Core Points - Wallbridge Mining Company Limited announced recent transactions related to the Casault and Beschefer gold properties in Quebec's Northern Abitibi region [1] Group 1: Casault Gold Property - The company has amended its agreement with Midland Exploration Inc. to extend the deadline for earning an initial 50% interest in the Casault property to December 31, 2026 [2] - The Casault property is strategically located between Wallbridge's Detour East Gold property and Martiniere gold property, covering over 20 km of the Sunday Lake Deformation Zone [3] Group 2: Beschefer Gold Property - Wallbridge has confirmed that Abitibi Metals Corp. has satisfied the terms of the purchase option agreement for the Beschefer gold project by incurring $3,000,000 in expenditures and issuing 2,033,672 common shares [4] - The Beschefer property is located approximately 28 km southwest of Wallbridge's Fenelon Gold Project, and the transfer of mineral titles to Abitibi is currently underway [4] Group 3: Company Overview - Wallbridge is focused on exploring and developing gold projects in Quebec's Northern Abitibi region, holding a contiguous mineral property position totaling 830 km along the Detour-Fenelon gold trend [5]

Business Strategy and Risks - The company faces significant risks in implementing its business strategy, which could materially affect financial performance and growth [140]. - The recent acquisition of Stericycle is expected to enhance the company's WM Healthcare Solutions segment, but its success depends on achieving financial and operational targets [144]. - The company anticipates challenges in realizing cost synergies from the Stericycle acquisition due to the complexity of integration and potential management distractions [145]. - Regulatory compliance is a major concern, with extensive regulations impacting operations and potentially increasing costs [146]. - The company is actively seeking to divest underperforming and non-strategic assets, which may lead to asset impairments if not successfully executed [147]. - The company is subject to new laws and regulations regarding medical waste management following the Stericycle acquisition, which could increase operational risks [151]. - The company may face increased operating costs due to emerging regulations related to PFAS management and other environmental concerns [149]. - The ability to obtain and maintain necessary permits for operations is critical, with challenges in securing approvals potentially leading to decreased revenue [160]. - The company is exposed to operational and safety risks, including potential liabilities from accidents and environmental damage [158]. - Changes in government regulations and enforcement could impact the company's competitive landscape and operational costs [156]. - The company faces challenges in obtaining necessary permits due to land scarcity and environmental regulations, which could adversely impact financial condition and cash flows [162]. - Labor costs are expected to increase due to union organization efforts and potential minimum wage hikes, which may significantly affect operating expenses and net income [164]. Financial Performance - The company experienced a year-over-year revenue increase of $245 million in 2024 due to rising market prices for recyclable commodities, while 2023 saw a revenue decrease of $308 million from declining prices [186]. - Significant economic pressures, including rising interest rates and inflation, have adversely impacted the company's cost structure and capital expenditures, potentially reducing margins [182]. - Total operating revenues for 2024 reached $22,063 million, a 8.0% increase from $20,426 million in 2023 [470]. - Consolidated net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. was $2,746 million in 2024, up from $2,304 million in 2023, representing a 19.2% growth [470]. - Basic earnings per common share increased to $6.84 in 2024, compared to $5.69 in 2023, reflecting a 20.2% rise [470]. - Total assets grew to $44,567 million in 2024, up from $32,823 million in 2023, marking a 35.8% increase [469]. - Cash flows from operating activities amounted to $5,390 million in 2024, compared to $4,719 million in 2023, indicating a 14.2% increase [472]. - The company reported a net cash used in investing activities of $10,601 million in 2024, significantly higher than $3,091 million in 2023 [472]. - Long-term debt, less current portion, increased to $22,541 million in 2024 from $15,895 million in 2023, a rise of 42.0% [469]. - The company’s total liabilities rose to $36,313 million in 2024, compared to $25,927 million in 2023, reflecting a 40.0% increase [469]. - The company’s goodwill increased to $13,438 million in 2024, up from $9,254 million in 2023, representing a 45.0% growth [469]. - Other intangible assets, net, surged to $4,188 million in 2024, compared to $759 million in 2023, indicating a significant increase of 450.5% [469]. - Consolidated net income for 2024 was $2,745 million, an increase from $2,276 million in 2023, representing a growth of approximately 20.6% [474]. - Cash dividends declared increased to $3.00 per common share in 2024, up from $2.80 in 2023, reflecting a 7.1% increase [474]. - Total stockholders' equity increased to $8,254 million by December 31, 2024, compared to $6,896 million in 2023, marking a growth of approximately 19.6% [474]. Market and Operational Challenges - Seasonal fluctuations in operating revenues typically see increases during summer months, with severe weather events potentially disrupting operations and affecting waste generation [165]. - Market disruptions, including labor shortages and supply chain constraints, have recently affected financial results and may continue to do so, creating uncertainty in the financial outlook [181]. - The company faces intense competition from governmental and private entities, which may hinder its ability to execute pricing strategies and affect revenue growth [183]. - A decrease in landfill volumes due to customer preferences