10-Q 1 ggg0925201510-q.htm 10-Q
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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 ended September 25, 2015
Commission File Number: 001-09249

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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes X No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer |  | X |  | Accelerated Filer |  |
Non-accelerated Filer |  |  |  | Smaller reporting company |  |

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes No X
55,913,000 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, $1.00 par value, were outstanding as of October 14, 2015.

Table of Contents
INDEX

|  |  |  |  | Page Number
PART I | FINANCIAL INFORMATION |  |
| Item 1. |  | Financial Statements |  |
|  |  | Consolidated Statements of Earnings |  | 3
|  |  | Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income |  | 3
|  |  | Consolidated Balance Sheets |  | 4
|  |  | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |  | 5
|  |  | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |  | 6
| Item 2. |  | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |  | 18
| Item 3. |  | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |  | 24
| Item 4. |  | Controls and Procedures |  | 24
PART II | OTHER INFORMATION |  |
| Item 1A. |  | Risk Factors |  | 25
| Item 2. |  | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |  | 26
| Item 6. |  | Exhibits |  | 27
SIGNATURES |  |
EXHIBITS |  |  |  |

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PART I Item 1.
GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited) (In thousands except per share amounts)

| Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014 |  | Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014
Net Sales | $ | 318,986 |  |  | $ | 302,614 |  |  | $ | 960,928 |  |  | $ | 915,125 |
Cost of products sold | 148,790 |  |  | 136,800 |  |  | 447,980 |  |  | 413,149 |
Gross Profit | 170,196 |  |  | 165,814 |  |  | 512,948 |  |  | 501,976 |
Product development | 14,783 |  |  | 13,785 |  |  | 44,980 |  |  | 40,349 |
Selling, marketing and distribution | 48,374 |  |  | 47,466 |  |  | 149,924 |  |  | 143,311 |
General and administrative | 30,112 |  |  | 25,656 |  |  | 91,995 |  |  | 78,856 |
Operating Earnings | 76,927 |  |  | 78,907 |  |  | 226,049 |  |  | 239,460 |
Interest expense | 4,025 |  |  | 4,566 |  |  | 13,453 |  |  | 13,830 |
Held separate investment (income), net | (2,388 | ) |  | (8,520 | ) |  | (190,744 | ) |  | (22,757 | )
Other expense (income), net | 1,389 |  |  | 310 |  |  | 1,661 |  |  | 355 |
Earnings Before Income Taxes | 73,901 |  |  | 82,551 |  |  | 401,679 |  |  | 248,032 |
Income taxes | 23,210 |  |  | 23,000 |  |  | 109,510 |  |  | 71,500 |
Net Earnings | $ | 50,691 |  |  | $ | 59,551 |  |  | $ | 292,169 |  |  | $ | 176,532 |
Per Common Share |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic net earnings | $ | 0.88 |  |  | $ | 0.99 |  |  | $ | 5.02 |  |  | $ | 2.92 |
Diluted net earnings | $ | 0.86 |  |  | $ | 0.97 |  |  | $ | 4.90 |  |  | $ | 2.85 |
Cash dividends declared | $ | 0.30 |  |  | $ | 0.28 |  |  | $ | 0.90 |  |  | $ | 0.83 |

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited) (In thousands)

| Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014 |  | Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014
Net Earnings | $ | 50,691 |  |  | $ | 59,551 |  |  | $ | 292,169 |  |  | $ | 176,532 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cumulative translation adjustment | (13,572 | ) |  | (12,888 | ) |  | (4,179 | ) |  | (14,882 | )
Pension and postretirement medical liability adjustment | 2,537 |  |  | 1,463 |  |  | 6,894 |  |  | 3,876 |
Income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Pension and postretirement medical liability adjustment | (837 | ) |  | (490 | ) |  | (2,478 | ) |  | (1,354 | )
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (11,872 | ) |  | (11,915 | ) |  | 237 |  |  | (12,360 | )
Comprehensive Income | $ | 38,819 |  |  | $ | 47,636 |  |  | $ | 292,406 |  |  | $ | 164,172 |

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited) (In thousands)

| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Dec 26, 2014
ASSETS |  |  |
Current Assets |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 51,913 |  |  | $ | 23,656 |
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $10,200 and $8,100 | 229,504 |  |  | 214,944 |
Inventories | 197,215 |  |  | 159,797 |
Deferred income taxes | 21,451 |  |  | 19,969 |
Investment in businesses held separate | — |  |  | 421,767 |
Other current assets | 19,797 |  |  | 19,374 |
Total current assets | 519,880 |  |  | 859,507 |
Property, Plant and Equipment |  |  |
Cost | 452,370 |  |  | 433,751 |
Accumulated depreciation | (280,145 | ) |  | (272,521 | )
Property, plant and equipment, net | 172,225 |  |  | 161,230 |
Goodwill | 397,322 |  |  | 292,574 |
Other Intangible Assets, net | 233,858 |  |  | 176,278 |
Deferred Income Taxes | 39,435 |  |  | 28,982 |
Other Assets | 24,679 |  |  | 26,207 |
Total Assets | $ | 1,387,399 |  |  | $ | 1,544,778 |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY |  |  |
Current Liabilities |  |  |
Notes payable to banks | $ | 9,243 |  |  | $ | 5,016 |
Trade accounts payable | 50,231 |  |  | 39,306 |
Salaries and incentives | 43,612 |  |  | 40,775 |
Dividends payable | 17,100 |  |  | 17,790 |
Other current liabilities | 84,161 |  |  | 71,593 |
Total current liabilities | 204,347 |  |  | 174,480 |
Long-term Debt | 375,000 |  |  | 615,000 |
Retirement Benefits and Deferred Compensation | 137,987 |  |  | 136,812 |
Deferred Income Taxes | 22,084 |  |  | 22,454 |
Other non-current liabilities | 11,489 |  |  | — |
Shareholders’ Equity |  |  |
Common stock | 56,238 |  |  | 59,199 |
Additional paid-in-capital | 396,140 |  |  | 384,704 |
Retained earnings | 284,613 |  |  | 252,865 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (100,499 | ) |  | (100,736 | )
Total shareholders’ equity | 636,492 |  |  | 596,032 |
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | $ | 1,387,399 |  |  | $ | 1,544,778 |

