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Veralto Corp

For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 25, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2024 · Filed Feb 25, 2025

VLTO$117.09+0.5%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?

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Previous report: 10-K

Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-28.

0001967680-24-000033

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Current report: 10-K

Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-25.

0001967680-25-000008

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 156 previous paragraphs and 164 current paragraphs.

74 unchanged; 51 reworded; 37 added; 31 removed; 0 previous and 2 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 10 previous and 10 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (37)

Current report

The accompanying Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements present the historical financial position, results of operations, changes in equity and cash flows of the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). Prior to the Separation from Danaher Corporation (“Danaher” or “Former Parent”) on September 30, 2023, Veralto businesses were comprised of certain Danaher operating units. Veralto Corporation and the Veralto Businesses (including the periods prior to the Separation) are collectively referred to as “Veralto” or the “Company” herein.

Current report

The Company’s core sales during 2024 in developed markets increased 4.2% year-over-year driven by a 5.3% increase in North America and a 2.2% increase in Western Europe. Core sales in high-growth markets increased 2.5% driven by high-single digit increases in Latin America partially offset by mid-single digit decreases in China.

Current report

•Water Quality: the Company expects continued year-over-year growth driven by on-going strong demand for industrial water treatment, particularly in North America, with steady demand across municipal end-markets in North America and Europe, partially offset by continued weakness in China.

Current report

•Product Quality & Innovation: the Company expects continued year-over-year growth driven by improved demand in the consumer packaged goods market globally.

Current report

On October 4, 2024, the Company completed its acquisition of Information Exchange Holdings, Inc., the holding company that owns TraceGains, for $349 million, net of cash acquired. The Company believes this business complements the PQI segment, specifically the packaging and color solutions business. TraceGains is a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions that enable connected data and digital workflow management to help consumer brands meet increasingly stringent compliance and reporting regulations for food and beverage safety and traceability. Its solutions enable consumer brands to efficiently track ingredient inputs, monitor supplier quality and develop new products with greater safety and increased velocity.

Current report

On November 12, 2024, the Company completed an investment of CAD $20 million to establish a minority interest in Axine Water Technologies (“Axine”), a leading provider of electrochemical oxidation technology for contaminant destruction. Axine's electraCLEARTM solution provides simple, safe, efficient, and cost-effective destruction of organic contaminants in pharmaceuticals and industrial wastewater, including long- and short-chain PFAS. The strategic collaboration with Axine builds upon Veralto's diverse portfolio of water solutions for customers in the Company’s WQ segment.

Current report

Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for discussion regarding the Company’s acquisitions.

Current report

Price increases contributed 1.8% to sales growth on a year-over-year basis during 2024 as compared to 2023 and is reflected as a component of core sales growth above.

Current report

Cost of sales decreased $32 million, or 1.5%, on a year-over-year basis during 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to the impact of lower year-over-year material costs.

Current report

R&D expenses as a percentage of sales increased by 40 basis points on a year-over-year basis during 2024 as compared to 2023 driven by growth related R&D initiatives.

Current report

Operating profit margins were 23.3% for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 22.7% in 2023. The following factors impacted year-over-year operating profit margin comparisons.

Current report

2024 vs. 2023 operating profit margin comparisons were unfavorably impacted by:

Current report

•The net dilutive impact of 2024 acquisitions and dispositions - 10 basis points

Current report

•The impact of incremental costs associated with operating as a stand-alone company, labor, R&D growth initiatives, and sales and marketing growth initiatives partially offset by higher 2024 core sales, foreign currency exchange rates, lower material costs and cost savings associated with continuing productivity improvement initiatives - 20 basis points

Current report

Core sales in the Water Quality segment increased 3.9% on a year-over-year basis during 2024 as compared to 2023. Geographically, core sales growth was driven by increases of 6.2% in North America and 2.2% in Western Europe. Core sales were flat in high-growth markets, as a mid-single digits core sales increase in Latin America was mostly offset by a high-single digit percentage core sales decline in China.

Current report

Operating profit margins were 24.5% for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 24.0% in 2023. The following factors impacted year-over-year operating profit margin comparisons:

Current report

Total Product Quality & Innovation segment sales increased 3.7% on a year-over-year basis during 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily as a result of core sales growth driven by the factors discussed below. The impact of acquisitions increased reported sales by 0.4% during 2024 as compared to 2023. Geographically, reported sales increased by 4.5% in North America, 3.3% in Western Europe, and 4.0% in high-growth markets.

Current report

Core sales in the Product Quality & Innovation segment increased 3.3% on a year-over-year basis during 2024 as compared to 2023. Geographically, core sales growth was driven by increases of 3.0% in North America, 5.1% in high-growth markets, and 2.3% in Western Europe. Core sales growth in the high-growth markets was driven by high-single digit core sales increases in Latin America and mid-single digit core sales increases in China.

Current report

From a product line perspective, core sales in the marking and coding business increased 2.8% on a year-over-year basis during 2024 as compared to 2023 driven by higher consumable demand in the industrial and consumer packaged goods end-markets. Core sales in the packaging and color solutions business increased 4.5% on a year-over-year basis during 2024 as compared to 2023 driven by increased demand across the consumer-packaged goods and industrial end-markets.

