Why Is Republic Services (RSG) Up 1.4% Since Last Earnings Report?

Core Viewpoint - Republic Services reported mixed second-quarter 2025 results, with earnings surpassing estimates while revenues fell short, indicating potential challenges ahead [2][7]. Financial Performance - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q2 2025 was $1.77, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.1% and reflecting a 9.9% increase year-over-year [2]. - Total revenues amounted to $4.2 billion, which missed the consensus estimate but showed a 4.6% year-over-year growth [2]. Segmental Revenue Breakdown - Collection segment revenues were $2.8 billion, a 3.6% increase year-over-year, but below the estimated $2.9 billion [3]. - Environmental Solutions revenues were $462 million, down 2.3% year-over-year, missing the projected $492 million [3]. - Transfer segment revenues reached $221 million, up 6.3% year-over-year, exceeding the estimate of $213.5 million [4]. - Landfill segment revenues were $516 million, increasing 17.3% year-over-year, surpassing the expected $462.7 million [4]. - Other segment revenues totaled $214 million, a 4.9% increase year-over-year, also exceeding the estimate of $212.7 million [4]. Operating Results - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $1.4 billion, an 8.2% increase from the previous year, beating the estimate of $1.3 billion [5]. - The adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 32.1%, up 100 basis points year-over-year, surpassing the estimated 31.4% [5]. Balance Sheet & Cash Flow - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q2 2025 were $122 million, up from $83 million at the end of Q1 2025 [6]. - Long-term debt decreased to $12.5 billion from $12.9 billion in the previous quarter [6]. - Cash generated from operating activities was $1.1 billion, with adjusted free cash flow at $693 million and capital expenditure of $423 million [6]. 2025 Guidance - The company revised its revenue expectations for 2025 to a range of $16.68-$16.75 billion, down from the previous estimate of $16.85-$16.95 billion [7]. - Adjusted EPS guidance for 2025 is set at $6.82-$6.90 [7]. Market Sentiment - Recent estimates for the company have shown a downward trend, indicating a potential shift in market sentiment [8][11]. - Republic Services currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), suggesting expectations of below-average returns in the coming months [11]. Industry Comparison - Republic Services operates within the Zacks Waste Removal Services industry, where competitor Pentair plc has seen a 7.9% gain over the past month [12]. - Pentair reported revenues of $1.12 billion for the last quarter, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.2% [12].