GRACO INC

Previous wording

As a global manufacturer of systems and equipment designed to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid and powder materials, our business is subject to various risks and uncertainties. Below are risk factors that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

As a global manufacturer of systems and equipment designed to move, measure, mix, control, dispense and spray fluid and powder materials, our business is subject to various risks and uncertainties. Below are risk factors that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

The demand for our products depends, in part, on the general economic conditions of the industries, geographies or economies in which our customers operate. An economic downturn, recession, depression, sustained inflationary pressures or financial market turmoil may depress demand for our equipment in all or some major geographies and markets. Economic uncertainty and volatility in various geographies and industries in which we conduct business may adversely affect our net sales and earnings. If our distributors and original equipment manufacturers are unable to, or have a diminished ability to, purchase our products because of unavailable credit or unfavorable credit terms, depressed end-user demand, or are simply unwilling to purchase our products, our net sales and earnings will be adversely affected.

Current wording

The demand for our products depends, in part, on the general economic conditions of the industries, geographies or economies in which our customers operate. An economic downturn, recession, depression, sustained inflationary pressures or financial market turmoil may depress demand for our equipment in all or some major geographies and markets. Economic uncertainty and volatility in various geographies and industries in which we conduct business may adversely affect our net sales and earnings. If any participant in our sales channel, including end users, are unable to, or have a diminished ability to, purchase our products because of unavailable credit or unfavorable credit terms, depressed end-user demand, or are simply unwilling to purchase our products, our net sales and earnings will be adversely affected. An economic downturn may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and affect our ability to satisfy the financial covenants in the terms of our financing arrangements. We cannot predict the timing, severity or duration of any such downturn, or the timing of any recovery.

Previous wording

Domestic political instability, including government shut downs, may limit our ability to grow our business. International political instability (including tensions between the U.S. and the countries in which we conduct business, rumors or threats of war, terrorism and other hostilities, and geopolitical activity or trade disruptions, such as those caused by the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, or any conflict or threatened conflict between China and Taiwan) may cause economic conditions in the U.S. or abroad to deteriorate. The occurrence of any of these events could result in a prolonged economic slowdown, prevent us or our customers from expanding into certain geographies or limit our ability to grow our business. Civil disturbances may also harm our business.

Current wording

Domestic political instability, including government shutdowns, may limit our ability to grow our business. International political instability (including tensions or conflicts between the U.S. and the countries in which we conduct business, rumors or threats of war, terrorism and other hostilities, and geopolitical activity or trade disruptions, such as those caused by the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, or any conflict or threatened conflict between China and Taiwan) may cause economic conditions in the U.S. or abroad to deteriorate. The occurrence of any of these events could result in a prolonged economic slowdown, prevent us or our customers from expanding into certain geographies or limit our ability to grow our business. Civil disturbances may also harm our business.

Previous wording

Geopolitical instability (including in Europe and the Middle East), protective tariffs, unpredictable changes in duty rates, and changes in trade policies, agreements, relations and regulations have made and may continue to make certain foreign-sourced parts of limited availability or no longer competitively priced. Long supply chains may be disrupted by environmental events, public health crises, political or other factors. Raw materials may become limited in availability from certain regions. Port labor issues may delay shipments. We source a large volume and a variety of electronic components, which exposes us to an increased risk of counterfeit components entering our supply chain. If counterfeit components unknowingly become part of our products, we may need to stop delivery and rework our products. We may be subject to warranty claims and may need to recall products. While many of our raw materials, parts and components are generally commercially available from a number of sources, some of them are sourced from single suppliers, which has limited, and could continue to limit, their availability when those suppliers are unable or unwilling to meet our production requirements and we are unable to timely source such items from an alternative supplier. In addition, we source some of our materials, parts and components from suppliers located in China. As such, we are exposed to potential disruptions in deliveries from these suppliers due to political tensions, geopolitical risks, government-mandated facility closures due to public health matters or other causes. Shortages, delivery delays and price inflation in a wide variety of raw materials and components (including but not limited to electronic components, castings, engines and motors) and logistical challenges (including but not limited to increased freight costs, shipping container shortages, trucking shortages, ocean, railway and air freight capacity constraints, labor shortages and port delays) have adversely affected production and profitability and may adversely affect production and profitability in the future.