Current report

Operating profit margins were 25.7% for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 23.8% in 2023. The following factors impacted year-over-year operating profit margin comparisons.

Current report

•Higher 2024 core sales, foreign currency exchange rates and cost savings associated with continuing productivity improvement initiatives, partially offset by incremental labor and sales and marketing growth initiatives - 30 basis points

Current report

2024 vs. 2023 operating profit margin comparisons were unfavorably impacted by:

Current report

•Costs incurred during 2024 related to certain strategic initiatives - 20 basis points

Current report

•The net dilutive impact of 2024 acquisitions and dispositions - 30 basis points

Current report

For a description of the Company’s other income (expense), net during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, refer to Note 7 to the accompanying Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.

Current report

For a discussion of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness, refer to Note 12 to the accompanying Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.

Current report

On October 24, 2024, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC (the “Shelf Registration Statement”) that registers an indeterminate amount of debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, subscription rights, purchase contracts, units and warrants that may be issued in the future in one or more offerings. Unless otherwise specified in the corresponding prospectus supplement, the Company expects to use net proceeds realized from future securities issuances off the Shelf Registration Statement for general corporate purposes, including without limitation repayment or refinancing of debt or other corporate obligations, acquisitions, capital expenditures, and working capital.

Current report

In connection with the issuance of the Private Notes, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement, pursuant to which the Company was obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC, and cause to be declared effective, a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange each series of Private Notes for registered notes (the “Registered Notes”) with substantially identical terms (the “Exchange Offer”). Accordingly, on July 26, 2024, the Company filed a Form S-4 with the SEC (the “Registration Statement”), which Registration Statement was declared effective on August 5, 2024. On August 5, 2024, the Company launched the Exchange Offer, which expired on September 3, 2024. Substantially all Private Notes were tendered and exchanged for Registered Notes in the Exchange Offer.

Current report

Aggregate cash payments for dividends during the year ended December 31, 2024 were $89 million. There were no dividends paid during 2023.
Removed paragraphs (31)

Previous report

These Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements may not be indicative of our results had we been a separate stand-alone entity throughout the periods presented, nor are the results stated herein indicative of what our financial position, results of operations and cash flows may be in the future.

Previous report

Geographically, the year-over-year increase in core sales was primarily driven by a 3.5% increase in developed markets and a 1.0% increase in the high-growth markets. The developed markets core sales was driven by a 4.3% increase in North America followed by a 2.5% increase in Western Europe. The high-growth markets core sales was adversely impacted by high single digit decreases in China.

Previous report

For a discussion of the impact of supply chain disruptions, labor availability constraints and increased labor costs on our businesses in 2023, please see “Item 1. Business – Materials.” For a discussion of the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on our businesses in 2022, please see “Item 1. Business – Russia-Ukraine Conflict.”

Previous report

•Water Quality: We expect continued year-over-year growth in North America, Western Europe and Latin America, partially offset by weakness in China.

Previous report

•Product Quality & Innovation: We expect stabilization in the consumer packaged goods market with modest recovery in the second half of 2024.

Previous report

Overall, the conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic generally improved in 2023 compared to 2022 (including the announcement on April 10, 2023 that the U.S. public health emergency related to COVID-19 ended) but conditions vary by geography. We continue to assess the impact of any potential disruption on all aspects of our business, as well as our ability to execute our business strategies and objectives.

Previous report

For additional information on the risks of COVID-19 to the Company’s operations, refer to the section titled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in this annual report.

Previous report

Cost of sales increased $10 million, or 0.5%, during 2023 as compared with 2022, due primarily to the impact of higher year-over-year labor costs partially offset by lower material costs.

Previous report

R&D expenses as a percentage of sales in 2023 was flat compared with 2022. The increase in R&D expense in 2023 was primarily attributable to select projects within the Water Quality segment.

Previous report

Operating profit margins were 22.7% for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 22.8% in 2022. The following factors impacted year-over-year operating profit margin comparisons.

Previous report

•Costs incurred as a result of the separation from Danaher - 15 basis points

Previous report

•2022 impairments of accounts receivable and inventory - 20 basis points

Previous report

•The incremental net accretive effect of businesses acquired in 2022 on the current period - 15 basis points

Previous report

Operating profit margins were 24.0% for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 23.1% in 2022. The following factors impacted year-over-year operating profit margin comparisons:

Previous report

•2022 impairments of accounts receivable and inventory - 30 basis points

Previous report

•Costs incurred as a result of the separation from Danaher - 5 basis points

Previous report

In 2023, total Product Quality & Innovation segment sales were flat, as a decline in core sales was offset by the impact of currency translation and acquisitions, which increased reported sales by 0.7% and 0.3%, respectively. Geographically, reported sales increased by 4.5% in Western Europe and 6.8% in Latin America offset by decreases across the majority of other geographies.

Previous report

Geographically, the year-over-year decrease in core sales was driven by North America and the high-growth markets, which decreased 1.9% and 1.0%. The decrease in the high growth markets was driven by high single digit decreases in China partially offset by mid single digit increases in Latin America. Additionally, core sales in Western Europe grew 0.3% year-over-year. The year-over-year decrease in core sales was 0.9% in the marking and coding business and 1.2% in the packaging and color solutions products and services business.