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited) (In thousands)

| Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014
Cash Flows From Operating Activities |  |  |
Net Earnings | $ | 292,169 |  |  | $ | 176,532 |
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 33,286 |  |  | 27,621 |
Deferred income taxes | (13,723 | ) |  | (7,079 | )
Share-based compensation | 15,488 |  |  | 13,810 |
Excess tax benefit related to share-based payment arrangements | (1,200 | ) |  | (3,700 | )
(Gain) loss on sale of business, net | (149,003 | ) |  | — |
Change in |  |  |
Accounts receivable | (21,195 | ) |  | (31,632 | )
Inventories | (28,648 | ) |  | (12,889 | )
Trade accounts payable | 3,124 |  |  | 2,058 |
Salaries and incentives | (2,759 | ) |  | (3,323 | )
Retirement benefits and deferred compensation | 8,802 |  |  | 3,813 |
Other accrued liabilities | 19,556 |  |  | 7,661 |
Other | (20,665 | ) |  | (2,468 | )
Net cash provided by operating activities | 135,232 |  |  | 170,404 |
Cash Flows From Investing Activities |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment additions | (28,860 | ) |  | (25,284 | )
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired | (187,853 | ) |  | (65,219 | )
Proceeds from sale of assets | 610,162 |  |  | — |
Investment in restricted assets | (8,580 | ) |  | — |
Investment in businesses held separate | — |  |  | 530 |
Other | (43 | ) |  | (991 | )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 384,826 |  |  | (90,964 | )
Cash Flows From Financing Activities |  |  |
Borrowings (payments) on short-term lines of credit, net | 4,265 |  |  | (3,611 | )
Borrowings on long-term line of credit | 595,400 |  |  | 485,230 |
Payments on long-term line of credit | (835,400 | ) |  | (384,850 | )
Payments of debt issuance costs | — |  |  | (890 | )
Excess tax benefit related to share-based payment arrangements | 1,200 |  |  | 3,700 |
Common stock issued | 16,768 |  |  | 21,987 |
Common stock repurchased | (224,730 | ) |  | (141,857 | )
Cash dividends paid | (52,658 | ) |  | (50,007 | )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (495,155 | ) |  | (70,298 | )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 3,354 |  |  | (161 | )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 28,257 |  |  | 8,981 |
Cash and cash equivalents |  |  |
Beginning of year | 23,656 |  |  | 19,756 |
End of period | $ | 51,913 |  |  | $ | 28,737 |

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. | The consolidated balance sheet of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 25, 2015 and the related statements of earnings for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014, and cash flows for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014 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 the Company as of September 25, 2015, 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 financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2014 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 |  | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014 |  | Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014
Net earnings available to common shareholders | $ | 50,691 |  |  | $ | 59,551 |  |  | $ | 292,169 |  |  | $ | 176,532 |
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share | 57,325 |  |  | 59,928 |  |  | 58,180 |  |  | 60,401 |
Dilutive effect of stock options computed using the treasury stock method and the average market price | 1,339 |  |  | 1,614 |  |  | 1,410 |  |  | 1,602 |
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share | 58,664 |  |  | 61,542 |  |  | 59,590 |  |  | 62,003 |
Basic earnings per share | $ | 0.88 |  |  | $ | 0.99 |  |  | $ | 5.02 |  |  | $ | 2.92 |
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.86 |  |  | $ | 0.97 |  |  | $ | 4.90 |  |  | $ | 2.85 |

Stock options to purchase 1,391,000 and 617,000 shares were not included in the September 25, 2015 and September 26, 2014 computations of diluted earnings per share, respectively, because they would have been anti-dilutive.
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On May 11, 2015, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase arrangement (“ASR”) with a financial institution. In exchange for an up-front payment of$60 million, the financial institution delivered 742,880 shares of Company common stock with a fair value of $54 million. The total number of shares ultimately delivered under the ASR was determined at the end of the purchase period based on the volume weighted-average price of the Company’s common stock during that period. The purchase period ended in the third quarter and the Company received an additional 94,515 shares to complete the ASR at an average realized price of $71.65 per share.
The Company accounted for the up-front payment as a reduction of shareholders’ equity in the period made. Shares received under the ASR were retired and reflected as a reduction of outstanding shares on the date delivered for purposes of calculating earnings per share. The forward contract aspect of the ASR met all of the applicable criteria for equity classification, and therefore, was accounted for as a derivative indexed to the Company’s equity.

3. | Options on common shares granted and outstanding, as well as the weighted average exercise price, are shown below (in thousands, except exercise prices):

| Option Shares |  | Weighted Average Exercise Price |  | Options Exercisable |  | Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, December 26, 2014 | 4,975 |  |  | $ | 44.72 |  |  | 3,318 |  |  | $ | 34.86 |
Granted | 543 |  |  | 74.19 |  |  |  |  |
Exercised | (171 | ) |  | 34.57 |  |  |  |  |
Canceled | (17 | ) |  | 72.14 |  |  |  |  |
Outstanding, September 25, 2015 | 5,330 |  |  | $ | 47.96 |  |  | 3,739 |  |  | $ | 38.55 |

The Company recognized year-to-date share-based compensation of $15.5 million in 2015 and $13.8 million in 2014. As of September 25, 2015, there was $13.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options, expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 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:

| Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014
Expected life in years | 6.5 |  |  | 6.5 |
Interest rate | 1.7 | % |  | 2.0 | %
Volatility | 35.0 | % |  | 36.1 | %
Dividend yield | 1.6 | % |  | 1.5 | %
Weighted average fair value per share | $ | 23.18 |  |  | $ | 24.83 |

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Under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the Company issued 166,000 shares in 2015 and 193,000 shares in 2014. 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:

| Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014
Expected life in years | 1.0 |  |  | 1.0 |
Interest rate | 0.2 | % |  | 0.1 | %
Volatility | 18.9 | % |  | 21.4 | %
Dividend yield | 1.6 | % |  | 1.4 | %
Weighted average fair value per share | $ | 16.51 |  |  | $ | 17.81 |

