Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $2,407 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 7.1% or $159 million, exceeding the high end of the company's outlook [20] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $786.4 million, up 7.5% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 32.7%, which is consistent with the outlook and up 10 basis points year-over-year [24] - The company maintains its full-year 2025 outlook, estimating revenue at approximately $9,450 million and adjusted EBITDA at approximately $3,120 million, reflecting a 50 basis points increase in adjusted EBITDA margin to 33% [29][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core solid waste pricing increased by 6.6%, exceeding inflation, contributing to a 70 basis points underlying adjusted EBITDA margin expansion in solid waste [11] - Reported volume declines of 2.6% were attributed to a purposeful price-volume trade-off and shedding of underperforming contracts [11] - Landfill revenue increased by about 4%, with tons up 1.5%, while construction and demolition (C&D) tons were down 9%, indicating limited construction activity [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., waste activity correlated with crude prices was down about 10% year-over-year, particularly in June, while Canadian operations saw revenue growth in both price and volume [23] - The company experienced a decline in recycled commodity values by 10-15% during Q2, alongside a 15% drop in Renewable Energy Credits (RINs) [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a robust acquisition pipeline, having completed acquisitions contributing approximately $200 million in annualized revenue, with expectations for additional acquisitions later in the year [4][15] - There is an emphasis on leveraging technology for operational improvements and margin expansion, including AI-driven applications for customer retention and data analytics [14] - The company is also pursuing sustainability projects and reinvesting in existing operations while maintaining flexibility for capital returns to shareholders through share repurchases [4][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating economic headwinds, maintaining a full-year outlook despite challenges from lower commodity prices and economic sluggishness [4][32] - The company highlighted improvements in employee retention and safety, which are expected to contribute positively to operational performance and margin expansion [12][32] - Management remains cautious about predicting volume recovery, noting that economic conditions and M&A activity will influence future performance [60] Other Important Information - The company announced a new listing as a founding member of NYSE Texas, reflecting its growth and operational presence in Texas [16] - Management acknowledged the retirement of COO Daryl Chambliss, recognizing his significant contributions to the company over nearly three decades [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you clarify the capital allocation strategy regarding M&A and buybacks? - Management confirmed that the recent buyback activity is opportunistic and does not indicate a change in M&A strategy, emphasizing the capacity to pursue both [40][42] Question: What is the expected M&A impact in 2025? - The original guidance included $300 million from acquisitions, with $75 million already closed and an additional $125 million expected in the first half of the year [44] Question: How do you see the E&P revenue trend given the rig count? - Management indicated that E&P revenue is expected to stabilize around $180 million per quarter, reflecting contributions from recent acquisitions despite a cautious rig count [46] Question: What are the expectations for volume shedding in the upcoming quarters? - Management anticipates Q3 to be the most negative quarter due to ongoing shedding impacts, with a return to more normalized volumes expected in Q4 [54] Question: How will the EPA's involvement at Chiquita benefit remediation efforts? - Management expressed optimism that the EPA's active role will streamline regulatory processes and improve remediation efforts at Chiquita Canyon Landfill [86]