2,500 common shareholders of record, which includes nominees or broker dealers holding stock on behalf of an estimated 32,000 beneficial owners.

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

2005 First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter

Net sales $170,944 $198,221 $176,934 $185,603
Gross profit 85,866 102,292 94,722 96,470
Net earnings 27,039 35,638 30,898 32,279
Per common share
   Basic net earnings .39 .52 .45 .47
   Diluted net earnings .38 .51 .44 .46
   Dividends declared .13 .13 .13 .15

Stock price (per share)
   High $40.68 $40.25 $38.23 $37.55
   Low 34.00 31.83 33.89 32.05
   Close 1 40.36 34.07 34.28 36.48

Volume (# of shares) 18,642 31,776 17,328 25,149



2004 First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter

Net sales $134,982 $160,165 $149,066 $160,819
Gross profit 73,404 85,142 82,120 87,744
Net earnings 22,327 29,979 28,817 27,558
Per common share
   Basic net earnings .32 .43 .42 .40
   Diluted net earnings .32 .43 .41 .39
   Dividends declared .09 .09 .09 .13

Stock price (per share)
   High $29.11 $31.05 $33.66 $37.70
   Low 26.43 27.12 29.96 33.76
   Close 1 29.11 31.05 33.50 37.35

Volume (# of shares) 12,095 13,801 15,972 16,348

1

As of the last trading day of the calendar quarter.


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 1

On February 22, 2002, the Board of Directors authorized a plan for the Company to purchase up to a total of 2,700,000 shares of its outstanding common stock, primarily through open-market transactions. This plan effectively expired upon approval of a new plan on February 20, 2004, authorizing the purchase of up to 3,000,000 shares and expiring on February 28, 2006.

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)

         
Oct 1, 2005 - Oct 25, 2005   95,991 $32.52   87,400 902,600
         
Oct 29, 2005 - Nov 25, 2005 116,000 $33.95 116,000 786,600
         
Nov 26, 2005 - Dec 30, 2005          --        --          -- 786,600
   1

All share and per share data reflects the three-for-two stock splits distributed on June 6, 2002 and March 30, 2004.


Item 6. Selected Financial Data

Graco Inc. & Subsidiaries

(In thousands, except per share amounts)       2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  

Net sales     $ 731,702   $ 605,032   $ 535,098   $ 487,048   $ 472,819  
Net earnings       125,854     108,681     86,713     75,625     65,266  

Per common share 1    
     Basic net earnings     $ 1.83   $ 1.57   $ 1.25   $ 1.06   $ .94  
     Diluted net earnings       1.80   1.55     1.23     1.05     .92  

Total assets     $ 445,630   $ 371,714   $ 397,390   $ 355,850   $ 276,113  
Long-term debt (including current portion)       --     --     --     --     550  
Cash dividends declared    
     per common share(1,2)       .54     .41     1.76     0.20     0.18  

1

All share and per share data has been restated for the three-for-two stock splits distributed in 2004 and 2002.

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 is management’s discussion of significant factors affecting the consolidated results of operations, financial condition and liquidity of the Company for the three-year period ended December 30, 2005. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Results of Operations

(In millions, except per share amounts)       2005     2004     2003  

Net Sales     $ 731.7   $ 605.0   $ 535.1  
Operating Earnings       191.1     161.5     128.8  
Net Earnings       125.9     108.7     86.7  
 
Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share     $ 1.80   $ 1.55   $ 1.23  

Fiscal 2005 Compared to Fiscal 2004

Net earnings increased by $17 million or 16 percent in 2005. Net sales and earnings increased in 2005 with strong sales gains in all three business segments and all regions. The sales gains were generally characterized by strong demand for the Company’s products throughout the entire year. Management believes that the improved demand was the result of many factors, including strong global demand for capital goods, successful new product launches and increased distribution. Businesses acquired in 2005 contributed $68 million or about half of the overall growth in sales. Favorable foreign currency translation rates increased net sales and net earnings by approximately $3.5 million and $1.5 million for the year, respectively.

During 2005, the Company acquired three businesses for cash totaling $111 million. In January, the Company purchased Liquid Control Corporation, which designs and manufactures highly engineered resin dispensing equipment and is now part of the Company’s Industrial/Automotive business. In February, the Company purchased Gusmer Corporation and Gusmer Europe. Gusmer designs and manufactures specialized two-component dispense equipment systems and is also part of the Company’s Industrial/Automotive business. In November, the Company purchased the operations of PBL Industries, which manufactures and markets fuel transfer pumps, oil transfer pumps and related parts and accessories. This business is a part of the Company’s Lubrication business. These acquisitions were funded with cash on hand and borrowings under available lines of credit.

Operating expenses for the year were $188 million versus $167 million last year. Acquired businesses had $24 million of operating expenses in 2005. Although the Company incurred higher expenses for product development (increase of $5 million) and general and administrative expense (increase of $10 million), total operating expenses without acquisitions were lower than last year, with a reduction in selling, marketing and distribution expenses. Contributions made to the Company’s charitable foundation were also lower (decrease of $3 million).

Fiscal 2004 Compared to Fiscal 2003

Net sales increased by $70 million in 2004, an increase of 13% from the prior year. All three business segments and all regions posted strong sales gains that resulted in even higher growth in net earnings. Net income totaled $109 million, an increase of 25 percent from 2003. In addition to the strong revenue gains, the effects of currency translation increased 2004 net earnings by approximately $7 million.

Higher diluted net earnings per share of $1.55 were the combined result of the aforementioned higher sales, favorable currency translations and share repurchases. Operating expenses were higher in all categories, but declined by 1 percentage point as a percentage of net sales. Higher operating expenses included additional spending for product development (increase of $4 million) across all three divisions. The Company made a decision to increase its product development spending in 2004 to drive future incremental revenue growth. Operating expenses were also higher in other areas, including warehousing costs (increase of $1 million), general and administrative expenses (increase of $2 million), contributions made to the Company’s charitable foundation (increase of $2 million) and the impact of currency translations (increase of approximately $3 million).

Analysis of Consolidated Net Sales – Three Years Ended December 30, 2005:

The following table presents net sales by business segment and geographic region:

(In millions)       2005     2004     2003  

Segment Sales:    
   Industrial/Automotive     $ 367.1   $ 274.6   $ 231.8  
   Contractor       305.3     278.7     256.4  
   Lubrication       59.3     51.7     46.9  

   Consolidated     $ 731.7   $ 605.0   $ 535.1  

Geographic Sales:    
   Americas 1     $ 486.2   $ 401.0   $ 367.8  
   Europe 2       151.0     124.5     101.5  
   Asia Pacific       94.5     79.5     65.8  

   Consolidated     $ 731.7   $ 605.0   $ 535.1  

1

North and South America, including the United States. Sales in the United States were $435 million in 2005, $363 million in 2004 and $337 million in 2003.

2

Europe, Africa and Middle East


The following table presents components of net sales change:

      2005

        Industrial/
Automotive
  Contractor   Lubrication   Consolidated   Americas   Europe   Asia    Consolidated

 
Volume & price       8.5 %   9.1 %   13.1 %   9.2 %   8.8 %   11.2 %   8.3 %   9.2 %
Acquisitions       24.6 %   0.0 %   0.7 %   11.2 %   11.9 %   10.1 %   9.0 %   11.2 %
Currency       0.6 %   0.4 %   0.8 %   0.5 %   0.5 %   (0.1 )%   1.6 %   0.5 %

 
Total       33.7 %   9.5 %   14.6 %   20.9 %   21.2 %   21.2 %   18.9 %   20.9 %

 

      2004

        Industrial/
Automotive
  Contractor   Lubrication   Consolidated   Americas   Europe   Asia    Consolidated

 
Volume & price       13.5 %   7.2 %   8.9 %   10.1 %   7.9 %   12.6 %   18.1 %   10.1 %
Acquisitions       0.9 %   0.0 %   0.0 %   0.4 %   0.6 %   0.0 %   0.0 %   0.4 %
Currency       4.1 %   1.5 %   1.4 %   2.6 %   0.5 %   10.2 %   2.7 %   2.6 %

 
Total       18.5 %   8.7 %   10.3 %   13.1 %   9.0 %   22.8 %   20.8 %   13.1 %

 

Fiscal 2005 Compared to Fiscal 2004

Consolidated net sales increased 21 percent to $732 million in fiscal 2005 compared to fiscal 2004. Net sales were up in all segments and regions. Currency translations had a small favorable impact in 2005.

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

Industrial/Automotive. In this segment, sales in each geographic region are significant; Americas ($191 million or 52 percent of segment sales), Europe ($102 million or 28 percent of segment sales), and Asia Pacific ($74 million or 20 percent of segment sales). Management looks at economic and financial indicators in each region. The indicators used by management include 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. The segment experienced increased sales in most of the major product categories and all geographic regions. Acquired businesses contributed $68 million or 25 percentage points of growth. In the Americas, sales grew in most product categories, especially the protective coatings product group. Growth in Europe was driven by increased sales in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Contractor. Since the Americas represent the majority of sales for the Contractor segment ($242 million or 79 percent of segment sales), indicators in that region are the most important. The indicators used by management include levels of residential, commercial and institutional building and remodeling and interest rates. Sales in the Contractor segment increased by $27 million due to successful new product launches, new distribution outlets and continued strong housing market in the Americas. In the Americas, growth of 8 percent was achieved, with increases in sales to the paint store and home center channels of 7 percent and 10 percent, respectively. In Europe, sales were up 21 percent, primarily due to successful new product introductions, incremental distribution and strong business in Southern Europe, Middle East/Africa and Eastern Europe. In Asia, sales were approximately the same as the prior year.

Lubrication. Since the Americas also represent the vast majority of sales for the Lubrication Equipment segment ($53 million or 89 percent of segment sales), indicators in that region are the most important. The indicators used by management include levels of capital investment, industrial production and gross domestic product. Segment sales increased by 15 percent, with strong revenue growth in most of the major product categories.

Fiscal 2004 Compared to Fiscal 2003

Consolidated net sales increased by 13 percent to $605 million in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003. Net sales were up in all segments. Management believes that improved demand was the result of many factors including an overall improvement in global demand for capital goods.

Management looks at economic and financial indicators relevant to each segment and geography to gauge the business environment, as discussed above.

Industrial/Automotive. In this segment, sales in each geographic region are significant; Americas ($132 million or 48 percent of sales), Europe ($83 million or 30 percent of sales), and Asia Pacific ($60 million or 22 percent of sales). Management looks at economic and financial indicators in each region. Sales in the Industrial/Automotive Equipment Division increased by 18 percent. Growth was experienced in each of the major product categories (sealant and adhesives, protective coatings, process equipment and finishing). For the year, the Industrial/Automotive segment experienced volume growth of 13 percent, with favorable currency translations and acquisitions adding 4 and 1 percentage points of sales growth, respectively. In the Americas, reported sales were up 15 percent with volume up 13 percent. Volume growth in the Americas was the result of successful new product introductions and robust underlying economic conditions. In Asia, reported sales were up 20 percent with volume growth of 17 percent, primarily due to new product introductions and robust economic conditions resulting from significant capital investments being made throughout the region. In Europe, reported sales were up 22 percent with volume up 12 percent, primarily as a result of increased large project activity, growth in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, the successful launch of new products and new distribution.

Contractor. Sales in the Contractor business increased by 9 percent. Overall, sales volume (excluding currency translations) was up 7 percent with favorable currency translations adding 2 percentage points of sales growth for the year. In the Americas, sales were up 6 percent with volume up 5 percent. This growth was primarily driven by higher sales in the paint store channel, which were up 7 percent. Sales in the home center channel were equivalent to the prior year. Management believes that new product introductions, new distribution outlets and a strong housing market drive paint store revenue gains in the Americas. In Europe, reported sales were up 24 percent with volume growth of 14 percent, primarily due to successful new product and distribution and strong business in Southern Europe, Middle East/Africa and Eastern Europe. In Asia, reported sales were up 20 percent with volume growth of 18 percent, primarily due to successful new product introductions and new distribution in Australia.

Lubrication. Lubrication Equipment Division sales increased by 10 percent. Sales were higher in all three geographic regions but the primary driver of the increase was growth of 9 percent in the Americas. Sales were strong in all major product categories.