Previous report

Operating profit margins were 23.8% for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 24.6% in 2022. The following factors impacted year-over-year operating profit margin comparisons.

Previous report

•Costs incurred as a result of the separation from Danaher - 5 basis points

Previous report

•Savings from restructuring actions, lower material costs net of lower 2023 core sales - 90 basis points

Previous report

•The incremental net accretive effect of businesses acquired in 2022 on the current period - 35 basis points

Previous report

•2022 impairments of accounts receivable and inventory in Russia - 5 basis points

Previous report

During 2023, the Company recorded an impairment of $15 million related to an equity method investment, which is reflected in nonoperating income (expense). Refer to Note 7 to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.

Previous report

Interest expense was $30 million for 2023 as compared to $0 million in 2022, due to the Separation and the Company incurring debt for the first time in 2023.

Previous report

For a further description of the Company’s debt as of December 31, 2023, refer to Note 12 to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.

Previous report

In connection with the issuance of the U.S. Dollar Notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement, pursuant to which we are obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC, and cause to be declared effective, a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange each series of Notes for registered notes with terms that are substantially identical to the Notes of such series. Alternatively, if the exchange offers are not available or cannot be completed, we would be required to use commercially reasonable efforts to file, and cause to be declared effective, a shelf registration statement to cover resales of the Notes under the Securities Act. If we do not comply with these obligations, we will be required to pay additional interest on the Notes. We expect to file the required registration statement during the second half of 2024.
Reworded paragraphs (51)

Previous wording

This MD&A is designed to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management. Our MD&A is divided into seven sections:

Current wording

This MD&A is designed to provide a reader of the accompanying financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management. The MD&A is divided into seven sections:

Previous wording

The following MD&A should be read together with Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and the accompanying Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (“Notes”) included in Item 8. of this Form 10-K. The MD&A for 2022 and 2021 is included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations” of the Company’s Information Statement filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 2, 2023. The MD&A includes forward-looking statements. For a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results referred to in these forward-looking statements, see “Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements.”

Current wording

The following MD&A should be read together with Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and the accompanying Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements (“Notes”) included in Item 8. of this Form 10-K. The MD&A generally discusses 2024 and 2023 items and year-over-year comparisons between 2024 and 2023. Discussions of 2022 items and year-over-year comparisons between 2023 and 2022 are not included, and can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (“MD&A”) in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2024. The MD&A includes forward-looking statements. For a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results referred to in these forward-looking statements, see “Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements.”

Previous wording

The accompanying Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements present our historical financial position, results of operations, changes in equity and cash flows in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The Combined Financial Statements for periods prior to the Separation were derived from Danaher’s consolidated financial statements and accounting records and prepared in accordance with GAAP for the preparation of carved-out combined financial statements. Through the date of the Separation, all revenues and costs as well as assets and liabilities directly associated with Veralto have been included in the Combined Financial Statements. Prior to the Separation, the Combined Financial Statements also included allocations of certain general, administrative, sales and marketing expenses and cost of sales from Danaher’s corporate office and from other Danaher businesses to the Company and allocations of related assets, liabilities, and the Former Parent’s investment, as applicable. The allocations were determined on a reasonable basis; however, the amounts are not necessarily representative of the amounts that would have been reflected in the financial statements had the Company been an entity that operated independently of Danaher during the applicable periods. Related party allocations prior to the Separation, including the method for such allocation, are discussed further in Note 18 to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.

Current wording

The Combined Financial Statements for periods prior to the Separation were derived from Danaher’s consolidated financial statements and accounting records and prepared in accordance with GAAP for the preparation of carved-out combined financial statements. Prior to the Separation, all revenues and costs as well as assets and liabilities directly associated with Veralto have been included in the Combined Financial Statements. Additionally, the Combined Financial Statements for periods prior to the Separation included allocations of certain general, administrative, sales and marketing expenses and cost of sales from Danaher’s corporate office and from other Danaher businesses to Veralto, and allocations of related assets, liabilities, and the Former Parent’s investment, as applicable. The allocations were determined on a reasonable basis; however, the amounts are not necessarily representative of the amounts that would have been reflected in the financial statements had the Company been an entity that operated independently of Danaher during the applicable periods. Accordingly, the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements may not be indicative of Veralto’s results had the Company been a separate stand-alone entity throughout the periods presented. For further discussion of related party allocations prior to the

Previous wording

Following the Separation, the Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Veralto and those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and no longer include any allocations from Danaher.

Current wording

Following the Separation, the Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Veralto and those of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries and no longer include any allocations from Danaher.

Previous wording

Refer to “Item 1. Business” for a discussion of Veralto’s strategic objectives and methodologies for delivering long-term shareholder value. Veralto is a multinational business with global operations. During 2023, approximately 57% of Veralto’s sales were derived from customers outside the United States. As a diversified, global business, Veralto’s operations are affected by worldwide, regional and industry-specific economic and political factors. Veralto’s geographic and industry diversity, as well as the range of its products and services, help limit the impact of any one industry or the economy of any single country on its consolidated operating results. The Company’s individual businesses monitor key competitors and customers, including to the extent possible their sales, to gauge relative performance and the outlook for the future.