for recycling and composting could negatively impact the company's revenues and operating results, as landfills currently provide the highest income margins [189]. - The company is increasingly dependent on technology, with potential vulnerabilities to cyberattacks and system failures that could lead to substantial costs and reputational harm [207]. - Cybersecurity incidents could lead to substantial business disruption, financial loss, and reputational damage, with ongoing attempts at cyber intrusions anticipated [210]. - The company is expanding its information technologies and utilizing cloud computing services, increasing exposure to cybersecurity risks associated with new technologies [215]. - Geopolitical conflicts and economic pressures may exacerbate market disruptions, impacting commodity prices and operational costs [181]. Regulatory and Compliance Issues - The company is subject to significant fines and penalties if it fails to comply with U.S. or foreign laws, which could adversely affect its reputation [236]. - Regulatory pressures are increasing for the transition to electric vehicles, which could lead to substantial capital investments and impair existing natural gas infrastructure investments [171]. - Sustainability-related goals, including greenhouse gas emissions reduction, may not be achieved within planned timelines, potentially damaging the company's reputation [172]. - The company is subject to increased scrutiny regarding sustainability disclosures, which could lead to reputational damage and compliance risks [178]. - The company is subject to environmental liabilities and risks associated with waste management, which could adversely affect financial condition and operations [222]. - Climate change legislation and regulations could increase operational costs and compliance burdens, potentially affecting financial condition and reputation [232]. - The company is actively monitoring legislative efforts related to greenhouse gas emissions, which could impose additional operational costs and affect service delivery [232]. - The company is pursuing long-term sales transactions in the voluntary market to mitigate risks associated with RINs market volatility [432]. - The new U.S. presidential administration may seek to reduce existing renewable fuel targets, which could negatively impact demand for renewable fuels and the value of RINs [432]. Debt and Financial Liabilities - The company has $1.4 billion in tax-exempt bonds maturing within the next 12 months, which could lead to increased interest expenses if market dynamics result in higher interest rates [198]. - Changes in tax laws or regulations could increase the company's tax liabilities, adversely affecting operating results and cash flows [200]. - The company has $2.7 billion of debt exposed to changes in market interest rates within the next 12 months, primarily from $1.3 billion of short-term borrowings and $1.4 billion of tax-exempt bonds [240]. - A 100-basis point increase in interest rates would increase the company's 2024 interest expense by $19 million [425]. Environmental and Remediation Liabilities - The estimated remediation liability recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024, is $222 million, with a potential increase of approximately $9 million if high-end estimates are used [510]. - Environmental remediation liabilities may arise from operations, with costs including settlements and legal fees related to site investigations and clean-up [509]. - The company accrues for remediation liabilities when they are probable and reasonably estimable, which involves various assumptions and estimates [510]. - The ultimate responsibility for remediation may differ materially from current estimates due to various external factors [510]. - The company evaluates its remediation obligations based on management's judgment, regulatory information, and the financial resources of other potentially responsible parties (PRPs) [512]. Investments and Future Outlook - The company is making ongoing investments in its Recycling Processing and Sales and Renewable Energy segments, but these may be impacted by regulatory changes and commodity price fluctuations [174]. - The company is investing in facilities to capture methane from landfills to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) and electricity, driven by federal tax credits and incentive programs [430]. - The company is focusing on developing new technologies to improve operations and customer experience, which may require significant investment and could impact traditional business operations [204]. - The company has communicated an expectation that its leverage will return to targeted levels about 18 months after the November 2024 acquisition of Stericycle [240].

Core Viewpoint - Waste Management's stock surged due to strong Q4 and full-year earnings, indicating a solid investment opportunity for investors [1] Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 13% in Q4 and 8% for the full year 2024 [6] - Net income rose by 21% in Q4 and 19% for the full year 2024 [6] - Free cash flow (FCF) grew by 22% in 2024 [6] Strategic Acquisitions - Waste Management completed $800 million in acquisitions in the first nine months of 2024 and acquired Stericycle for $7.2 billion in November [2][3] - The acquisition of Stericycle, the largest medical waste management company in North America, expanded Waste Management's market presence into a new high-potential segment [3] Future Outlook - The company projects nearly 16% revenue growth at the midpoint in 2025, primarily driven by acquisitions [4] - Waste Management anticipates $250 million in synergies from the Stericycle acquisition by 2027, which is double the original estimate [4] - The company expects strong growth in margins from both its legacy and healthcare solutions segments, with FCF projected to grow nearly 18% [4] Dividend Policy - Waste Management increased its dividend by 10% in December, marking the 22nd consecutive annual dividend raise [3]

