Core Insights - Veralto experienced broad-based growth in 2025, with total sales reaching an all-time high of $5.5 billion, marking a 6% increase year-over-year, and core sales growing by 4.7% [3][8] - The company reported strong fourth-quarter results, with sales rising 3.8% to nearly $1.4 billion and adjusted EPS increasing by 9% to $1.04 [14][15] - Management expects low- to mid-single-digit core sales growth for 2026, with adjusted EPS guidance of $4.10 to $4.20 [6][19] Financial Performance - Total sales for the year increased by 6% to $5.5 billion, with adjusted EPS rising 10% to $3.90, and free cash flow exceeding $1 billion [3][8] - Fourth-quarter gross profit increased by 3.4% to $828 million, with a gross margin of 59.3% and adjusted operating margin improving by 80 basis points to 24.6% [15] - The company generated $291 million in free cash flow in the fourth quarter, representing a 115% conversion of GAAP net income [15] Regional and Segment Performance - North America accounted for about 70% of revenue, with core sales growth of 5.3%, while Western Europe saw a 3.8% increase [1][9] - In the Water Quality segment, fourth-quarter sales grew 4.3% to $846 million, with core sales up 1.4% [16] - The PQI segment reported fourth-quarter sales growth of 3% to $550 million, with core sales up 1.8% [17] Strategic Actions - The company announced a $750 million share repurchase program and an 18% increase in dividends [2] - Veralto completed the acquisition of In-Situ for approximately $80 million in 2025 sales, aiming to expand into environmental water and hydrology analytics [7][12] - Management highlighted increased R&D investment leading to several product launches, including a new ammonia analyzer and AI-enabled packaging solutions [10][11] 2026 Guidance and Expectations - For 2026, management anticipates low- to mid-single-digit core sales growth and mid- to high-single-digit total sales growth, with a currency tailwind of 100-150 basis points [18][19] - The company expects approximately 25 basis points of adjusted operating margin expansion, including 50 basis points of improvement in the core business [19] - First-quarter 2026 guidance suggests core sales ranging from flat to low-single digits, with adjusted EPS expected between $0.97 and $1.01 [20][21]

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]