UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period endedMarch 30,September 28, 2007

Commission File Number:001-9249

 GRACO INC. 
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Minnesota 41-0285640


(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

88 - 11th Avenue N.E.  
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413


(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(612) 623-6000

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 Yes       X        No               

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 Exchange Act).

Large Accelerated Filer      X      Accelerated Filer             Non-accelerated Filer             

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

 Yes               No       X        

66,520,00062,893,000 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, $1.00 par value were outstanding as of AprilOctober 18, 2007.

GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

   Page Number
PART IFINANCIAL INFORMATION 
      
 Item 1.Financial Statements 
      
        Consolidated Statements of Earnings3
        Consolidated Balance Sheets4
        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows5
        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements6-126-13
      
      
 Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis 
      of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations13-1514-17
      
 Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk1618
      
 Item 4.Controls and Procedures1618
      
      
PART IIOTHER INFORMATION 
      
 Item 1A.Risk Factors1719
      
 Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds1719
      
 Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders1720
      
 Item 6.Exhibits1820
      
      
      
SIGNATURES  
      
      
EXHIBITS  
 PART I 
Item 1.  
 GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
Item 1.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS 
 (Unaudited) 
 (In thousands, except per share amounts) 


Thirteen Weeks Ended                    Thirteen Weeks Ended                  Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
March 30, 2007 March 31, 2006 Sep 28,
2007  
 Sep 29,
2006  
  Sep 28,
2007  
 Sep 29,
2006  
 
         
 

 
 
 

 
  
 

 
 
 

 
 
Net Sales $197,495 $192,216  $207,270 $202,199 $636,149 $613,047 
            
Cost of products sold  92,633  88,989   96,624 95,588  298,409  286,263 
 

 

  
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
Gross Profit  104,862  103,227   110,646 106,611  337,740  326,784 
            
Product development  8,272  7,212   7,087 7,487  22,903  22,237 
     
Selling, marketing and distribution  29,263  27,942   30,382 29,081  91,562  87,547 
     
General and administrative  15,240  13,421   14,641 15,039  44,938  43,516 
 

 

  
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
Operating Earnings  52,087  54,652   58,536 55,004  178,337  173,484 
            
Interest expense  258  125   1,034 342  1,934  656 
Other expense, net  39  170   25  179 
      
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
Other expense (income), net  (106) 5 
Earnings Before Income Taxes  57,463 54,492 176,378  172,649 
 

 

        
Earnings before Income Taxes  51,935  54,522 
Income Taxes  18,200 17,100  59,200  58,500 
      
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
Income taxes  18,200  19,100 
 

 

        
Net Earnings $33,735 $35,422  $39,263 $37,392 $117,178 $114,149 
 

 

  
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
Basic Net Earnings per Common Share $.51 $.52 
Basic Net Earnings       
per Common Share $0.61 $0.55 $1.78 $1.68 
            
Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share $.50 $.51 
Diluted Net Earnings       
per Common Share $0.60 $0.54 $1.75 $1.65 
            
Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share $.17 $.15 
Cash Dividends Declared       
per Common Share $0.17 $0.15 $0.50 $0.44 



See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
 (Unaudited) 
 (In thousands) 

March 30, 2007Dec. 29, 2006 Sep 28, 2007Dec. 29, 2006
ASSETS                
     
Current Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents $4,767 $5,871  $9,771 $5,871 
Accounts receivable, less allowances of  
$6,100 and $5,800  142,137  134,105 
$6,800 and $5,800  145,021  134,105 
Inventories  87,366  76,311   77,592  76,311 
Deferred income taxes  22,772  20,682   20,708  20,682 
Other current assets  2,144  2,014   3,267  2,014 
Total current assets 
 

259,186
 
 

238,983
  
 

256,359
 
 

238,983
 
          
Property, Plant and Equipment  
Cost  289,719  278,318   300,362  278,318 
Accumulated depreciation  (156,579) (153,794)  (162,937) (153,794)
Property, plant and equipment, net 
 

133,140
 
 

124,524
 
Total property, plant and equipment, net 
 

137,425
 
 

124,524
 
          
Prepaid Pension  27,703  26,903   29,261  26,903 
Goodwill  67,173  67,174   67,230  67,174 
Other Intangible Assets, net  48,195  50,325   44,103  50,325 
Other Assets  3,420  3,694   6,382  3,694 
Total Assets 
$