In April 2015, shareholders of the Company approved the Graco Inc. 2015 Stock Incentive Plan. The plan provides for issuance of up to 3.5 million shares of Graco common stock.
Shares authorized for issuance under stock option and purchase plans are shown below (in thousands):

| Total Shares Authorized |  | Available for Future Issuance as of Sep 25, 2015
Stock Incentive Plan (2015) | 3,500 |  |  | 3,452 |
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2006) | 7,000 |  |  | 4,928 |
Total | 10,500 |  |  | 8,380 |

Amounts available for future issuance exclude outstanding options. Options outstanding as of September 25, 2015, include options granted under three plans that were replaced by subsequent plans. No shares are available for future grants under those plans.
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4.The components of net periodic benefit cost for retirement benefit plans were as follows (in thousands):

| Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014 |  | Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014
Pension Benefits |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Service cost | $ | 2,265 |  |  | $ | 1,707 |  |  | $ | 6,268 |  |  | $ | 5,146 |
Interest cost | 3,741 |  |  | 3,909 |  |  | 11,121 |  |  | 11,985 |
Expected return on assets | (5,010 | ) |  | (5,311 | ) |  | (14,586 | ) |  | (15,941 | )
Amortization and other | 2,291 |  |  | 1,341 |  |  | 7,070 |  |  | 4,029 |
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 3,287 |  |  | $ | 1,646 |  |  | $ | 9,873 |  |  | $ | 5,219 |

Postretirement Medical |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Service cost | $ | 107 |  |  | $ | 115 |  |  | $ | 407 |  |  | $ | 365 |
Interest cost | 263 |  |  | 181 |  |  | 716 |  |  | 736 |
Amortization | (63 | ) |  | (229 | ) |  | (265 | ) |  | (483 | )
Net periodic benefit cost | $ | 307 |  |  | $ | 67 |  |  | $ | 858 |  |  | $ | 618 |

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5. | Changes in components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax were (in thousands):

| Pension and Post-retirement Medical |  | Cumulative Translation Adjustment |  | Total
Thirteen Weeks Ended |  |  |  |  |
September 26, 2014 |  |  |  |  |
Beginning balance | $ | (48,583 | ) |  | $ | 1,789 |  |  | $ | (46,794 | )
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | — |  |  | (12,888 | ) |  | (12,888 | )
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | 973 |  |  | — |  |  | 973 |
Ending balance | $ | (47,610 | ) |  | $ | (11,099 | ) |  | $ | (58,709 | )

Thirteen Weeks Ended |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
September 25, 2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning balance | $ | (73,868 | ) |  | $ | (14,759 | ) |  | $ | (88,627 | )
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | — |  |  | (13,572 | ) |  | (13,572 | )
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | 1,700 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,700 |
Ending balance | $ | (72,168 | ) |  | $ | (28,331 | ) |  | $ | (100,499 | )

Thirty-nine Weeks Ended |  |  |  |  |
September 26, 2014 |  |  |  |  |
Beginning balance | $ | (50,132 | ) |  | $ | 3,783 |  |  | $ | (46,349 | )
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | — |  |  | (14,882 | ) |  | (14,882 | )
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | 2,522 |  |  | — |  |  | 2,522 |
Ending balance | $ | (47,610 | ) |  | $ | (11,099 | ) |  | $ | (58,709 | )

Thirty-nine Weeks Ended |  |  |  |  |
September 25, 2015 |  |  |  |  |
Beginning balance | $ | (76,584 | ) |  | $ | (24,152 | ) |  | $ | (100,736 | )
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | — |  |  | (4,179 | ) |  | (4,179 | )
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | 4,416 |  |  | — |  |  | 4,416 |
Ending balance | $ | (72,168 | ) |  | $ | (28,331 | ) |  | $ | (100,499 | )

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Amounts related to pension and postretirement medical adjustments are reclassified to pension cost, which is allocated to cost of products sold and operating expenses based on salaries and wages, approximately as follows (in thousands):

| Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014 |  | Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014
Cost of products sold | $ | 959 |  |  | $ | 536 |  |  | $ | 2,604 |  |  | $ | 1,412 |
Product development | 418 |  |  | 234 |  |  | 1,120 |  |  | 616 |
Selling, marketing and distribution | 718 |  |  | 427 |  |  | 1,950 |  |  | 1,116 |
General and administrative | 442 |  |  | 266 |  |  | 1,220 |  |  | 732 |
Total before tax | $ | 2,537 |  |  | $ | 1,463 |  |  | $ | 6,894 |  |  | $ | 3,876 |
Income tax (benefit) | (837 | ) |  | (490 | ) |  | (2,478 | ) |  | (1,354 | )
Total after tax | $ | 1,700 |  |  | $ | 973 |  |  | $ | 4,416 |  |  | $ | 2,522 |

6. | Beginning with the first quarter of 2015 the Company revised the presentation of its financial reporting segments. Operations of the Process and the Oil and Natural Gas divisions, historically included in the Industrial segment, are now aggregated with the Lubrication division (formerly reported as a separate segment) in the newly-formed Process segment. This change aligns the types of products offered and markets served within the segments. Prior year segment information has been restated to conform to 2015 reporting.

A summary of the Company’s three reportable segments (Industrial, Process and Contractor) follows.
The Industrial segment includes our Industrial Products and Applied Fluid Technologies divisions. The Industrial segment markets equipment and pre-engineered packages for moving and applying paints, coatings, sealants, adhesives and other fluids. Markets served include automotive and vehicle assembly and components production, wood and metal products, rail, marine, aerospace, farm, construction, bus, recreational vehicles, and various other industries.
The Process segment includes our Process, Oil and Natural Gas, and Lubrication divisions. The Process segment markets pumps, valves, meters and accessories to move and dispense chemicals, oil and natural gas, water, waste water, petroleum, food, lubricants and other fluids. Markets served include food and beverage, dairy, oil and natural gas, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, electronics, waste water, mining, fast oil change facilities, service garages, fleet service centers, automobile dealerships and industrial lubrication applications.
The Contractor segment remains unchanged. The Contractor segment markets sprayers for architectural coatings for painting, corrosion control, texture, and line striping.
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Sales and operating earnings by segment were as follows (in thousands):

| Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014 |  | Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014
Net Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Industrial | $ | 152,164 |  |  | $ | 150,481 |  |  | $ | 448,932 |  |  | $ | 459,105 |
Process | 64,710 |  |  | 52,719 |  |  | 204,337 |  |  | 160,579 |
Contractor | 102,112 |  |  | 99,414 |  |  | 307,659 |  |  | 295,441 |
Total | $ | 318,986 |  |  | $ | 302,614 |  |  | $ | 960,928 |  |  | $ | 915,125 |
Operating Earnings |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Industrial | $ | 50,822 |  |  | $ | 49,167 |  |  | $ | 144,500 |  |  | $ | 149,164 |
Process | 10,437 |  |  | 12,161 |  |  | 34,923 |  |  | 38,376 |
Contractor | 24,135 |  |  | 23,358 |  |  | 70,550 |  |  | 69,897 |
Unallocated corporate (expense) | (8,467 | ) |  | (5,779 | ) |  | (23,924 | ) |  | (17,977 | )
Total | $ | 76,927 |  |  | $ | 78,907 |  |  | $ | 226,049 |  |  | $ | 239,460 |

Assets by segment were as follows (in thousands):

| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Dec 26, 2014
Industrial | $ | 557,592 |  |  | $ | 548,868 |
Process | 483,788 |  |  | 304,903 |
Contractor | 210,707 |  |  | 176,757 |
Unallocated corporate | 135,312 |  |  | 514,250 |
Total | $ | 1,387,399 |  |  | $ | 1,544,778 |

Unallocated corporate assets decreased due to the sale of the Liquid Finishing assets in the second quarter of 2015 (see Note 12).
Geographic information follows (in thousands):

| Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014 |  | Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014
Net sales (based on customer location) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
United States | $ | 166,602 |  |  | $ | 150,015 |  |  | $ | 496,851 |  |  | $ | 440,097 |
Other countries | 152,384 |  |  | 152,599 |  |  | 464,077 |  |  | 475,028 |
Total | $ | 318,986 |  |  | $ | 302,614 |  |  | $ | 960,928 |  |  | $ | 915,125 |

| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Dec 26, 2014
Long-lived assets |  |  |
United States | $ | 142,478 |  |  | $ | 131,131 |
Other countries | 29,747 |  |  | 30,099 |
Total | $ | 172,225 |  |  | $ | 161,230 |

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

| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Dec 26, 2014
Finished products and components | $ | 112,549 |  |  | $ | 87,384 |
Products and components in various stages of completion | 52,183 |  |  | 47,682 |
Raw materials and purchased components | 79,335 |  |  | 69,212 |
| 244,067 |  |  | 204,278 |
Reduction to LIFO cost | (46,852 | ) |  | (44,481 | )
Total | $ | 197,215 |  |  | $ | 159,797 |

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

| Estimated Life (years) |  | Cost |  | Accumulated Amortization |  | Foreign Currency Translation |  | Book Value
September 25, 2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Customer relationships | 3 - 14 |  | $ | 197,648 |  |  | $ | (33,055 | ) |  | $ | (8,187 | ) |  | $ | 156,406 |
Patents, proprietary technology and product documentation | 3 - 11 |  | 20,274 |  |  | (8,433 | ) |  | (592 | ) |  | 11,249 |
Trademarks, trade names and other | 5 |  | 495 |  |  | (112 | ) |  | (103 | ) |  | 280 |
|  |  | 218,417 |  |  | (41,600 | ) |  | (8,882 | ) |  | 167,935 |
Not Subject to Amortization: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Brand names |  |  | 69,164 |  |  | — |  |  | (3,241 | ) |  | 65,923 |
Total |  |  | $ | 287,581 |  |  | $ | (41,600 | ) |  | $ | (12,123 | ) |  | $ | 233,858 |
December 26, 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Customer relationships | 3 - 14 |  | $ | 143,144 |  |  | $ | (21,948 | ) |  | $ | (7,334 | ) |  | $ | 113,862 |
Patents, proprietary technology and product documentation | 3 - 11 |  | 18,268 |  |  | (7,126 | ) |  | (655 | ) |  | 10,487 |
Trademarks, trade names and other | 5 |  | 175 |  |  | (44 | ) |  | — |  |  | 131 |
|  |  | 161,587 |  |  | (29,118 | ) |  | (7,989 | ) |  | 124,480 |
Not Subject to Amortization: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Brand names |  |  | 55,265 |  |  | — |  |  | (3,467 | ) |  | 51,798 |
Total |  |  | $ | 216,852 |  |  | $ | (29,118 | ) |  | $ | (11,456 | ) |  | $ | 176,278 |

Amortization of intangibles for the quarter was $4.4 million in 2015 and $2.6 million in 2014 and for the year-to-date was $12.9 million in 2015 and $8.5 million in 2014. Estimated annual amortization expense is as follows: $17.2 million in 2015, $17.2 million in 2016, $16.9 million in 2017, $16.7 million in 2018, $16.4 million in 2019 and $96.4 million thereafter.
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Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in 2015 were as follows (in thousands):

| Industrial |  | Process |  | Contractor |  | Total
Beginning balance | $ | 188,273 |  |  | $ | 91,569 |  |  | $ | 12,732 |  |  | $ | 292,574 |
Additions from business acquisitions | 5,037 |  |  | 101,730 |  |  | — |  |  | 106,767 |
Foreign currency translation | (683 | ) |  | (1,336 | ) |  | — |  |  | (2,019 | )
Ending balance | $ | 192,627 |  |  | $ | 191,963 |  |  | $ | 12,732 |  |  | $ | 397,322 |

Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying value of the goodwill may not be recoverable. In the last 12 months, the Company made investments in businesses with presence in Oil and Natural Gas markets. The Company has considered the impact of recent weakness in those markets on its investments and concluded that further impairment analysis was not required, however prolonged or deepened weakness could subject those investments to impairment in the future.