Analysis of Consolidated Operating Income - Three Years Ended December 30, 2005

The following table presents an overview of costs as percentage of net sales:

As a Percentage of Net Sales
  2005 2004 2003

Net Sales 100.0 100.0 100.0
Cost of products sold 48.2 45.7 47.1

Gross profit 51.8 54.3 52.9
Product development 3.7 3.6 3.4
Selling, marketing and distribution 15.0 17.3 18.6
General and administrative 7.0 6.7 6.8

Operating earnings 26.1 26.7 24.1

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

Earnings before income taxes 25.9 26.6 23.9
Income taxes 8.7 8.6 7.7

Net Earnings 17.2 18.0 16.2

The following table presents operating earnings by business segment:

(In millions)       2005     2004     2003  

Operating earnings    
Industrial/Automotive     $ 98.3   $ 87.0   $ 64.1  
Contractor       77.6     68.0     59.1  
Lubrication       15.6     11.8     9.9  
Unallocated corporate       (0.4 )   (5.3 )   (4.3 )

Consolidated     $ 191.1   $ 161.5   $ 128.8  

Fiscal 2005 Compared to Fiscal 2004

Consolidated operating earnings increased 18 percent to $191 million, or 26 percent of sales in fiscal 2005, compared to $162 million, or 27 percent of sales in fiscal 2004. The decrease in earnings as a percentage of sales was primarily due to the impact of acquired businesses.

Gross profit margin, expressed as a percentage of sales, was 52 percent versus 54 in the prior year. The difference from the prior year is attributed primarily to the impact of acquired businesses.

Product development expenses for 2005 were 4 percent of sales, approximately the same as 2004.

Selling, marketing and distribution expenses for 2005 were 15 percent of sales, a decrease of 2 percentage points with lower warehousing and sales incentives costs compared to the prior year.

Industrial/Automotive. Operating earnings in the Industrial/Automotive Equipment segment were up 13 percent. The increase was primarily due to higher net sales, up 34 percent in total, with acquired businesses contributing three-fourths of the growth. Gross profit margins, as a percentage of sales, declined by 4 percentage points, primarily due to the impact of acquired businesses, including lower margins on acquired products and the recognition of costs assigned to inventories as part of the valuation of assets acquired. Acquired businesses had $24 million of operating expenses in 2005. Operating expenses without acquisitions decreased as a percentage of sales by approximately 1 percentage point from the prior year. The operating profitability of the acquired businesses improved throughout the year and they began contributing to net earnings by year-end.

Contractor. Operating earnings in the Contractor Equipment segment increased 14 percent. The increase was primarily due to higher net sales, up 10 percent. Operating expenses were approximately the same as the prior year.

Lubrication. Operating earnings in the Lubrication Equipment segment were up 32 percent on a 15 percent increase in net sales. Operating expenses declined slightly from the prior year, with higher selling costs partially offsetting lower warranty and distribution costs.

Unallocated Corporate:

Unallocated corporate includes items such as bad debt expense, contributions to the Graco Foundation and certain other charges or credits driven by corporate decisions. In 2005, unallocated corporate was $0.4 million versus $5 million in 2004. The primary reason for the lower expense was decreased contributions to the Company’s charitable foundation (down $3 million) and a reduction in the items classified as unallocated corporate.

Provision for income taxes:

The Company’s net effective tax rate increased to 33 percent in 2005 from 32 percent in 2004, primarily due to higher state income taxes. The rate in both periods is lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% due primarily to U.S. business credits, the Extraterritorial Income Exclusion Tax Act (ETI) and the Domestic Production Deduction (DPD). Since enactment, the Company has had a favorable impact from the ETI of approximately 1.0 to 1.5 percent on the Company’s effective tax rate per year. During 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 was signed into law. This law included a provision to phase out the ETI benefit by 2006. Additionally, the new law established the DPD, a manufacturing deduction for profits on U.S. manufactured products, which is to be phased in from 2005 to 2010. The Company expects that the changes in the tax laws will increase its effective tax rate 0.75 to 1 percentage points as the ETI is phased out by 2006 and the DPD is phased in through 2010.

Backlog:

Total backlog at the end of 2005 was $34 million, up from $18 million at the end of 2004. The increased backlog is primarily in the Americas for Industrial/Automotive acquired products. The Company’s backlog is typically small as compared to annual sales and is not a good indicator of future business levels.

Fiscal 2004 Compared to Fiscal 2003:

Consolidated operating income increased to $162 million, or 27 percent of sales, in fiscal 2004 from $129 million, or 24 percent of sales in 2003. Higher sales and an improved gross margin more than offset higher spending.

Gross profit margin, expressed as a percentage of sales, was 54 percent versus 53 percent in 2003. Factors contributing to the higher gross margin include higher volume ($3 million favorable), manufacturing process improvements and the higher proportion of Industrial/Automotive products versus 2003. These factors more than offset higher material costs ($2 million net unfavorable), promotions and advertising.

Product development expenses for 2004 were 4 percent of net sales, up slightly from 2003. Product development spending totaled $22 million in 2004, up 20 percent from 2003. The increase was the result of additional headcount in all three business segments.

Selling, marketing and distribution expenses for 2004 were 17 percent of net sales, down 1 percentage point from 2003. Spending totaled $104 million in 2004, up 5 percent from 2003. The increase was the result of several factors including currency translation effects, costs associated with the automated warehousing system, higher sales incentives and customer transition to an in-store service program in the home center channel.

General and administrative expenses for 2004 were 7 percent of net sales, down slightly as a percent of sales from 2003. Spending totaled $41 million in 2004, up 12 percent from 2003. The increase was the result of several factors. Some of the more significant increases included higher contributions to the Company’s charitable foundation (up $2 million) and higher information systems spending (up $2 million).

The Company recorded pension income of $1 million in 2004 versus pension expense of $3 million in 2003. Improved investment returns on plan assets combined with a $20 million voluntary contribution made in the fourth quarter of 2003 were the primary reasons for the change. Pension expense/income is recorded in the cost of products sold and operating expense based on salaries and wages, approximately 45 percent to cost of products sold and 55 percent to operating expense.

Industrial/Automotive. Operating earnings in the Industrial/Automotive Equipment segment were up 34 percent. The increase was primarily due to higher net sales, up 18 percent. In addition to the higher net sales, an improved gross margin (up 1 percentage point, primarily due to favorable currency translations) offset higher spending.

Contractor. Operating earnings in the Contractor Equipment segment increased 15 percent. The increase was primarily due to higher net sales, up 9 percent. In addition to higher net sales, an improved gross margin (up 1 percentage point, primarily due to product cost improvements and the favorable impact of currency translations) offset higher spending.

Lubrication. Operating earnings in the Lubrication Equipment segment were up 20 percent on a 10 percent increase in net sales. In addition to the increase in net sales, an improved gross margin (up 4 percentage points, primarily due to pricing and product cost reductions) offset higher spending in product development, selling and warranty.

Unallocated Corporate:

Unallocated corporate includes items such as bad debt expense, contributions to the Graco Foundation and certain other charges or credits driven by corporate decisions. In 2004, unallocated corporate was $5 million versus $4 million in 2003. The primary reason for the increase was higher contributions to the Company’s charitable foundation (up $2 million), offsetting lower corporate spending for moves and facility closures.

Provision for income taxes:

The company’s net effective tax rate of 32 percent in 2004 was virtually unchanged from 2003. Both periods are lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35 percent, due primarily to earnings from sales outside the U.S. being taxed at rates lower than the federal statutory rate.

Backlog:

Total backlog at the end of 2004 was $18 million up from $13 million at the end of 2003. The Company’s backlog is typically small and is not a good indicator of future business levels.

Financial Condition

Working Capital:

The following table highlights several key measures of asset performance.

(Dollars in millions) 2005 2004

Cash and cash equivalents $  18.7 $  60.6

Working capital $102.3 $130.5

Current ratio 1.9 2.3

Days of sales in receivables outstanding 61 66

Inventory turnover (LIFO) 6.3 6.7

The Company’s financial condition remains strong. The Company used cash and short-term borrowings to fund payments of $111 million for acquired businesses in 2005. Cash was also used for dividends of $36 million and share repurchases of $42 million.

Accounts receivable increased $14 million to $123 million. The 13 percent increase was primarily due to higher net sales (up 21 percent) versus 2004.

Inventories increased $16 million in 2005 to $57 million. The increase in inventory was primarily due to the addition of inventories of acquired businesses.

Capital Structure:

At December 30, 2005, the Company’s capital structure included $8 million of current debt, no long-term debt and $288 million of shareholders’ equity.

Shareholders’ equity increased $57 million in 2005 to $288 million. The key components of changes in shareholders’ equity include current year earnings of $126 million, common stock issued of $10 million, $3 million of tax benefits related to stock option exercises, reduced by $37 million of dividends declared and $42 million of shares repurchased.

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

At December 30, 2005, the Company had various lines of credit totaling $119 million, of which $116 million was unused. Cash balances of $19 million at December 30, 2005, internally generated funds and unused financing sources provide the Company with the flexibility to meet its liquidity needs in 2006, including its capital expenditure plan of approximately $29 million and planned dividends of an estimated $40 million.

Cash was invested in highly liquid investments (mainly money market funds) with maturities of three months or less.

In December 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the Company’s regular common dividend from an annual rate of $0.52 to $0.58 per share, an 11.5 percent increase. In 2006, the regular common dividend will result in payments to shareholders totaling approximately $40 million.

Cash Flow:

(In millions)       2005     2004     2003  

Operating Activities     $ 153   $ 123   $ 110  
Investing Activities       (131 )   (19 )   (29 )
Financing Activities       (65 )   (154 )   (70 )
Effect of exchange rates on cash       1     (1 )   (2 )

Net cash (used) provided     ($ 42 ) ($ 51 ) $ 9  

Cash and cash equivalents at year-end     $ 19   $ 61   $ 112  

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities. During 2005, $153 million was generated from operating activities, compared to $123 million in 2004 and $110 million in 2003. The increases are primarily due to higher net earnings.

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities. Cash on hand combined with cash generated by operations in 2005 was used to fund $21 million of capital expenditures and $111 million of business acquisitions. 2005 capital expenditures increased $1 million from the prior year, and included increases in manufacturing equipment, software implementation and construction on a new manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China. Capital expenditures for 2006 are expected to total approximately $29 million for additional investments in manufacturing equipment, software implementations and facilities.

Goodwill and other intangible assets increased by $73 million as a result of acquisitions.

Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities. During 2005, $65 million was used in financing activities compared to $154 million in 2004. The decrease was primarily due to payment of a special dividend in March, 2004. Borrowings on notes payable and lines of credit were used to fund acquisitions and operations, and were re-paid during 2005 with cash provided by operations.

In February 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 7 million shares of its outstanding common stock. This authorization will expire on February 28, 2008.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations. As of December 30, 2005, 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 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 30, 2005. The Company has also guaranteed the debt of its subsidiaries for up to $20 million. All debt of subsidiaries is reflected in the consolidated balance sheets.

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

Long-term debt $  -- $  -- $  -- $  -- $  --
Capital lease obligations -- -- -- -- --
Operating Leases 5 2 2 -- 1
Purchase Obligations 1 17 17 -- -- --

Total $  22 $  19 $   2 $  -- $   1

1

The Company is committed to pay suppliers under the terms of open purchase orders issued in the normal course of business. The Company also has commitments with certain suppliers to purchase minimum quantities, and under the terms of certain agreements, the Company is committed for certain portions of the supplier's inventory. The Company does not purchase, or commit to purchase, quantities in excess of normal usage or amounts that cannot be used within one year.


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”). This requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. 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. 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 unexpected economic or competitive conditions are among the factors that would result in materially different amounts for this item.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The Company performs impairment testing for goodwill and other intangible assets annually, 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 reportable segments 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.

Product Warranty. A liability is established for estimated warranty and service 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.

Self-Insurance. 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. Reserves 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 it is properly reserved. 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 post-retirement 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 include discount rates, inflation, salary increases, retirement rates, expected return on plan assets and mortality rates.

