Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for 2025 grew 6% year-over-year to $5.5 billion, marking an all-time high [8] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $3.90, up 10% year-over-year, indicating the second consecutive year of double-digit EPS growth [8] - Free cash flow exceeded $1 billion, strengthening the company's financial position [9] - In Q4, total sales grew 3.8% year-over-year to nearly $1.4 billion, with core sales growing 1.6% [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Quality segment delivered $846 million in total sales, up 4.3% year-over-year, with core sales growth of 1.4% [24] - PQI segment total sales grew 3% year-over-year to $550 million, with core sales growth of 1.8% [25] - Both segments experienced steady underlying demand, with price increases contributing to sales growth [22][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core sales in North America grew 5.3%, while Western Europe saw a 3.8% increase [9] - High-growth markets experienced a 5.1% increase in core sales year-over-year, led by Latin America, India, and the Middle East [12] - Core sales growth in China was modest, primarily driven by PQI [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for continued core sales growth and margin expansion, targeting mid- to high-single-digit adjusted EPS growth for 2026 [17][30] - Strategic acquisitions, such as In-Situ, are expected to enhance the company's water analytics portfolio and address freshwater challenges [18][20] - The focus remains on disciplined capital allocation and creating long-term shareholder value through M&A opportunities [29][80] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in steady demand for products and services due to the essential need for clean water and safe food [7][33] - The company anticipates another year of core sales growth in 2026, supported by a durable business model and strong secular growth drivers [33] - Management noted that underlying demand remains steady across both municipal and industrial markets, with government funding continuing to flow [41] Other Important Information - The company established a $750 million share repurchase program and announced an 18% increase in its dividend [7][29] - The acquisition of In-Situ was completed early in 2026, funded with cash on hand [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations on municipal CapEx and demand trends - Management sees steady demand across municipal and industrial markets, with strong growth in industrial sectors like data centers and government funding supporting municipal demand [40][41] Question: Impact of DRAM supply and pricing - The company's exposure to DRAM is minimal, and no material impact is expected [42] Question: Margin expansion guidance and cost considerations - Management expects 50 basis points of margin expansion, driven by pricing and the rolling off of tariff-related headwinds [50][52] Question: Data center growth potential - Data center sales are still a small part of the business but are growing double digits; however, they are not expected to be a meaningful contributor to core growth in 2026 [54] Question: PQI performance related to high protein boom - Demand in CPG markets remains stable, with opportunities arising from changes in packaged foods and dietary requirements [61] Question: Geographic performance in Western Europe - The year-over-year performance was impacted by three fewer shipping days, but overall execution was strong [62] Question: EPS growth guidance and market conditions - Management is being prudent with EPS growth guidance due to macro uncertainties, but underlying demand remains solid [70] Question: Integration plans for In-Situ acquisition - The company is excited about top-line synergies and plans to leverage complementary product portfolios to accelerate growth [82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales grew 6% year-over-year to $5.5 billion, marking an all-time high [8] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $3.90, up 10% year-over-year, indicating the second consecutive year of double-digit EPS growth [8] - Generated over $1 billion of free cash flow, strengthening the financial position [9] - In Q4, total sales grew 3.8% year-over-year to nearly $1.4 billion, with core sales growing 1.6% [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Quality segment delivered $846 million in total sales, up 4.3% year-over-year, with core sales growth of 1.4% [24] - PQI segment total sales grew 3% year-over-year to $550 million, with core sales growth of 1.8% [25] - Both segments experienced steady underlying demand, with pricing increases contributing to sales growth [22][24][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core sales in North America grew 5.3%, while Western Europe saw a growth of 3.8% [9] - High-growth markets experienced a core sales increase of 5.1% year-over-year, led by Latin America, India, and the Middle East [12] - Core sales growth in China was modest, primarily driven by PQI [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for mid- to high-single-digit adjusted EPS growth in 2026, with a focus on strategic growth and disciplined capital allocation [17][30] - Recent acquisitions, including In-Situ, are expected to enhance the water analytics portfolio and drive growth in environmental markets [18][19] - The company is committed to leveraging its Veralto Enterprise System to drive continuous improvement and support customer needs [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in steady demand for products and services due to the ongoing need for clean water and safe food [7][17] - The company anticipates another year of core sales growth and continued margin expansion, despite potential macroeconomic challenges [30] - Management highlighted the importance of recurring revenue, which comprises 60% of total sales, providing stability against fluctuations in capital expenditure [40] Other Important Information - The company established a $750 million share repurchase program and announced an 18% increase in its dividend [7][29] - Free cash flow conversion was reported at 115% of GAAP net income for Q4 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations on municipal CapEx and demand trends - Management sees steady demand across municipal and industrial markets, with government funding continuing to flow [40] Question: Impact of DRAM supply on business - Management indicated minimal exposure to DRAM, expecting no material impact [42] Question: Margin expansion guidance and cost considerations - Management expects 50 basis points of margin expansion, driven by pricing and the rolling off of tariff-related headwinds [50] Question: Data center growth potential - Management noted that while data center sales are growing, they remain a small part of the overall business and not expected to be a significant contributor in 2026 [54] Question: Performance in PQI related to high protein boom - Management reported stable demand