Core Insights - Gabelli Funds, LLC is hosting the 11th Annual Waste & Sustainability Symposium on April 3, 2025, at the Harvard Club in New York City, focusing on industry dynamics, new technologies, and company fundamentals [1]. Agenda Highlights - The symposium will feature presentations from senior management of various companies, including Toppoint Holdings, Republic Services, Ranpak Holdings, Waste Connections, Secure Waste Infrastructure, Casella Waste Systems, CECO Environmental, Greif, Waste Management, Aduro Clean Technologies, Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Dotz Nano, Loop Industries, 374Water, BioLargo, and AE Carbon Capital [2]. - The event will start with opening remarks at 7:50 AM, followed by presentations from different companies at scheduled times throughout the day, concluding with the last presentation at 3:45 PM [2].

Perma-Fix Environmental Services (PESI) Q4 2024 Earnings Call March 13, 2025 11:00 AM ET Company Participants David Waldman - Investor RelationsMark Duff - President & CEOBen Naccarato - CFO, Executive VP & SecretaryRoss Taylor - Partner and Portfolio ManagerBob Goodwin - Managing DirectorLouis Centofanti - Founder, Executive VP of Strategic Initiatives & Executive DirectorSteve Fine - Owner Conference Call Participants Aaron Spychalla - Research AnalystNone - Analyst Operator Greetings. Welcome to the Perm ...

Core Insights - The Middleby Corporation (MIDD) reported fourth-quarter 2024 adjusted earnings of $2.88 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.50, with an 8.7% year-over-year increase despite lower sales [1] - Net sales reached $1.01 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $995 million, marking a 0.5% year-over-year increase, although organic sales decreased by 1.3% [1] Segmental Results - The Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group, accounting for 60.1% of net sales, generated $609.4 million, down 2.9% year over year, with organic sales decreasing by 2.8% [3] - The Residential Kitchen Equipment Group, representing 18.3% of sales, totaled $185 million, a decline of 2.1% year over year, with organic sales plunging by 2.4% [4] - The Food Processing Equipment Group, making up 21.6% of sales, reported $219.4 million, an increase of 14.4% year over year, with organic sales rising by 4.7% [5] Margin Profile - Cost of sales increased by 0.5% year over year to $624.9 million, while gross profit rose by 0.6% to $388.9 million, maintaining a gross margin of 38.4% [6] - Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by 6.9% year over year to $178.4 million, leading to an operating income increase of 8.2% to $208.5 million, with an operating margin of 20.6% [6] Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - At the end of the first quarter, cash and cash equivalents stood at $689.5 million, up from $247.5 million at the end of December 2023, while long-term debt decreased to $2.35 billion [8] - In 2024, net cash generated from operating activities was $686.8 million, compared to $628.8 million in the previous year, with free cash flow reaching $640 million [9] Strategic Developments - Middleby announced plans to spin off its food processing business into a standalone public company, expected to be completed by early 2026, aiming to enhance strategic focus and capital optimization for both entities [10][11] - The food processing business reported revenues of $731 million with a 25% adjusted EBITDA margin, while the commercial foodservice segment achieved $2.4 billion in revenues with a 27% adjusted EBITDA margin [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated EBITDA growth of 10% for the year, with full-year revenue growth of 11% and adjusted EBITDA margins exceeding 25% [6][8][26] - Total company revenues increased by over $90 million or 7% in Q4 and by over $480 million or 9% for the year [26] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $257 million, reflecting a decline in SKFS and higher corporate costs, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 18% in Q4, down year over year but up 30 basis points for the full year [26][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Environmental Services (ES) segment achieved a record year with a 15% adjusted EBITDA growth for the year, and Q4 marked the eleventh consecutive quarter of year-over-year improvement in adjusted EBITDA margin [10][26] - Field services revenue grew by 47%, primarily driven by HEPCO and organic growth, while technical services saw an 8% revenue increase [10] - The SKSS segment faced challenges with revenue and EBITDA decreasing year over year in Q4 due to soft demand and lower pricing [17][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong waste collection volumes, particularly in containerized waste, and a healthy flow of project work [7][8] - The Kimbell incinerator, which launched commercial operations in December, is expected to increase overall North American capacity by 12% [13][14] - The company anticipates continued demand for its services driven by infrastructure investments and regulatory changes regarding PFOS [23][35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing strategic priorities, including the ramp-up of the Kimbell incinerator and expansion projects in Baltimore and Phoenix [21][22][23] - The management highlighted the importance of addressing PFOS remediation, which is expected to create a multi-billion dollar marketplace [15][35] - The company remains active in M&A opportunities to support growth plans and capture synergies [22][46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the prospects for 2025, citing strong demand for services and multiple tailwinds supporting growth [23][35] - The company expects adjusted EBITDA for 2025 to be in the range of $1.15 billion to $1.21 billion, with a midpoint of $1.18 billion [34] - Management acknowledged challenges in the SKSS segment but remains committed to cost-cutting initiatives and strategic pricing [17][34] Other Important Information - The company achieved a total recordable incident rate that surpassed its 2024 safety goal, emphasizing a commitment to safety [7] - Cash and short-term marketable securities at year-end were $790 million, up $195 million from the end of Q3 [29] - The company plans to invest $15 million in a growth project in Phoenix in 2025, excluding this from adjusted free cash flow calculations [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Opportunities from California wildfires cleanup - Management confirmed participation in cleanup efforts but noted that the impact on Q1 guidance would be net neutral due to regional disruptions [39][41] Question: Bird flu response efforts - Management indicated potential for involvement but stated no significant opportunities have materialized yet [42] Question: Captive incinerator capacity and customer inquiries - Management reported ongoing discussions with captive customers regarding their next steps and potential closures [43][44] Question: M&A activity and market conditions - Management remains active in the M&A market, seeking financially and strategically sound deals despite rising multiples [46][47] Question: Q1 guidance specifics - Management provided insights into expected growth rates and factors affecting the ES segment, including HEPCO contributions and weather impacts [52][54] Question: Kimbell incinerator ramp-up expectations - Management outlined expected tonnage throughput and EBITDA contributions from the Kimbell incinerator throughout the year [58][59] Question: Update on MAC standards and regulatory impacts - Management discussed ongoing EPA reviews and potential future opportunities related to regulatory changes [61][62] Question: Customer retention metrics in industrial and field services - Management reported strong customer retention despite aggressive pricing strategies, with minimal attrition noted [111][112]