Graco Reports Record Sales and Operating Earnings

Fourth Quarter and Annual Sales Growth in All Segments and Regions

Graco Inc. (NYSE: GGG) today announced results for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2021.

Summary

$ in millions except per share amounts

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

Dec 31,

2021

 

Dec 25,

2020

 

%

Change

 

Dec 31,

2021

 

Dec 25,

2020

 

%

Change

Net Sales

$ 539.6

 

$ 470.3

 

15 %

 

$ 1,987.6

 

$ 1,650.1

 

20 %

Operating Earnings

144.6

 

132.1

 

9 %

 

531.3

 

391.7

 

36 %

Net Earnings

120.3

 

114.7

 

5 %

 

439.9

 

330.5

 

33 %

Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share

$ 0.69

 

$ 0.66

 

5 %

 

$ 2.52

 

$ 1.92

 

31 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted (non-GAAP): (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Earnings, adjusted

$ 144.6

 

$ 132.1

 

9 %

 

$ 531.3

 

$ 426.9

 

24 %

Net Earnings, adjusted

$ 115.8

 

$ 106.0

 

9 %

 

$ 425.7

 

$ 335.2

 

27 %

Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share, adjusted

$ 0.66

 

$ 0.61

 

8 %

 

$ 2.44

 

$ 1.95

 

25 %

(1)

Excludes impacts of pension settlement loss, prior year impairment, excess tax benefits from stock option exercises and certain non-recurring tax provision adjustments. See Financial Results Adjusted for Comparability below for a reconciliation of adjusted non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP.

  • Sales for the quarter increased in all segments and regions. There were 14 weeks in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2021, compared to 13 weeks in 2020.
  • Gross profit margin rate for the quarter weakened mainly due to higher product costs.
  • Higher sales and earnings-based expenses contributed to the 15 percent increase in total operating expenses for the quarter.
  • Other non-operating expenses for the quarter included a non-cash pension settlement loss of $12 million in connection with the transfer of certain pension obligations to an insurance company.
  • The effective income tax rate for the quarter of 7 percent was 4 percentage points lower than the fourth quarter rate last year primarily due to non-recurring foreign-related tax benefits, partially offset by a decrease in excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises.

"We finished the year strong; posting records for quarterly and annual sales and operating earnings in 2021," said Mark Sheahan, Graco’s President and CEO. "Robust order rates continued in the fourth quarter and we ended the year with record backlog in all three segments. While we still face supply chain, logistical and inflationary challenges, we are managing these headwinds and Graco is positioned well entering the new year. Thank you to our employees, suppliers and distributors whose hard work and dedication made this year so successful."

Consolidated Results

Net sales for the quarter increased 15 percent from the comparable period last year. Sales increased 13 percent in the Americas, 4 percent in EMEA (8 percent at consistent translation rates) and 34 percent in Asia Pacific (33 percent at consistent translation rates). Sales for the year increased 20 percent from last year (19 percent at consistent translation rates). Sales increased 15 percent in the Americas, 25 percent in EMEA (22 percent at consistent translation rates) and 33 percent in Asia Pacific (28 percent at consistent translation rates). Changes in currency translation rates did not have a meaningful impact on worldwide sales for the quarter, but did increase worldwide sales $26 million for the year.

The fourth quarter gross profit margin rate decreased 1 percentage point from the comparable period last year as favorable product and channel mix, realized pricing and increased production volume were unable to offset higher product costs caused by ongoing supply chain and inflationary challenges. For the year, the gross profit margin rate was up slightly as increased volume, realized pricing and favorable changes in currency translation rates were able to offset higher product costs.

Total operating expenses for the quarter increased $17 million (15 percent) compared to the fourth quarter last year, including approximately $4 million (3 percentage points) of increases in sales and earnings-based expenses. Operating expenses for the year increased $39 million (9 percent) compared to last year. The increase includes $29 million (6 percentage points) of increases in sales and earnings-based expenses and $5 million (1 percentage point) related to foreign currency translation.