in CPG markets, with opportunities arising from changes in dietary requirements and packaging [60] Question: Geographic performance in Western Europe - Management explained that fluctuations in Western Europe were primarily due to fewer shipping days impacting year-over-year comparisons [62] Question: EPS growth guidance and market conditions - Management indicated that while top-line growth is expected, EPS growth is forecasted to be more modest due to various factors, including the In-Situ acquisition [70] Question: Integration plans for In-Situ acquisition - Management expressed excitement about the In-Situ acquisition, highlighting opportunities for top-line and cost synergies [82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for 2025 grew 6% year-over-year to $5.5 billion, marking an all-time high [6] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $3.90, up 10% year-over-year, indicating the second consecutive year of double-digit EPS growth [7] - Free cash flow exceeded $1 billion, strengthening the company's financial position [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Quality segment delivered $846 million in total sales for Q4, up 4.3% year-over-year, with core sales growth of 1.4% [22][23] - PQI segment total sales grew 3% year-over-year to $550 million in Q4, with core sales growth of 1.8% [24][25] - Both segments showed strong operating profit growth, with Water Quality's adjusted operating profit increasing 5.8% and PQI's adjusted operating profit up $13 million year-over-year [22][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core sales in North America grew 5.3% and in Western Europe by 3.8% in 2025, with high-growth markets seeing a 5.1% increase [8][12] - Core sales growth in Water Quality was driven by strong demand in chemical processing, power generation, mining, and data centers [9] - In high-growth markets, core sales increased 5.1% year-over-year, led by Latin America, India, and the Middle East [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for continued core sales growth and margin expansion, with a focus on strategic growth and disciplined capital allocation [5][16] - Recent acquisitions, including In-Situ, are expected to enhance the company's water analytics portfolio and address freshwater challenges [17][19] - The company is committed to leveraging its Veralto Enterprise System to drive continuous improvement and support customer needs [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in steady demand for products and services due to the ongoing need for clean water and safe food [5][16] - The company anticipates another year of core sales growth in 2026, with adjusted EPS growth projected in the mid- to high single digits [29][30] - Management noted that underlying demand remains steady, despite some macroeconomic uncertainties [67] Other Important Information - The company established a $750 million share repurchase program and announced an 18% increase in its dividend [5][27] - The acquisition of In-Situ was completed early in 2026, funded with cash on hand, and is expected to contribute significantly to growth [26][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations on municipal CapEx and demand trends - Management sees steady demand across both municipal and industrial markets, with strong growth in industrial sectors like data centers [39] Question: Impact of DRAM supply on business - The company's exposure to DRAM is minimal, and no material impact is expected [40] Question: Margin expansion guidance and inflation concerns - Management expects 50 basis points of margin expansion, driven by pricing and the rolling off of tariff-related headwinds [48][49] Question: Data center growth potential - Data centers represent a small but growing segment, with expectations for continued double-digit growth [52] Question: Geographic performance in Western Europe - The year-over-year performance was impacted by fewer shipping days, but overall execution remains strong [61] Question: Guidance range for sales growth - The company aims for low to mid-single-digit growth, with various factors influencing the range [101]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales grew 6.4% year over year to $1.37 billion, with core sales growth of 4.8% driven by broad-based volume gains across both segments [21][22] - Adjusted earnings per share increased 9.4% year over year to $0.93, exceeding guidance due to better-than-expected sales volumes [14][23] - Free cash flow generation was strong at $323 million, an increase of $83 million year over year, reflecting effective cash management [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Quality segment sales reached $825 million, up 6.2% year over year, with core sales growth of 5% driven by strong demand for water analytics and treatment solutions [24][26] - PQI segment sales grew 6.8% year over year to $546 million, with core sales growth of 4.6% supported by recurring revenue and equipment shipments [27][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core sales growth in Western Europe was 6.3%, led by double-digit growth in water quality, while North America saw core sales growth of 5.6% [14][16] - High growth markets experienced over 6% core sales growth year over year, with notable performance in Latin America and India [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company raised its full-year adjusted earnings per share guidance to a range of $3.72 to $3.80, reflecting stable demand and positive macroeconomic conditions [10][32] - The capital allocation strategy remains focused on acquisitions, with a commitment to invest in emerging technology-oriented businesses [11][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a dynamic macroeconomic environment, citing strong secular growth drivers in water quality and essential goods [36][37] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in the second half of the year, supported by robust demand and effective execution of its business model [36][58] Other Important Information - The company announced a €20 million commitment to invest in Emerald Technology Ventures Global Water Fund II, enhancing its innovation and technology development efforts [11] - Adjusted operating profit margin for the quarter was 23.7%, with expectations for margin expansion in the second half of the year [22][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on core water quality growth by region? - Management indicated that their water quality business is resilient to fluctuations in government funding, driven by secular trends such as water reuse and sustainability goals [44][45] Question: What is the impact of tariffs and pricing on PQI margins? - Management explained that margin compression was due to acquisitions, timing of pricing actions, and investments, with expectations for gradual improvement in the second half of the year [48][51] Question: How is the company positioned in the UK water utility market? - Management expressed confidence in