Conestoga Capital Advisors, an asset management company, released its third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Equity markets continued their momentum that began in early April, reaching new all-time highs in the third quarter. In the quarter, the Conestoga Small Cap Composite returned -1.4% net-of-fees, underperforming the Russell 2000 Growth Index’s impressive 12.2% gain. Most of the Index's gains come from low-quality stock leadership, where unprofitable, high-beta ...

RUTLAND, Vt., Oct. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling, and resource management services company, will release its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2025, after the market closes on Thursday, October 30, 2025. The company will host a conference call to discuss these results on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Individuals interested in participating in the call should register by clicking here ...

Core Viewpoint - Casella Waste Systems, Inc. has announced the pricing of the remarketing of $37.5 million of Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds, with a new interest rate of 4.250% per annum starting September 2, 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Bond Details - The original aggregate principal amount of the Bonds was $40.0 million, with a final maturity date of September 1, 2050 [1]. - Casella plans to redeem $2.5 million of the Bonds on September 2, 2025, using cash on hand [1]. - The remarketing of the remaining $37.5 million will occur on September 2, 2025, with a new interest rate period ending on September 2, 2030 [1]. Group 2: Guarantee and Obligations - The Bonds and Remarketed Bonds are guaranteed by all or substantially all of Casella's subsidiaries, as per the Guaranty Agreement [2]. - These Bonds do not constitute a general obligation of the Issuer and are payable solely from amounts received from Casella and the Guarantors [2]. Group 3: Regulatory Information - The Remarketed Bonds are being offered only to qualified institutional buyers and have not been registered under the Securities Act [3]. - This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy the Remarketed Bonds in jurisdictions where such actions would be unlawful [3].

Core Insights - Casella Waste Systems, Inc. has recognized four organizations for their leadership in sustainability through its annual Sustainability Leadership Awards [1][2] - The awards highlight the achievements of organizations that exemplify collaboration in reducing waste, increasing recycling, and advancing the circular economy [2][3] Group 1: Award Recipients - Primo Brands has integrated circular economy principles into its strategy, achieving a 90% recycling rate for fiber, metal, and plastic, and recycling 82% of 776 tons of decommissioned coolers [5] - Dartmouth College has partnered with Casella to address various material recovery challenges, including a student-led project that diverted textiles from landfills [5] - The Arc Otsego has been collaborating with Casella for over 25 years, focusing on sustainable practices and recycling hard-to-recycle materials [5] - The University of Vermont Medical Center has implemented waste reduction initiatives, diverting over 100 tons of surgical wrap and composting 165 tons of food waste [5] Group 2: Company Commitment - Casella Waste Systems emphasizes its commitment to economic and environmental sustainability for its employees, customers, and communities [4][6] - The company provides resource management services across various sectors, including solid waste collection, recycling, and organics services in the eastern United States [6]

Core Viewpoint - Casella Waste Systems, Inc. is initiating the remarketing of $37.5 million of Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds, with a redemption of $2.5 million expected on September 2, 2025, and the remaining bonds to be remarketed on the same date [1][2]. Group 1: Bond Details - The total principal amount of the Bonds originally issued was $40.0 million, with a final maturity date set for September 1, 2050 [2]. - The interest rate period for the Bonds is expiring on September 1, 2025, leading to a mandatory tender and remarketing at a new interest rate starting September 2, 2025 [2]. - The Bonds are guaranteed by all or substantially all of Casella's subsidiaries, and they are not a general obligation of the Issuer or the State of New York [2]. Group 2: Remarketing Process - The Remarketed Bonds will be offered exclusively to qualified institutional buyers as defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act [3]. - The timing and interest rate for the remarketing will depend on market conditions, with no assurance that the remarketing or redemption will be completed [3].