Current wording

Refer to “Item 1. Business” for a discussion of Veralto’s strategic objectives and methodologies for delivering long-term shareholder value. Veralto is a multinational business with global operations. During 2024, approximately 55% of Veralto’s sales were derived from customers outside the United States. As a diversified, global business, Veralto’s operations are affected by worldwide, regional and industry-specific economic and political factors. Veralto’s geographic and industry diversity, as well as the range of its products and services, help limit the impact of any one industry or the economy of any single country on its consolidated operating results. The Company’s individual businesses monitor key competitors and customers, including to the extent possible their sales, to gauge relative performance and the outlook for the future.

Previous wording

As a result of the Company’s geographic and industry diversity, the Company faces a variety of opportunities and challenges, including rapid technological development in most of the Company’s served markets, the expansion and evolution of opportunities in high-growth markets, trends and costs associated with a global labor force, consolidation of the Company’s competitors and increasing regulation. The Company operates in a highly competitive business environment in most markets, and the Company’s long-term growth and profitability will depend in particular on its ability to identify, consummate and integrate appropriate acquisitions and identify and consummate appropriate investments and strategic partnerships, develop innovative and differentiated new products and services with higher gross profit margins, expand and improve the effectiveness of the Company’s sales force, continue to reduce costs and improve operating efficiency and quality, effectively address the demands of an increasingly regulated global environment and expand its business in high-growth geographies and high-growth market segments. The Company is making significant investments, organically and through acquisitions and investments, to address the rapid pace of technological change in its served markets and to globalize its manufacturing, research and development and customer-facing resources (particularly in high-growth markets) to be responsive to the Company’s customers throughout the world and improve the efficiency of the Company’s operations. The Company defines high-growth markets as developing markets of the world experiencing extended periods of accelerated growth in gross domestic product and infrastructure which encompass all markets outside of the developed markets and consist of Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America (including Mexico) and Asia (with the exception of Japan, Australia and New Zealand). The Company defines developed markets as all markets of the world that are not high-growth markets.

Current wording

As a result of the Company’s geographic and industry diversity, the Company faces a variety of opportunities and challenges, including rapid technological development in most of the Company’s served markets, the expansion and evolution of high-growth markets, trends and costs associated with a global labor force, consolidation of the Company’s competitors and increasing regulation. The Company operates in a highly competitive business environment in most markets, and the Company’s long-term growth and profitability will depend in particular on its ability to identify, consummate and integrate appropriate acquisitions and identify and consummate appropriate investments and strategic partnerships, develop innovative and differentiated new products and services with higher gross profit margins, expand and improve the effectiveness of the Company’s sales force, continue to reduce costs and improve operating efficiency and quality, effectively address the demands of an increasingly regulated global environment and expand its business in high-growth geographies and high-growth market segments. The Company is making significant investments, organically and through acquisitions and investments, to address the rapid pace of technological change in its served markets and to globalize its manufacturing, research and development and customer-facing resources to be responsive to the Company’s customers throughout the world and improve the efficiency of the Company’s operations. The Company defines high-growth markets as developing markets of the world which include Asia (with the exception of Japan, Australia and New Zealand), Latin America (including Mexico), the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa. The Company defines developed markets as all markets of the world that are not high-growth markets.

Previous wording

Consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased 3.1% as compared to 2022. Core sales increased 2.6% in 2023 compared to 2022 (for the definition of “core sales” refer to “—Results of Operations” below). The Company’s continued investments in sales growth initiatives and the other business-specific factors referenced below contributed to core sales growth. Acquisitions contributed 0.3% to the increase in revenues in 2023.

Current wording

The Company’s overall revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased 3.4% as compared to 2023. Core sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased 3.7% as compared to 2023. Currency exchange rates decreased reported sales by 0.3%. For the definition of “core sales,” refer to “—Results of Operations” below.

Previous wording

Geographically, the Company’s sales during 2023 in developed markets increased year-over-year by 4.3% driven by increased sales of 4.1% in North America and 5.8% in Western Europe while high-growth markets were flat, primarily driven by year-over-year sales increases in the majority of countries within the high-growth markets offset by low double digit sales declines in China due to lower demand.

Current wording

Geographically, the Company’s sales during 2024 in developed markets increased year-over-year by 4.6% driven by increased sales of 5.9% in North America and 2.6% in Western Europe while high-growth markets were flat, primarily driven by year-over-year sales increases in the majority of countries within the high-growth markets offset by low double digit sales declines in China due to lower demand.

Previous wording

Net earnings attributable to common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2023 totaled approximately $839 million, or $3.40 per diluted common share, compared to approximately $845 million, or $3.43 per diluted common share, for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in net earnings in 2023 as compared to 2022 was driven by higher operating expenses, standalone public company costs and interest expense post separation from Danaher. Refer to “—Results of Operations” for further discussion of the year-over-year changes in net earnings and diluted net earnings per common share for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Current wording

Net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2024 totaled approximately $833 million, or $3.34 per diluted common share, compared to approximately $839 million, or $3.40 per diluted common share, for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in net earnings in 2024 as compared to 2023 was driven by higher operating expenses, standalone public company costs and interest expense post separation from Danaher. Refer to “—Results of Operations” for further discussion of the year-over-year changes in net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

We anticipate our 2024 results will be driven by the following expectations in each of our reportable segments:

Current wording

The Company anticipates 2025 results will be driven by the following expectations in each of the Company’s reportable segments:

Previous wording

The Company has access to capital resources and continues to focus on profitability improvements and leveraging Veralto Enterprise System (“VES”) to manage the anticipated impact of the challenging macroeconomic environment on our business operations.