538,817
 
$

511,603
  
$

540,760
 
$

511,603
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
  
 

 
 
 

 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY  
     
Current Liabilities  
Notes payable to banks $33,361 $18,363  $17,324 $18,363 
Trade accounts payable  28,761  27,442   31,706  27,442 
Salaries, wages and commissions  13,850  26,303   19,071  26,303 
Dividends payable  11,006  11,055   10,503  11,055 
Other current liabilities  53,994  45,766   41,794  45,766 
Total current liabilities 
 

140,972
 
 

128,929
  
 

120,398
 
 

128,929
 
          
Long-term Debt  85,680   
Retirement Benefits and Deferred Compensation  37,011  36,946   38,009  36,946 
Uncertain Tax Positions  5,800     5,200   
Deferred Income Taxes  13,317  14,724   11,626  14,724 
          
Shareholders' Equity  
Common stock  66,536  66,805   63,485  66,805 
Additional paid-in capital  140,676  130,621 
Additional paid-in-capital  155,406  130,621 
Retained earnings  139,645  138,702   65,813  138,702 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (4,857) (5,124)
Cumulative translation adjustment  (67) (60)
Pension liability adjustment  (5,073) (5,064)
Total shareholders' equity 
 

341,717
 
 

331,004
  
 

279,847
 
 

331,004
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity 
$

538,817
 
$

511,603
  
$

540,760
 
$

511,603
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
  
 

 
 
 

 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
 (Unaudited)
(In (In thousands) 

Thirteen Weeks Ended      Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
March 30, 2007 March 31, 2006  Sep 28, 2007 Sep 29, 2006 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities            
     
Net Earnings $33,735 $35,422  $117,178 $114,149 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash 
provided by operating activities 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to 
net cash provided by operating activities: 
Depreciation and amortization  6,959  5,781   20,770  19,031 
Deferred income taxes  (3,478) (1,706)  (3,059) (5,975)
Share-based compensation  2,218  2,164   6,297  6,508 
Excess tax benefit related to share-based  
payment arrangements  (848) (2,000)  (4,154) (2,500)
Change in:  
Accounts receivable  (7,631) (6,471)  (7,383) (3,965)
Inventories  (10,985) (7,934)  (907) (14,487)
Trade accounts payable  1,711  4,906   (1,477) 2,383 
Salaries, wages and commissions  (12,469) (9,825)  (7,697) (1,484)
Retirement benefits and deferred compensation  (989) 19   (1,848) 299 
Other accrued liabilities  9,281  11,883   6,150  2,328 
Uncertain tax positions  5,800   
Other  (165) 50   (1,589) 702 
Net cash provided by operating activities 
 

23,139
 
 

32,289
  
 

122,281
 
 

116,989
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
  
 

 
 
 

 
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities  
     
Property, plant and equipment additions  (13,267) (4,371)  (28,207) (22,117)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment  149  19   207  101 
Investment in life insurance  (1,499)  
Capitalized software and other intangible asset additions  (43) (200)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired    (31,067)
Net cash used in investing activities 
 

(13,118
)
 

(4,352
) 
 

(29,542
)
 

(53,283
)
 
 

 
 
 

 
  
 

 
 
 

 
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities  
     
Borrowings on notes payable and lines of credit  29,415  4,333   100,210  42,834 
Payments on notes payable and lines of credit  (14,476) (8,310)  (101,914) (29,320)
Excess tax benefit related to share-based payment 
arrangements  848  2,000 
Borrowings on long-term line of credit  85,680   
Excess tax benefit related to share-based 
payment arrangements  4,154  2,500 
Common stock issued  8,355  10,200   22,545  11,540 
Common stock retired  (23,985) (17,404)  (164,910) (69,754)
Cash dividends paid  (11,010) (9,922)  (32,800) (29,679)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 
 

(10,853
)
 

(19,103
) 
 

(87,035
)
 

(71,879
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 
 

(272
)
 

(315
) 
 

(1,804
)
 

(1,299
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
 

(1,104
)
 

8,519
  
 

3,900
 
 

(9,472
)
     
Cash and cash equivalents  
Beginning of year  5,871  18,664   5,871  18,664 
End of period 
$

4,767
 
$

27,183
  
$

9,771
 
$

9,192
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
  
 

 
 
 

 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.



GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.The consolidated balance sheet of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of March 30,September 28, 2007 and the related statements of earnings for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2007 and September 29, 2006, and cash flows for the thirteenthirty-nine weeks then ended September 28, 2007 and September 29, 2006 have been prepared by the Company and have not been audited.

 In the opinion of management, these consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries as of March 30,September 28, 2007, and the results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented.

 Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. Therefore, these statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

2.The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 30, 2007 March 31, 2006 
   
Net earnings available to common shareholders  $33,735 $35,422 
   
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic  
earnings per share   66,667  68,428 
   
Dilutive effect of stock options computed using the  
treasury stock method and the average market  
price   1,048  1,121 
   
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted  
earnings per share   67,715  69,549 
   
Basic earnings per share  $.51 $.52 
   
Diluted earnings per share  $.50 $.51 
 Thirteen Weeks Ended    Thirty-nine Weeks Ended    
 Sep 28,  
    2007    
 Sep 29,  
    2006    
 Sep 28,  
    2007    
 Sep 29,  
    2006    
 
               
Net earnings available to
   common shareholders
  $39,263 $37,392 $117,178 $114,149 
     
Weighted average shares
   outstanding for basic
  
   earnings per share   64,797  67,576  65,836  68,042 
     
Dilutive effect of stock
   options computed using the
  
   treasury stock method and  
   the average market price   921  1,135  998  1,151 
   
Weighted average shares
   outstanding for diluted
  
   earnings per share   65,718  68,711  66,834  69,193 
      
Basic earnings per share  $0.61 $0.55 $1.78 $1.68 
      
Diluted earnings per share  $0.60 $0.54 $1.75 $1.65 

 Stock options to purchase 948,0001,043,000 and 1,0001,030,000 shares arewere outstanding as of September 28, 2007 and September 29, 2006, respectively, but were not included in the 2007 and 2006 calculationscomputations of diluted earnings per share respectively, because theythe effect of including them would have been anti-dilutive.

3.Information on option shares outstanding and option activity for the thirteenthirty-nine weeks ended March 30,September 28, 2007 is shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 Option
Shares
Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 
Options
Exercisable
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
         
Outstanding, December 29, 2006   3,956 $24.79  2,272 $16.94 
     Granted   539  41.36 
     Exercised   (114) 11.44 
     Canceled   (19) 35.57 
Outstanding, March 30, 2007   
4,362
 $27.14  2,620 $19.91 
    
 
    
 Option 
Shares 
Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 
Options
Exercisable
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
         
Outstanding, December 29, 2006   3,956 $24.79  2,272 $16.94 
     Granted   648  41.23 
     Exercised   (779) 19.63 
     Canceled   (371) 39.01 
Outstanding, September 28, 2007   
3,454
 $27.51  2,278 $21.44 
    
 
    

 The aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable option shares was $50.7$40.5 million as of March 30,September 28, 2007, with a weighted average contractual term of 5.24.8 years. There were approximately 4.33.4 million vested share options and share options expected to vest as of March 30,September 28, 2007, with an aggregate intrinsic value of $54.9$42.1 million, a weighted average exercise price of $26.81$27.23 and a weighted average contractual term of 6.56.0 years.

 Information related to options exercised in the first threenine months of 2007 and 2006 follows (in thousands):

         Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 30, 2007March 31, 2006
Cash received$1,305$3,409
Aggregate intrinsic value3,4076,359
Tax benefit realized1,2002,300
        Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 Sep 28, 2007Sep 29, 2006
Cash received$15,290$4,516
Aggregate intrinsic value16,6258,204
Tax benefit realized6,2003,000

 The Company recognized year-to-date share-based compensation of $2.2$6.3 million in both the first quarter of 2007 and the first quarter of$6.5 million in 2006. As of March 30,September 28, 2007, there was $13.2$10.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options, expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.42.2 years.

 The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions and results:

Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 30, 2007   March 31, 2006   
Expected life in years6.0   6.3   
Interest rate4.6%4.6%
Volatility26.2%27.8%
Dividend yield1.6%1.4%
Weighted average fair value per share$12.05   $12.81   
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 Sep 28, 2007   Sep 29, 2006   
Expected life in years6.0   6.3   
Interest rate4.7%4.6%
Volatility26.1%27.8%
Dividend yield1.6%1.4%
Weighted average fair value per share$12.01   $12.97   

 Under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the Company issued 202,000 shares in 2007 and 204,000 shares in 2006. The fair value of the employees’ purchase rights under this 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:

Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 30, 2007   March 31, 2006   
Expected life in years1.0   1.0   
Interest rate4.9%4.6%
Volatility24.4%24.0%
Dividend yield1.6%1.4%
Weighted average fair value per share$9.79   $10.18   
  Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 Sep 28, 2007   Sep 29, 2006   
Expected life in years1.0   1.0   
Interest rate4.9%4.6%
Volatility24.4%24.0%
Dividend yield1.6%1.4%
Weighted average fair value per share$9.79   $10.18   

4.The components of net periodic benefit cost for retirement benefit plans were as follows (in thousands):

Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 30, 2007March 31, 2006
Pension Benefits  
Service cost  $1,479 $1,440 
Interest cost 2,882  2,608 
Expected return on assets   (4,800) (4,175)
Amortization and other   255  192 
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)  
$

(184
)
$

65
 
   

 

 
Postretirement Medical  
Service cost  $150 $250 
Interest cost   300  420 
Amortization and other   (50) 186 
Net periodic benefit cost  
$

400
 
$

856
 
   

 

 
             Thirteen Weeks Ended       Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
Sep 28,  
2007    
Sep 29,  
2006    
Sep 28,  
2007    
Sep 29,  
2006    
Pension Benefits  
Service cost  $1,231 $998 $4,211 $4,072 
Interest cost 2,855  2,597  8,622  7,815 
Expected return on assets   (4,496) (3,923) (14,096) (12,273)
Amortization and other   204  524  749  815 
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)  
$

(206
)
$

196
 
$

(514
)
$

429
 
   

 

 

 

 
Postretirement Medical  
Service cost  $75 $195 $375 $695 
Interest cost   360  351  975  1,191 
Amortization   (518) 151  55  416 
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)  
$

(83
)
$

697
 
$

1,405
 
$

2,302
 
   

 

 

 

 

In June 2007, the Company paid $1.5 million for contracts insuring the lives of certain employees who are eligible to participate in certain non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans. These insurance contracts will be used to fund the non-qualified pension and deferred compensation arrangements. The insurance contracts are held in a trust and are available to general creditors in the event of the Company’s insolvency. Cash surrender value of $1.4 million is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet as of September 28, 2007.

5.Total comprehensive income was as follows (in thousands):

Thirteen Weeks Ended
March 30, 2007March 31, 2006
       
Net income  $33,735 $35,422 
Foreign currency translation adjustments   (7) 515 
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax   (9) (19)
Comprehensive income  
$

33,719
 
$

35,918
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
             Thirteen Weeks Ended       Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
Sep 28,  
2007    
Sep 29,  
2006    
Sep 28,  
2007    
Sep 29,  
2006    
 
Net income  $39,263 $37,392 $117,178 $114,149 
Foreign currency translation
   adjustments
 88  30  202  1,770 
Pension liability adjustment,
   net of tax
   40  3  121  (53)
Hedge gain (loss), net of tax   (56)   (56)  
Comprehensive income  
$

39,335
 
$

37,425
 
$

117,445

$

115,866
 
   

 

 

 

 

Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were (in thousands):

  Sep 28, 2007   Dec 29, 2006 
    
Cumulative translation adjustment$        142  $        (60)
Pension liability adjustment(4,943) (5,064)
Hedge gain (loss)(56) –  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
$    (4,857)
 
$    (5,124)
 
 

6.The Company has three reportable segments: Industrial, Contractor and Lubrication. The Company does not track assets by segment. Sales and operating earnings by segment for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended March 30,September 28, 2007 and March 31,September 29, 2006 were as follows (in thousands):

       Thirteen Weeks Ended
March 30, 2007 March 31, 2006 
Net Sales        
Industrial  $105,065 $100,160 
Contractor   69,751  74,352 
Lubrication   22,679  17,704 
Consolidated  
$

197,495
 
$

192,216
 




Operating Earnings  
Industrial  $34,418 $32,083 
Contractor   17,027  21,042 
Lubrication   3,064  4,755 
Unallocated corporate   (2,422) (3,228)
Consolidated  
$

52,087
 
$

54,652
 




           Thirteen Weeks Ended       Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
Sep 28,  
2007    
Sep 29,  
2006    
Sep 28,  
2007    
Sep 29,  
2006    
Net Sales  
Industrial  $107,791 $101,149 $327,137 $305,864 
Contractor 76,649  78,659  240,631  249,518 
Lubrication   22,830  22,391  68,381  57,665 
Consolidated  
$

207,270
 
$

202,199
 
$

636,149
 
$

613,047
 
   

 

 

 

 
Operating Earnings  
Industrial  $37,597 $31,233 $111,570 $95,795 
Contractor   21,016  21,199  66,662  71,762 
Lubrication   2,584  4,747  7,844  13,968 
Unallocated corporate   (2,661) (2,175) (7,739) (8,041)
Consolidated  
$

58,536
 
$

55,004
 
$

178,337
 
$

173,484
 
   

 

 

 

 

7.Major components of inventories were as follows (in thousands):

 March 30, 2007 Dec. 29, 2006 
         
Finished products and components  $51,909 $44,969 
Products and components in various stages  
     of completion   29,795  26,841 
Raw materials and purchased components   36,188  35,258 
   
 

117,892
 
 

107,068
 
Reduction to LIFO cost   (30,526) (30,757)
Total  
$

87,366
 
$

76,311
 




 Sep 28, 2007 Dec 29, 2006 
         
Finished products and components  $53,075 $44,969 
Products and components in various  
     stages of completion   25,361  26,841 
Raw materials and purchased components   30,036  35,258 
   
 

108,472
 
 

107,068
 
Reduction to LIFO cost   (30,880) (30,757)
Total  
$

77,592
 
$

76,311
 





8.Information related to other intangible assets follows (dollars in thousands):

 Estimated
Life (Years)
Original
Cost
Amorti-
zation
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Book
Value
March 30, 2007             
Customer relationships and    
    distribution network  4 - 8   $26,102 $(8,272)$4 $17,834 
Patents, proprietary technology  
  and product documentation  5 - 15   22,243  (5,261) 4  16,986 
Trademarks and trade names  3 - 10   4,684  (1,582) 13  3,115 
      
 

53,029
 
 

(15,115
)
 

21
 
 

37,935
 
Not Subject to Amortization:  
Brand names      10,260      10,260 
Total     
$

63,289
 
$

(15,115
)
$

21
 
$

48,195
 








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

53,459
 
 

(13,419
)
 

25
 
 

40,065
 
Not Subject to Amortization:  
Brand names      10,260      10,260 
Total     
$

63,719
 
$

(13,419
)
$

25
 
$

50,325
 








 Estimated
Life
(Years)
Original
Cost
Accumulated
Amortization
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Book
Value
September 28, 2007             
Customer relationships and    
    distribution network  4 - 8   $26,102 $(10,156)$50 $15,996 
Patents, proprietary technology  
  and product documentation  5 - 15   22,243  (6,902) 25  15,366 
Trademarks, trade names                 
   and other  3 - 10   4,684  (2,233) 30  2,481 
      
 

53,029
 
 

(19,291
)
 

105
 
 

33,843
 
Not Subject to Amortization:  
   Brand names      10,260      10,260 
Total     
$

63,289
 
$

(19,291
)
$

105
 
$

44,103
 








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

53,459
 
 

(13,419
)
 

25
 
 

40,065
 
Not Subject to Amortization:  
   Brand names      10,260      10,260 
Total     
$

63,719
 
$

(13,419
)
$

25
 
$

50,325
 









 Amortization of intangibles was $2.1 million in the firstthird quarter of 2007.2007 and $6.3 million year-to-date. Estimated annual amortization expense is as follows: $8.2 million in 2007, $7.8 million in 2008, $6.9 million in 2009, $5.8 million in 2010, $4.9 million in 2011 and $6.4 million thereafter.

9.Components of other current liabilities were (in thousands):

 March 30, 2007Dec. 29, 2006
   
Accrued insurance liabilities$  7,959$  7,833
Accrued warranty and service liabilities6,3806,675
Accrued trade promotions5,1137,265
Payable for employee stock purchases1,0695,846
Income taxes payable16,9713,920
Other16,50214,227
  
$53,994 

$45,766 
  
 

 
 Sep 28, 2007Dec. 29, 2006
   
Accrued insurance liabilities$  8,048$  7,833
Accrued warranty and service liabilities6,6666,675
Accrued trade promotions5,0717,265
Payable for employee stock purchases4,3645,846
Income taxes payable4743,920
Other17,17114,227
 Total
$41,794

$45,766
  
 

 

 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):

 Thirteen Weeks
Ended         
March 30, 2007
 Year Ended  
Dec. 29, 2006
 
         
Balance, beginning of year  $6,675 $7,649 
Charged to expense   991  4,442 
Margin on parts sales reversed   758  1,944 
Reductions for claims settled   (2,044) (7,360)
Balance, end of period  
$

6,380
 
$

6,675
 




 Thirty-nine  
Weeks Ended
Sep 28, 2007
 Year Ended  
Dec. 29, 2006
 
         
Balance, beginning of year  $6,675 $7,649 
Charged to expense   4,072  4,442 
Margin on parts sales reversed   2,300  1,944 
Reductions for claims settled   (6,381) (7,360)
Balance, end of period  
$

6,666
 
$

6,675
 





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

 At the beginning of 2007, the Company’s liability for uncertain tax positions was $5.5 million. Unrecognized tax benefits of $4.9 million would affect the Company'sCompany’s effective tax rate if recognized. The Company records penalties and accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. At the beginning of 2007, approximately $0.6 million was included in the liability for uncertain tax positions for the possible payment of interest and penalties. There were no significant changes in components of the liability in the first quarternine months of 2007.

 With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or foreign income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2001. The Company’s U.S. income tax returns for 2004 and 2005 are currently under examination by the IRS. An estimate of the range of possible changes that may result from the examination cannot be made at this time.

 Approximately $1 million of unrecognized tax benefits relate to items that are affected by expiring statutestatutes of limitations within the next 12 months.

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

Upon securing the new facility, certain committed lines of credit totaling $50 million were terminated. Additional uncommitted lines totaling $55 million expired at the end of July 2007. At September 28, 2007, the Company's various lines of credit, including the new facility, totaled $295 million, of which $193 million was unused.

In September 2007, the company entered into a pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swap contract that effectively fixes the rate paid on $40 million of variable rate borrowings at 4.73 percent plus the applicable spread (depending on cash flow leverage ratio) for a period of three years. The fair market value of the swap contract is included in other current liabilities. The contract has been designated as a hedge against interest rate volatility. Consequently, changes in the fair market value are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Item 2.
GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
   
 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 

Results of Operations

First quarter netNet earnings of $33.7$39 million for the quarter were 5 percent belowhigher than net earnings in the firstthird quarter last year. The decrease resulted fromSales of $207 million were 3 percent higher than the same period last year. Year-to-date net earnings of $117 million were 3 percent higher than last year and sales of $636 million were up 4 percent. Higher sales in Europe and Asia were offset to a great extent by lower gross margin rate and higher expenses, which more than offsetsales in the Americas.

Foreign currency translation rates had a favorable impact of a 3on sales and net earnings. Translated at consistent exchange rates, net earnings and sales for the quarter were each up 1 percent. Year-to-date net earnings were down 1 percent increase in sales.and sales increased 2 percent.

Results include the operations of Lubriquip, which was acquired in July 2006. The integrationSales of Lubriquip is on track for completion by the endproducts contributed approximately 2 percentage points of the yearyear-to-date sales growth. Year-to-date costs and expenses related to moving and consolidation activities (including the consolidation of Gusmer operations was competedcompleted in the first quarter. Costs and expenses related to the integration and consolidation activitiesquarter) totaled approximately $1 million in the first quarter of 2007.

Foreign currency translation rates had a favorable impact on first quarter sales and net earnings. Translated at consistent exchange rates, sales increased 1 percent and net earnings decreased 8 percent.$2 million.

Net Sales

Sales by reportable segment and geographic area were as follows (in thousands):

    Thirteen Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended     Thirty-nine Weeks Ended   
March 20, 2007March 31, 2006Sep 28,
2007   
Sep 29,
2006   
Sep 28,
2007   
Sep 29,
2006   
By Segment 
Net Sales 
Industrial$105,065$100,160$107,791$101,149$327,137$305,864
Contractor69,75174,35276,64978,659240,631249,518
Lubrication22,67917,70422,83022,39168,38157,665
Consolidated
$197,495

$192,216

$207,270

$202,199

$636,149

$613,047



By Geographic Area
Americas1$120,546$132,212$124,373$133,339$386,400$409,923
Europe249,37739,54653,10943,334161,154128,234
Asia Pacific27,57220,45829,78825,52688,59574,890
Consolidated
$197,495

$192,216

$207,270

$202,199

$636,149

$613,047



1

North and South America, including the U.S.

2

Europe, Africa and Middle East


Industrial segment sales increased 7 percent for both the quarter and year-to-date. Double-digit percentage growth in Europe and Asia more than offset the 5 percent. Apercent decrease in the Americas was more than offset by double-digit percentagefor both the quarter and year-to-date.

Contractor segment sales decreased 3 percent for the quarter and 4 percent year-to-date. Strong increases in Europe and Asia Pacific.

Contractor segment sales decreased 6 percent. Segment sales in Europe increased 40 percent while sales were lower in the Americas and Asia Pacific. In the Americas, growth in the home center channel was not enough to offset the declinedecrease in the Americas, where sales were down in both the home center and the professional paint stores channel.store channels.

Lubrication segment sales increased 282 percent for the quarter and 19 percent year-to-date. The year-to-date increase is due to sales of Lubriquip products, acquired in mid-2006. SalesYear-to-date sales in this segment increased in all geographic areas.

Gross Profit

Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 53.1 percent compared to 53.753.4 percent for the firstquarter compared to 52.7 percent for the third quarter last year. Translated at consistent exchange rates, gross profit percentage for the quarter is virtually the same as last year.

Year-to-date gross profit percentage was 53.1 percent in 2007 compared to 53.3 percent in 2006. The decrease was due mainly to lower margin rates on Lubriquip products, consolidation costs and higher production and material costs, offset somewhat by the favorable impacts of currency translation and pricing.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the quarter increased $4 million including approximately $1.5 million1 percent. Product development and general and administrative expenses were down slightly while higher selling, marketing and distribution spending was in line with the sales increase.

Year-to-date operating expenses increased 4 percent, mostly due to expenses related to Lubriquip. The Contractor segment incurred approximately $1 millionOperating expenses as a percentage of expenses related tosales are about the market testing of a new line of sprayers in the home center channel.same as last year.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate of 3532 percent for the quarter was 2 percentage points lower than the year-to-date rate. The lower rate in the quarter resulted from expiring statutes of limitations and a higher than expected benefit upon filing of prior year tax returns.

Effective tax rates were about the same as last year’s rateyear for both the first quarter.quarter and year-to-date.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

SignificantIn the first nine months of 2007, the Company used cash from operations and borrowings to purchase and retire $165 million of Company common stock. Other significant uses of cash in the first quarternine months of 2007 included $24 million for purchases and retirement of Company common stock, $13 million for capital additions and $11$33 million for payment of dividends. Duringdividends and $28 million for capital additions.

In the first quarternine months of 2006, the Company used primarily cash from operations to purchase and retire $70 million of Company common stock. Other significant uses of cash in the first nine months of 2006 included $17$31 million for purchases and retirementthe acquisition of Company common stock and $10Lubriquip, $30 million for dividends.payment of dividends and $22 million for capital additions.

At March 30,In July 2007, the Company hadentered into an agreement with a syndicate of lenders providing $250 million of unsecured committed credit with an option for an additional $150 million. The new credit facility will be used for general corporate purposes including acquisitions and share repurchases. Upon securing the new facility, certain committed lines of credit totaling $50 million were terminated. Additional uncommitted lines totaling $55 million expired at the end of July 2007.