Core Viewpoint - Casella Waste Systems, Inc. announces a leadership transition with John W. Casella moving from CEO to Executive Chairman, and Ned Coletta appointed as the new CEO effective January 1, 2026 [1][2][4] Leadership Transition - John W. Casella has been with the company since its founding in 1976 and has played a crucial role in its growth into a leading waste management company in the eastern United States [2][3] - Ned Coletta, who joined the company in December 2004, has held various leadership roles and is well-prepared to lead the company into its next phase of growth [3][4] Company Background - Casella Waste Systems, Inc. is headquartered in Rutland, Vermont, and provides resource management services including solid waste collection, disposal, recycling, and organics services primarily in the eastern United States [5]

Core Insights - Casella Waste Systems reported a significant revenue increase in Q2, but net income fell short of expectations, leading to a decline in share price [1][2] Financial Performance - The company achieved revenue of over $465 million in Q2, representing a more than 23% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024 [4] - GAAP net income decreased to $5.2 million ($0.08 per share) from slightly over $7 million in the previous year [4] - Analysts had anticipated a much higher net income of $0.33 per share, while they underestimated revenue projections at $454 million [5] Growth Factors - Acquisitions contributed to the revenue growth, with six buyouts completed in the first half of the year [5] - Increased landfill volumes were also cited as a catalyst for the top-line growth [5] Guidance Revisions - The company raised its full-year 2025 revenue outlook to between $1.82 billion and $1.84 billion, up from just under $1.78 billion [6] - However, the guidance for GAAP net income was lowered to a range of $8 million to $18 million, down from the previous estimate of $10 million to $25 million [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues in Q2 2025 were $465.3 million, an increase of $88.2 million or 23.4% year over year, with $67.1 million from acquisitions and $21 million from organic growth, representing a 5.6% increase [11][19] - Adjusted EBITDA was $109.5 million, up $17.9 million or 19.5% year over year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.5%, down approximately 75 basis points year over year [14][19] - Adjusted net income was $23 million or $0.36 per diluted share, up $1.3 million year over year [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Solid waste revenues increased by 27.1% year over year, with pricing up 5% and volume down 0.8% [11] - Resource Solutions revenues were up 10.2% year over year, with recycling and processing revenue up 9.6% and national accounts up 10.6% [13] - Landfill volumes were up 9.5% year over year, with internalized volumes growing over 12% [12][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Solid waste pricing increased by 5% year over year, indicating a stable economic environment [8][20] - The company experienced a positive volume trend across solid waste and resource solutions, with total company volumes up 30 basis points [20][58] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its footprint through acquisitions, having completed six acquisitions year to date, representing about $90 million in annualized revenues [9][24] - The acquisition of Mountain State Waste is expected to add another $30 million in annualized revenues and expand the company's presence in Pennsylvania and West Virginia [9][39] - The company aims to improve operational efficiencies and synergies in the Mid Atlantic region, which has faced challenges due to system conversions and truck delivery delays [21][33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of core pricing and acquisition activity, raising full-year revenue guidance to a midpoint of $1.83 billion [10][19] - The company anticipates that the headwinds faced in the Mid Atlantic region are transitory and expects margin expansion opportunities in the future [15][19] - Management noted that labor costs in the Mid Atlantic are currently higher due to a lack of automation and optimization, presenting an opportunity for future cost reductions [61][62] Other Important Information - The company reported record first-half adjusted free cash flow of over $70 million, which is more than $30 million above the same period last year [8] - The consolidated net leverage ratio was 2.39x, with total liquidity of approximately $900 million, positioning the company well for continued growth [18][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the challenges in the Mid Atlantic region? - Management acknowledged that the Mid Atlantic region is lagging due to a suboptimal billing system inherited from a previous acquisition, which has delayed automation and synergy realization [30][32] Question: What is the expected synergy EBITDA benefit from the Mid Atlantic assets in 2026? - Management indicated potential benefits of $5 to $10 million over a couple of years as synergies are realized [34][36] Question: Can you elaborate on the Mountain State Waste acquisition? - Management highlighted that the acquisition will expand operations into a growing market in West Virginia and provide opportunities for further growth in the region [39] Question: What is the outlook for Resource Solutions? - Management expects Resource Solutions to continue growing rapidly, particularly in the Mid Atlantic region, where there are significant opportunities [74] Question: How do you see capital expenditures evolving