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

| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Dec 26, 2014
Accrued self-insurance retentions | $ | 7,300 |  |  | $ | 7,089 |
Accrued warranty and service liabilities | 7,691 |  |  | 7,609 |
Accrued trade promotions | 6,818 |  |  | 7,697 |
Payable for employee stock purchases | 6,724 |  |  | 9,126 |
Customer advances and deferred revenue | 15,390 |  |  | 8,918 |
Income taxes payable | 7,448 |  |  | 5,997 |
Other | 32,790 |  |  | 25,157 |
Total other current liabilities | $ | 84,161 |  |  | $ | 71,593 |

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):

| Thirty-nine Weeks Ended Sep 25, 2015 |  | Year Ended Dec 26, 2014
Balance, beginning of year | $ | 7,609 |  |  | $ | 7,771 |
Assumed in business acquisition | — |  |  | 12 |
Charged to expense | 5,008 |  |  | 6,069 |
Margin on parts sales reversed | 1,406 |  |  | 1,920 |
Reductions for claims settled | (6,332 | ) |  | (8,163 | )
Balance, end of period | $ | 7,691 |  |  | $ | 7,609 |

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The Company manages certain self-insured loss exposures through a wholly-owned captive insurance subsidiary established in 2015. At September 25, 2015, cash balances of $8 million were restricted to funding of the captive's loss reserves. Restricted cash is included within other current assets on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet.

10. | Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and fair value measurement level were as follows (in thousands):

| Level |  | Sep 25, 2015 |  | Dec 26, 2014
Assets |  |  |  |  |
Cash surrender value of life insurance | 2 |  | $ | 12,289 |  |  | $ | 13,187 |
Forward exchange contracts | 2 |  | 222 |  |  | 280 |
Total assets at fair value |  |  | $ | 12,511 |  |  | $ | 13,467 |
Liabilities |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration | 3 |  | $ | 8,100 |  |  | $ | — |
Deferred compensation | 2 |  | 3,029 |  |  | 2,676 |
Total liabilities at fair value |  |  | $ | 11,129 |  |  | $ | 2,676 |

Contracts insuring the lives of certain employees who are eligible to participate in certain non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans are held in trust. Cash surrender value of the contracts is based on performance measurement funds that shadow the deferral investment allocations made by participants in certain deferred compensation plans. The deferred compensation liability balances are valued based on amounts allocated by participants to the underlying performance measurement funds.
Contingent consideration liability represents the estimated value (using a market approach) of future payments to be made to previous owners of an acquired business (see Note 11).
Long-term notes payable with fixed interest rates have a carrying amount of $300 million and an estimated fair value of $330 million as of September 25, 2015 and $330 million as of December 26, 2014. The fair value of variable rate borrowings approximates carrying value. The Company uses significant other observable inputs to estimate fair value (level 2 of the fair value hierarchy) based on the present value of future cash flows and rates that would be available for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

11. | On January 20, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of High Pressure Equipment Holdings, LLC (HiP) for $160 million cash. HiP designs and manufactures valves, fittings and other flow control equipment engineered to perform in ultra-high pressure environments. HiP’s products and business relationships will enhance Graco’s position in the oil and natural gas industry and complement Graco’s core competencies of designing and manufacturing advanced flow control technologies. HiP had sales of $38 million in 2014. Results of HiP operations, including $22 million of sales, have been included in the Company’s Process segment from the date of acquisition.

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Purchase consideration was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values as follows (in thousands):

Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,904 |
Accounts receivable | 4,714 |
Inventories | 7,605 |
Other current assets | 69 |
Property, plant and equipment | 1,962 |
Deferred income taxes | 1,840 |
Identifiable intangible assets | 60,100 |
Goodwill | 86,149 |
Total assets acquired | 164,343 |
Liabilities assumed | (3,414 | )
Net assets acquired | $ | 160,929 |

Post-closing working capital adjustments that completed the HiP purchase price allocation resulted in a $0.5 million reduction of goodwill in the second quarter of 2015.
Identifiable intangible assets and estimated useful life are as follows (dollars in thousands):

|  |  | Estimated Life (years)
Customer relationships | 47,100 |  |  | 12
Trade names | 13,000 |  |  | Indefinite
Total identifiable intangible assets | $ | 60,100 |  |  |

Approximately two-thirds of the goodwill acquired with HiP is deductible for tax purposes.
On January 2, 2015 the Company acquired White Knight Fluid Handling for $16 million cash and a commitment for additional consideration if future revenues exceed certain thresholds, valued at $8 million. The maximum payout is not limited. White Knight designs and manufactures high purity, metal-free pumps used in the production process of manufacturing semiconductors, solar panels, LED flat panel displays and various other electronics. The products, brands and distribution channels of White Knight expand and complement the offerings of the Company’s Process segment. The purchase price was allocated based on estimated fair values, including $12 million of goodwill, $9 million of other identifiable intangible assets and $3 million of net tangible assets.
Post-closing working capital adjustments that completed the Alco purchase price allocation, acquired in the fourth quarter of 2014, resulted in a $4 million addition to goodwill in the first quarter of 2015.
The Company completed other acquisitions in 2015 that were not material to the consolidated financial statements.
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12. | In April 2015, the Company sold the Liquid Finishing business assets acquired in 2012 that were held as a cost-method investment for a price of $610 million. Year-to-date held separate investment income includes the pre-tax gain on sale of $149 million, net of transaction and other related expenses. Net earnings for the quarter include after-tax net gain on the sale of $2 million from post-closing purchase price adjustments, and year-to-date after-tax gain and dividends totaling $141 million. Prior to the sale, income was recognized on dividends received from after-tax earnings of Liquid Finishing and also included in investment income. There was no dividend income in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $9 million in 2014. Year-to-date dividend income was $42 million in 2015 and $24 million in 2014. No further Liquid Finishing dividends will be received.

13. | The effective income tax rate was 31 percent for the quarter, up from 28 percent last year due to post-tax dividends that reduced the rate in the third quarter of 2014. The year-to-date effective income tax rate of 27 percent decreased 2 percentage points compared to last year. A change in the Company's assertion with respect to reinvestment of foreign earnings decreased deferred income taxes related to undistributed foreign earnings by $7 million and reduced the year-to-date effective tax rate compared to last year. Higher post-tax dividend income and an additional non-recurring tax benefit of $2 million further reduced the year-to-date effective tax rate. Those reductions were partially offset by the tax rate effects of the gain on the sale of the Liquid Finishing assets.

