Form 4: Graco Inc. Director Kevin J. Wheeler Reports Acquisition of Deferred Stock Shares

Director Kevin J. Wheeler reports acquiring deferred stock shares in Graco Inc. under the company's 2019 Stock Incentive Plan.

Summary

• On April 1, 2024, Kevin J. Wheeler, a director of Graco Inc., acquired 267.49 deferred stock shares.
• These shares were accrued under the Graco Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan and are to be settled in Graco common stock upon termination of service on the Board.
• The shares were received in lieu of quarterly retainer fees.
• The reporting person directly owns 5,572.7623 deferred stock shares.
• The price of the stock was $93.46.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The document reflects a routine transaction related to director compensation, indicating a stable and well-governed company. The sentiment is neutral to slightly positive.

Positives

• The acquisition of deferred stock shares by a director demonstrates alignment with the company's long-term success.
• The Graco Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan incentivizes directors through equity ownership.

Future Outlook

The deferred stock shares will be settled in Graco common stock upon the director's termination of service on the Board.

Industry Context

This filing is a routine disclosure of a director's stock ownership and is typical for publicly traded companies. It reflects standard compensation practices for board members.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Director compensation packages often include deferred stock or restricted stock units to align director interests with shareholder value.
• Companies like Illinois Tool Works (ITW) and 3M (MMM) also utilize stock-based compensation for their directors.
• The specific terms of Graco's 2019 Stock Incentive Plan would need to be compared to those of similar companies to assess its competitiveness.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders may view the director's stock ownership positively, as it aligns their interests with the company's performance.

Key Dates