For U.S. plans, the Company based its discount rate assumption at year-end on the “Citigroup Pension Liability Index”, a published index commonly used as a benchmark. In the prior year, the Company determined its discount rate assumption based on the prevailing interest rate on long-term corporate bonds rated AA as quoted by Moody’s Investor Services, an established credit rating agency. The Company changed its reference index because it believes the pension liability index relates more closely to pension 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 income in 2005 was $0.4 million and was allocated to cost of products sold and operating expenses based on salaries and wages. At December 30, 2005, a one-half percentage point decrease in the indicated assumptions would have the following effects (in millions):

Assumption     Funded Status   Expense
Discount rate    
$

(14.4
)
$

0.5
 
Expected return on assets     $ --   $ 1.2  

New Accounting Standards

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123(R)) that requires companies to measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payments at fair value. This standard will be adopted by the Company starting with the beginning of fiscal year 2006 under the modified prospective method. Management estimates that the effect of the adoption of SFAS 123(R) on net earnings for fiscal 2006 will be approximately $5 million. The Company’s actual share-based compensation expense in fiscal 2006 will depend on a number of factors, including the amount of awards granted and the fair value of those awards at the time of grant.

In November 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 151, “Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4". This standard clarifies the accounting for abnormal inventory costs and requires the allocation of fixed production overheads to inventory to be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The new standard, effective for the Company starting in 2006, will not have an impact on operating results or financial condition.

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. Consequently, the Company is subject to profitability risk arising from exchange rate movements. The Company may use a variety of financial and derivative instruments to manage foreign currency risk. 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 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 30, 2005, the foreign 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 foreign currency rate changes; however, the direct translation effect on net sales and net earnings can be estimated. When compared to 2004 results, the weaker U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies helped to increase sales and net earnings. For the year ended December 30, 2005, the impact of foreign currency translation resulted in an overall increase in net sales and net earnings of approximately $3.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the impact of foreign currency translation resulted in an overall increase in net sales and net earnings of approximately $14 million and $6.5 million, respectively.

Long-Term Outlook

The Company does not provide analysts or shareholders with specific targets for net sales or net earnings. Rather, management is committed to achieving its stated financial objectives over a long-term time horizon. The Company’s financial objectives are:

 

Net sales growth exceeding 10 percent annually

 

Net earnings growth exceeding 12 percent annually

 

Return on sales exceeding 10 percent

 

Return on assets exceeding 15 percent

 

Return on equity exceeding 20 percent


2006 Outlook

The Company is expecting higher net sales and net earnings in 2006. This expectation is based on management’s belief that most of the Company’s major markets will continue to experience favorable economic conditions in 2006. It is important to note that management’s vision regarding future sales activity is limited due to the small backlog that the Company carries. In addition to economic growth, the improved sales outlook is dependent upon many factors, including the successful launch of new products, expanding distribution coverage, price increases and the successful management and integration of acquisitions. The earnings outlook assumes higher sales, continued improvements in manufacturing (which minimize cost increases including purchased commodities), the continued disciplined management of operating expenses and the successful management and integration of acquisitions. The Company is evaluating alternatives to improve the operations of the businesses acquired in 2005. The Company expects that changing or expiring tax law will increase its effective tax rate 0.75 to 1 percentage points and therefore will impact net earnings.

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 2005 for a more comprehensive discussion of these and other risk factors.

Investors should realize that factors other than those identified above and in 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
12
  Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 25
  Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 25
  Consolidated Statements of Earnings for fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003 27
  Consolidated Balance Sheets for fiscal years 2005 and 2004 28
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003 29
  Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003 30
  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003 30
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 31

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 30, 2005. 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 30, 2005.

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 herein.



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 management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2005, based on the 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. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of 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, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

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, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2005, 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 30, 2005, of the Company, and our report dated February 24, 2006, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 24, 2006




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 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders’ equity, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2005. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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 referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 30, 2005, and December 31, 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2005, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2005, 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 24, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 24, 2006

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries

  Years Ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
December 30, 2005

December 31, 2004

December 26, 2003

Net Sales $731,702 $605,032 $535,098
 
   Cost of products sold 352,352 276,622 252,296

Gross Profit 379,350 328,410 282,802
 
   Product development 26,970 21,783 18,087
 
   Selling, marketing and distribution 110,135 104,372 99,426
 
   General and administrative 51,175 40,724 36,456

Operating Earnings 191,070 161,531 128,833
 
   Interest expense 1,374 498 483
 
   Other expense, net 342 252 437

Earnings before Income Taxes 189,354 160,781 127,913
 
   Income taxes 63,500 52,100 41,200

Net Earnings $125,854 $108,681 $   86,713

Basic Net Earnings per Common Share $     1.83 $     1.57 $      1.25

Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share $     1.80 $     1.55 $      1.23

Dividends Declared per Common Share $       .54 $       .41 $      1.76

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

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts) December 30, 2005  December 31, 2004 

ASSETS            
Current Assets    
  Cash and cash equivalents     $ 18,664   $ 60,554  
  Accounts receivable, less allowances of $5,900 and $5,600   122,854     109,080  
  Inventories       56,547     40,219  
  Deferred income taxes       14,038     15,631  
  Other current assets       1,795     1,742  

     Total current assets       213,898     227,226  
Property, Plant and Equipment, net       106,498     94,510  
Prepaid Pension       29,616     27,556  
Goodwill       52,009     9,199  
Other Intangible Assets, net       39,482     8,959  
Other Assets       4,127     4,264  

      Total Assets     $ 445,630   $ 371,714  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY    
Current Liabilities    
  Notes payable to banks     $ 8,321   $ 6,021  
  Trade accounts payable       24,712     18,599  
  Salaries, wages and commissions       23,430     19,804  
  Dividends payable       9,929     8,990  
  Other current liabilities       45,189     43,359  

        111,581     96,773  
     Total current liabilities    
Retirement Benefits and Deferred Compensation       35,507     33,092  
Deferred Income Taxes       10,858     11,012  
Commitments and Contingencies (Note K)    
Shareholders' Equity    
  Common stock, $1 par value; 97,000,000 shares authorized;    
      68,387,156 and 68,979,219 shares outstanding in 2005 and 2004       68,387     68,979  
  Additional paid-in capital       110,842     100,180  
  Retained earnings       112,506     62,773  
  Accumulated comprehensive income (loss) and other       (4,051 )   (1,095 )

     Total shareholders' equity       287,684     230,837  

      Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity     $ 445,630   $ 371,714  

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

      Years Ended
(In thousands)    
December 30, 2005

 

December 31, 2004

 

December 26, 2003

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities                
  Net earnings     $ 125,854   $ 108,681   $ 86,713  
   Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to    
     net cash provided by operating activities:    
       Depreciation and amortization       23,496     17,808     18,747  
       Deferred income taxes       1,260     1,403     4,721  
       Tax benefit related to stock options exercised       2,510     6,782     3,673  
       Change in:    
          Accounts receivable       (9,101 )   (7,290 )   563  
          Inventories       4,524     (11,031 )   4,694  
          Trade accounts payable       701     2,790     1,231  
          Salaries, wages and commissions       2,239     3,020     1,402  
          Retirement benefits and deferred compensation       396     (1,067 )   (17,394 )
          Other accrued liabilities       1,189     1,539     4,808  
          Other       156     273     649  

Net cash provided by operating activities       153,224     122,908     109,807  

Cash Flows from Investing Activities    
  Property, plant and equipment additions       (19,904 )   (16,893 )   (15,515 )
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment       239     175     257  
  Capitalized software additions       (802 )   (2,446 )   --  
  Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired       (111,005 )   --     (13,514 )

Net cash used in investing activities       (131,472 )   (19,164 )   (28,772 )

Cash Flows from Financing Activities    
  Borrowings on notes payable and lines of credit       82,937     25,399     14,675  
  Payments on notes payable and lines of credit       (80,439 )   (23,647 )   (24,283 )
  Common stock issued       10,481     15,117     10,514  
  Common stock retired       (42,297 )   (40,792 )   (55,496 )
  Cash dividends paid       (35,805 )   (129,910 )   (15,253 )

Net cash used in financing activities       (65,123 )   (153,833 )   (69,843 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash       1,481     (1,475 )   (2,407 )

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents       (41,890 )   (51,564 )   8,785  
Cash and cash equivalents    
  Beginning of year       60,554     112,118     103,333  

   End of year     $ 18,664   $ 60,554   $ 112,118  

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

      Years Ended
(In thousands)    
December 30, 2005

 

December 31, 2004

 

December 26, 2003

 

Common Stock                
   Balance, beginning of year     $ 68,979   $ 46,040   $ 47,533  
   Stock split       --     23,081     --  
   Shares issued       599     1,038     734  
   Shares repurchased       (1,191 )   (1,180 )   (2,227 )

Balance, end of year       68,387     68,979     46,040  

Additional Paid-In Capital    
   Balance, beginning of year       100,180     81,405     71,277  
   Shares issued       9,882     14,079     9,816  
   Tax benefit related to stock options exercised       2,510     6,782     3,673  
   Shares repurchased       (1,730 )   (2,086 )   (3,361 )

Balance, end of year       110,842     100,180     81,405  

Retained Earnings    
   Balance, beginning of year       62,773     43,295     128,125  
   Net income       125,854     108,681     86,713  
   Dividends declared       (36,745 )   (28,596 )   (121,635 )
   Stock split       --     (23,081 )   --  
   Shares repurchased       (39,376 )   (37,526 )   (49,908 )

Balance, end of year       112,506     62,773     43,295  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive    
Income (Loss)    
   Balance, beginning of year       (979 )   (474 )   (702 )
   Current period change       (3,072 )   (505 )   228  

Balance, end of year       (4,051 )   (979 )   (474 )

Unearned Compensation    
   Balance, beginning of year       (116 )   (456 )   (827 )
   Restricted stock issued       --     --     (36 )
   Charged to operations       116     340     407  

Balance, end of year       --     (116 )   (456 )

Total Shareholders' Equity     $ 287,684   $ 230,837     169,810  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries

      Years Ended
(In thousands)    
December 30, 2005

 

December 31, 2004

 

December 26, 2003

 

Net Earnings     $ 125,854   $ 108,681   $ 86,713  
   Other comprehensive income    
      Cumulative translation adjustment       (2,390 )   --     --  
      Minimum pension liability adjustment       (1,050 )   (778 )   169  
      Income taxes       368     273     59  

Comprehensive Income     $ 122,782   $ 108,176   $ 86,941  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries

Years Ended December 30, 2005, December 31, 2004, December 26, 2003.

A. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) is 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the last Friday in December. The year ended December 30, 2005, was a 52-week year. The year ended December 31, 2004, was a 53-week year and the year ended December 26, 2003, was a 52-week year.

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 30, 2005, all subsidiaries are 100 percent owned. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with 2005 presentation, but had no effect on previously reported net earnings or shareholders’ equity.

Foreign Currency Translation. The functional currency of certain subsidiaries in Great Britain and Spain, each acquired in 2005, is local currency. Accordingly, adjustments resulting from the translation of those subsidiaries’ financial statements into U.S. dollars are charged or credited to accumulated other comprehensive income. The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for all other foreign subsidiaries. Accordingly, gains and losses from the translation of foreign currency balances and transactions of those subsidiaries are included in other expense, net.

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

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 have been determined to be the Company's operating segments, as follows:

(In thousands) 2005  2004 

Industrial / Automotive $40,971  $1,260 
Contractor 7,939  7,939 
Lubrication 3,099  -- 

Total $52,009  $9,199 

The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter. Results of testing indicated no impairment in 2005 and 2004.

Components of other intangible assets were:


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

 
December 30, 2005                        
Customer relationships and distribution network       4 - 8     $22,965     $(4,419 )   $(427 )   $18,119  
Patents, proprietary technology and product    
   documentation       3 - 15     12,266     (2,065 )   (174 )   10,027  
Trademarks, trade names and other       3 - 10     1,774     (837 )   --     937  

              37,005     (7,321 )   (601 )   29,083  
Not Subject to Amortization    
Brand names             10,550     --     (151 )   10,399  

Total             $47,555     $(7,321 )   $(752 )   $39,482  

 
December 31, 2004    
Customer relationships and distribution network       5     $3,765     $(1,543 )   $    --   $  2,222  
Patents, proprietary technology and product    
   documentation       3 - 15     1,241     (611 )   --     630  
Trademarks, trade names and other       2 - 10     1,494     (667 )   --     827  

              6,500     (2,821 )   --     3,679  
Not Subject to Amortization    
Brand names             5,280     --     --     5,280  

Total             $11,780     $(2,821     $     --     $  8,959  

Amortization of intangibles was $4.7 million in 2005 and $1.7 million in 2004. Estimated future annual amortization is as follows: $5.2 million in 2006, $5.1 million in 2007, $4.5 million in 2008, $4.0 million in 2009, $3.6 million in 2010 and $6.7 million thereafter. The Company tests other intangible assets not subject to amortization for impairment annually in the fourth quarter. Results of testing indicated no impairment in 2005 and 2004.

