Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company achieved revenue growth of 3.5% and adjusted EBITDA growth of nearly 7% [8] - Adjusted earnings per share reached $7.02, with adjusted free cash flow of $2.43 billion, reflecting a 200 basis points increase in adjusted free cash flow conversion to 45.8% [8][24] - The adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 90 basis points to 32% for the full year [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic revenue in the Environmental Solutions business decreased total revenue by 2% in the fourth quarter, primarily due to a non-recurring emergency response project in 2024 [9][23] - Core price on total revenue was 5.8% in the fourth quarter, with core price on related revenue at 7.1% [19] - Volume declines were concentrated in construction and manufacturing end markets, leading to a 1% reduction in total revenue [9][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commodity prices for recycling were $112 per ton in the fourth quarter, down from $153 per ton in the prior year [21] - The company expects average yield on related revenue in 2026 to be in the range of 4%-4.5% [19] - The overall macroeconomic environment is characterized as stable, with specific weaknesses in manufacturing and construction impacting volume [49][50] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on digital investments and sustainability initiatives, including the deployment of AI-enabled tools to enhance pricing and operational efficiency [10][12] - The acquisition pipeline remains strong, with plans to invest approximately $1 billion in value-creating acquisitions in 2026 [17] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to pricing, prioritizing price over volume to ensure returns on work [58] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding early signs of economic recovery, particularly in the western U.S., but noted ongoing challenges in the construction sector [110] - The company anticipates another year of profitable growth in 2026, with revenue guidance in the range of $17.05 billion to $17.15 billion [16] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining customer loyalty and delivering exceptional value as key components of their strategy [6][7] Other Important Information - The company reported a strong employee engagement score of 87 and a record low turnover rate in 2025 [15] - Total debt at the end of the year was $13.7 billion, with total liquidity of $2 billion [24] - The company expects net interest expense in 2026 to be in the range of $575 million to $585 million [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the $400 million in acquisitions year to date? - Management confirmed the acquisition of a company called Hamm, which provides strong disposal infrastructure, and noted that the remaining $600 million in potential acquisitions is still under consideration [30][31] Question: What are the expectations for margins in 2026? - Management indicated that underlying business expansion is expected to contribute 60-70 basis points to margin growth, with some headwinds from commodity prices and acquisitions [35] Question: Can you provide an update on the Polymer Center performance? - Management expects about a $30 million revenue uplift from the Polymer Centers in 2026, with approximately $10 million of incremental EBITDA [42] Question: What is the outlook for organic growth in Environmental Solutions? - Management anticipates relatively flat growth for the Environmental Solutions business in 2026, with some challenges in the first half due to tough comparisons [54] Question: How is the company addressing the emergency response growth gap? - Management acknowledged challenges in winning event-based work and emphasized the need to adjust pricing strategies to align with market conditions [103] Question: What are the inflation expectations for 2026? - Management expects an inflationary environment of approximately 3.5% for 2026 [111]

Republic Services (NYSE:RSG) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 17, 2026 05:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsAaron Evans - VP of Investor RelationsBrian DelGhiaccio - CFOJon Vander Ark - CEOShlomo Rosenbaum - Managing DirectorYehuda Silverman - Equity Research AssociateConference Call ParticipantsAdam Bubis - Analyst and Engineering Construction AnalystBryan Nicholas Burgmeier - Equity Research AnalystDavid John Manthey - Senior Research AnalystJerry Revich - Managing Director and Senior Equity Research AnalystJohn ...

Group 1 - Kinderhook Industries announced the formation of Ecowaste Solutions, a waste and recycling platform, through the merger of Live Oak Environmental and Cards Recycling, supported by a $1 billion continuation vehicle transaction with Goldman Sachs Alternatives and Apollo S3 [8] - The combined entity, Ecowaste, generates approximately $300 million in annual revenue and operates a fleet of over 600 vehicles, 29 hauling yards, nine transfer stations, and three landfills [5][8] - Ecowaste plans to expand its footprint in the Gulf Coast and regions including Kansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, and western Alabama, with initial acquisitions including Gardner Disposal and Baker Trash Service [6] Group 2 - Dustin Reynolds, previously CEO of Cards, has been appointed as the CEO of Ecowaste, credited with driving Cards' rapid growth [7] - Kinderhook's strategy focuses on maintaining a core emphasis on waste and recycling services rather than diversifying into broader environmental services [5][4] - The merger of Live Oak and Cards was driven by the realization that the two companies could synergize effectively, enhancing growth potential [4]

