Company: GGG
Filing Date: 2025-02-18
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0000042888-25-000011
Chunk: 24

Company: GRACO INC
Filing Date: 2025-02-18
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 1A
Chunk 24
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 our cost of doing business and expose us to reputational harm and potential liability.

Many regulators, investors, employees, vendors, customers, community members and other stakeholders are increasingly focused on ESG matters such as climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, human capital, and diversity, equity and inclusion. As the nature, scope and complexity of ESG reporting, diligence and disclosure requirements expand, we may have to devote more resources, and incur additional costs, to control, assess and report on ESG metrics. We may make public statements about various ESG-related matters and initiatives from time to time, including on our website, in our press releases, in our ESG report, and in other communications. Addressing stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements relating to ESG matters requires an investment of time, money and other resources, any or all of which may increase our cost of doing business. As investor and other stakeholder expectations relating to ESG matters change and evolve over time, any failure or perceived failure by us to adequately address those expectations may damage our reputation and adversely affect our business and results of operations. In addition, our stakeholders have evolving, varied and sometimes conflicting expectations regarding many aspects of our business, including our operations and ESG-related matters.

Anti-Corruption and Trade Laws - We may incur costs and suffer damages if our employees, agents, distributors or suppliers violate anti-bribery, anti-corruption or trade laws and regulations.

As a global manufacturer, we are subject to a variety of complex and stringent laws and regulations related to bribery, corruption and trade. The continued geographic expansion of our business increases our exposure to, and the cost of complying with, these laws and regulations. Changes in export control or trade sanction laws may restrict our business practices, including cessation of business activities in sanctioned countries or with sanctioned entities, and may result in modifications to our compliance programs and increase compliance costs. If our internal controls and compliance program do not adequately prevent or deter our employees, agents, distributors, suppliers and other third parties with whom we do business from violating anti-bribery, anti-corruption or trade laws and regulations, we may incur defense costs, fines, penalties, reputational damage and business disruptions.

Tax Rates and New Tax Legislation - Changes in tax rates or the adoption of new tax legislation may affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

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