Capitalized Software. Capitalized software is included in Other Assets and is amortized over its estimated useful life (generally 2 to 5 years) beginning at date of implementation.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. There have been no write-downs of any long-lived assets in the periods presented.

Other Current Liabilities. Components of other current liabilities were:

(In thousands) 2005  2004 

Accrued insurance liabilities $  7,848  $  9,139 
Accrued warranty and service liabilities 7,649  9,409 
Accrued trade promotions 6,584  6,574 
Payable for employee stock purchases 5,710  4,913 
Income taxes payable 4,075  2,188 
Other 13,323  11,136 

Total $45,189  $43,359 

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 insurance liabilities 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)   2005   2004  

Balance, beginning of year   $ 9,409   $   9,227  
Charged to expense   6,045   8,066  
Margin on parts sales reversed   1,201   2,516  
Reductions for claims settled   (9,006 ) (10,400 )

Balance, end of year   $ 7,649   $   9,409  

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.) Where there are multiple deliverables, the transactions are separated and a portion of the sale deferred until earned. The Company records provisions for anticipated returns and warranty claims at the time revenue is recognized. Historically, sales returns have been between 2 and 3 percent of sales. Provisions for sales returns are recorded as a reduction of net sales, and provisions for warranty claims are recorded in selling, marketing and distribution expenses.

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. 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. The estimated costs related to coupon programs are accrued at the time of sale and classified as selling, marketing and distribution expense, unless such promotion is considered a transaction with multiple deliverables.

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, minimum pension liability adjustments and changes in the value of available-for-sale securities.

Stock-Based Compensation. The Company accounts for its stock option and purchase plans using the intrinsic value method and has adopted the “disclosure only” provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.” No compensation cost has been recognized for the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and stock options granted under the various stock incentive plans.

Had compensation cost for these stock plans been determined based upon fair value at the grant date for awards under these plans, the Company’s net earnings and earnings per share would have been reduced as follows:

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

Net earnings    
  As reported     $ 125,854   $ 108,681   $ 86,713  
  Stock-based compensation, net of related tax effects       (4,636 )   (3,637 )   (4,108 )

  Pro forma     $ 121,218   $ 105,044   $ 82,605  

Net earnings per common share    
  Basic as reported     $ 1.83   $ 1.57   $ 1.25  
  Diluted as reported       1.80     1.55     1.23  
  Pro forma basic       1.76     1.52     1.19  
  Pro forma diluted       1.74     1.50     1.17  

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:

  2005  2004  2003 

Expected life in years 6.3  6.0  6.5 
Interest rate   4.2%   4.2%   3.9%
Volatility 18.7% 21.5% 25.1%
Dividend yield   1.4%   1.3%   1.2%
Weighted average fair value per share of options granted $8.24  $6.79  $4.65 

The fair value of the 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:

  2005  2004  2003 

Expected life in years 1.0  1.0  1.0 
Interest rate   4.4%   4.2%   4.0%
Volatility 18.9% 22.3% 25.2%
Dividend yield   1.4%   1.5%   1.2%
Weighted average fair value per share of purchase rights $8.26  $6.47  $4.19 


In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” that requires compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions to be recognized in the financial statements. This standard will be effective for the Company starting with the first quarter of 2006. The Company plans to adopt the modified prospective transition method, whereby compensation cost related to unvested awards as of the effective date will be recognized as calculated for pro forma disclosures under SFAS No. 123, and cost related to new awards will be recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R). The Company also plans to continue using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value option grants. Future compensation cost, net of tax effects, related to unvested stock compensation as of December 30, 2005 is approximately $2.5 million in 2006, $1.7 million in 2007 and $0.7 million in 2008 and after (as valued and calculated under SFAS 123 for pro forma disclosures.) Actual share-based compensation expense in future periods will be dependent upon amounts and value of future awards.

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 currency hedges and interest rate swaps to hedge known market exposures. Terms of derivative instruments are structured to match the terms of the risk being hedged and are generally held to maturity. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All other contracts that contain provisions meeting the definition of a derivative also meet the requirements of, and have been designated as, normal purchases or sales. The Company’s policy is to not enter into contracts with terms that cannot be designated as normal purchases or sales.

The Company periodically evaluates its monetary asset and liability positions denominated in foreign currencies. The Company enters into forward contracts or options, or borrows in various currencies, in order to hedge its net monetary positions. These instruments are recorded at 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. Gains and losses on such transactions were not significant in 2005, 2004 and 2003, and there were no such transactions outstanding as of December 30, 2005, and December 31, 2004.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs, an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4.” This standard clarifies the accounting for abnormal inventory costs and requires the allocation of fixed production overheads to inventory to be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The new standard, effective for the Company starting in 2006, will not have a significant impact on operating results or financial condition.

B. Segment Information

The Company has three reportable segments: Industrial/Automotive, Contractor and Lubrication. The Industrial/Automotive 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. Certain products are sold across segments, in which case the segment marketing the product is credited with the sale. 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 and type of customer. 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       2005     2004     2003  

Sales    
   Industrial / Automotive     $ 367,119   $ 274,574   $ 231,743  
   Contractor       305,298     278,713     256,441  
   Lubrication       59,285     51,745     46,914  

Total     $ 731,702   $ 605,032   $ 535,098  

Segment operating earnings    
   Industrial / Automotive     $ 98,330   $ 86,975   $ 64,153  
   Contractor       77,598     68,013     59,065  
   Lubrication       15,633     11,807     9,855  
   Unallocated corporate       (491 )   (5,264 )   (4,240 )

Total     $ 191,070   $ 161,531   $ 128,833  

Unallocated corporate is not included in management’s measurement of segment performance and includes such items as bad debt expense, charitable contributions and certain other charges or credits driven by corporate decisions. Segment operating earnings for 2004 and 2003 have been restated to conform to 2005, which includes amortization of intangibles formerly classified as unallocated corporate.

(In thousands)      
Geographic Information 2005 2004 2003

Sales (based on customer location)
   United States $435,091 $363,417 $336,575
   Other countries 296,611 241,615 198,523

Total $731,702 $605,032 $535,098

Long-lived assets
   United States $202,601 $137,243 $133,794
   Spain 14,053 -- --
   Other countries 15,078 7,245 7,490

Total $231,732 $144,488 $141,284


Sales to Major Customers

Sales to a paint retailer were 10 percent of consolidated sales in each of the years 2005, 2004 and 2003. Sales to a home center retailer were 11 percent of consolidated sales in 2004 and 10 percent of consolidated sales in 2003.

C. Inventories

Major components of inventories were as follows:

(In thousands)       2005     2004  

Finished products and components     $ 40,444   $ 29,263  
Products and components in various stages of completion       21,788     18,656  
Raw materials and purchased components       22,690     19,929  

        84,922     67,848  
Reduction to LIFO cost       (28,375 )   (27,629 )

Total     $ 56,547   $ 40,219  


Inventories valued under the LIFO method were $28.5 million for 2005 and $28.4 million for 2004. All other inventory was valued on the FIFO method.

In 2004 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)       2005     2004  

Land and improvements     $ 7,618   $ 6,139  
Buildings and improvements       73,356     66,067  
Manufacturing equipment       140,272     132,099  
Office, warehouse and automotive equipment       29,313     25,804  
Additions in progress       4,904     1,710  

Total property, plant and equipment       255,463     231,819  
Accumulated depreciation       (148,965 )   (137,309 )

Net property, plant and equipment     $ 106,498   $ 94,510  


Depreciation expense was $18.3 million in 2005, $15.9 million in 2004, and $16.5 million in 2003.

E. Income Taxes

Earnings before income tax expense consist of:

(In thousands) 2005 2004 2003

Domestic $172,164 $144,603 $110,631
Foreign 17,190 16,178 17,282

Total $189,354 $160,781 $127,913


Income tax expense consists of:

(In thousands) 2005  2004  2003 

Current:
  Domestic:
   Federal $51,103  $45,738  $31,025 
   State and local 5,000  2,200  3,100 
  Foreign 5,958  2,938  2,548 

  62,061  50,876  36,673 

Deferred:
  Domestic 973  1,449  4,363 
  Foreign 466  (225) 164 

  1,439  1,224  4,527 

Total $63,500  $52,100  $41,200 


Income taxes paid were $57.0 million, $48.4 million and $32.6 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003.

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

        2005     2004     2003  

Statutory tax rate       35 %   35 %   35 %
Earnings from non-U.S. sales at lower       (2 )   (2 )   (3 )
tax rates    
State taxes, net of federal effect       2     1     1  
U.S. general business tax credits       (1 )   (1 )   (1 )
Domestic production deduction       (1 )   --     --  
Other       --     (1 )   --  

Effective tax rate       33 %   32 %   32 %


Deferred income taxes are provided for all 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)       2005     2004  

Inventory valuations     $ 4,326   $ 4,845  
Insurance accruals       2,556     2,826  
Warranty reserves       2,626     3,118  
Vacation accruals       1,758     1,386  
Bad debt reserves       1,669     1,570  
Other       1,103     1,886  

  Current       14,038     15,631  

Unremitted earnings of consolidated foreign subsidiaries       (2,100 )   (2,000 )
Excess of tax over book depreciation       (9,711 )   (9,806 )
Postretirement benefits       7,424     6,469  
Pension and deferred compensation       (7,506 )   (6,544 )
Other       1,035     869  

  Non-current       (10,858 )   (11,012 )

Net deferred tax assets     $ 3,180   $ 4,619  


Total deferred tax assets were $24.2 million and $24.5 million, and total deferred tax liabilities were $21.0 million and $19.9 million on December 30, 2005, and December 31, 2004.

F. Debt

Interest paid on debt during 2005, 2004 and 2003 was $1.3 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million.

On December 31, 2004, the Company entered into a credit agreement with Wachovia Bank, National Association providing credit up to $50 million. Expiration of this agreement has been extended to March 31, 2006. Outstanding balances bear interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate plus a spread of up to 0.8 percent. This spread changes as the ratio of total debt to earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization declines. The agreement requires the Company to maintain certain financial ratios as to cash flow leverage and fixed charge coverage.

On December 30, 2005, the Company had lines of credit with U.S. and foreign banks of $119 million, including the $50 million Wachovia credit facility and uncommitted lines of credit totaling $50 million. The unused portion of these credit lines was $116 million at December 30, 2005. 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 4.3 percent, 2.5 percent and 2.1 percent for the years ended December 30, 2005, December 31, 2004 and December 26, 2003. 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.

G. Shareholders’ Equity

At December 30, 2005, the Company had 22,549 authorized, but not issued, cumulative preferred shares, $100 par value. The Company also has authorized, but not issued, a separate class of 3 million shares of preferred stock, $1 par value.

All stock option, share and per share data reflect the three-for-two stock split distributed in March 2004.

On December 12, 2003, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a special dividend of $1.50 per common share payable on March 25, 2004 to shareholders of record as of March 11, 2004.

In March 2003, the Company repurchased 2.2 million shares of its common stock for $54.8 million from David A. Koch, a former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, his wife, a family trust and a family foundation. The per share purchase price represented a discount of 5.5 percent from the ten-day average closing price of the Company’s stock immediately prior to the date of the transaction. The Company used available cash balances to fund the repurchase.

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.

H. Stock Option and Purchase Plans

Stock Option and Award Plans. The Company has various stock incentive plans under which it grants stock options and restricted share awards to officers and other employees. Option price is the market price on the date of grant. Options become exercisable at such time 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 plans, including 1,800 common shares with a grant-date value of $36,000 in 2003. The market value of restricted stock at the date of grant is recorded as unearned compensation, a component of shareholders’ equity, and is charged to operations over the vesting period. Compensation cost charged to operations for restricted share awards was $116,000 in 2005, $340,000 in 2004, and $407,000 in 2003.