Core Viewpoint - RenX Enterprises Corp. has restructured its investment in the Norman Berry property to secure capital repayment while maintaining ownership interest, enhancing the risk-adjusted return profile of the asset [1][2][3]. Investment Restructuring - The company converted its initial equity investment of approximately $600,000 into a secured note, alongside a previously disclosed $200,000 note against the property, without diluting its 50% ownership interest [2][3]. - This restructuring prioritizes capital recovery while allowing full participation in any future residual value from a sale or refinancing [2][3]. Property Development and Sale Process - RenX is preparing the Norman Berry property for a sale process expected to begin in Q1 2026, having secured additional zoning entitlements that expand permitted development uses [4]. - The new zoning allows for multifamily residential, assisted living, and higher-density residential and mixed-use applications, enhancing the property's development flexibility and appeal to potential buyers [4]. Future Growth Initiatives - Proceeds from the sale of the Norman Berry property are expected to be redeployed to support growth initiatives within RenX's core environmental processing, engineered soils, and sustainable materials platform [5]. Company Overview - RenX Enterprises Corp. focuses on technology-driven environmental processing and sustainable materials, producing value-added compost, engineered soils, and specialty growing media [6]. - The company operates an 80+ acre organics processing facility in Myakka City, Florida, integrating various processes to produce proprietary soil substrates and potting media [7].

Group 1: Market Overview - Many S&P 500 dividend stocks are trading at high valuations, but some are presenting buy-the-dip opportunities after recent declines [1][2] - Two specific stocks have experienced declines of 10% and 14% from their 2025 highs, making them attractive as 2026 approaches [2] Group 2: WM (Waste Management) - WM operates 506 waste transfer facilities, 105 recycling centers, 262 active solid waste landfills, and 10 renewable natural gas facilities, making it the largest waste and recycling company in North America [4] - The company has delivered total returns of 1,060% over the last two decades, outperforming the S&P 500's 680% [5] - WM is expanding into the medical waste industry and automating recycling centers, which could significantly boost free cash flow [5] - The current dividend yield is 1.5%, with a 15% increase recently, and the dividend payout ratio is 50% of profits [5] - WM stock is trading at 26 times forward earnings, considered not "cheap," but still a good buy-the-dip opportunity after a 10% decline [5] Group 3: Cintas - Cintas is the leading uniform rental provider in North America, operating over 12,000 distribution routes across two business segments: uniform rental and facility services, and first aid and safety services [6] - The company has achieved 9% annualized sales growth over the last decade by consolidating its presence in a fragmented market through acquisitions and strong customer value propositions [8] - Despite trailing the broader market recently, Cintas maintains a strong business model and competitive advantages [7]

Core Insights - Waste Management is the largest provider of trash and recycling services in the U.S. and Canada, with projected revenues of $22 billion in 2024 and a market capitalization of approximately $90 billion [3] Company Operations - The company employs over 60,000 individuals and has emphasized safety as a cornerstone of its operations, aiming to reduce its total recordable injury rate (TRIR) by 3% annually, targeting a TRIR of 2.0 by 2030 [4] - In the previous year, Waste Management reported a 5.8% reduction in overall injuries and a 2.4% decrease in lost-time injuries [4] Leadership and Management Practices - CEO Jim Fish has been with Waste Management for two decades and has held various roles, including CFO, before becoming president and CEO in November 2016 [3] - Fish's approach includes direct engagement with employees, visiting 20 to 30 sites annually and riding along with drivers to understand their challenges and improve communication [2][5] Employee Engagement and Safety Improvements - Fish identified that safety results in a district with a predominantly Spanish-speaking workforce improved significantly after hiring a bilingual manager, addressing communication barriers [10][13] - The company has taken steps to empower employees by promoting from within and ensuring that language barriers do not hinder safety communication [11][12] Cultural and Operational Insights - Fish's experiences in the field have highlighted the impact of environmental conditions on productivity, such as the challenges faced by drivers during winter months [7][8] - The company differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on understanding and improving the workforce's productivity and efficiency at the field level rather than solely at the executive level [14]