Current wording

The Company has access to capital resources and continues to focus on profitability improvements and leveraging Veralto Enterprise System (“VES”) to manage the anticipated impact of the challenging macroeconomic environment on business operations.

Previous wording

Our outlook for 2024 reflects our current visibility and expectations based on current market factors. Our ability to meet our expectations are subject to numerous risks, including, but not limited to, those described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” within this annual report.

Current wording

The Company’s outlook for 2025 reflects our current visibility and expectations based on current market factors. Our ability to meet our expectations are subject to numerous risks, including, but not limited to, those described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” within this annual report.

Previous wording

In this report, references to the non-GAAP measures of core sales (also referred to as core revenues or sales/revenues from existing businesses) refer to sales from continuing operations calculated according to GAAP but excluding:

Current wording

In this report, references to the non-GAAP measure of core sales refer to sales from continuing operations calculated according to GAAP but excluding:

Previous wording

Core sales growth should be considered in addition to, and not as a replacement for or superior to, sales growth, and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Management believes that reporting these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to investors by helping identify underlying growth trends in the Company’s business and facilitating comparisons of the Company’s revenue performance with its performance in prior and future periods and to the Company’s peers. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures to measure the Company’s operating and financial performance and uses core sales growth as one of the performance measures in the Company’s executive short-term cash incentive program. The Company excludes the effect of currency translation from these measures because currency translation is not under management’s control, is subject to volatility and can obscure underlying business trends, and excludes the effect of acquisitions and divestiture-related items because the nature, size, timing and number of acquisitions and divestitures can vary dramatically from period-to-period and between the Company and its peers and can also obscure underlying business trends and make comparisons of long-term performance difficult.

Current wording

Core sales growth should be considered in addition to, and not as a replacement for or superior to, sales growth, and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Management believes that reporting these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to investors by helping identify underlying growth trends in the Company’s business and facilitating comparisons of the Company’s revenue performance with its performance in prior and future periods and to the Company’s peers. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures to measure the Company’s operating and financial performance and uses core sales growth as one of the performance measures in the Company’s executive short-term cash incentive program. The Company excludes the effect of currency translation from these measures because currency translation is not under management’s control, is subject to volatility, and can obscure underlying business trends. In addition, the Company excludes the effect of acquisitions and divestiture-related items because the nature, size, timing and number of acquisitions and divestitures can vary dramatically from period-to-period and between the Company and its peers, and can also obscure underlying business trends making comparisons of long-term performance difficult.

Previous wording

Total sales increased 3.1% on a year-over-year basis in 2023 primarily as a result of a 2.6% increase in core sales resulting from the factors discussed below by segment. The impact of changes in currency exchange rates and acquisitions remained essentially flat on a year-over-year basis in 2023.

Current wording

Total sales increased 3.4% on a year-over-year basis during 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily as a result of a 3.7% increase in core sales resulting from the factors discussed below by segment. Currency exchange rates decreased reported sales by 0.3% during 2024 as compared to 2023. The impact of acquisitions was flat on a year-over-year basis during 2024 as compared to 2023.

Previous wording

Sales by business segment for the years ended December 31 are as follows ($ in millions):

Current wording

Sales by business segment for the years ended December 31 are as follows:

Previous wording

Gross profit margins increased 110 basis points on a year-over-year basis during 2023 as compared to 2022. Gross profit margins were impacted by positive pricing actions discussed below and to a lesser extent lower material costs, partially offset by the impacts from foreign currency exchange rates and higher labor costs.

Current wording

Gross profit margins increased 200 basis points on a year-over-year basis during 2024 as compared to 2023, driven by positive pricing actions and higher volume as discussed below and to a lesser extent lower material costs, and the impacts from foreign currency exchange rates.

Previous wording

SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales increased 120 basis points on a year-over-year basis for 2023 compared with 2022. The percentage increase was driven primarily by the increase in the Company’s SG&A expenses exceeding the increase in the Company’s sales, resulting from investments in sales and marketing growth initiatives, intangible asset impairments and increased labor costs as well as the costs to operate as a stand-alone company. Intangible asset impairment charges totaling $12 million in 2023, net of $9 million intangible asset impairment charges in 2022 increased SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales.

Current wording

SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales increased 110 basis points on a year-over-year basis during 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to select investments in sales and marketing growth initiatives, as well as the costs to operate as a stand-alone company.

Previous wording

•The impact of Argentine Peso devaluation on operations within the Product Quality & Innovation segment - 55 basis points

Current wording

•The impact of Argentine Peso devaluation on operations within the Product Quality & Innovation segment during 2023 - 60 basis points

Previous wording

•2023 impairment charge related to customer relationships and a trade name in the Product Quality & Innovation segment, net of 2022 impairment charge related to technology and customer relationships in the Water Quality segment - 20 basis points

Current wording

•2023 impairment charge related to customer relationships and a trade name in the Product Quality and Innovation segment - 20 basis points

Previous wording

In 2023, total Water Quality segment sales increased 5.3% primarily as a result of increased core sales growth, which refers to the impact of both price and unit sales, driven by the factors discussed below. Additionally, the impact of currency translation increased reported sales 0.2% in 2023. Geographically, the increase in reported sales was driven by North America, which increased 6.5% offset by low-double digit decreases in China.