Other non-operating expenses for the quarter included a non-cash pension settlement loss of $12 million in connection with the transfer of certain pension obligations to an insurance company. Other non-operating expenses increased $7 million for the year as favorable market valuation changes on investments held to fund certain retirement benefits liabilities partially offset the pension settlement loss.

The effective income tax rate was 7 percent for the quarter and 13 percent for the year. Adjusted to exclude the impacts of excess tax benefits from stock option exercises and non-recurring foreign-related tax benefits (see Financial Results Adjusted for Comparability below), the adjusted effective income tax rate was 18 percent for the quarter and year.

Segment Results

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

 

Three Months

 

Twelve Months

 

Industrial

 

Process

 

Contractor

 

Industrial

 

Process

 

Contractor

Net Sales (in millions)

$ 239.9

 

$ 112.8

 

$ 186.9

 

$ 840.3

 

$ 397.6

 

$ 749.7

Percentage change from last year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

13 %

 

35 %

 

7 %

 

24 %

 

22 %

 

16 %

Operating earnings

13 %

 

41 %

 

(12) %

 

31 %

 

41 %

 

3 %

Operating earnings as a percentage of sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2021

37 %

 

23 %

 

19 %

 

35 %

 

23 %

 

23 %

2020

37 %

 

22 %

 

23 %

 

33 %

 

20 %

 

25 %

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

 

Three Months

 

Twelve Months

 

Volume

and Price

 

Acquisitions

 

Currency

 

Total

 

Volume

and Price

 

Acquisitions

 

Currency

 

Total

Americas

17%

 

0%

 

0%

 

17%

 

20%

 

0%

 

0%

 

20%

EMEA

(2)%

 

3%

 

(3)%

 

(2)%

 

19%

 

2%

 

3%

 

24%

Asia Pacific

26%

 

0%

 

0%

 

26%

 

25%

 

0%

 

5%

 

30%

Consolidated

13%

 

1%

 

(1)%

 

13%

 

21%

 

1%

 

2%

 

24%

Improved worldwide economic activity drove Industrial segment sales higher for the quarter and year. Organic sales declined in EMEA for the quarter due to timing of finishing system sales and other project activity. The operating margin rate for the quarter was flat compared to the prior year as favorable product and channel mix, increased production volume and realized pricing offset the impacts of higher product costs and increased sales and earnings-based expenses. For the year, the operating margin rate increased mostly due to higher production volume, favorable product and channel mix and realized pricing.

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

 

Three Months

 

Twelve Months

 

Volume

and Price

 

Acquisitions

 

Currency

 

Total

 

Volume

and Price

 

Acquisitions

and

Divestitures

 

Currency

 

Total

Americas

27%

 

0%

 

0%

 

27%

 

17%

 

0%

 

1%

 

18%

EMEA

25%

 

0%

 

0%

 

25%

 

14%

 

(5)%

 

4%

 

13%

Asia Pacific

67%

 

0%

 

0%

 

67%

 

48%

 

(10)%

 

5%

 

43%

Consolidated

35%

 

0%

 

0%

 

35%

 

23%

 

(3)%

 

2%

 

22%

The Process segment had organic sales growth in all divisions and regions for the quarter and year. Operating margin rates for this segment improved by 1 percentage point for the quarter and 3 percentage points for the year, as increased production volume and expense leverage more than offset the adverse effects of higher product costs and increased sales and earnings-based expenses.

