Graco Inc. Q1 FY2026 earnings call

• Overall sales growth driven by acquisitions and currency, but organic sales down. Gross margin decreased 60bps. Operating expenses increased $9M, but flat excluding certain items. Industrial bookings up mid single digits but not converted to revenue. Semiconductor and environmental business bookings strong. Middle East sales around $35M, no significant impact yet. David Lowe retiring, Sanjeev Gupta joining. Company celebrating centennial on April 26.

Sales were $540 million, up 2% y-o-y. Acquisitions contributed 5% growth, currency translation 3%, but organic sales down 6%. Reported net earnings were $119 million, down 5%. Gross margin decreased 60 basis points. Operating expenses increased $9 million. Contractor segment: sales up 2%, acquisitions and currency each 3%, organic down 4%; foam, polyurea, protective coatings bright spots. Industrial segment: sales up 4%, acquisitions 8%, currency 4%, organic down 8%; Americas performed well, EMEA and APAC impacted by project timing. Expansion markets segment: organic revenue down 5% due to semiconductor, but semiconductor bookings up at least 20% each region, environmental business showing improvement.

Maintaining 2026 revenue guidance of low single digit organic growth on constant currency basis and mid single digit growth including acquisitions. Currency expected to have 1% favorable impact on net sales and 2% on net earnings for full year 2026. Full year unallocated corporate expenses expected $40 - $43M, capital expenditures $90 - $100M including $50M for facility expansion.

Uncertain macro environment, potential impact of Middle East situation on materials and operations, changes in Section 232 tariffs and their impact on costs, potential project cancellations or backlog conversion delays.

Q: Dean Dre. inquires about major verticals, geographies, Middle East exposure for contractor, and pricing.

A: Industrial bookings up mid single digits but not converted to revenue, semiconductor and environmental business bookings strong, Middle East situation monitored, pricing actions taken with more in Q2.

Q: Jeff Hammond asks regarding the low single-digit organic guide and tariffs.

A: Bookings in Q1 align with the guide, still assessing the impact of Section 232 tariffs.

Q: Brian Blair questions backlog expansion and M&A outlook.

A: Backlog build is consistent, and the M&A market is favorable with an active pipeline.

Q: Matt Somerville asks about contractor sell-in/sell-through, new product load-in, and M&A outlook.

A: Sell-in/sell-through are similar, new product launches are similar to last year, and the M&A market is favorable.

Q: Brad Hewitt asks about backlog conversion, margin headwind, and M&A impact.

A: Backlog conversion is expected in the second half, margin headwind is mixed, and acquisitions impact the margin.

Q: Joe Ritchie asks about powder finishing systems backlog conversion, margin impact of acquisitions, and upfront licensing.

A: Backlog conversion is due to order cadence, acquisitions impact the margin, and there are prospects for upfront licensing.

Q: Andrew Biscaglia asks about market enthusiasm, monthly trends, and buybacks.

A: There are no structural issues, monthly trends are mixed but with a positive pipeline, and capital is disciplinedly allocated for buybacks and M&A.

Q: Walter Liptak asks about monthly trends, second quarter shipments, and buybacks vs M&A.

A: There are no demand implications from the first four months, the Q2 contractor cadence is as usual, and capital is disciplinedly allocated for buybacks and M&A