Current wording

Total Water Quality segment sales increased 3.2% on a year-over-year basis during 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily as a result of core sales growth driven by the factors discussed below. Currency exchange rates and the impact of divestitures decreased reported sales by 0.4% and 0.3%, respectively, during 2024 as compared to 2023. Geographically, the increase in reported sales was driven by an increase of 6.5% in North America, partially offset by a decrease of 2.8% in high-growth markets.

Previous wording

Core sales in the Water Quality segment increased 5.1% year-over-year compared to the comparable period of 2022. Price increases in the segment contributed 5.4% sales growth during 2023 as compared with 2022.

Current wording

Price increases in the segment contributed 2.1% to sales growth on a year-over-year basis during 2024 as compared to 2023 and are reflected as a component of the change in core sales growth.

Previous wording

Geographically, the year-over-year increase in core sales was driven by North America, Western Europe and the high-growth markets, which increased 6.9%, 4.9% and 2.9%, respectively. The high-growth markets core sales increase was impacted by high single digit decreases in China. The increase in core sales was driven primarily by the chemical treatment solutions business and to a lesser extent by the analytical instrumentation business. Year-over-year core sales in the chemical treatment solutions business increased 9.0% as a result of higher core sales across all major served end-markets. Core sales in the analytical instrumentation business increased 3.2% driven primarily by higher core sales in the municipal and industrial end-markets. Core sales in the ultraviolet water disinfection and filtration business increased 4.5% in 2023, driven primarily by the municipal end-market.

Current wording

The increase in core sales was driven primarily by the chemical treatment solutions business and to a lesser extent by the analytical instrumentation business, and the ultraviolet water disinfection and filtration business. Year-over-year core sales in the chemical treatment solutions business increased 7.2% as a result of higher core sales across most major end-markets. Core sales in the analytical instrumentation business increased 2.9% as a result of increased core sales across North America and Western Europe. Core sales in the ultraviolet water disinfection and filtration business increased 1.5% in 2024, driven primarily by the municipal end-market.

Previous wording

•Higher 2023 core sales and incremental year-over-year cost savings associated with material costs, net of the impact of product mix and incremental year-over-year costs associated with labor and sales and marketing growth initiatives - 65 basis points

Current wording

•Higher 2024 core sales and incremental year-over-year cost savings associated with material costs, net of the impact of incremental year-over-year costs associated with labor and sales and marketing growth initiatives - 40 basis points

Previous wording

The Company’s Product Quality & Innovation segment provides instruments, consumables, software and services for various marking and coding, traceability, printing, packaging design and quality management, packaging converting and color and appearance management applications for consumer packaged goods and industrial products.

Current wording

The Company’s Product Quality & Innovation segment provides equipment, consumables, software and services for various marking and coding, traceability, printing, packaging design and quality management, packaging converting and color and appearance management applications for consumer-packaged goods and industrial products.

Previous wording

Core sales in the Product Quality & Innovation segment decreased 1.0% year-over-year. Price increases in the segment contributed 2.0% sales growth during 2023 as compared with 2022.

Current wording

Price increases in the segment contributed 1.4% to sales growth on a year-over-year basis during 2024 as compared to 2023 and are reflected as a component of the change in core sales growth.

Previous wording

•The impact of Argentine Peso devaluation on operations - 145 basis points

Current wording

•The impact of Argentine Peso devaluation on operations during 2023 - 140 basis points

Previous wording

The Company’s effective tax rate can be impacted by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with different statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, accruals related to contingent tax liabilities and period-to-period changes in such accruals, the results of audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns (as discussed below), the expiration of statutes of limitations, the implementation of tax planning strategies, tax rulings, court decisions, and changes in tax laws and regulations, and legislative policy changes (for example, any changes that may result from the OECD’s initiative on Base Erosion, Profit Shifting and Pillar 2). For a description of the tax treatment of earnings that are planned to be reinvested indefinitely outside the United States, refer to “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.

Current wording

The Company’s effective tax rate can be impacted by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with different statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, accruals related to contingent tax liabilities and period-to-period changes in such accruals, the results of audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns (as discussed below), the expiration of statutes of limitations, the implementation of tax planning strategies, tax rulings, court decisions, and changes in tax laws and regulations, and legislative policy changes. For a description of the tax treatment of earnings that are planned to be reinvested indefinitely outside the United States, refer to “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.

Previous wording

The Company’s effective tax rate for 2021 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0% due principally to net discrete tax benefits of $65 million primarily related to the release of reserves for uncertain tax positions from the expiration of statutes of limitation and audit settlements and excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation, partially offset by changes in estimates associated with prior period uncertain tax positions. The impact of the net discrete tax benefits were partially offset by the Company’s earnings outside the United States that are taxed at rates different than the U.S. federal statutory rate, state taxes and changes in estimates associated with prior period uncertain tax positions.