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

 

Three Months

 

Twelve Months

 

Volume

and Price

 

Acquisitions

 

Currency

 

Total

 

Volume

and Price

 

Acquisitions

 

Currency

 

Total

Americas

5%

 

0%

 

0%

 

5%

 

11%

 

0%

 

1%

 

12%

EMEA

14%

 

0%

 

(3)%

 

11%

 

28%

 

0%

 

4%

 

32%

Asia Pacific

20%

 

0%

 

(1)%

 

19%

 

21%

 

0%

 

6%

 

27%

Consolidated

8%

 

0%

 

(1)%

 

7%

 

15%

 

0%

 

1%

 

16%

Contractor segment sales increased for the quarter and year due to continued strength in North American construction markets and improved demand in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions. Higher product costs due to ongoing supply chain and inflationary challenges led to a 4 percentage point decrease in the operating margin rate for the quarter and a 2 percentage point decrease for the year.

Outlook

"We are initiating an outlook for the full-year 2022 of high single-digit sales growth on an organic, constant currency basis, with positive expectations in every region and reportable segment," said Sheahan. "Our pricing actions coupled with strong demand levels across all major end markets and product categories should set us up for another strong year."

2022 Change in Organizational Structure

As previously announced, effective Jan. 1, 2022, our high performance coatings and foam product offerings within the Applied Fluid Technologies division of the Industrial segment were realigned and are now managed under the Contractor segment. High performance coatings and foam equipment consists of two-component proportioning systems to spray foam for insulating building walls, roofs, water heaters, refrigerators, hot tubs and other items and polyurea coatings applied on storage tanks, pipes, roofs, truck beds, concrete and other items. These product offerings also include equipment that sprays specialty coatings for protection and fireproofing and vapor-abrasive blasting equipment. The change will allow segment leadership to address overlap of markets, products, end users and distributors between the contractor-focused businesses.

Segment operating results will be reported under the new organizational structure in the first quarter of 2022, in connection with the effective date of the realignment. Historic segment information restated to conform to the new organizational structure is available as supplemental financial information on the Company’s website at www.graco.com.

Financial Results Adjusted for Comparability

Excluding the impact of the pension settlement loss, prior year impairment, excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises and certain tax provision adjustments presents a more consistent basis for comparison of financial results. A calculation of the non-GAAP measurements of adjusted operating earnings, earnings before income taxes, income taxes, effective income tax rates, net earnings and diluted earnings per share follows (in millions except per share amounts):

 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

Dec 31,

2021

 

Dec 25,

2020

 

Dec 31,

2021

 

Dec 25,

2020

Operating earnings, as reported

$ 144.6

 

$ 132.1

 

$ 531.3

 

$ 391.7

Impairment

 

 

 

35.2

Operating earnings, adjusted

$ 144.6

 

$ 132.1

 

$ 531.3

 

$ 426.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

$ 129.3

 

$ 129.5

 

$ 508.5

 

$ 374.7

Impairment

 

 

 

35.2

Pension settlement loss

12.0

 

 

12.0

 

Earnings before income taxes, adjusted

$ 141.3

 

$ 129.5

 

$ 520.5

 

$ 409.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes, as reported

$ 9.0

 

$ 14.8

 

$ 68.6

 

$ 44.2

Impairment tax benefit

 

 

 

1.2

Pension settlement tax effect

2.5

 

 

2.5

 

Excess tax benefit from option exercises

2.7

 

8.7

 

11.5

 

21.3

Other non-recurring tax benefit

11.3

 

 

12.2

 

8.0

Income taxes, adjusted

$ 25.5

 

$ 23.5

 

$ 94.8

 

$ 74.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

7.0 %

 

11.4 %

 

13.5 %

 

11.8 %

Adjusted

18.1 %

 

18.1 %

 

18.2 %

 

18.2 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Earnings, as reported

$ 120.3

 

$ 114.7

 

$ 439.9

 

$ 330.5

Impairment, net

 

 

 

34.0

Pension settlement loss, net of tax

9.5

 

 

9.5

 

Excess tax benefit from option exercises

(2.7)

 

(8.7)

 

(11.5)

 

(21.3)

Other non-recurring tax benefit

(11.3)

 

 

(12.2)

 

(8.0)

Net Earnings, adjusted

$ 115.8

 

$ 106.0

 