Options on common shares granted and outstanding, as well as the weighted average exercise price, are shown below:

    Weighted Average Options Weighted Average
  Options Exercise Price Exercisable Exercise Price

Outstanding, December 27, 2002 3,983,237  $11.06 1,533,686  $ 7.21
   Granted   374,925   17.61
   Exercised   (786,605)    7.23
   Canceled     (80,511)   15.16

Outstanding, December 26, 2003 3,491,046  $12.51 1,460,930  $ 9.60
   Granted 1,127,667   29.66
   Exercised  (930,305)  10.24
   Canceled    (66,064)  21.26

Outstanding, December 31, 2004 3,622,344 $18.28  1,804,328 $11.87
    Granted    388,500  37.95
    Exercised    (341,094)  11.57
    Canceled      (54,610)  29.93

Outstanding, December 30, 2005  3,615,140 $20.85  2,016,558  $14.28


The following table summarizes information for options outstanding and exercisable at December 30, 2005:

Range of
  Prices
Options
Outstanding
Options
Outstanding
Weighted Avg.
Remaining Life
Options
Outstanding
Weighted Avg.
Exercise Price
Options
Exercisable
Options
Exercisable
Weighted Avg.
Exercise Price

$ 3-11    670,555  $  8.28   670,555  $  8.28  
 11-21 1,506,180  15.97 1,147,446  15.34
 27-40 1,438,405  31.82   198,557  28.37

$ 3-40 3,615,140  $20.85   2,016,558   $14.28

Stock Purchase Plans. 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 245,303 shares under this Plan in 2005, 343,913 shares in 2004, and 297,758 shares in 2003.

Individual nonemployee directors of the Company may elect to receive 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. The Company issued 12,933 shares under this arrangement in 2005, 11,577 shares under this arrangement in 2004, and 14,548 shares in 2003. Such shares were issued under the Stock Incentive Plan in 2005 and 2004. In 2003, the shares were issued under the Nonemployee Director Stock Plan, which expired on December 31, 2003. The expense related to this arrangement is not significant.

Authorized Shares. Shares authorized for issuance under the various stock option and purchase plans are shown below:

  Total Shares
Authorized
Available for Future
Issuance as of
December 30, 2005

Employee Stock Incentive Plan   3,375,000  1,581,802 
Stock Incentive Plan   3,375,000  1,000,713 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 19,743,750     754,839 

Total 26,493,750  3,337,354 

Amounts available for future issuance exclude outstanding options. Options outstanding as of December 30, 2005, include options granted under two plans that were replaced by the Stock Incentive Plan in 2001. No shares are available for future grants under those two plans.

I. Earnings per Share

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

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

Numerator
    Net earnings available to common shareholders $125,854  $108,681  $86,713 

Denominators
    Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share 68,766  69,124  69,284 
    Dilutive effect of stock options computed based on the treasury
      stock method using the average market price 1,096  1,109  1,131 

    Denominator for diluted earnings per share 69,862  70,251  70,415 

Basic earnings per share $      1.83  $    1.57  $    1.25 

Diluted earnings per share $      1.80  $    1.55  $    1.23 

Stock options to purchase 374,000 common shares were not included in the 2005 calculation of diluted earnings per share 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 all U.S. employees who elect to participate. The Company matches employee contributions at a 100 percent rate, up to 3 percent of the employee’s compensation. Employer contributions were $2.3 million in 2005, $2.4 million in 2004 and $2.2 million in 2003.

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. In 2003, the Company made a voluntary $20 million tax-deductible contribution to the funded defined benefit plan. 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 $12.7 million at December 30, 2005, and $13.0 million at December 31, 2004.

The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for all of its plans.

For the funded pension plan, asset allocations at year-end were as follows:

  2005 2004

Graco common stock 7% 7%
Other equity securities 74% 74%
Debt securities 13% 13%
Real estate 5% 5%
Cash 1% 1%

Total 100% 100%

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 following provides a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets over the periods ending December 30, 2005, and December 31, 2004, and a statement of the funded status as of the same dates.

Pension Benefits       Postretirement Medical Benefits

(In thousands)       2005   2004   2005   2004

Change in benefit obligation    
Obligation, beginning of year     $ 167,933   $ 147,226   $ 27,413   $ 25,898  
Service cost       4,648     4,136     841     771  
Interest cost       9,931     8,707     1,620     1,501  
Assumption changes       12,306     10,731     2,211     798  
Actuarial loss (gain)       2,708     2,647     (127 )   235  
Benefit payments       (6,265 )   (5,514 )   (1,403 )   (1,790 )

Obligation, end of year     $ 191,261   $ 167,933   $ 30,555   $ 27,413  

Change in plan assets    
Fair value, beginning of year     $ 175,951   $ 156,774   $ --   $ --  
Actual return on assets       15,119     24,037     --     --  
Employer contributions       525     654     1,403     1,790  
Benefit payments       (6,265 )   (5,514 )   (1,403 )   (1,790 )

Fair value, end of year     $ 185,330   $ 175,951   $ --   $ --  

Funded status    
Funded status over (under), end of year     $ (5,931 ) $ 8,018   $ (30,555 ) $ (27,413 )
Unrecognized transition obligation (asset)       --     (11 )   --     --  
Unrecognized prior service cost       926     1,070     --     --  
Unrecognized loss       22,268     5,929     10,489     8,931  

Net     $ 17,263   $ 15,006   $ (20,066 ) $ (18,482 )

The following table provides the amounts included in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 30, 2005, and December 31, 2004.

Pension Benefits       Postretirement Medical Benefits

(In thousands)       2005   2004   2005   2004

Prepaid benefit, funded plan     $ 29,616   $ 27,556   $   $  
Accrued benefit, unfunded plans       (14,350 )   (13,497 )   (20,066 )   (18,482 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income     $ 1,997   $ 947   $   $  

Net     $ 17,263   $ 15,006   $ (20,066 ) $ (18,482 )

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $171 million and $151 million as of December 30, 2005, and December 31, 2004. Information for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets follows:

(In thousands) 2005  2004 

Projected benefit obligation $15,280  $13,668 
Accumulated benefit obligation 13,232  12,275 
Fair value of plan assets --  -- 

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the plans for 2005, 2004 and 2003 were as follows:

      Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits

(In thousands)       2005     2004     2003     2005     2004     2003  

Service cost - benefits earned during the period $ 4,648   $ 4,136   $ 3,544   $ 841   $ 771   $ 685  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation       9,931     8,707     8,204     1,620     1,501     1,483  
Expected return on assets       (15,549 )   (14,095 )   (9,990 )   --     --     --  
Amortization of transition obligation (asset)       (11 )   (15 )   (15 )   --     --     --  
Amortization of prior service cost       144     144     144     --     --     --  
Amortization of net loss (gain)       92     (69 )   384     526     452     358  
Cost of pension plans which are not significant
  and have not adopted SFAS No. 87       370     284     337     N/A     N/A     N/A  

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)     $ (375 ) $ (908 ) $ 2,608   $ 2,987   $ 2,724   $ 2,526  

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


              Pension Benefits         Postretirement Medical Benefits

Weighted average assumptions 2005  2004  2005 2004

Discount rate 5.5% 5.9% 5.5% 6.0%
Rate of compensation increase 3.8% 3.7% 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 2005 2004 2003 2005 2004 2003

Discount rate 5.9% 5.9% 6.4% 6.0 6.0 6.5
Expected return on assets 9.0% 9.0% 9.0% N/A N/A N/A
Rate of compensation increase 3.8% 3.2% 3.2% 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 measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO), the annual trend rate for health care costs was assumed to be 10 percent for 2006, decreasing by one-half percentage point each year to a constant rate of 5 percent in 2016 and thereafter, subject to the plan’s 6 percent annual increase limitation.

In December 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act) was signed into law. In 2005, it was determined that certain provisions of the retirement medical plan are eligible for the Medicare subsidy under the Act. The projected subsidy had no significant effect on the accumulated benefit obligation and periodic cost in 2005.

At December 30, 2005, a one percent change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

(In thousands) 1% Increase 1% Decrease

Effect on total of service and interest cost components of
  net periodic postretirement health care benefit cost $  49  $  (277)
 
Effect on the health care component of the accumulated
  postretirement benefit obligation 179  (1,852)

The Company expects to contribute $0.5 million to its unfunded pension plans and $1.5 million to the retirement medical plan in 2006. No contribution to the funded pension plan is expected in 2006. Estimated future benefit payments are as follows:

(In thousands) Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits

2006 $  6,800  $1,500 
2007 7,500  1,500 
2008 7,900  1,500 
2009 8,500  1,600 
2010 9,800  1,700 
Years 2011 - 2015 58,800  9,800 

K. Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Commitments. Aggregate annual rental commitments under operating leases with noncancelable terms of more than one year were $5 million at December 30, 2005, payable as follows:

(In thousands) Buildings Vehicles &
Equipment
Total

2006 $1,026 $1,044 $2,070
2007 681 615 1,296
2008 248 221 469
2009 229 79 308
2010 68 20 88
Thereafter 722 -- 722

Total $2,974 $1,979 $4,953

Total rental expense was $1.7 million for 2005, $1.3 million for 2004, and $2.1 million for 2003.

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 $17 million at December 30, 2005. 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 $15 million. In addition, the Company could be obligated to perform under standby letters of credit totaling $2.2 million at December 30, 2005. The Company has also guaranteed the debt of its subsidiaries for up to $20 million.

Contingencies. The Company has been named as a defendant, along with hundreds of other defendants, in a number of lawsuits alleging bodily injury as a result of exposure to asbestos or silica. None of the suits make any allegations specifically regarding the Company or any of its products. Orders of dismissal have been received for many of those lawsuits and additional dismissals are pending. The Company is also party to various other 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

Effective January 1, 2005, the Company purchased the stock of Liquid Control Corporation and its affiliated company Profill Corp. for approximately $35 million cash. Liquid Control designs and manufactures highly engineered precision resin dispensing equipment, which will expand and complement the Company’s Industrial/Automotive business. Liquid Control had sales of approximately $26 million in 2004. Results of Liquid Control’s operations have been included in the Industrial/Automotive segment since the date of acquisition.

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

Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses     $ 2,900  
Inventories       4,900  
Property, plant and equipment       7,800  
Identifiable intangible assets       16,100  
Goodwill       8,600  

Total purchase price       40,300  
Liabilities assumed       (4,900 )

Net assets acquired     $ 35,400  

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

Customer relationships (8 years) $10,100 
Proprietary technology (8 years) 3,500 

Total (8 years) 13,600 
Brand names (indefinite useful life) 2,500 

Total identifiable intangible assets $16,100 

Effective February 4, 2005, the Company purchased the stock of Gusmer Corporation and Gusmer Europe, S.L. for approximately $68 million cash. Gusmer designs and manufactures specialized two-component dispense equipment systems, which will expand and complement the Company’s Industrial/Automotive business. Gusmer had sales of approximately $43 million in 2004. Results of Gusmer’s operations have been included in the Industrial/Automotive segment since the date of acquisition.

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

Cash and cash equivalents     $ 500  
Accounts receivable       7,400  
Inventories       15,600  
Property, plant and equipment       2,900  
Identifiable intangible assets       15,800  
Goodwill       32,200  

Total purchase price       74,400  
Liabilities assumed       (6,500 )

Net assets acquired     $ 67,900  

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

Customer relationships (7 years) $  6,500 
Proprietary technology (8 years) 4,400 
Product documentation (5 years) 1,800 
Favorable lease (3 years) 400 

Total (7 years) 13,100 
Brand names (indefinite useful life) 2,700 

Total identifiable intangible assets $15,800 

The following pro forma information assumes the acquisitions of Liquid Control and Gusmer occurred as of the beginning of each year presented. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of what would have actually occurred or of future results (in thousands, except per share amounts).

  2005 2004

Net sales $736,321 $675,270
Net earnings 125,271 106,708
Basic earnings per share 1.82 1.54
Diluted earnings per share 1.79 1.52

Effective November 28, 2005, the Company purchased the assets and assumed certain liabilities of PBL Industries for approximately $8 million cash. PBL manufactured fuel transfer pumps, oil transfer pumps and related parts and accessories and had annual sales of $5 million. The Company has employed the PBL assets to expand and complement its Lubrication segment business.

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

Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses     $ 700  
Inventories       600  
Property, plant and equipment       100  
Identifiable intangible assets       3,800  
Goodwill       3,100  

Total purchase price       8,300  
Liabilities assumed       (100 )

Net assets acquired     $ 8,200  

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

Customer relationships (7 years) $2,600 
Proprietary technology (5 years) 1,200 

Total (6 years) $3,800 

For tax purposes, each of the acquisitions in 2005 will be treated as a purchase of assets, and goodwill is expected to be fully deductible.

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, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and 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 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 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

Report 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 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

Changes in internal control

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 and Executive Officers of the Company

The information under the heading “Executive Officers of the Company” in Part I of this 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the information under the headings “Election of Directors, Nominees and Other Directors” and under the heading “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” of the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be held on April 21, 2006 (the “Proxy Statement”), are incorporated herein by reference.