Current wording

Geopolitical instability (including in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America), protective tariffs, unpredictable changes in duty rates, and changes in trade policies, agreements, relations and regulations have made and may continue to make certain foreign-sourced parts of limited availability or no longer competitively priced. Long supply chains may be disrupted by environmental events, public health crises, political or other factors. Raw materials may become limited in availability from certain regions. Port labor issues may delay shipments. We source a large volume and a variety of electronic components, which exposes us to an increased risk of counterfeit components entering our supply chain. If counterfeit components unknowingly become part of our products, we may need to stop delivery and rework our products. We may be subject to warranty claims and may need to recall products. While many of our raw materials, parts and components are generally commercially available from a number of sources, some of them are sourced from single suppliers, which has limited, and could continue to limit, their availability when those suppliers are unable or unwilling to meet our production requirements and we are unable to timely source such items from an alternative supplier. In addition, we source some of our materials, parts and components from suppliers located in China. As such, we are exposed to potential disruptions in deliveries from these suppliers due to political tensions, geopolitical risks, government-mandated facility closures due to public health matters or other causes. Shortages, delivery delays and price inflation in a wide variety of raw materials and components (including but not limited to electronic components, castings, engines and motors) and logistical challenges (including but not limited to increased freight costs, shipping container shortages, trucking shortages, ocean, railway and air freight capacity constraints, labor shortages and port delays) have adversely affected production and profitability and may adversely affect production and profitability in the future.

Previous wording

We rely on information systems and networks to conduct and support our business. Some of these systems and networks are managed, hosted and provided by third parties. We use these systems and networks to record, process, summarize, transmit and store electronic information, and to manage or support our business processes and activities. We may experience interruptions, delays and outages in service and availability from time to time, including infrastructure changes, human or software errors, upgrade disruptions and capacity constraints. We also face the risk that the measures we have implemented to secure our information systems and networks and prevent unauthorized access to or loss of sensitive data are not effective and our information systems, networks, and those of our third-party service providers may be exposed to risks, including unauthorized access, operational errors, fraudulent activities, system failures, poor password management, and other potential irregularities. Our employees, customers and others may be the subject of social engineering attacks and induced to disclose confidential, proprietary or other sensitive information, including their network credentials, to cybercriminals, who may then gain access to our and our customers’ information, data and information technology systems. Cybersecurity threats are increasing in frequency, sophistication and severity. We have experienced and expect to continue to experience cybersecurity threats and attacks on our systems and networks and those of our third-party service providers. To date, none of the cybersecurity threats and attacks we have experienced have had a material adverse impact on our operations, business or financial condition.

Current wording

We rely on information systems and networks to conduct and support our business. Some of these systems and networks are managed, hosted and provided by third parties. We use these systems and networks to record, process, summarize, transmit and store electronic information, and to manage or support our business processes and activities. We may experience interruptions, delays and outages in service and availability from time to time, including infrastructure changes, human or software errors, upgrade disruptions and capacity constraints. We also face the risk that the measures we have implemented to secure our information systems and networks and prevent unauthorized access to or loss of sensitive data are not effective and our information systems, networks, and those of our third-party service providers may be exposed to risks, including unauthorized access, operational errors, fraudulent activities, system failures, poor password management, and other potential irregularities. Our employees, customers and others may be the subject of social engineering attacks and induced to disclose confidential, proprietary or other sensitive information, including their network credentials, to cybercriminals, who may then gain access to our and our customers’ information, data and information technology systems. Cybersecurity threats are increasing in frequency, sophistication and severity. We have experienced and expect to continue to experience cybersecurity threats and attacks on our systems and networks and those of our third-party service providers. To date, none of the cybersecurity threats and attacks we have experienced have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our results of operations, business strategy or financial condition.

Previous wording

The tactics and capabilities of cybercriminals are growing increasingly sophisticated, and it is virtually impossible for any organization, including us, to completely eliminate the risk of cyberattacks. Security breaches or intrusion into our information systems or networks or the information systems or networks of the third parties with whom we do business pose a risk to the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data and of our customers, suppliers and employees, and could lead to any one or more of the following: the compromising of confidential information; manipulation, unauthorized use, theft or destruction of data; product defects or malfunctions; production downtimes and operations disruptions; litigation; regulatory action; reputational harm, including loss of confidence by our customers, suppliers and employees in our ability to adequately protect their information; fines; ransoms; and other costs and adverse consequences. As a manufacturer, our operating technology assets and systems are susceptible to disruption through cyberattacks. We anticipate that meaningful investments in our operating technology infrastructure will be necessary as we continue to assess our operating technology posture and respond to the increasingly-pronounced risks posed by third-party cyber actors. The occurrence of a security breach or an intrusion into an information system or a network, or the breakdown, interruption or inadequate upgrading or maintenance of our information processing software, hardware or networks or the internet, may adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition. We do not currently maintain specific cyber insurance coverage. Any insurance coverage we do have may be inadequate to compensate for losses arising from any security breach or cybersecurity incident, and may in the future not be available to us on economically reasonable terms, or at all.