$ 425.7

 

$ 335.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Diluted Shares

174.9

 

173.2

 

174.5

 

172.0

Diluted Earnings per Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

$ 0.69

 

$ 0.66

 

$ 2.52

 

$ 1.92

Adjusted

$ 0.66

 

$ 0.61

 

$ 2.44

 

$ 1.95

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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

Future results could differ materially from those expressed due to the impact of changes in various factors. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business; economic conditions in the United States and other major world economies; our Company’s growth strategies, which include making acquisitions, investing in new products, expanding geographically and targeting new industries; changes in currency translation rates; the ability to meet our customers’ needs and changes in product demand; supply interruptions or delays; security breaches; new entrants who copy our products or infringe on our intellectual property; risks incident to conducting business internationally; catastrophic events; changes in laws and regulations; compliance with anti-corruption and trade laws; changes in tax rates or the adoption of new tax legislation; the possibility of asset impairments if acquired businesses do not meet performance expectations; political instability; results of and costs associated with litigation, administrative proceedings and regulatory reviews incident to our business; our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified personnel; the possibility of decline in purchases from a few large customers of the Contractor segment; variations in activity in the construction, automotive, mining and oil and natural gas industries; and the impact of declines in interest rates, asset values and investment returns on pension costs and required pension contributions. Please refer to Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2020 (and most recent Form 10-Q) for a more comprehensive discussion of these and other risk factors. These reports are available on the Company’s website at www.graco.com and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

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

Conference Call

Graco management will hold a conference call, including slides via webcast, with analysts and institutional investors on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, at 11 a.m. ET, 10 a.m. CT, to discuss Graco’s fourth quarter results.

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

For those unable to listen to the live event, a replay will be available soon after the conference call at Graco’s website, or by telephone beginning at approximately 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, by dialing 855-859-2056, Conference ID #7385629 if calling within the U.S. or Canada. The dial-in number for international participants is 404-537-3406, with the same Conference ID #. The replay by telephone will be available through 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022.

About Graco

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

GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited)

(In thousands except per share amounts)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

Dec 31,

2021

 

Dec 25,

2020

 

Dec 31,

2021

 

Dec 25,

2020

Net Sales

$ 539,619

 

$ 470,340

 

$ 1,987,608

 

$ 1,650,115

Cost of products sold

265,062

 

225,516

 

953,659

 

795,178

Gross Profit

274,557

 

244,824

 

1,033,949

 

854,937

Product development

18,912

 

19,450

 

79,651

 

72,194

Selling, marketing and distribution

74,094

 

60,043

 

271,526

 

220,271

General and administrative

36,956

 

33,203

 

151,449

 

135,525

Impairment

 

 

 

35,229

Operating Earnings

144,595

 

132,128

 

531,323

 

391,718

Interest expense

2,759

 

2,572

 

10,215

 

11,280

Other expense, net

12,612

 

49

 

12,643

 

5,787

Earnings Before Income Taxes

129,224

 

129,507

 

508,465

 

374,651

Income taxes

8,992

 

14,816

 

68,599

 

44,195

Net Earnings

$ 120,232

 

$ 114,691

 

$ 439,866

 

$ 330,456

Net Earnings per Common Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$ 0.71

 

$ 0.68

 

$ 2.59

 

$ 1.97

Diluted

$ 0.69

 

$ 0.66

 

$ 2.52

 

$ 1.92

Weighted Average Number of Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

170,164

 

168,104

 

169,635

 

167,462

Diluted

174,910

 

173,187

 

174,526

 

172,008

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

Dec 31,

2021

 

Dec 25,

2020

 

Dec 31,

2021

 

Dec 25,

2020

Net Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial

$ 239,917

 

$ 212,904

 

$ 840,256

 

$ 677,680

Process

112,836

 

83,495

 

397,626

 

326,105

Contractor

186,866

 

173,941

 

749,726

 

646,330

Total

$ 539,619

 