New York Stock Exchange Rule 303A.12

The 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 6, 2005. The certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, regarding the quality of the Company’s disclosure in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, have been filed as exhibits 31.1, 31.2 and 31.3 hereto.

Audit Committee Members and Audit Committee Financial Expert

The information under the headings “Committees of the Board of Directors” and “Audit Committee Report” of the Company’s Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by reference.

Corporate Governance Guidelines, Committee Charters and Code of Ethics

Graco Inc. has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines and Charters for the Audit, Governance, and Management Organization and Compensation Committees of the Board of Directors. Graco Inc. also has in place Conduct of Business Guidelines (Code of Ethics) that apply to the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial 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.

The 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 its 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.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information contained under the heading “Executive Compensation” of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference, other than the subsection thereunder entitled “Report of the Management Organization and Compensation Committee” and “Comparative Stock Performance Graph.”

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

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

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The information under the heading “Certain Business Relationships” of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information under the heading “Principal Accounting Fees and Services” of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:  
         
  (1) Financial Statements
See Part II
         
  (2) Financial Statement Schedule Page
    Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 49
         
    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
Reserves
  Other 3
Add
(Deduct)
  Balance
at end of
year
 

Year ended December 30, 2005    
    Allowance for doubtful accounts       $2,300     $   300     $   300 1       $2,300  
    Allowance for returns and credits       3,300     8,100     7,800 2         3,600  

        $5,600     $8,400     $8,100           $5,900  

Year ended December 31, 2004                                  
    Allowance for doubtful accounts       $2,600     $   200     $   500 1         $2,300  
    Allowance for returns and credits       3,100     6,400     6,200 2         3,300  

        $5,700     $6,600     $6,700           $5,600  

Year ended December 26, 2003    
    Allowance for doubtful accounts       $2,300     $   700     $   600 1   $   200     $2,600  
    Allowance for returns and credits       3,300     5,500     5,700 2   --     3,100  

        $5,600     $6,200     $6,300     $   200     $5,700  

1

Accounts determined to be uncollectible and charged against reserve, net of collections on accounts previously charged against reserves.

2

Credits issued and returns processed.

3

Assumed or established in connection with acquisition.

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/David A. Roberts                February 27, 2006
   David A. Roberts  
   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/David A. Roberts                February 27, 2006
   David A. Roberts  
   President and Chief Executive Officer  
    (Principal Executive Officer)  


     /s/James A. Graner                February 27, 2006
   James A. Graner  
   Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer  
    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)  


L. R. Mitau Director, Chairman of the Board
R. G. Bohn Director
W. J. Carroll Director
J. W. Eugster Director
J. K. Gilligan Director
J. H. Moar Director
M. A. Morfitt Director
M. H. Raunhorst Director
D. A. Roberts Director
W. G. Van Dyke Director
R. W. Van Sant Director

David A. Roberts, 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/David A. Roberts                February 27, 2006
   David A. Roberts  
    (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 September 24, 2004. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K.)

   

 

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     

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, including as Exhibit A the form of the Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Shares. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated February 25, 2000.)

   

 

4.2     

Credit agreement dated December 31, 2004, between the Company and Wachovia Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K.) as extended by letter dated December 31, 2005.

   

 

*10.1     

Executive Officer Bonus Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed on February 25, 2005.)

   

 

*10.2     

Executive Officer Annual Incentive Bonus Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K.)

   

 

*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. Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated June 18, 2004. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2005.)

   

 

10.6     

Employee Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated June 18, 2004. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2005.)

   

 

*10.7     

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 the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 1997.) Amendment 2 dated May 27, 2000. Amendment 3 dated May 27, 2002.

   

 

*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.

   

 

10.9     

CEO Award Program.

   

 

*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  

Restoration Plan 1998 Restatement. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K.) First Amendment to Restoration Plan 1998 Restatement. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company's 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.); Second Amendment to Restoration Plan 1998 Restatement.

   

 

*10.12  

Summary of Compensation of the Non-Employee Members of the Board of Directors of Graco Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed February 25, 2005.)

   

 

*10.13  

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.)

   

 

*10.14  

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.)

   

 

*10.15  

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 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K.) Amended form of agreement for awards made to Chief Executive Officer in 2004. Amended form of agreement for awards made to executive officers 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  

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

   

 

*10.18  

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.)

   

 

*10.19  

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.)

   

 

*10.20  

Executive Long Term Incentive Agreement (Restricted Stock). Form of agreement used for award of restricted stock to executive officers under the Graco Inc. Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 28, 2002.)

   

 

*10.21  

Trust Agreement for Nonemployee Director Deferred Stock Account dated September 30, 1997, between the Company and Wells Fargo, formerly known as Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 1997.)

   

 

*10.22  

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.)

   

 

*10.23  

Form of salary protection arrangement between the Company and executive officers. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report on Form 10-K.)

   

 

*10.24  

Executive Group Long-Term Disability Policy. (Incorporated by reference to the Company's 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K.)

   

 

*10.25  

Certain information about senior management base salaries, bonus plan participation and key employee agreements. (Incorporated by reference to Item 1.01 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed September 8, 2005.)

   

 

*10.26  

Separation agreement with former Vice President and General Counsel, dated October 10, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed October 14, 2005.)

   

 

*10.27  

Compensation arrangement with President and Chief Executive Officer, dated December 18, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Item 1.01 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed December 14, 2005.)

   

 

11       

Statement of Computation of Earnings per share included in Note I on page 40.

   

 

21       

Subsidiaries of the Registrant included herein on page 54.

   

 

23       

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm's Consent included herein on page 55.

   

 

24       

Power of Attorney included herein on page 56.

   

 

31.1    

Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) included herein on page 57.

   

 

31.2    

Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) included herein on page 58.

   

 

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 59.

   

 

99       

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements included herein on page 60.


Except as otherwise noted, all documents incorporated by reference above related 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 30, 2005:

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

Decker Industries, Inc. United States          100%**
Graco Australia Pty Ltd. Australia          100%***
Graco Canada Inc. Canada          100%
Graco do Brasil Limitada Brazil          100%*
Graco Fluid Equipment (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. China (PRC)          100%
Graco Fluid Equipment (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. China (PRC)          100%*****
Graco GmbH Germany          100%
Graco Hong Kong Ltd Hong Kong          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%*
Graco S.A.S. France          100%
Gusmer Corporation United States          100%
Gusmer Canada Ltd. Canada          100%****
Gusmer Europe S.L. Spain          100%****
Gusmer Machinery (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. China (PRC)          100%****
Gusmer Sudamerica S.A. Argentina          100%****
Liquid Control Corporation United States          100%
Liquid Control Ltd. England          100%**


*

Includes shares held by selected directors and/or executive officers of the Company or the relevant subsidiary to satisfy the requirements of local law.

** Shares 100% held by Liquid Control Corporation.
*** Shares 100% held by Graco Hong Kong Limited.
**** Shares 100% held by Gusmer Corporation.
***** 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. 333-17787, No. 333-03459, No. 333-75307, No. 333-63128 and No. 333-123813 on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 24, 2006, relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedule of Graco Inc. and management’s report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Graco Inc. for the year ended December 30, 2005.



Deloitte & Touche LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 24, 2006

Exhibit 24

Power of Attorney

Know all by these presents, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints David A. Roberts or James A. Graner, that person’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution 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 30, 2005, 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, this Power of Attorney has been signed by the following persons on the date indicated.

    Date                                          
     
     
  /s/R. G. Bohn                    February 17, 2006                   
  R. G. Bohn  
     
     
  /s/W. J. Carroll                  February 17, 2006                   
  W. J. Carroll  
     
     
  /s/J. W. Eugster                  February 17, 2006                   
  J. W. Eugster  
     
     
  /s/J. K. Gilligan                 February 17, 2006                   
  J. K. Gilligan  
     
     
  /s/L. R. Mitau                    February 17, 2006                   
  L. R. Mitau  
     
     
  /s/J. H. Moar                     February 17, 2006                   
  J. H. Moar  
     
     
  /s/M. A. Morfitt               February 17, 2006                   
  M. A. Morfitt  
     
     
  /s/M. H. Rauenhorst               February 17, 2006                   
  M. H. Rauenhorst  
     
     
  /s/D. A. Roberts                  February 17, 2006                   
  D. A. Roberts  
     
     
  /s/W. G. Van Dyke                 February 17, 2006                   
  W. G. Van Dyke  
     
     
  /s/R. W. Van Sant                 February 17, 2006                   
  R. W. Van Sant  

Exhibit 31.1

Certifications

I, David A. Roberts, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Graco Inc.;


2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


  a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


  b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;


  c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


  d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors:


  a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


  b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.






Date:    February 27, 2006               /s/David A. Roberts                    
  David A. Roberts
  President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

Certifications

I, James A. Graner, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Graco Inc.;


2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


  a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


  b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;


  c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


  d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors:


  a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


  b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.






Date:    February 27, 2006               /s/James A. Graner                       
  James A. Graner
  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Exhibit 32

Certification Under Section 1350

Pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18 of the United States Code, each of the undersigned certifies that this periodic report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in this periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Graco Inc.





Date:    February 27, 2006               /s/David A. Roberts                    
  David A. Roberts
  President and Chief Executive Officer




Date:    February 27, 2006               /s/James A. Graner                     
  James A. Graner
  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Exhibit 99

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Graco Inc. (the “Company”) wishes 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 the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, its Annual Report to Shareholders, and press releases, other written documents or oral statements released by the 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 the Company’s expectations concerning the future. Such statements are based upon currently available information, but various risks and uncertainties may cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed in these statements. Among the factors which management believes could affect the Company’s operating results are the following:

 

With respect to the Company’s business as a whole, the Company’s prospects and operating results may be affected by:


 

changes in world economies, including expansions, downturns or recessions and fluctuations in capital goods investment activity, interest rates, and foreign currency exchange rates;


 

the ability of the Company to successfully integrate acquisitions, in particular the recent acquisitions of Liquid Control Corporation, Gusmer Corporation and PBL Industries;


 

international trade factors, including changes in international trade policy, such as export controls, trade sanctions, increased tariff barriers and other restrictions; weaker protection of the Company’s proprietary technology in certain foreign countries; the burden of complying with foreign laws and standards; and potentially burdensome taxes;


 

the ability of the Company to: develop new products and technologies; maintain and enhance its market position relative to its competitors; maintain and enhance its distribution channels; identify and enter into new markets; realize productivity and product quality improvements; offset cost pressures from labor, materials and overhead with price increases; and control expenses;


 

disruption in operations, transportation, communication, customer operations, distribution, payment or sources of supply, including the cost and availability of skilled labor, materials and energy, caused by political or economic instability, acts of God, labor disputes, war, embargo, weather, flood, fire, infectious disease, or other cause beyond its reasonable control, including military conflict in the Middle East or on the Korean peninsula, and terrorist activity throughout the world;


 

pricing pressure and lack of availability of key materials used in the manufacture of products;


 

worldwide competition from low-cost manufacturers, including those that copy the Company's products;


 

breakdown, interruption in or inadequate upgrading or maintenance of the Company's information processing software, hardware or networks;


 

successful implementation of an enterprise resource planning ("ERP") software system throughout the Company;


 

changes in the markets in which the Company participates, including consolidation of competitors and major customers, price competition, and products demanded;


 

changes in accounting standards or in the application by the Company of critical accounting policies;


 

compliance with corporate governance requirements;


 

growth in either the severity or magnitude of the products liability claims against the Company, particularly with respect to asbestos or silica claims; and


 

changes in the return on investments in the Company's retirement plan.


 

The prospects and operating results of the Company’s Contractor Equipment segment may be affected by: variations in the level of residential, commercial and institutional building and remodeling activity; the loss of, or significant reduction in sales to large customers; the pricing power of large customers; the availability and cost of construction financing; changes in the environmental regulation of coatings; consolidation in the paint equipment manufacturing industry and paint manufacturing industry; changes in the technology of paint and coating applications; changes in the buying and channel preferences of the end user; the Company’s success in converting painters outside North America from brush and roller to spray equipment; changes in the business practices (including inventory management) of the major distributors of contractor equipment; changes in construction materials and techniques; changes in the cost of labor in foreign markets; the regional market strength of certain competitors; the level of government spending on infrastructure development and road construction, maintenance and repair; and the nature and extent of highway safety regulation.