Current wording

The tactics and capabilities of cybercriminals are growing increasingly sophisticated, and they will continue to evolve in their sophistication as artificial intelligence is leveraged to perpetrate cyberattacks. It is virtually impossible for any organization, including us, to completely eliminate the risk of cyberattacks. Security breaches or intrusion into our information systems or networks or the information systems or networks of the third parties with whom we do business pose a risk to the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data and of our customers, suppliers and employees, and could lead to any one or more of the following: the compromising of confidential information; manipulation, unauthorized use, theft or destruction of data; product defects or malfunctions; production downtimes and operations disruptions; litigation; regulatory action; reputational harm, including loss of confidence by our customers, suppliers and employees in our ability to adequately protect their information; fines; ransoms; and other costs and adverse consequences. As a manufacturer, our operating technology assets and systems are susceptible to disruption through cyberattacks. We anticipate that meaningful investments in our operating technology infrastructure will be necessary as we continue to assess our operating technology posture and respond to the increasingly-pronounced risks posed by third-party cyber actors. The occurrence of a security breach or an intrusion into an information system or a network, or the breakdown, interruption or inadequate upgrading or maintenance of our information processing software, hardware or networks or the internet, may adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition. We do not currently maintain specific cyber insurance coverage. Any insurance coverage we do have may be inadequate to compensate for losses arising from any security breach or cybersecurity incident, and may in the future not be available to us on economically reasonable terms, or at all.

Previous wording

While we believe the development and adoption of generative AI technologies are in their early stages, the increased use of these technologies in the conduct of our business poses risks which, if they materialize, could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operation and reputation. The deployment of generative AI tools creates opportunities for the potential loss or misuse of personal data, the inadvertent dissemination of our confidential or proprietary information, or the unintentional use of third parties’ intellectual property. In addition, the content, analyses, recommendations or other output that generative AI tools produce could be deficient, inaccurate or biased or be based on flawed or insufficient datasets.

Current wording

The development and adoption of generative AI technologies are rapidly evolving, and the increased use of these technologies in the conduct of our business poses risks which, if they materialize, could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operation and reputation. The deployment of generative AI tools creates opportunities for the potential loss or misuse of personal data, the inadvertent dissemination of our confidential or proprietary information, or the unintentional use of third parties’ intellectual property. In addition, the content, analyses, recommendations or other output that generative AI tools produce could be deficient, inaccurate or biased or be based on flawed or insufficient datasets. The Company’s ability to execute its strategic objectives could be adversely affected if it is unable to successfully integrate new technologies, including artificial intelligence, in a timely, cost‑effective, compliant, and appropriate manner, or if the processes and methods used to develop, deploy, or otherwise utilize such technologies are determined to be inconsistent with evolving or newly enacted regulatory requirements.

Previous wording

In 2024, approximately 46 percent of our sales were generated by customers located outside the U.S. Operations and sales outside of the U.S. expose us to certain risks that could adversely impact our sales volume, rate of growth or profitability. These risks include: complying with foreign legal and regulatory requirements; international trade factors (export controls, customs clearance, trade policy, trade sanctions, trade agreements, duties, tariff barriers and other restrictions); trade disruptions arising out of geopolitical activity (such as those caused by the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, or any conflict or threatened conflict between China and Taiwan); protection of our proprietary technology in certain countries; potentially burdensome taxes; potential difficulties staffing and managing local operations; and changes in exchange rates.

Current wording

In 2025, approximately 48 percent of our sales were generated by customers located outside the U.S. Operations and sales outside of the U.S. expose us to certain risks that could adversely impact our sales volume, rate of growth or profitability. These risks include: complying with foreign legal and regulatory requirements; international trade factors (export controls, customs clearance, trade policy, trade sanctions, trade agreements, duties, tariff barriers and other restrictions); trade disruptions arising out of geopolitical activity (such as those caused by the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, or any conflict or threatened conflict between China and Taiwan); protection of our proprietary technology in certain countries; potentially burdensome taxes; potential difficulties staffing and managing local operations; and changes in exchange rates.

Previous wording

The Company is subject to taxes in the U.S. and a number of foreign jurisdictions where it conducts business. The Company’s effective tax rate has been and may continue to be affected by changes in the mix of earnings in jurisdictions with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes in tax laws or their interpretation, such as the 15% global minimum tax under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ("OECD") Pillar Two, Global Anti-Base Erosion Rules. In addition, the U.S. government could adopt changes to international trade agreements, tariffs, taxes and other related regulations. If the Company’s effective tax rate were to increase, or if the ultimate determination of the Company’s taxes owed is for an amount in excess of amounts previously accrued, the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Current wording

The Company is subject to taxes in the U.S. and a number of foreign jurisdictions where it conducts business. The Company’s effective tax rate has been and may continue to be affected by changes in the mix of earnings in jurisdictions with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes in tax laws or their interpretation, such as the 15% global minimum tax under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ("OECD") Pillar Two, Global Anti-Base Erosion Rules. If the Company’s effective tax rate were to increase, or if the ultimate determination of the Company’s taxes owed is for an amount in excess of amounts previously accrued, the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected.