In this Annual Report, the terms “Veralto” or the “Company” refer to Veralto Corporation, Veralto Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries or the consolidated subsidiaries of Veralto Corporation, as the context requires. Unless otherwise indicated, all financial data in this Annual Report refer to continuing operations only.
INFORMATION RELATING TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements included or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report, in other documents we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in our press releases, webcasts, conference calls, materials delivered to shareholders and other communications, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. All statements other than historical factual information are forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding: projections of revenue, expenses, profit, profit margins, pricing, tax rates, tax provisions, cash flows, pension and benefit obligations and funding requirements, our liquidity position or other projected financial measures; management’s plans and strategies for future operations, including statements relating to anticipated operating performance, cost reductions, restructuring activities, new product and service developments, competitive strengths or market position, acquisitions and the integration thereof, divestitures, spin-offs, split-offs, initial public offerings, other securities offerings or other distributions, strategic opportunities, stock repurchases, dividends and executive compensation; growth, declines and other trends in markets we sell into; new or modified laws, regulations and accounting pronouncements; future regulatory approvals and the timing and conditionality thereof; outstanding claims, legal proceedings, tax audits and assessments and other contingent liabilities; future foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates; the potential or anticipated direct or indirect impact of COVID-19 on our business, results of operations and/or financial condition; general economic and capital markets conditions; the anticipated timing of any of the foregoing; assumptions underlying any of the foregoing; and any other statements that address events or developments that Veralto intends or believes will or may occur in the future. Terminology such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “should,” “could,” “intend,” “will,” “plan,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “target,” “may,” “possible,” “potential,” “forecast” and “positioned” and similar references to future periods are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements are accompanied by such words. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the risks and uncertainties set forth below and under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Annual Report.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from the results, developments and business decisions contemplated by our forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the report, document, press release, webcast, call, materials or other communication in which they are made. Except to the extent required by applicable law, we do not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise.
Below is a summary of material risks and uncertainties we face, which are discussed more fully in “Item 1A. Risk Factors”:
Business and Strategic Risks
•Conditions in the global economy, including military conflicts, the particular markets we serve and the financial markets can adversely affect our business and financial statements.
•We face intense competition and if we are unable to compete effectively, we may experience decreased demand and decreased market share. Even if we compete effectively, we may be required to reduce the prices we charge.
•Our growth depends on the timely development and commercialization, and customer acceptance, of new and enhanced products and services based on technological innovation.
•Non-U.S. economic, political, legal, compliance, social and business factors can negatively affect our business and financial statements.
•Our growth can also suffer if the markets into which we sell our products and services decline, do not grow as anticipated or experience cyclicality.
•The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted and could in the future continue to adversely impact elements of our business and financial statements.
Acquisitions, Divestitures and Investment Risks
•Any inability to consummate acquisitions at our historical rate and appropriate prices, and to make appropriate investments that support our long-term strategy, could negatively impact our business.
•Our acquisition or divestiture of businesses, investments, joint ventures and other strategic relationships can negatively impact our business and financial statements.
Operational Risks
•Significant disruptions in, or breaches in security of, our information technology (“IT”) systems or data or violations of data privacy laws can adversely affect our business and financial statements.
•Defects and unanticipated use or inadequate disclosure with respect to our products or services, or allegations thereof, can adversely affect our business and financial statements.
•If we suffer loss to our facilities, supply chains, distribution systems or information technology systems due to catastrophe or other events, our operations could be seriously harmed.
•Climate change, legal or regulatory measures to address climate change and any inability on our part to address stakeholder expectations relating to climate change may negatively affect us.
•Our financial results are subject to fluctuations in the cost and availability of the supplies that we use in, and the labor we need for, our operations.
•Our success depends on our ability to recruit, retain and motivate talented employees representing diverse backgrounds, experiences and skill sets.
•Our restructuring actions can have long-term adverse effects on our business and financial statements.
Intellectual Property Risks
•If we are unable to adequately protect our intellectual property, or if third parties infringe our intellectual property rights, we may suffer competitive injury or expend significant resources enforcing our rights. These risks are particularly pronounced in countries in which we do business that do not have levels of protection of intellectual property comparable to the United States.
•Third-parties from time to time claim that we are infringing or misappropriating their intellectual property rights and we could suffer significant litigation expenses, losses or licensing expenses or be prevented from selling products or services.
Financial and Tax Risks
•Our outstanding debt has increased significantly as a result of our separation from Danaher, and we may incur additional debt in the future. Our existing and future indebtedness may limit our operations and our use of our cash flow and negatively impact our credit ratings; and any failure to comply with the covenants that apply to our indebtedness could adversely affect our business and financial statements.
•We may be required to recognize impairment charges for our goodwill and other intangible assets.
•Foreign currency exchange rates can adversely affect our financial statements.
•Changes in our tax rates or exposure to additional income tax liabilities or assessments could affect our earnings. In addition, audits by tax authorities could result in additional tax payments for prior periods.
•Changes in tax law relating to multinational corporations could adversely affect our tax position.
Legal, Regulatory, Compliance and Reputational Risks
•Our businesses are subject to extensive regulation, and failure to comply with those regulations could adversely affect our business and financial statements.
•We are subject to or otherwise responsible for a variety of litigation and other legal and regulatory proceedings in the course of our business that can adversely affect our business and financial statements.
•Our operations, products and services expose us to the risk of environmental, health and safety liabilities, costs and violations that could adversely affect our business and financial statements.
•Certain provisions in Veralto’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and of Delaware law, may prevent or delay an acquisition of Veralto, which could decrease the trading price of Veralto’s common stock.
•The forum selection provisions under Veralto’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation could discourage lawsuits against Veralto and Veralto’s directors, officers, employees and stockholders.
•If we are unable to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock may be negatively affected.
Separation and Our Relationship with Danaher Risks
•As an independent, publicly traded company, Veralto may not enjoy the same benefits that Veralto did as a part of Danaher.
•Potential indemnification liabilities to Danaher pursuant to the separation agreement could materially and adversely affect Veralto’s business and financial statements.
•In connection with Veralto’s separation from Danaher, Danaher will indemnify Veralto for certain liabilities. However, there can be no assurance that the indemnity will be sufficient to insure Veralto against the full amount of such liabilities, or that Danaher’s ability to satisfy its indemnification obligation will not be impaired in the future.
•If there is a determination that the separation and/or the distribution, together with certain related transactions, is taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Danaher and its stockholders could incur significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities, and we could also incur significant liabilities.
•Veralto may be affected by significant restrictions, including on its ability to engage in certain corporate transactions for a two-year period after the distribution in order to avoid triggering significant tax-related liabilities.
•Certain of Veralto’s executive officers and directors may have actual or potential conflicts of interest because of their equity interest in Danaher. Also, certain of Danaher’s current directors and a current Danaher officer and current Danaher employee have joined Veralto’s Board, which may create conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest.
•Danaher may compete with Veralto.
•Veralto or Danaher may fail to perform under various transaction agreements that were executed as part of the separation or Veralto may fail to have necessary systems and services in place when certain of the transaction agreements expire.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Our Company
On August 24, 2023, the Board of Directors of Danaher Corporation (“Danaher” or “Former Parent”) approved the separation of Danaher’s Environmental & Applied Solutions segment through the pro rata distribution of all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Veralto Corporation to Danaher's stockholders (the “Separation”). Veralto completed its separation from Danaher on September 30, 2023, the first day of its fiscal fourth quarter. The Separation was completed on such date in the form of a pro rata distribution to Danaher stockholders of record on September 13, 2023 of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Veralto common stock held by Danaher. Each Danaher stockholder of record as of the close of business on September 13, 2023 received one share of Veralto common stock for every three shares of Danaher common stock held on the record date. Because September 30, 2023 was a Saturday, not a business day, the shares were credited to “street name” stockholders through the Depository Trust Company on the first trading day thereafter, October 2, 2023. Veralto’s common stock began “regular way” trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “VLTO” on October 2, 2023.