At September 28, 2007, the Company’s various lines of credit, totaling $145including the new facility, totaled $295 million, of which $115$193 million was unused. Internally generated funds and unused financing sources provide the Company with the financial flexibility to meet liquidity needs.

Outlook

First quarter sales fell short of expectations due mostly to soft demandManagement is optimistic about continued strength in the North American IndustrialCompany’s international businesses and Contractor businesses. Management expectsremains cautious in its outlook for the Americas. Portions of the Company’s business that 2007 will continuehave ties to the housing sector in the Americas are expected to be soft until market conditions improve.

In September 2007, the Company announced the launch of new paint sprayers in the home center channel. The new sprayers are expected to generate higher per-store net sales; however sales to home centers in 2008 are estimated to be approximately $7 to $8 million lower than 2007 due to a challenging sales growth environmentreduction in North America. Spendingthe number of stores carrying the sprayers. Incremental expenses totaling approximately $5 million related to the launch and production of new units will be incurred over the remaindernext 15 months, including $0.5 million in 2007.

The integration of Lubriquip is on track for completion by the end of the year and the consolidation of Gusmer operations was completed in the first quarter. These integration activities will be adjusted accordingly, however,improve the Company willcontribution of the acquired products.

Management believes it can continue to invest forguide the futurebusiness to higher sales and earnings by fundingmaking long-term investments in key growth strategies.strategies including new product development, expanding distribution, entering new markets and pursuing strategic acquisitions.

SAFE HARBOR CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

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 and conference calls, 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 2006 for a more comprehensive discussion of these and other risk factors.

Investors should realize that factors other than those identified above and in Item 1A and Exhibit 99 might prove important to the Company’s future results. It is not possible for management to identify each and every factor that may have an impact on the Company’s operations in the future as new factors can develop from time to time.

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 3.       Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There are no material changes related to market risk from the disclosures made in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.



Item 4.Controls and Procedures

Item 4.       Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

As of the end of the fiscal quarter covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures. This evaluation was done under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, the Vice President and Controller, and the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Based upon that evaluation, they concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in gathering, analyzing and disclosing information needed to satisfy the Company’s disclosure obligations under the Exchange Act.

Changes in internal controls

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

PART IIOTHER INFORMATION

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.Risk Factors

Item 1A.      Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the Company’s risk factors from those disclosed in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.



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

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

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

In addition to shares purchased under the Board authorization,authorizations, 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 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)
                
Dec. 30, 2006 - Jan 26, 2007133,600$40.27133,6004,909,900
                
Jan 27, 2007 - Feb 23, 2007170,000$41.11170,0004,739,900
                
Feb 24, 2007 - Mar 30, 2007283,800$39.46283,8004,456,100
Period                                                                                                  Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
Average
Price
Paid per
   Share   
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
  Programs  
Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
(at end of
    period)    
                
Jun 30, 2007 – Jul 27, 2007   570,300$39.45   570,3002,464,500
                
Jul 28, 2007 – Aug 24, 2007   467,300$40.36   467,3001,997,200
                
Aug 25, 2007 – Sep 28, 20071,239,580$38.981,239,5807,757,620


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

 None


Item 6.Exhibits

4.1Credit agreementAgreement dated April 1, 2006,July 12, 2007, between the Company and WachoviaU.S. Bank National Association, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Promissory Note, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and Offering Basis Loan Agreement)Bank of America, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.110.1 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2006.); as extended by letter from Wachovia Bank, N.A. to Graco Inc.,8-K dated March 26,July 18, 2007.)

10.1Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award inRestoration Plan (2005 Statement). Second Amendment adopted August 15, 2007 of non-incentive stock options to executive officers under the Graco Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan (2006). Form of agreement for award made to Chief Executive Officer in 2007.

31.1Certification of Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

32Certification of Chairman,the President and Chief Executive Officer, and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18, U.S.C.

SIGNATURES

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

GRACO INC.      
 
 
Date: AprilOctober 24, 2007By:/s/David A. RobertsPatrick J. McHale
 
 
David A. RobertsPatrick J. McHale
  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
   (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
Date: AprilOctober 24, 2007By:/s/James A. Graner
 
 
James A. Graner
  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
   (Principal Financial Officer)
Date: October 24, 2007By:/s/Caroline M. Chambers


Caroline M. Chambers
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)