over time? - Management noted that capital expenditures will fluctuate based on landfill development schedules and acquisition activities, which often require significant upfront investments [76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues in Q2 2025 were $465.3 million, an increase of $88.2 million or 23.4% year over year, with $67.1 million from acquisitions and $21 million from organic growth, representing a 5.6% increase [11] - Adjusted EBITDA was $109.5 million, up $17.9 million or 19.5% year over year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.5%, down approximately 75 basis points year over year [14] - Adjusted net income was $23 million or $0.36 per diluted share, up $1.3 million year over year [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Solid waste revenues increased by 27.1% year over year, with pricing up 5% and volume down 0.8% [11] - Resource Solutions revenues were up 10.2% year over year, with recycling and other processing revenue up 9.6% [13] - Landfill volumes were up 9.5% year over year, with internalized volumes growing over 12% [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Solid waste pricing increased by 5% year over year, indicating healthy pricing trends [8] - The company experienced improved volume trends in the landfill business, reflecting a stable economy in its markets [12] - The average recycled commodity sales price was down 16% year over year, but the net impact on revenue was minimal due to contract structures [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its footprint through acquisitions, having completed six acquisitions year to date, representing about $90 million in annualized revenues [9] - The pending acquisition of Mountain State Waste is expected to add another $30 million in annualized revenues and expand the company's presence in Pennsylvania and West Virginia [9] - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to a midpoint of $1.83 billion, reflecting continued strength in core pricing and acquisition activity [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth strategy and robust M&A pipeline, with a strong balance sheet enabling continued opportunistic acquisitions [18] - The management noted that persistent market headwinds experienced last year are behind them, and they expect to see margin expansion opportunities in the future [14] - The company anticipates that the operational challenges in the Mid Atlantic region will be resolved, leading to improved performance in 2026 [32] Other Important Information - The company achieved record first-half adjusted free cash flow of over $70 million, which is more than $30 million above the same period last year [8] - Capital expenditures were $121.9 million, up $47 million year over year, including significant upfront investments in recent acquisitions [17] - The consolidated net leverage ratio was 2.39x, with $700 million of revolver remaining undrawn, indicating a strong liquidity position [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the Mid Atlantic performance and the ERP implementation? - Management acknowledged that the Mid Atlantic region is lagging due to issues with the legacy billing system and truck delivery delays, which have impacted pricing visibility and synergy realization [29][32] Question: What is the expected synergy EBITDA benefit from the Mid Atlantic assets in 2026? - Management indicated potential benefits of $5 to $10 million over several years as they automate the fleet and resolve system issues [34] Question: Can you elaborate on the Mountain State acquisition and its market dynamics? - The acquisition will expand the company's footprint into a growing market in West Virginia, with franchise agreements providing a solid customer base [39] Question: Why did the interest expense guidance drop significantly? - Management stated that the guidance was refined as the year progressed, reflecting a more optimistic view [40] Question: What is the outlook for Resource Solutions growth? - Management believes Resource Solutions will continue to grow rapidly, particularly in the Mid Atlantic region, where there are significant opportunities [72] Question: How do you see capital expenditures evolving over time? - Management noted that CapEx will fluctuate based on landfill development schedules and acquisition activity, which often requires significant upfront investments [74]

Core Viewpoint - Casella Waste Systems, Inc. is proceeding with the remarketing of $29.0 million of Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds, with a new interest rate of 5.000% per annum, effective August 1, 2025 [1][2] Group 1: Bond Details - The original aggregate principal amount of the Bonds was $30.0 million, with a final maturity date of August 1, 2035 [1] - Casella plans to redeem $1.0 million of the Bonds on August 1, 2025, using cash on hand [1] - The remarketing of the remaining $29.0 million will occur on August 1, 2025, and the new bonds will be designated as Series 2015R-3 [1] Group 2: Guarantee and Payment Structure - The Bonds and Remarketed Bonds are guaranteed by all or substantially all of Casella's subsidiaries [2] - These Bonds are not a general obligation of the Issuer and are payable solely from amounts received from Casella under the terms of the Indenture [2] Group 3: Regulatory and Offering Information - The Remarketed Bonds are being offered only to qualified institutional buyers as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 [3] - The Remarketed Bonds have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration or an applicable exemption [3]