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Item 2. GRACO INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
The Company designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid and coating materials. Management classifies the Company’s business into three reportable segments: Industrial, Process and Contractor. Key strategies include developing and marketing new products, expanding distribution globally, opening new markets with technology and channel expansion and completing strategic acquisitions.
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis reviews significant factors affecting the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the accompanying notes to the financial statements.
Consolidated Results
Net sales, net earnings and earnings per share were as follows (in millions except per share amounts and percentages):

| Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014 |  | % Change |  | Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014 |  | % Change
Net Sales | $ | 319.0 |  |  | $ | 302.6 |  |  | 5 | % |  | $ | 960.9 |  |  | $ | 915.1 |  |  | 5 | %
Operating Earnings | 76.9 |  |  | 78.9 |  |  | (3 | )% |  | 226.0 |  |  | 239.5 |  |  | (6 | )%
Net Earnings | $ | 50.7 |  |  | $ | 59.6 |  |  | (15 | )% |  | $ | 292.2 |  |  | $ | 176.5 |  |  | 66 | %
Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share | $ | 0.86 |  |  | $ | 0.97 |  |  | (11 | )% |  | $ | 4.90 |  |  | $ | 2.85 |  |  | 72 | %

In April, the Company sold the Liquid Finishing business assets acquired in 2012. Year-to-date held separate investment income includes the pre-tax gain on sale of $149 million, net of transaction and other related expenses, and dividends of $42 million. Net earnings for the quarter include after-tax net gain on the sale of $2 million ($0.02 per diluted share) from post-closing purchase price adjustments, and year-to-date after-tax gain and dividends totaling $141 million ($2.36 per diluted share). Net earnings in 2014 included after-tax net investment income of $9 million ($0.14 per diluted share) for the quarter and $23 million ($0.38 per diluted share) for the year-to-date. No further Liquid Finishing dividends will be received.
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Results excluding Liquid Finishing investment income and expense provide a more consistent base of comparison to future results. A calculation of the non-GAAP measurement of net earnings excluding investment income and expense follows (in millions except per share amounts):

| Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014 |  | Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014
Net Earnings, as reported | $ | 50.7 |  |  | $ | 59.6 |  |  | $ | 292.2 |  |  | $ | 176.5 |
Held separate investment (income), net | (2.4 | ) |  | (8.5 | ) |  | (190.7 | ) |  | (22.8 | )
Income tax effect | 0.8 |  |  | (0.2 | ) |  | 49.7 |  |  | (0.5 | )
Net Earnings, adjusted | $ | 49.1 |  |  | $ | 50.9 |  |  | $ | 151.2 |  |  | $ | 153.2 |
Diluted earnings per share |  |  |  |  |  |  |
As reported | $ | 0.86 |  |  | $ | 0.97 |  |  | $ | 4.90 |  |  | $ | 2.85 |
Adjusted | $ | 0.84 |  |  | $ | 0.83 |  |  | $ | 2.54 |  |  | $ | 2.47 |

The following table presents components of changes in sales:

| Quarter
| Segment |  | Region |  | Total
| Industrial |  | Process |  | Contractor |  | Americas |  | EMEA |  | Asia Pacific |
Volume and Price | 5 | % |  | (3 | )% |  | 6 | % |  | 5 | % |  | 3 | % |  | 3 | % |  | 4 | %
Acquisitions | 3 | % |  | 31 | % |  | — | % |  | 5 | % |  | 9 | % |  | 9 | % |  | 7 | %
Currency | (7 | )% |  | (5 | )% |  | (3 | )% |  | (2 | )% |  | (13 | )% |  | (7 | )% |  | (6 | )%
Total | 1 | % |  | 23 | % |  | 3 | % |  | 8 | % |  | (1 | )% |  | 5 | % |  | 5 | %

| Year-to-Date
| Segment |  | Region |  | Total
| Industrial |  | Process |  | Contractor |  | Americas |  | EMEA |  | Asia Pacific |
Volume and Price | 2 | % |  | 2 | % |  | 8 | % |  | 7 | % |  | 1 | % |  | (1 | )% |  | 4 | %
Acquisitions | 2 | % |  | 30 | % |  | — | % |  | 4 | % |  | 9 | % |  | 7 | % |  | 6 | %
Currency | (6 | )% |  | (5 | )% |  | (4 | )% |  | (1 | )% |  | (14 | )% |  | (5 | )% |  | (5 | )%
Total | (2 | )% |  | 27 | % |  | 4 | % |  | 10 | % |  | (4 | )% |  | 1 | % |  | 5 | %

Sales by geographic area were as follows (in millions):

| Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014 |  | Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014
Americas 1 | $ | 190.0 |  |  | $ | 175.2 |  |  | $ | 572.1 |  |  | $ | 518.8 |
EMEA 2 | 72.2 |  |  | 73.1 |  |  | 216.6 |  |  | 226.2 |
Asia Pacific | 56.8 |  |  | 54.3 |  |  | 172.2 |  |  | 170.1 |
Consolidated | $ | 319.0 |  |  | $ | 302.6 |  |  | $ | 960.9 |  |  | $ | 915.1 |

