Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Graco reported fourth quarter sales of $593 million, an increase of 8% from the same quarter last year, with acquisitions contributing 4%, currency translation 2%, and organic sales another 2% to growth [3] - Reported net earnings increased 22% to $133 million, or 79 cents per diluted share, while adjusted non-GAAP net earnings were 77 cents per diluted share, an increase of 20% [3] - The gross margin rate increased by 80 basis points compared to the same quarter last year, despite higher product costs due to tariffs and lower factory volumes [4] - Operating expenses decreased by $1 million, or 1%, primarily due to the absence of prior year business reorganization and litigation costs [4][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Contractor segment sales increased 8% in the fourth quarter, with acquisitions contributing 5%, currency translation 2%, and organic sales another 1% [13] - The industrial segment saw an 11% growth in sales, driven by strong organic performance and contributions from acquisitions [14] - Expansion markets declined 6% in the quarter but achieved high single-digit full-year sales growth in the semiconductor business [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales at constant currency were up 2%, with growth in both the industrial and contractor segments [11] - The industrial business had strong organic performance in the Americas and EMEA, while Asia-Pacific experienced declines, particularly in China [14] - The overall market for contractor equipment remained flat, with affordability concerns keeping activity subdued [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Graco aims to generate one-third of its long-term revenue growth through strategic acquisitions, with a strong acquisition pipeline [12] - The company is focused on product innovation and advancing the One Graco operating model, which has led to significant inventory reductions and cost efficiencies [60] - Graco is optimistic about growth opportunities in 2026, projecting low single-digit organic growth on a constant currency basis and mid-single-digit growth factoring in expected incremental sales from acquisitions [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the operating environment, noting steady order rates and potential for growth in the contractor segment [33] - The company highlighted the importance of new product launches and the impact of lower mortgage rates on the residential market as potential positive developments [125] - Management acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the global trade environment and its potential impact on operations [126] Other Important Information - Cash provided by operations totaled $684 million for the year, an increase of $62 million, or 10% [7] - Significant cash uses included share repurchases of 5.1 million shares totaling $423 million and dividends of $183 million [8] - The effective tax rate is expected to be 20%-21% for the upcoming year, excluding any one-time items [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on upfront licensing fees associated with electric pumps - Management explained that the upfront licensing fees are likely to be lumpy and not factored into the full-year outlook for organic growth [22][25] Question: Geographic conditions for 2026 - Management characterized the geographic conditions as low single-digit growth, with steady order rates but cautious optimism for improvement [29][33] Question: Signs of pull-forward demand in the contractor side - Management indicated that there was no significant pull-forward demand, but noted a slight pickup in the home center channel [40][42] Question: Pricing assumptions in organic growth guidance - Management expects to realize about 1.5% on the pricing front this year, with price adjustments implemented in late 2025 [51][52] Question: Update on One Graco initiative - Management reported significant inventory reductions and cost efficiencies as a result of the One Graco initiative, with expectations for continued benefits in 2026 [58][60] Question: Backlog trends in the quarter - Management stated that backlogs are at a decent level and that they did a good job in manufacturing to meet customer demands [110][111]