$ 470,340

 

$ 1,987,608

 

$ 1,650,115

Operating Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial

$ 88,637

 

$ 78,565

 

$ 296,542

 

$ 226,575

Process

26,114

 

18,528

 

91,037

 

64,498

Contractor

35,178

 

39,969

 

169,518

 

164,549

Unallocated corporate (expense)

(5,334)

 

(4,934)

 

(25,774)

 

(28,675)

Impairment

 

 

 

(35,229)

Total

$ 144,595

 

$ 132,128

 

$ 531,323

 

$ 391,718

GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

Dec 31,

2021

 

Dec 25,

2020

ASSETS

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 624,302

 

$ 378,909

Accounts receivable, less allowances of $3,900 and $4,400

325,132

 

314,946

Inventories

382,301

 

285,704

Other current assets

31,886

 

44,242

Total current assets

1,363,621

 

1,023,801

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

451,061

 

350,750

Goodwill

356,255

 

347,603

Other Intangible Assets, net

149,740

 

160,669

Operating Lease Assets

30,046

 

37,807

Deferred Income Taxes

55,786

 

25,828

Other Assets

36,689

 

41,670

Total Assets

$ 2,443,198

 

$ 1,988,128

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

Notes payable to banks

$ 43,489

 

$ 22,183

Current portion of long term debt

75,000

 

Trade accounts payable

78,432

 

58,305

Salaries and incentives

82,941

 

52,005

Dividends payable

35,771

 

31,636

Other current liabilities

191,159

 

157,260

Total current liabilities

506,792

 

321,389

Long-term Debt

75,000

 

150,000

Retirement Benefits and Deferred Compensation

106,897

 

184,747

Operating Lease Liabilities

23,527

 

29,224

Deferred Income Taxes

10,661

 

10,264

Other Non-current Liabilities

10,978

 

8,600

Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

Common stock

170,308

 

168,568

Additional paid-in-capital

742,288

 

671,206

Retained earnings

876,916

 

568,295

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

(80,169)

 

(124,165)

Total shareholders’ equity

1,709,343

 

1,283,904

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

$ 2,443,198

 

$ 1,988,128

GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

Year Ended

 

Dec 31,

2021

 

Dec 25,

2020

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

 

 

 

Net Earnings

$ 439,866

 

$ 330,456

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash

provided by operating activities

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

59,325

 

55,329

Deferred income taxes

(46,572)

 

10,747

Share-based compensation

24,931

 

25,153

Impairment

 

35,229

Change in

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

(13,801)

 

(43,122)

Inventories

(97,780)

 

(13,086)

Trade accounts payable

12,397

 

6,820

Salaries and incentives

29,089

 

(2,622)

Retirement benefits and deferred compensation

1,219

 

(6,703)

Other accrued liabilities

51,342

 

(3,772)

Other

(3,120)

 

(394)

Net cash provided by operating activities

456,896

 

394,035

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment additions

(133,566)

 

(71,338)

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

(19,386)

 

(27,557)

Other

(347)

 

(143)

Net cash used in investing activities

(153,299)

 

(99,038)

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

 

 

 

Borrowings on short-term lines of credit, net

20,497

 

(1,986)

Borrowings on long-term lines of credit

 

250,000

Payments on long-term debt and lines of credit

(70)

 

(250,000)

Payments of debt issuance costs

(1,422)

 

Common stock issued

50,963

 

83,438

Common stock repurchased

 

(102,143)

Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards

 

(1,797)

Cash dividends paid

(127,110)

 

(116,983)

Net cash provided by financing activities

(57,142)

 

(139,471)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

(1,062)

 

2,410

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

245,393

 

157,936

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

 

 

Beginning of year

378,909

 

220,973

End of year

$ 624,302

 

$ 378,909

 

Contacts

Financial: David Lowe, 612-623-6456

Media: David Ahlers, 612-623-6699

dahlers@graco.com

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