capitalizing on opportunities in the UK, leveraging direct sales to customers to identify and act on local opportunities [105][106]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales grew 6.4% year over year to $1.37 billion, with currency providing a 150 basis point tailwind [20] - Adjusted earnings per share increased 9.4% year over year to $0.93, exceeding guidance due to higher sales volumes [22] - Free cash flow generation was $323 million, an increase of $83 million year over year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Quality segment sales reached $825 million, up 6.2% year over year, with core sales growth of 5% [22][23] - PQI segment sales grew 6.8% year over year to $546 million, with core sales growth of 4.6% [24][25] - Water Quality's adjusted operating profit increased 11.5% to $214 million, with a margin of 25.9% [24] - PQI's adjusted operating profit was $140 million, flat year over year, with a margin of 25.6% [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core sales growth in Western Europe was 6.3%, led by double-digit growth in water quality [13] - North America saw core sales growth of 5.6%, with both segments generating growth above 5% [13] - High growth markets experienced over 6% sales growth year over year, with high single-digit growth in PQI [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company raised its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $3.72 to $3.80 per share, reflecting stable demand and macroeconomic conditions [9][31] - The capital allocation strategy remains focused on acquisitions to fuel long-term shareholder value [10][30] - The company is investing in emerging technology-oriented businesses, such as a €20 million commitment to Emerald Technology Ventures Global Water Fund II [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a dynamic macroeconomic environment, citing strong demand for technology solutions [34] - The company anticipates continued growth driven by secular trends in water reuse and sustainability [42] - Management noted that the infrastructure supporting technology and AI growth will strain water capacity, positioning the company well to meet these needs [15] Other Important Information - The company achieved mid-single-digit core sales growth for four consecutive quarters, demonstrating the durability of its business model [7] - Adjusted operating profit margin was 23.7%, consistent with underlying guidance assumptions [12][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on core water quality growth by region? - Management indicated that their water quality business is resilient to government funding fluctuations, driven by secular trends in water reuse and sustainability [41] Question: What is the impact of tariffs and pricing on PQI margins? - Management explained that margin compression was due to acquisitions, timing differences in pricing actions, and investments, with expectations for gradual improvement in the second half of the year [46][49] Question: How is the company positioned in the current M&A market? - Management stated that the M&A pipeline is active, with a focus on identifying attractive markets and companies, while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation [62] Question: What is the outlook for the UK water utility market? - Management expressed confidence in capitalizing on increased spending opportunities in the UK, leveraging their direct sales approach [102] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the Chinese market? - Management noted that while water quality sales in China have been flat, they are executing well within available opportunities [94]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales grew 6.9% year over year to over $1.3 billion, with core sales growth at 7.8% driven by broad-based volume gains across both segments [25][26] - Adjusted operating profit margin expanded 50 basis points year over year to 25%, an all-time high, with adjusted earnings per share growing 13% year over year to $0.95 [11][27] - Free cash flow increased by 39% year over year to $142 million, primarily driven by growth in earnings [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Water Quality segment sales increased 6% year over year to $794 million, with core sales growth of 7.4% driven by strong demand for water treatment solutions [28][29] - PQI segment sales grew 8.3% year over year to $538 million, with core sales growth also at 8.3%, led by volume growth of 6.7% and price increases contributing 1.6% [30][31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales growth in Western Europe was robust at nearly 11%, with double-digit growth in both segments [13] - North America saw sales growth of approximately 8%, with high single-digit growth in both segments, particularly in water quality [16][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is actively deploying countermeasures to mitigate changes in the global trade and tariff landscape, including strategic pricing roadmaps and shifts in manufacturing footprint [9][19] - The recent acquisition of AquaFetus for $20 million is expected to enhance the company's UV treatment portfolio and expand its ability to serve European customers [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the dynamic macroeconomic environment, citing the essential nature of their products and the durability of their business model [8][38] - The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 adjusted EPS guidance of $3.6 to $3.7 per share, with expectations of low to mid-single-digit core sales growth [34][36] Other Important Information - The company has a strong financial position with gross debt of $2.6 billion and cash on hand exceeding $1.2 billion, resulting in a net leverage of 1.1 times [33] - The company completed its second CEO Kaizen week, focusing on continuous improvement and operational excellence [22][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on the sequencing of tariff mitigation? - Management indicated confidence in mitigating tariffs, with gross exposure estimated at 3.5% of sales, and emphasized ongoing optimization efforts [44][45] Question: Have you seen any changes in customer confidence based on demand indicators? - Management reported strong demand remains for the PQI business, with no indications of softening in order patterns [47][48] Question: Can you discuss price elasticity in relation to consumables versus equipment? - Management noted a surgical approach to pricing, with 80% of sales tied to essential goods, indicating a sticky relationship with customers [55][57] Question: How do you view the impact of tariffs on competitive positioning? - Management expressed optimism about leveraging their asset-light manufacturing model to gain market share amid market dislocations [91][92] Question: What are the implications of the recent EPA announcement regarding PFAS? - Management remains excited about opportunities in PFAS analysis and treatment, with no immediate impact on forecasts [60]