Waste Management(US:WM)2025-10-28 19:48Financial Performance - Revenues for the third quarter of 2025 were $6,443 million, an increase of $834 million, or 14.9%, compared to $5,609 million in the prior year period, driven by recent acquisitions, higher yield in Collection and Disposal businesses, and increased volumes in landfill and recycling [129]. - Operating expenses were $3,833 million, or 59.5% of revenues, down from 60.6% in the prior year period, reflecting efficiency gains and improved turnover despite an increase in absolute terms [129]. - Income from operations decreased to $989 million, or 15.3% of revenues, down from $1,119 million, or 20.0% of revenues, impacted by a $152 million charge related to plastic film recycling operations and higher integration costs from the Stericycle acquisition [129]. - Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. was $603 million, or $1.49 per diluted share, compared to $760 million, or $1.88 per diluted share, in the prior year period, reflecting a $157 million decrease [129]. - Total operating revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2025, were $6,443 million, a 14.9% increase compared to $5,609 million in 2024 [131]. - The total income from operations decreased by $130 million (11.6%) to $989 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $1,119 million in the prior year [166]. Expenses and Costs - Selling, general and administrative expenses rose to $665 million, or 10.3% of revenues, compared to $525 million, or 9.4% of revenues, primarily due to costs associated with the Stericycle acquisition [129]. - Labor and related benefits costs rose to $1,139 million (17.7% of revenues) for the three months ended September 30, 2025, up from $962 million (17.2%) in the same period last year, driven by recent acquisitions and annual wage increases [144][145]. - Transfer and disposal costs increased to $357 million (5.5% of revenues) for the three months ended September 30, 2025, primarily due to acquisitions and inflationary pressures [146]. - Cost of goods sold decreased by 17.4% to $233 million (3.6% of revenues) for the three months ended September 30, 2025, attributed to a 35% drop in average market prices for single-stream recycled commodities [149]. - Depreciation, depletion, and amortization expenses increased to $729 million (11.3% of revenues) for the three months ended September 30, 2025, driven by recent acquisitions and capital investments [161]. Acquisitions and Integration - The acquisition of Stericycle, completed on November 4, 2024, has been integrated into a new reportable segment, WM Healthcare Solutions, focusing on service delivery and operational integration [119]. - Interest expense increased to $225 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, from $131 million in the prior year, primarily due to higher average debt balances related to the acquisition of Stericycle [168]. - Acquisitions spending decreased to $403 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2025, from $790 million in 2024, with most acquisitions related to solid waste and recycling businesses [181]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $1,592 million from $1,358 million year-over-year, driven by higher earnings and contributions from recent acquisitions [130]. - Free cash flow rose to $821 million compared to $618 million in the prior year, attributed to increased operating cash flow despite a planned reduction in capital investment [130]. - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $175 million as of September 30, 2025, from $414 million at the end of 2024 [174]. - Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $466 million to $4,345 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $3,879 million in the prior year [178]. - Free cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $2,114 million, compared to $1,862 million in 2024, indicating improved liquidity [184]. Sustainability and Technology - The company is investing in automation and technology to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs, particularly in recycling and customer service [124]. - The company is committed to sustainability and has published its 2025 Sustainability Report, outlining progress towards its 2030 sustainability goals [122]. - The waste industry is experiencing increased complexity in waste streams and regulatory pressures for recycling and waste reduction, prompting the company to adapt its service offerings [122]. - The company is pursuing emerging diversion technologies to generate additional value and enhance its comprehensive environmental solutions [121]. - The company expects to continue benefiting from strong returns on sustainability growth projects as it transitions from peak construction to operational phases [130]. Market Conditions and Outlook - The company anticipates that inflation and economic conditions may impact financial outlook, and it is taking steps to mitigate these risks through pricing and cost management strategies [189]. - The company expects a cumulative benefit of approximately $400 million from the Inflation Reduction Act, with $145 million recognized in 2023 and 2024 [171].