Current wording

The Company’s effective tax rate for 2024 differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0% due principally to the Company’s earnings outside the United States that are taxed at rates different than the U.S. federal statutory rate, and state taxes, partially offset by a net discrete tax provision of $6 million. The net discrete tax provision related primarily to changes in estimates associated with prior period uncertain tax positions and audit settlements offset by excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation.

Previous wording

The Company conducts business globally, and the Former Parent filed numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. jurisdictions. The non-U.S. countries in which the Company has a significant presence include Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Excluding these non-U.S. jurisdictions, the Company believes that a change in the statutory tax rate of any individual non-U.S. country would not have a material effect on the Company’s Combined Financial Statements given the geographic dispersion of the Company’s income.

Current wording

The Company conducts business globally, and the Former Parent filed numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. jurisdictions. The non-U.S. countries in which the Company has a significant presence include Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Excluding these non-U.S. jurisdictions, the Company believes that a change in the statutory tax rate of any individual non-U.S. country would not have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements given the geographic dispersion of the Company’s income.

Previous wording

Comprehensive income increased by $61 million in 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily driven by gains from foreign currency translation adjustments offset by unrealized losses on a net investment hedge. The Company recorded a foreign currency translation gain of $29 million in 2023 primarily driven by the weakening of the U.S. dollar against most major currencies in the period compared to a loss of $100 million in 2022 primarily driven by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the euro, Canadian dollar and the British pound in 2022. The Company recorded a pension and postretirement plan benefit loss of $15 million in 2023 compared to a gain of $33 million in 2022. The Company recorded losses from net investment hedge adjustments related to the Company’s long-term debt in 2023 of $14 million.

Current wording

Comprehensive income decreased by $123 million in 2024 as compared to 2023, primarily driven by losses from foreign currency translation adjustments partially offset by unrealized gains on a net investment hedge, and to a lesser extent, pension and post-retirement plan benefit adjustments. The Company recorded a foreign currency translation loss of $139 million in 2024 primarily driven by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against most major currencies in the period compared to a gain of $29 million in 2023 primarily driven by the weakening of the U.S. dollar against most major currencies in the period. The Company recorded a pension and postretirement plan benefit loss of $4 million in 2024 compared to a loss of $15 million in 2023. The Company recorded a gain from net investment hedge adjustments related to the Company’s long-term debt in 2024 of $26 million compared to a loss of $14 million in 2023.

Previous wording

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, equity prices and commodity prices as well as credit risk, each of which could impact its Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. The Company generally addresses its exposure to these risks through its normal operating and financing activities. The Company may also use derivative financial instruments to manage foreign exchange risks and interest rate risks. In addition, the Company’s broad-based business activities help to reduce the impact that volatility in any particular area or related areas may have on its financial statements as a whole.

Current wording

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and commodity prices as well as credit risk, each of which could impact its Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. The Company generally addresses its exposure to these risks through its normal operating and financing activities. The Company may also use derivative financial instruments to manage foreign exchange risks and interest rate risks. In addition, the Company’s broad-based business activities help to reduce the impact that volatility in any particular area or related areas may have on its financial statements as a whole.

Previous wording

The Company manages interest cost using a mixture of fixed-rate and at times variable-rate debt. A change in interest rates on fixed-rate debt impacts the fair value of the debt but not the Company’s earnings or cash flow because the interest on such debt is fixed. Generally, the fair market value of fixed-rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. As of December 31, 2023, an increase of 100 basis points in interest rates would have decreased the fair value of the Company’s fixed-rate long-term debt by approximately $149 million.

Current wording

The Company manages interest cost using a mixture of fixed-rate and at times variable-rate debt. A change in interest rates on fixed-rate debt impacts the fair value of the debt but not the Company’s earnings or cash flow because the interest on such debt is fixed. Generally, the fair market value of fixed-rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. As of December 31, 2024, an increase of 100 basis points in interest rates would have decreased the fair value of the Company’s fixed-rate long-term debt by approximately $112 million.

Previous wording

Currency exchange rates positively impacted 2023 reported sales on a year-over-year basis primarily due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar against most major currencies during 2023. Strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other major currencies compared to the exchange rates in effect as of December 31, 2023 would adversely impact the Company’s sales and results of operations on an overall basis. Any further weakening of the U.S. dollar against other major currencies compared to the exchange rates in effect as of December 31, 2023 would positively impact the Company’s sales and results of operations.

Current wording

Currency exchange rates negatively impacted 2024 reported sales on a year-over-year basis primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against most major currencies during 2024. Weakening of the U.S. dollar against other major currencies compared to the exchange rates in effect as of December 31, 2024 would positively impact the Company’s sales and results of operations on an overall basis. Any further strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other major currencies compared to the exchange rates in effect as of December 31, 2024 would negatively impact the Company’s sales and results of operations.

Previous wording

The Company has generally accepted the exposure to exchange rate movements without using derivative financial instruments to manage this transactional exchange risk, although the Company has used foreign currency-denominated debt to hedge a portion of its net investments in non-U.S. operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. Both positive and negative movements in currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar will continue to affect the reported amount of sales and net earnings in the Company’s Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. In addition, the Company has assets and liabilities held in foreign currencies. A 10% depreciation in major currencies relative to the U.S. dollar as of December 31, 2023 would have reduced foreign currency-denominated net assets and equity by approximately $171 million. Refer to Note 13 to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for information regarding the Company’s hedging of a portion of its net investment in non-U.S. operations.