Core Viewpoint - WM reported mixed fourth-quarter 2024 results, with earnings missing the consensus estimate while revenues exceeded expectations [1][2]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share were $1.7, missing the consensus by 5% and declining 2.3% year over year [2]. - Total revenues reached $5.9 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate and growing 13% from the previous year [2]. - The Collection segment generated revenues of $4.3 billion, a 3.7% increase year over year, but fell short of the $4.6 billion estimate [5]. - The Landfill segment's revenues increased 6% to $1.2 billion, missing the $1.4 billion projection [5]. - The Transfer segment saw revenues rise 9.6% to $629 million, below the $654.9 million estimate [5]. - The Recycling Processing and Sales segment's revenues grew 12.8% to $476 million, missing the $501.9 million projection [5]. - Adjusted operating EBITDA was $1.6 billion, missing the estimate of $1.7 billion but increasing 19.8% year over year [6]. - The adjusted operating EBITDA margin increased by 160 basis points to 26.7%, missing the projected 29.6% [6]. Cash Flow and Dividends - WM generated $1.5 billion in cash from operating activities, with capital expenditures of $1.1 billion, resulting in free cash flow of $455 million [7]. - The company distributed $301 million in cash dividends to shareholders during the fourth quarter [7]. 2024 Outlook - WM anticipates revenues between $25.55 billion and $25.80 billion for 2024, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $22.05 billion [9]. - Adjusted operating EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $7.45 billion to $7.65 billion [9]. - WM currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [9].

Core Insights - Waste Management (WM) reported revenue of $5.89 billion for the quarter ended December 2024, reflecting a 13% increase year-over-year [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $1.70, slightly down from $1.74 in the same quarter last year [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.88 billion by 0.18%, while the EPS fell short of the consensus estimate of $1.79 by 5.03% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Internal revenue growth for the company was 13%, surpassing the average estimate of 8.3% from seven analysts [4] - Internal revenue growth, excluding certain factors, was 4%, slightly below the average estimate of 4.2% from four analysts [4] - Volume growth as a percentage of total company revenue was 0.3%, compared to the three-analyst average estimate of 1% [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Waste Management have returned +5.9% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.7% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - Waste Management (WM) reported quarterly earnings of $1.70 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.79 per share, and showing a decrease from $1.74 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of -5.03% [1] - The company posted revenues of $5.89 billion for the quarter ended December 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.18%, and showing an increase from year-ago revenues of $5.22 billion [2] - Waste Management shares have increased by approximately 5.9% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 3.2% [3] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.78 on revenues of $6.15 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $8.03 on revenues of $25.63 billion [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Waste Management is mixed, leading to a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) for the stock, indicating expected performance in line with the market [6] Industry Context - The Waste Removal Services industry, to which Waste Management belongs, is currently in the bottom 16% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead [8]

EXHIBIT 99.1 WM Announces Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Earnings Solid Waste Business Growth Drives Company-Best Full-Year Operating EBITDA and Margin "The WM team achieved another year of exceptional results by continuously improving our core business, expanding our sustainability platforms, and adding medical waste and secure information destruction solutions for our customers," said Jim Fish, WM's President and CEO. "We delivered over 11% growth in adjusted operating EBITDA for the year as we advance ...

North Dakota, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scottsdale, AZ – Find the Good Life in North Dakota is proud to showcase once again the high-quality of living North Dakota provides during the Waste Management Phoenix Open, one of the most celebrated golf tournaments in the world. To kick off this exciting partnership, Find the Good Life in North Dakota is hosting a special, free performance at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row in Scottsdale, Arizona, featuring North Dakota’s own Tigirlily Gold, the 2024 ACM New ...

Waste Management (WM) closed the latest trading day at $209.43, indicating a -0.32% change from the previous session's end. This change lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.29%. Elsewhere, the Dow lost 0.32%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.5%.Shares of the garbage and recycling hauler witnessed a gain of 2.48% over the previous month, beating the performance of the Business Services sector with its gain of 1.82% and underperforming the S&P 500's gain of 2.52%.The investment community will be paying clos ...

WM (WM) is scheduled to release fourth-quarter 2024 results on Jan. 29, after market close.See Zacks Earnings Calendar to stay ahead of market-making news.WM’s earnings surprise history has been decent. It surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters and met once, the average beat being 8.6%.WM’s Q4 ExpectationsThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $5.9 billion, suggesting a 12.6% rise from the year-ago quarter’s actual. We expect top-line growth to have bee ...