 

The prospects and operating results of the Company’s Industrial/Automotive Equipment segment may be affected by: the capital equipment spending levels of customers; the availability and cost of financing; changes in the environmental regulation of coatings; changes in the technical and performance characteristics of materials, including powder coatings; changes in application technology; the ability of the Company to meet changing customer requirements; consolidation or other change in the channels of distribution; the pricing strategies of competitors; consolidation in the fluid handling equipment manufacturing industry; changes in the worldwide procurement practices of the major automobile manufacturers; changes in automotive manufacturing processes; and consolidation in the automobile manufacturing industry worldwide.


 

The prospects and operating results of the Company’s Lubrication Equipment segment may be affected by: consolidation in the oil production industry; the development of extended life lubricants for vehicles; the reduction in the need for changing vehicle lubricants; consumer trends in “do-it-yourself” versus “do-it-for-me”oil changes; the successful development of vehicles that use power sources other than the internal combustion engine; consolidation of automotive dealerships; trends in spending by state and local governments; and variations in the equipment spending levels of the major oil companies.


[Logo]

December 30, 2005

Graco Inc.
88 11 th Avenue Northwest
Minneapolis MN 55413

Attention: Janel W. French

Re:

Promissory Note from Graco Inc. ("Borrower" to Wachovia Bank, National Association ("Wachovia") in the original principal amount of $50,000,000.00 dated December 31, 2004, including any amendments (the "Note").


  Obligor # 000004151380481 Obligation # 000000000000166

Dear Janel:

Wachovia has agreed to extend the term of the Note, which will mature or has matured on December 30, 2005. Accordingly, this letter shall constitute Wachovia’s agreement and formal notice to you, as follows:

Extension. Wachovia hereby extends, on the same terms and conditions as presently in effect (adjusted only by a lower Facility Fee and Libor Spread extended by Wachovia for the benefit of the Borrower), the maturity of the Note to March 31, 2006, at which time the outstanding principal balance, accrued interest and all other amounts due under the Note shall become due and payable. All periodic payments required under the Note shall be made during the extension period.

Facility Fee and Libor Spread. The Facility Fee and Libor Spread charged to the Borrower between December 30, 2005 and the maturity of the Note shall equal .07% and .33% respectively.

No Other Changes: Extension of the maturity date along with the lower Facility Fee and Libor Spread as stated herein constitute the only changes to the Note. Except as extended by this letter, the Note and all other Loan Documentation (as defined in the Note) shall continue in full force and effect. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to call.

Very truly yours,

Wachovia Bank, National Association

By:

/s/Patrick D. Finn              
Patrick D. Finn
Managing Director


Exhibit 10.7

SECOND AMENDMENT
OF
GRACO INC.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN RESTATED
(1992 RESTATEMENT)

         WHEREAS, Graco Inc. (“Graco” or the “Company”) has heretofore established and maintained an unfunded deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) which, in its most recent amended and restated for, is embodied in a document entitled “Graco Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Restated”, effective December 1, 1992 as amended by a First Amendment dated May 6, 1997 (the Plan as so amended, is hereinafter referred to as the “Plan Statement”) is hereby amended as follows:

1.

APPENDIX A. Effective as of May 27, 200, Appendix A of the Plan Statement shall be amended to read in full as follows. [See Appendix A attached.]


2.

SAVINGS CLAUSE. Save and except as herein above expressly amended, the Plan Statement shall continue in full force and effect.


        IN WITHNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused these presents to be executed, all as of the day and year first above written.

  GRACO INC.
     
     
  By /s/Mark W. Sheahan                                                  
     
          Vice President
     
     
  By /s/Robert M. Mattison                                                
          Robert M. Mattison
          Vice President

Exhibit 10.7

THIRD AMENDMENT
OF
GRACO INC.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
(1992 RESTATEMENT)

        The Graco Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Restated (“Plan”), which was adopted and approved by the Board of Directors of Graco Inc. effective December 1, 1992, as amended by the First Amendment effective September 1, 1996, (the Plan as so amended is hereafter referred to as the “Plan Statement”) is hereby amended as follows:

1.       FORMER EMPLOYERS (APPENDIX A) . Effective December 15, 1992, Appendix A of the Plan is amended to discontinue the Plan with respect to Graco Robotics Inc.

2.       FORMER EMPLOYERS (APPENDIX A) . Effective April 24, 1992, Appendix A of the Plan is amended to discontinue the Plan with respect to Lockwood Technical Inc.

3.       ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES (APPENDIX B) . Effective January 1, 1993, Appendix B of the Plan is amended to exclude the employees of Graco Robotics Inc and Graco/LTI employees.

4.       ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES (APPENDIX B) . Effective May 27, 2000, Appendix B of the Plan is amended to include the executive, administrative and engineering employees of Graco Minnesota Inc. and Graco South Dakota Inc. in salary grades 15 through 26.

5.       ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES (APPENDIX B) . Effective January 1, 2003, Appendix B of the Plan is amended to include the legal employees of Graco Inc. in the salary grades of 77 through 79.

6.       Appendix A and Appendix B, as hereinabove amended, are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

7.       SAVINGS CLAUSE . Save and except as herein above expressly amended, the Plan shall continue in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused these presents to be executed, all as of the      day of December, 2002.

     
  GRACO INC.
     
     
  By  
   
     Mark W. Sheahan
         Vice President and Treasurer
     
     
  By  
   
     Robert M. Mattison
         Vice President General Counsel and Secretary

APPENDIX A





CURRENT EMPLOYERS


Name of Employer Effective Date of Plan Adoption
   
1.   Graco Inc. 07/01/88
   
2.   Graco Minnesota Inc. 05/27/00
   
3.   Graco South Dakota Inc. 05/27/00



FORMER EMPLOYERS


Name of Employer Effective Date of Plan Adoption Effective Date of      
Plan Discontinuance
     
1.    Graco Robotics Inc. 07/01/88 12/15/92
     
2.    Lockwood Technical Inc. 07/01/88 04/24/92

APPENDIX B





ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES

Salary Structure Salary Grade Level Effective Date
     
Executive, Administrative,    
and Engineering of Graco Inc. 15-26 12/01/92
     
Executive, Administrative,    
and Engineering of Graco    
Minnesota Inc. and    
Graco South Dakota Inc. 15-26 05/27/00
     
Sales Employees of Graco Inc. 36-37 12/01/92
     
Legal of Graco Inc. 77-79 01/01/03

Exhibit 10.8

GRACO DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
(2005 Statement)

SECOND AMENDMENT

SCHEDULE II


WRITTEN ACTION




        As of November 1, 2005, I, Mark W. Sheahan, Chief Administrative Officer of Graco Inc. (“Graco”), and the individual designated by the CEO to exercise the responsibilities and authority of the Vice President of Human Resources under Section 1.2.22 of the Graco Deferred Compensation Plan (2005 Statement) (the “Plan”), by authority vested in me by Section 9.1 of the Plan, do hereby amend Schedule II of the Plan to read in its entirety as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto.

  /s/Mark W. Sheahan
 
Mark W. Sheahan
  Chief Administrative Officer

SCHEDULE II


COVERED SALARY GRADE LEVELS AND CLASSIFICATIONS


Name of Employer Effective Date Position or
Salary Schedule
Grade or Other
Classification
       
1. Graco Inc. 05/01/05 Executive Officer
  05/01/05 Admin & Engrg 14-18
  05/01/05 Sales 35-37
  05/01/05 Information Systems 68-70
  05/01/05 Legal 77-79
       
2. Graco Minnesota Inc. 05/01/05 Executive Officer
  05/01/05 Admin & Engrg 14-18
  05/01/05 Plan Mgmt SF 57 
       
3. Liquid Control Corp. 05/01/05 President  
  05/01/05 Director of Finance  
  05/01/05 VP, Sales & Marketing  
       
5. Gusmer Corporation 05/01/05 General Manager  
    Director of Operations  
    Director of Admin  

Exhibit 10.9

CEO Award Program

The CEO Award Program is a discretionary bonus program of Graco Inc. (the “Company”). This program authorizes the Chief Executive Officer of the Company to make awards that recognize outstanding contributions of those Company employees who are eligible for the award of bonuses under the Corporate and Business Unit Annual Bonus Plan and Executive Officer Bonus Plan. Awards may be made in such amounts and to such number of employees as the CEO may determine. The awards may be paid in either cash or common shares of the Company, but the aggregate value of all awards is not to exceed $200,0000 in any fiscal year.

Exhibit 10.11

CERTIFICATION

        I, _________________________, certify that I am the _________________________ of Graco Inc., a Minnesota corporation, and that by action taken by the Board of Directors on ___________________, 2005, the Board of Directors adopted the Second Amendment to the Graco Inc. Restoration Plan (1998 Restatement). I further certify that the attached document is a true and correct copy of the document.

_______________, 2005 ____________________________________________

SECOND AMENDMENT
GRACO INC. RESTORATION PLAN
(1998 Restatement)

           Graco Inc. (the "Principal Sponsor") has heretofore established and maintains a nonqualified deferred compensation plan (the "Plan") which, in its most recent amended and restated form, is embodied in a document adopted effective January 1, 1998 and entitled "GRACO INC. RESTORATION PLAN (1998 Restatement)", and a First Amendment effective as of June 1, 2001, (collectively the "Plan Statement") is hereby amended as follows:

1.     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE. Effective for Participants who commence benefits under the Plan on or after January 1, 2005, Article 2.1 of the Plan Statement shall be amended by the addition of a new subparagraph (f) that reads in whole as follows:

  f.

"Compensation" when used herein shall mean "Compensation" as defined in the Graco Employee Retirement Plan, but disregarding Section 1.1.12(g) of the definition in the Graco Employee Retirement Plan, it shall include Participant contributions to the Graco Deferred Compensation Plan (2005 Statement).


2.     GENERAL ELIGIBILITY RULE. Effective for Participants who commence benefits under the Plan on or after January 1, 2005, Article 3.1(c) of the Plan Statement shall be amended to read in whole as follows:

  c.

who have experienced a legislated reduction in benefits under the Graco Employee Retirement Plan due to the limitations imposed by Code Section 415 [Plan A] or Code Section 401(a)(17) [Plan B], or who have experienced a reduction in benefits due to Participant contributions to the Graco Deferred Compensation Plan (2005 Statement).


3.     RETIREMENT BENEFITS. Effective for Participants who commence benefits under the Plan on or after January 1, 2005, Article 4.1(a) of the Plan Statement shall be amended by the addition of a new subparagraph (iii) (and re-numbering the existing subparagraph (iii) as subparagraph (iv)) that reads in whole as follows:

  (iii) by substituting the modified definition of "Compensation" contained in this Plan for the definition of "Compensation" contained in the Graco Employee Retirement Plan,

4.    DEATH BENEFITS. Effective for Participants who commence benefits under the Plan on or after January 1, 2005, Article 4.2(a) of the Plan Statement shall be amended by the addition of a new subparagraph (iii) (and re-numbering the existing subparagraph (iii) as subparagraph (iv)) that reads in whole as follows:

  (iii) by substituting the modified definition of "Compensation" contained in this Plan for the definition of "Compensation" contained in the Graco Employee Retirement Plan,

5.     SAVINGS CLAUSE. Save and except as hereinabove expressly amended, the Restoration Plan shall continue in full force and effect.

Exhibit 10.16

This translation is an informal Dutch translation of the English Stock Option Agreement. The original English text remains for all purposes the determining text and in case of discrepancy between the Dutch translation and the original English text, the English formulation will prevail.

GRACO INC. STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
(BELGIUM)

         THIS AGREEMENT , made this _____ day of ________, 2____, by and between Graco Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Minnesota, USA (the “Company”), and        , an employee of Graco NV a company organized under the laws of Belgium which is a subsidiary of the Company (the “Employee”).

      WITNESSETH THAT:

         WHEREAS , the Company pursuant to the Graco Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) wishes to grant this stock option to Employee;

         WHEREAS , by delivery of this Agreement, the Company has offered this stock option to Employee on the date set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement (the “Offer Date”);

         NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:

1.

Grant of Option


 

The Company grants to Employee, the right and option (the “Option”) to purchase all or any part of an aggregate of            shares of Common Stock of the Company, par value USD$1.00 per share, at the price of USD$              per share, on the terms and conditions set forth herein.


2.

Duration and Exercisability


  A.