Current wording

The Company has generally accepted the exposure to exchange rate movements without using derivative financial instruments to manage this transactional exchange risk, although the Company has used foreign currency-denominated debt to hedge a portion of its net investments in non-U.S. operations against adverse movements in exchange rates. Both positive and negative movements in currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar will continue to affect the reported amount of sales and net earnings in the Company’s Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. In addition, the Company has assets and liabilities held in foreign currencies. A 10% depreciation in major currencies relative to the U.S. dollar as of December 31, 2024 would have reduced foreign currency-denominated net assets and equity by approximately $118 million. Refer to Note 13 to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for information regarding the Company’s hedging of a portion of its net investment in non-U.S. operations.

Previous wording

As a result of the Separation, the Company no longer participates in Danaher’s cash management and financing operations. Management assesses the Company’s liquidity in terms of its ability to generate cash to fund its operating and investing activities. The Company continues to generate substantial cash from operating activities and believes that its operating cash flow and other sources of liquidity will be sufficient to allow it to continue to invest in existing businesses, consummate strategic acquisitions, make interest payments on its outstanding indebtedness, and manage its capital structure on a short and long-term basis.

Current wording

Management assesses the Company’s liquidity in terms of its ability to generate cash to fund its operating, investing and financing activities. The Company continues to generate substantial cash from operating activities and believes that its operating cash flow and other sources of liquidity will be sufficient to allow it to continue to invest in existing businesses, consummate strategic acquisitions, make interest payments on its outstanding indebtedness, and manage its capital structure on a short and long-term basis.

Previous wording

•Issued approximately $2.1 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes in three series with maturity dates ranging from 2026 through 2033 (collectively, the “U.S. Dollar Notes”). Additionally, the Company issued €500 million principal amount of senior unsecured notes with a maturity date of 2031.

Current wording

•Issued approximately $2.1 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes in three series with maturity dates ranging from 2026 through 2033 (collectively, the “U.S. Dollar Notes”). Additionally, the Company issued €500 million principal amount of senior unsecured notes with a maturity date of 2031 (together with the U.S. Dollar Notes, the “Private Notes”).

Previous wording

•Entered into a credit agreement providing for a five-year unsecured revolving credit facility in an aggregate committed amount of $1.5 billion (the “Credit Facility”). There were no outstanding amounts under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2023. The Credit Facility includes an alternative currency sublimit up to an amount equal to 90% of the aggregate commitments and a $100 million swingline sublimit and provides for the issuance of swing loans. This facility provides backing for our commercial paper program, and outstanding commercial paper directly reduces borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility. There were no amounts outstanding under our commercial paper program as of December 31, 2023.

Current wording

•Entered into a credit agreement providing for a five-year unsecured revolving credit facility in an aggregate committed amount of $1.5 billion (the “Credit Facility”). There were no outstanding amounts under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2024. The Credit Facility includes an alternative currency sublimit up to an amount equal to 90% of the aggregate commitments and a $100 million swingline sublimit and provides for the issuance of swing loans. This facility provides backing for the Company’s commercial paper program, and outstanding commercial paper directly reduces borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility. There were no amounts outstanding under the Company’s commercial paper program as of December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

Before the Separation, the Company was dependent upon Danaher for all of its working capital and financing requirements under Danaher’s centralized approach to cash management and financing of operations of its subsidiaries. Because the Company was part of Danaher during the nine-month period ended September 29, 2023, only cash, cash equivalents and borrowings clearly associated with Veralto and related to the Separation, including the financing transactions described below, were included in the Combined Financial Statements. Other financial transactions relating to the business operations of the Company during the period were accounted for through the Net Former Parent investment account of the Company.

Current wording

Before the Separation, the Company was dependent upon Danaher for all of its working capital and financing requirements under Danaher’s centralized approach to cash management and financing of operations of its subsidiaries. Because the Company was part of Danaher during the nine-month period ended September 29, 2023, only cash, cash equivalents and borrowings clearly associated with Veralto and related to the Separation, including the financing transactions described below, were included in the Combined Financial Statements. Other financial transactions relating to the business operations of the Company during the period were accounted for through the Net Former Parent investment account of the Company. As a result of the Separation, the Company no longer participates in Danaher’s cash management and financing operations.

Showing the first 40 of 51 pairs. Open the source sections for the rest.

Rearranged current paragraphs (2)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Separation, including the method for such allocation, refer to Note 18 to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Net interest expense was $113 million during 2024 as compared to $30 million in 2023, arising from the Company’s outstanding indebtedness, which was incurred in September 2023. Before the Separation, Veralto depended on Danaher for all of its working capital and financing requirements under Danaher’s centralized approach to cash management and financing of operations of its subsidiaries. As a result, with the exception of cash, cash equivalents and borrowings clearly associated with Veralto and related to the Separation, the Company recorded no interest expense in the Combined Condensed Financial Statements for periods prior to the Separation.