This story was originally published on Waste Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Waste Dive newsletter. By the numbersQ4 revenue: $556M Down 0.5% year over year Full year revenue: $2.24B Down 4.4% year over year Clean Earth Q4 revenue: $244M Up 1.2% year over year Recap: Enviri reported a better than expected end to the year as it works to complete the sale of its Clean Earth business to Veolia. Chairman and CEO Nick Grasberger praised executives for continued cost managem ...

Summary of Veolia Environnement Conference Call Company and Industry - **Company**: Veolia Environnement (OTCPK: VEOE.F) - **Industry**: Hazardous waste management and environmental services Key Points and Arguments Acquisition of Clean Earth - Veolia announced the acquisition of Clean Earth, a significant player in the U.S. hazardous waste sector, which will double Veolia's U.S. hazardous waste operations, positioning it as the number two in the U.S. market with projected revenues of $2 billion from hazardous waste activities [1][3][7] - The acquisition is expected to enhance Veolia's global hazardous waste revenue to approximately $6 billion [3][9] - The deal is fully cash financed, with an expected leverage ratio of around three times in 2026 and below three times in 2027 [2][18] Financial Aspects - The acquisition was secured at a multiple below 10x 2026 EV/EBITDA, with anticipated synergies of $120 million from operational efficiencies [2][18] - The integration is projected to be accretive to net income by the second year post-acquisition [2][18] - Clean Earth has shown organic annual revenue growth of nearly 7% and an EBITDA margin improvement to 17% [7][9] Strategic Importance - The acquisition aligns with Veolia's Green Up strategy, focusing on high-growth areas and enhancing its portfolio transformation towards dynamic markets [3][20] - Clean Earth provides a comprehensive network of 46 transfer stations and 90 treatment facilities across the U.S., significantly expanding Veolia's operational capabilities [6][9] - The acquisition is expected to create a nationwide complementary network, enhancing service offerings and operational efficiencies [9][23] Market Demand and Growth Potential - The U.S. hazardous waste market is experiencing sustained demand due to regulatory pressures and the need for advanced waste treatment solutions, particularly in sectors like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors [4][11] - Veolia anticipates mid to high single-digit revenue growth in hazardous waste, supported by megatrends such as reshoring and environmental compliance [10][28] Asset Rotation and Divestment Plans - Veolia plans to execute at least EUR 2 billion in asset disposals within two years, focusing on mature activities to streamline its portfolio [2][20] - Since the launch of the Green Up strategy, Veolia has already completed EUR 4 billion in asset rotations, with a target of EUR 8.5 billion by 2030 [20][21] Integration and Synergies - The integration of Clean Earth is expected to unlock significant operational synergies, particularly in waste disposal and transportation optimization [13][18] - The anticipated synergies are based on a detailed analysis of operational efficiencies and logistics improvements [14][82] Long-term Outlook - The combination of Veolia and Clean Earth is projected to enhance the EBITDA growth profile of the hazardous waste business to above 10% per year [10][18] - The acquisition is seen as a transformative step in Veolia's growth trajectory, reinforcing its position as a leader in the hazardous waste market [23][67] Other Important Content - The call emphasized the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility in the hazardous waste sector, highlighting the need for modern, high-capacity solutions to meet regulatory demands [11][16] - The integration process is expected to foster a unified culture focused on excellence and long-term value creation for stakeholders [16][19]

Acquisition Highlights - Veolia is acquiring Clean Earth for an Enterprise Value of $3.0 billion (approximately €2.6 billion), which is 9.8x EBITDA 2026e post run-rate synergies[3] - The acquisition is expected to generate $120 million (approximately €105 million) in run-rate cost synergies by Year 4[3] - The transaction is expected to be EPS accretive from Year 2[3] - Veolia will fund the cash transaction through existing financial resources and debt, alongside accelerated portfolio rotation with over €2 billion disposals of mature assets[3] Strategic Impact - The acquisition doubles Veolia's size in the US Hazardous Waste sector, making it the 2 player in the US[3, 5] - Clean Earth has a network of 82 specialized sites and 700 permits across all US states[5, 9] - Clean Earth's 2022-2024 Revenue CAGR was +6.8%[9] - Veolia's US revenue will reach approximately $6.3 billion, representing 12% of Veolia Group[21] Financial Performance - Clean Earth's 2024A Revenues were $1.03 billion with $200 million EBITDA[9] - Clean Earth's FCF/EBITDA conversion is over 60%[9] - Veolia anticipates €5.2 billion (approximately $6 billion) in Revenue and €0.9 billion in EBITDA from Hazardous Waste in 2025E[16] - Veolia expects EBITDA Growth of >+10% CAGR from GreenUp 24-27[16]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues totaled $548 million, down approximately 4% on an organic basis after adjusting for FX translation and business divestitures [20] - Adjusted EBITDA was $67 million, with year-over-year comparisons affected by negative FX and divestiture impacts of $7 million [21] - Adjusted diluted loss per share was $0.18, excluding the impact of special items [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Harsco Environmental segment revenues totaled $243 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $39 million, impacted by lower volumes due to site exits and closures [23] - Clean Earth achieved revenues of $235 million and adjusted EBITDA of $38 million, with EBITDA increasing by 12% supported by revenue growth of 4% [25] - Rail revenues totaled $70 million, with an adjusted EBITDA loss of $2 million, in line with expectations [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Steel production at customer locations declined less than 1% compared to the prior year, with production weakest in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America [23] - The U.S. dollar strength has negatively impacted Harsco Environmental's revenues and EBITDA by approximately $100 million and $25 million over the past three years [13] - Recent dollar weakness is seen as a potential tailwind for Harsco Environmental, which generates roughly 80% of its revenues outside the U.S. [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding service capabilities and business growth, particularly in Clean Earth, which is expected to outpace other segments [10][11] - Harsco Environmental is managing through a difficult period in the global steel industry, with expectations for stable performance on a like-for-like basis [17] - The company anticipates earnings growth and completion of ETO contracts in Rail, aiming for annual free cash flow of $150 million in the future [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges significant macroeconomic uncertainty due to ongoing global trade issues but does not expect a material direct impact from tariffs [9][19] - The outlook for Clean Earth's earnings, margins, and free cash flow is positive, tracking ahead of financial targets established previously [11] - Management expects a stronger second half for Harsco Environmental, driven by new site ramp-ups and operational improvements [58] Other Important Information - Cash flow was ahead of expectations, supporting full-year cash flow guidance of $30 million to $50 million [7] - The company completed the rebuild of the Rail leadership team with new appointments [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on steel production and the economy going forward - Management expects a little bit of volume growth for Harsco Environmental, with efficiency and cost reduction programs mitigating impacts from site shutdowns [35] Question: Clean Earth's performance and volume assumptions - Management sees volume as a larger contributor to earnings growth this year, with no signs of economic slowdown yet [38][40] Question: Status of Rail ETO contract renegotiation - The amendment recognizes cost inflation and includes a new delivery schedule, reducing future penalty risks [46] Question: Sustainability of Clean Earth margin expansion - Management expects margins in Clean Earth to exceed previously projected levels, with ongoing efficiency initiatives contributing to margin growth [48][49] Question: Pressure in the steel industry and underlying market changes - Management notes that excess capacity in the steel industry remains a factor, but there are encouraging signs in the EU that may improve customer profitability [55]