This Option may not be exercised by Employee until the expiration of one (1) year from the Offer Date, and this Option shall in all events terminate ten (10) years after the Offer Date. During the first year from the Offer Date, no portion of this Option may be exercised. Thereafter this Option shall become exercisable in four cumulative installments of 25% as follows:


  Vesting Date Portion of Option Exercisable  
  One Year after Offer Date  25%  
  Two Years after Offer Date  50%  
  Three Years after Offer Date  75%  
  Four Years after Offer Date 100%  

 

In the event that Employee does not purchase in any one year the full number of shares of Common Stock of the Company to which he/she is entitled under this Option, he/she may, subject to the terms and conditions of Section 3 hereof, purchase such shares of Common Stock in any subsequent year during the term of this Option.


  B.

During the lifetime of the Employee, the Option shall be exercisable only by him/her and shall not be assignable or transferable by him/her otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.


  C.

Under no circumstances may the Option granted by this Agreement be exercised after the term of the Option expires.


3.

Effect of Termination of Employment


  A.

If Employee’s employment terminates for any reason other than Employee’s gross and willful misconduct, death, retirement (as defined in Section 3D), or disability (as defined in Section 3D), Employee shall have the right to exercise that portion of the Option exercisable upon the date of termination of employment at any time within the period beginning on the day after termination of employment and ending at 5:00 p.m. Central Time thirty (30) days later.


  B.

If Employee’s employment terminates by reason of Employee’s gross and willful misconduct during employment, including, but not limited to, wrongful appropriation of Company funds, serious violations of Company policy, breach of fiduciary duty or the conviction of a felony, the unexercised portion of the Option shall terminate as of the time of the misconduct. If the Company determines subsequent to the termination of Employee’s employment for whatever reason, that Employee engaged in conduct during employment that would constitute gross and willful misconduct justifying termination, the Option shall terminate as of the time of such misconduct. Furthermore, if the Option is exercised in whole or in part and the Company thereafter determines that Employee engaged in gross and willful misconduct during employment which would have justified termination at any time prior to the date of such exercise, the Option shall be deemed to have terminated as of the time of the misconduct and the Company may elect to rescind the Option exercise.


  C.

If Employee shall die while employed by the Company or an affiliate or within thirty (30) days after a termination of employment which meets the criteria of Section 3A, and shall not have fully exercised the Option, all shares remaining under the Option shall become immediately exercisable. The executor(s) or administrator(s) of the Employee’s estate, or any person(s) to whom the Option was transferred by will or the applicable laws of distribution and descent, may exercise the remaining shares at any time during a period beginning on the day after the date of Employee’s death and ending at 5:00 p.m. Central Time on the anniversary of death one (1) year later.


  D.

If Employee’s termination of employment is due to retirement or disability, all shares remaining under the Option shall become immediately exercisable. Employee shall be deemed to have retired if the termination of employment occurs for reasons other than the Employee’s gross and willful misconduct, death, or disability after Employee (i) has attained age 55 and 10 years of service with the Company or an affiliate, or (ii) has attained age 65. Employee shall be deemed to be disabled if the termination of employment occurs because Employee is unable to do the material and substantial duties of the Employee’s occupation because of an injury or illness, has received appropriate evaluation and treatment by a physician for such injury or illness, and incurs a loss of earnings from actual work directly resulting from such injury or illness of more than 80% of the Employee’s indexed pre-disability monthly earnings. Employee may exercise the shares remaining unexercised at any time during a period beginning on the day after the date of Employee’s termination of employment and ending at 5:00 p.m. Central Time three (3) years later. If Employee should die during this three (3) year period, the executor(s) or administrator(s) of the Employee’s estate, or any person(s) to whom the Option was transferred by will or the applicable laws of distribution and descent may exercise the unexercised portion of the Option at any time during a period beginning the day after the date of Employee’s death and ending at 5:00 p.m. Central Time on the anniversary of death one (1) year later.


  E.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 3, if the Employee’s employment is terminated by retirement (as defined in Section 3D) and Employee has not given the Company written notice to his/her immediate supervisor and the Chief Executive Officer, of Employee’s intention to retire not less than six (6) months prior to the date of his/her retirement, then in such event, for purposes of this Agreement only, said termination of employment shall be deemed to be not a retirement but a termination subject to the provisions of Section 3A, provided, however, that in the event that the Chief Executive Officer determines that said termination of employment without six (6) months prior written notice is in the best interests of the Company, such termination shall be deemed to be a retirement and shall be subject to Section 3D.


  F.

In the event the Option is exercised by the executors, administrators, legatees, or distributees of the estate of a deceased optionee, the Company shall be under no obligation to issue stock thereunder unless and until the Company is satisfied that the person(s) exercising the Option is the duly appointed legal representative of the deceased optionee’s estate or the proper legatee or distributee thereof.


4.

Manner of Exercise


  A.

Employee or other proper party may exercise the Option only by delivering within the term of the Option written notice to the Company at its principal office in Minneapolis, Minnesota, stating the number of shares as to which the Option is being exercised and, except as provided in Sections 4B(2) and 4C, accompanied by payment-in-full of the Option price for all shares designated in the notice.


  B.

The Employee may, at Employee’s election, pay the Option price as follows:


  (1)

by cash or check (bank check, certified check, or personal check)


  (2)

by delivering to the Company for cancellation, shares of Common Stock of the Company which have been held by the Employee for not less than six (6) months with a fair market value equal to the Option price.


 

For these purposes, the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock shall be the closing price of the Common Stock on the day immediately preceding the date of exercise on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) or on the principal national securities exchange on which such shares are traded if the shares are not then traded on the NYSE. If there is not a quotation available for such day, then the closing price on the next preceding day for which such a quotation exists shall be determinative of fair market value. If the shares are not then traded on an exchange, the fair market value shall be the average of the closing bid and asked prices of the Common Stock as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. If the Common Stock is not then traded on NASDAQ or on an exchange, then the fair market value shall be determined in such manner as the Company shall deem reasonable.


  C.

The Employee may, with the consent of the Company, pay the Option price by delivery to Company of a properly executed exercise notice, together with irrevocable instructions to a broker to promptly deliver to the Company from sale or loan proceeds the amount required to pay the exercise price.


5.

Payment of Withholding Taxes


 

In order to comply with any applicable domestic or foreign income tax laws or regulations and as further provided in Section 8 of the Plan, the Company may take such action as it deems appropriate to ensure that any applicable payroll, withholding, income, social insurance, welfare or other taxes and charges arising from the Option, which are the sole and absolute responsibility of the Employee, are withheld or collected from the Employee. Employee may pay such amount by delivering to the Company for cancellation shares of Common Stock of the Company with a fair market value equal to the minimum amount of such withholding tax requirement by (i) electing to have the Company withhold shares otherwise to be delivered with a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory amount of such taxes required to be withheld by the Company, or (ii) electing to surrender to the Company previously owned shares with a fair market value equal to the amount of such minimum tax obligation.


6.

Change of Control


  A.

Notwithstanding Section 2A hereof, the entire Option shall become immediately and fully exercisable on the day following a “Change of Control” and shall remain fully exercisable until either exercised or expiring by its terms. A “Change of Control” means:


  (1)

acquisition by any individual, entity, or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934), (a “Person”), of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act) which results in the beneficial ownership by such Person of 25% or more of either


  (a)

the then outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or


  (b)

the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”);


 

provided, however, that the following acquisitions will not result in a Change of Control:


  (i)

an acquisition directly from the Company,

  (ii)

an acquisition by the Company,

  (iii)

an acquisition by an employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company,

  (iv)

an acquisition by any Person who is deemed to have beneficial ownership of the Company Common Stock or other Company voting securities owned by the Trust Under the Will of Clarissa L. Gray (“Trust Person”), provided that such acquisition does not result in the beneficial ownership by such Person of 32% or more of either the Outstanding Company Common Stock or the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, and provided further that for purposes of this Section 6, a Trust Person shall not be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the Company Common Stock or other Company voting securities owned by The Graco Foundation or any employee benefit plan of the Company, including, without limitations, the Graco Employee Retirement Plan and the Graco Employee Stock Ownership Plan,

  (v)

an acquisition by the Employee or any group that includes the Employee, or

  (vi)

an acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a transaction that complies with clauses (a), (b), and (c) of Section 6A(4); and


 

provided, further, that if any Person’s beneficial ownership of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities is 25% or more as a result of a transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above, and such Person subsequently acquires beneficial ownership of additional Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities as a result of a transaction other than that described in clause (i) or (ii) above, such subsequent acquisition will be treated as an acquisition that causes such Person to own 25% or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities and be deemed a Change of Control; and provided further , that in the event any acquisition or other transaction occurs which results in the beneficial ownership of 32% or more of either the Outstanding Company Common Stock or the Outstanding Company Voting Securities by any Trust Person, the Incumbent Board may by majority vote increase the threshold beneficial ownership percentage to a percentage above 32% for any Trust Person; or


  (2)

Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of said Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board will be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial membership on the Board occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or


  (3)

The commencement or announcement of an intention to make a tender offer or exchange offer, the consummation of which would result in the beneficial ownership by a Person of 25% or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities; or


  (4)

The approval by the shareholders of the Company of a reorganization, merger, consolidation, or statutory exchange of Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (“Business Combination”) or, if consummation of such Business Combination is subject, at the time of such approval by stockholders, to the consent of any government or governmental agency, the obtaining of such consent (either explicitly or implicitly by consummation) excluding, however, such a Business combination pursuant to which


  (a)

all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 80% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of Common Stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation that as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, either directly or through one or more subsidiaries), in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities,


  (b)

no Person [excluding any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination] beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and


  (c)

at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial Agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or


  (5)

approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.


  B.

A Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred with respect to an Employee if:


  (1)

the acquisition of the 25% or greater interest referred to in Section 6A(1) is by a group, acting in concert, that includes the Employee or


  (2)

if at least 25% of the then outstanding common stock or combined voting power of the then outstanding Company voting securities (or voting equity interests) of the surviving corporation or of any corporation (or other entity) acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of the Company shall be beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, immediately after a reorganization, merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, disposition of assets, liquidation or dissolution referred to in Sections 6A(4) or 6A(5) by a group, acting in concert, that includes that Employee.


7.

Adjustments


 

If there shall be any change in the number or character of the Common Stock of the Company through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, dividend in the form of stock (of whatever amount), stock split or other change in the corporate structure of the Company, and all or any portion of the Option shall then be unexercised and not yet expired, appropriate adjustments in the outstanding Option shall be made by the Company, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of Employee’s Option rights. Such adjustments shall include, where appropriate, changes in the number of shares of Common Stock and the price per share subject to the outstanding Option.


8.

Miscellaneous


  A.

This Option is issued pursuant to the Plan and is subject to its terms. The terms of the Plan are available for inspection during business hours at the principal offices of the Company.


  B.

The Option granted to Employee pursuant to this Agreement does not in any way relate to any office of the Employee as a director of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company.


  C.

This Agreement shall not create an employment relationship between Employee and the Company and shall not confer on Employee any right with respect to continuance of employment by Graco NV or any other subsidiary of the Company, nor will it interfere in any way with the right of Graco NV or any other subsidiary of the Company to terminate such employment at any time.


  D.

Neither Employee, the Employee’s legal representative, nor the executor(s) or administrator(s) of the Employee’s estate, or any person(s) to whom the Option was transferred by will or the applicable laws of distribution and descent shall be, or have any of the rights or privileges of, a shareholder of the Company in respect of any shares of Common Stock receivable upon the exercise of this Option, in whole or in part, unless and until such shares shall have been issued upon exercise of this Option.


  E.

This option has been granted to Employee as a purely discretionary benefit and shall not form part of Employee’s salary or entitle Employee to receive similar option grants in the future. Benefits received under the Plan shall not be taken into account when calculating severance payments.


  F.

The Company shall at all times during the term of the Option reserve and keep available such number of shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of this Agreement.


  G.

The internal law, and not the law of conflicts, of the State of Minnesota, USA, shall govern all questions concerning the validity, construction and effect of this Agreement, the Plan and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan or this Option.


  H.

Employee hereby consents to the transfer by his/her employer or the Company of information relating to his/her participation in the Plan, including the personal data set forth in this Agreement, between them or to other related parties in the United States or elsewhere, or to any financial institution or other third party engaged by the Company, but solely for the purpose of administering the Plan and this Option. Employee also consents to the storage and processing of such data by such persons for this purpose.


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first above written.

  GRACO INC.  
  By    
       
       
   
David A. Roberts
 
    Chief Executive Officer  
       
       
   
 
 

    Employee