1 North and South America, including the U.S.
2 Europe, Middle East and Africa
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Changes in currency translation rates reduced sales and net earnings by approximately $16 million and $6 million, respectively, for the quarter and $46 million and $16 million, respectively for the year-to-date.
Sales for the quarter increased 5 percent, with increases in all segments. Sales from operations acquired within the last 12 months totaled $19 million for the quarter, contributing 7 percentage points of growth. Organic sales at consistent translation rates increased 4 percent, with increases of 5 percent in the Americas, 3 percent in EMEA and 3 percent in Asia Pacific.
Year-to-date sales also increased 5 percent, with a 10 percent increase in the Americas partially offset by a 4 percent decrease in EMEA. Sales from acquired operations totaled $53 million, contributing 6 percentage points of growth. Organic sales at consistent translation rates increased 4 percent, including a 7 percent increase in the Americas and small changes in EMEA (increase) and Asia Pacific (decrease).
Gross profit margin rates for the quarter and year-to-date were lower than rates in the comparable periods last year due mostly to changes in currency translation rates. Favorable effects of realized pricing and lower material costs offset the impact of lower average gross margin rates of acquired operations (including purchase accounting effects).
Total operating expenses for the quarter were $6 million (7 percent) higher than the third quarter last year. Year-to-date operating expenses were $24 million (9 percent) higher than last year. The increases included expenses of acquired operations totaling $8 million for the quarter and $21 million for the year-to-date. Spending related to regional and product expansion initiatives increased year-to-date expenses by approximately $3 million. Unallocated corporate expenses increased $3 million for the quarter and $6 million year-to-date, mostly from increases in pension, stock compensation and new central warehouse costs. Changes in currency translation rates reduced operating expenses by approximately $4 million for the quarter and $13 million for the year-to-date.
The effective income tax rate was 31 percent for the quarter, up from 28 percent last year due to post-tax dividends that reduced the rate in the third quarter of 2014. The year-to-date effective income tax rate of 27 percent decreased 2 percentage points compared to last year. A change in the Company's assertion with respect to reinvestment of foreign earnings decreased deferred income taxes related to undistributed foreign earnings by $7 million and reduced the year-to-date effective tax rate compared to last year. Higher post-tax dividend income and an additional non-recurring tax benefit of $2 million further reduced the year-to-date effective tax rate. Those reductions were partially offset by the tax rate effects of the gain on the sale of the Liquid Finishing assets.
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Segment Results
Certain measurements of segment operations compared to last year are summarized below:
Industrial

| Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014 |  | Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014
Net sales (in millions) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Americas | $ | 69.8 |  |  | $ | 65.3 |  |  | $ | 209.1 |  |  | $ | 200.4 |
EMEA | 45.6 |  |  | 48.5 |  |  | 128.0 |  |  | 145.5 |
Asia Pacific | 36.8 |  |  | 36.7 |  |  | 111.8 |  |  | 113.2 |
Total | $ | 152.2 |  |  | $ | 150.5 |  |  | $ | 448.9 |  |  | $ | 459.1 |
Operating earnings as a percentage of net sales | 33 | % |  | 33 | % |  | 32 | % |  | 32 | %

Industrial segment sales for the quarter increased 1 percent (8 percent at consistent translation rates). Sales in this segment increased 7 percent in the Americas, decreased 6 percent in EMEA (increased 8 percent at consistent translation rates) and were flat in Asia Pacific (6 percent increase at consistent translation rates). Year-to-date sales decreased 2 percent, but increased 4 percent at consistent translation rates. Sales increased 4 percent in the Americas, decreased 12 percent in EMEA (increased 2 percent at consistent translation rates) and decreased 1 percent in Asia Pacific (increased 3 percent at consistent translation rates). Operating margin rates for the Industrial segment for the quarter and year-to-date were consistent with last year.
Process

| Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014 |  | Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014
Net sales (in millions) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Americas | $ | 41.0 |  |  | $ | 36.2 |  |  | $ | 128.3 |  |  | $ | 107.0 |
EMEA | 12.7 |  |  | 8.2 |  |  | 41.5 |  |  | 26.6 |
Asia Pacific | 11.0 |  |  | 8.3 |  |  | 34.5 |  |  | 27.0 |
Total | $ | 64.7 |  |  | $ | 52.7 |  |  | $ | 204.3 |  |  | $ | 160.6 |
Operating earnings as a percentage of net sales | 16 | % |  | 23 | % |  | 17 | % |  | 24 | %

Process segment sales for the quarter increased 23 percent (28 percent at consistent translation rates), including double-digit percentage increases in all regions. Year-to-date sales in this segment increased 27 percent (32 percent at consistent translation rates). Sales increases came from acquired operations including Alco Valves (acquired fourth quarter of 2014), White Knight Fluid Handling and High Pressure Equipment (both acquired in January 2015). Organic sales at consistent translation rates were down 3 percent for the quarter and up 2 percent for the year-to-date. Lower average profit margins of acquired operations, changes in currency
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translation rates and incremental investment in oil and natural gas products led to decreases in operating margin rates for this segment.
Contractor

| Thirteen Weeks Ended |  | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
| Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014 |  | Sep 25, 2015 |  | Sep 26, 2014
Net sales (in millions) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Americas | $ | 79.2 |  |  | $ | 73.7 |  |  | $ | 234.7 |  |  | $ | 211.4 |
EMEA | 13.9 |  |  | 16.4 |  |  | 47.1 |  |  | 54.1 |
Asia Pacific | 9.0 |  |  | 9.3 |  |  | 25.9 |  |  | 29.9 |
Total | $ | 102.1 |  |  | $ | 99.4 |  |  | $ | 307.7 |  |  | $ | 295.4 |
Operating earnings as a percentage of net sales | 24 | % |  | 23 | % |  | 23 | % |  | 24 | %

Contractor segment sales for the quarter increased 3 percent (6 percent at consistent translation rates), with an 8 percent increase in the Americas partially offset by decreases in EMEA and Asia Pacific. Year-to-date sales in this segment increased 4 percent (8 percent at consistent translation rates). Sales increased 11 percent in the Americas, decreased 13 percent in EMEA (flat at consistent translation rates) and decreased 14 percent in Asia Pacific (8 percent at consistent translation rates). Operating margin rate for the quarter was substantially consistent with the comparable period last year, with unfavorable effects of foreign currency translation offset by volume leverage. Year-to-date operating margin rate decreased by one percentage point, mostly due to changes in currency translation rates and additional marketing spending, including new product launch costs and other volume-related increases.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Net cash provided by operating activities of $135 million decreased $35 million from the comparable period of 2014 due to transaction costs and income taxes related to the sale of Liquid Finishing assets. Accounts receivable and inventory balances increased since the end of 2014 due to acquisitions, increases in business activity and inventory increases to improve customer service levels. Proceeds of $610 million from the sale of Liquid Finishing assets were principally used to retire debt. Other significant uses of cash in the first nine months of 2015 included business acquisitions totaling $188 million, purchases of Company common stock of $225 million and dividend payments to shareholders of $53 million.
In January 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of High Pressure Equipment Holdings, LLC (HiP) for $160 million. HiP designs and manufactures valves, fittings and other flow control equipment engineered to perform in ultra-high pressure environments. The Company also acquired White Knight Fluid Handling, a manufacturer of high purity, metal-free pumps used in the production process of manufacturing semiconductors, solar panels, LED flat panel displays and various other electronics. The Company completed other acquisitions that were not material to the consolidated financial statements.
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At September 25, 2015, cash balances of $8 million were restricted to funding of certain self-insured loss reserves. Restricted cash is included within other current assets on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
At September 25, 2015, the Company had various lines of credit totaling $546 million, of which $463 million was unused. Internally generated funds and unused financing sources are expected to provide the Company with the flexibility to meet its liquidity needs in 2015.
Outlook
We remain focused on achieving mid-single digit organic sales growth on a constant currency basis worldwide in 2015, as well as growth in all geographic regions and reportable segments for the full year 2015. We continue to experience solid demand in our Contractor Americas business, reflecting the ongoing recovery in the U.S. residential and non-residential construction markets. While our worldwide thesis remains intact for the full year, recent demand trends combined with macroeconomic headwinds and a continued spotty capital equipment environment in the emerging markets of EMEA and Asia Pacific may limit growth to the lower end of our expectations, as evidenced by our 4 percent growth year-to-date. At current exchange rates, unfavorable changes in foreign currency translation rates create a full-year headwind of approximately 5 percent on sales and 11 percent on earnings in 2015.
SAFE HARBOR CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
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 this Form 10-Q and our Form 10-K and Form 8-Ks, and other disclosures, including our 2014 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: our Company’s growth strategies, which include making acquisitions, investing in new products, expanding geographically and targeting new industries; economic conditions in the United States and other major world economies; changes in currency translation rates; changes in laws and regulations; compliance with anti-corruption laws; new entrants who copy our products or infringe on our intellectual property; risks incident to conducting business internationally; the ability to meet our customers’ needs and changes in product demand; supply interruptions or delays; security breaches; political instability; results of and costs associated with, litigation, administrative proceedings and regulatory reviews incident to our business as well as indemnification claims under our asset purchase agreement with Carlisle Companies Incorporated, Carlisle Fluid
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Technologies, Inc., and Finishing Brands Holdings Inc.; the possibility of decline in purchases from few large customers of the Contractor segment; variations in activity in the construction and automotive industries; and natural disasters. Please refer to Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2014 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.
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have been no material changes related to market risk from the disclosures made in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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 President and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, the Vice President, Controller and Information Systems, and the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Based upon that evaluation, they concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
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.
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PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A.Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the Company’s risk factors from those disclosed in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except for the deletion of the risk factor relating to our divestiture of the Liquid Finishing business assets acquired from ITW, and except for the update to the “Legal Proceedings” risk factor as follows:
Legal Proceedings – Costs associated with claims, litigation, administrative proceedings and regulatory reviews, and potentially adverse outcomes, may affect our profitability.
As our Company grows, we are at an increased risk of being a target in matters related to the assertion of claims and demands, litigation, administrative proceedings and regulatory reviews. We also may be exposed to litigation, claims for indemnification or other claims relating to acquisitions or the divestiture of the liquid finishing business assets under the asset purchase agreement with Carlisle Companies Incorporated, Carlisle Fluid Technologies, Inc., and Finishing Brands Holdings Inc. The cost of defending such matters appears to be increasing, particularly in the United States. We may also need to pursue claims or litigation to protect our interests. Such costs may adversely affect our Company’s profitability. Our businesses expose us to potential toxic tort, product liability and commercial claims. Successful claims against the Company or settlements may adversely affect our results.
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Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On September 14, 2012, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to 6,000,000 shares of its outstanding common stock, primarily through open-market transactions. The authorization expired on September 30, 2015. On April 24, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to an additional 6,000,000 shares over an indefinite period of time or until terminated by the Board.
In addition to shares purchased under the Board authorizations, the Company purchases shares of common stock held by employees who wish to tender owned shares to satisfy the exercise price or tax due upon exercise of options or vesting of restricted stock.
Information on issuer purchases of equity securities follows:

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 27, 2015 – Jul 24, 2015 ASR | 94,515 |  |  | (1 | ) |  | 94,515 |  |  | 6,699,982 |
Jun 27, 2015 – Jul 24, 2015 | 35,464 |  |  | $ | 66.71 |  |  | 35,464 |  |  | 6,664,518 |
Jul 25, 2015 – Aug 21, 2015 | 301,294 |  |  | $ | 69.39 |  |  | 301,294 |  |  | 6,363,224 |
Aug 22, 2015 – Sep 25, 2015 | 1,211,205 |  |  | $ | 67.51 |  |  | 1,211,205 |  |  | 5,152,019 |

(1) | On May 11, 2015, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase arrangement (“ASR”) with a financial institution. In exchange for an up-front payment of $60 million, the financial institution delivered 742,880 shares of Company common stock with a fair value of $54 million. The total number of shares ultimately delivered and the average price per share were determined at the end of the purchase period based on the volume weighted-average price of the Company’s common stock during that period. The purchase period ended in the third quarter and the Company received an additional 94,515 shares to complete the ASR at an average realized price of $71.65 per share.

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Item 6.Exhibits

3.1 |  |  | Restated Articles of Incorporation as amended June 13, 2014. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed June 16, 2014.)
3.2 |  |  | Restated Bylaws as amended February 14, 2014. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.)
31.1 |  |  | Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
31.2 |  |  | Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
32 |  |  | Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer pursuant to Section 1350 of Title 18, U.S.C.
99.1 |  |  | Press Release Reporting Third Quarter Earnings dated October 21, 2015.
101 |  |  | Interactive Data File.

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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: |  | October 21, 2015 |  | By: |  | /s/ Patrick J. McHale
|  |  |  |  |  | Patrick J. McHale
|  |  |  |  |  | President and Chief Executive Officer
|  |  |  |  |  | (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: |  | October 21, 2015 |  | By: |  | /s/ Christian E. Rothe
|  |  |  |  |  | Christian E. Rothe
|  |  |  |  |  | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
|  |  |  |  |  | (Principal Financial Officer)
Date: |  | October 21, 2015 |  | By: |  | /s/ Caroline M. Chambers
|  |  |  |  |  | Caroline M. Chambers
|  |  |  |  |  | Vice President, Corporate Controller and Information Systems
|  |  |  |  |  | (Principal Accounting Officer)