Group 1 - Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM) is considered one of the best industrial stocks to buy, with a Buy call reiterated by Goldman Sachs and a price target set at $256 [1] - The company has started accepting polypropylene plastic cups and paper to-go cups as recyclable materials, enhancing curbside recycling participation across the United States [2] - Waste Management is investing $1.4 billion in new recycling infrastructure in North America to improve recycling capabilities and solutions, collaborating with partners like Starbucks and local governments to enhance community awareness [3][4]

Core Insights - The North American waste and recycling industry generates approximately $75 billion annually, with Waste Management capturing the largest market share [1] - Waste Management, established in 1968, is the largest environmental services firm in the US, with a market cap of $87.5 billion and a diverse range of services [2] - Environmental Services stocks have transitioned from low-growth to high-quality compounders, with a 13% EPS CAGR over the last decade [4] Waste Management Company Overview - Waste Management derives about 80% of its business from private industry contracts and 20% from the public sector [1] - Collection services account for 55% of Waste Management's revenue, with transfer services at 21%, landfill at 10%, and recycling at 5% [6] - The company reported Q3 2025 revenue of $6.44 billion, a 14% year-over-year increase, but missed forecasts by $60 million [7] Financial Performance - Waste Management's non-GAAP EPS for Q3 2025 was $1.98, up 2 cents year-over-year but also below expectations by 3 cents [7] - The company generated a free cash flow of $2.11 billion for the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a 13.5% increase [7] - Following the earnings miss, Waste Management's stock fell nearly 8% but has since recovered [8] Analyst Insights - Goldman Sachs analyst Adam Bubes forecasts a 7.7% EBITDA CAGR for Waste Management from 2025 to 2027, driven by strong price/cost spreads and investments in recycling and landfill gas [9] - Bubes maintains a Buy rating with a price target of $256, indicating an 18% upside potential [9] - The consensus rating for Waste Management is Moderate Buy, with 15 Buys and 7 Holds, and an average target price of $246.70, suggesting a 13.5% upside [10] Republic Services Overview - Republic Services is the second-largest waste management company in the US, valued at $67 billion, with a top-line revenue of $16.5 billion for the four quarters ending Q3 2025 [10][11] - The company offers a full range of environmental solutions and maintains a network of over 1,000 locations and a fleet of 17,000 vehicles [12][11] Financial Performance of Republic Services - Republic Services reported Q3 2025 revenue of $4.2 billion, a 3.4% year-over-year increase, but missed forecasts by $38.5 million [13] - The non-GAAP EPS was $1.90, up 9 cents year-over-year and exceeding expectations by 12 cents [13] - The company generated a cash flow from operations of $3.32 billion year-to-date, with adjusted free cash flow of $2.19 billion [13] Analyst Insights on Republic Services - Analyst Bubes highlights Republic's strong portfolio quality and operational execution, forecasting a 5.5% EBITDA CAGR from 2025 to 2027 [14] - Bubes assigns a Buy rating with a price target of $255, implying a 17% upside potential [14] - The consensus rating for Republic Services is Moderate Buy, with 11 Buys and 8 Holds, and an average target price of $245.76, suggesting a 13% gain [15]

Company Overview - Quest Resource Holding Corporation (QRHC) is a national provider of waste & recycling solutions to large businesses [1,8] - The company serves a $200B+ North American waste and recycling industry [10] - Quest offers expertise with 130+ waste streams and has a nationwide footprint, delivering services in every zip code in the U S [10] - The company focuses on large clients with complex waste streams, including Fortune 1000 businesses [11,13] Financial Performance - The company has experienced ~20% CAGR in Gross Profit dollars from 2016 to 2024 [14] - Quest's revenue for the trailing twelve months (TTM) ending in Q3 2025 was $261.281 million [10,17] - Gross profit for the same period was $44.162 million [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for TTM 3Q25 was $8.853 million, representing a 3.4% margin [17,78] Business Strategy - Quest employs an asset-light model, differentiating itself from asset-based integrated majors and fragmented players [34,32,36] - The company's platform delivers nationwide waste and recycling services, regulatory compliance, and comprehensive data reporting [24] - Quest aims to improve clients' sustainability, reduce waste footprint, and improve efficiencies & cost control [24]

Core Viewpoint - Federal Signal Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Scranton Manufacturing Company Inc. d/b/a New Way Trucks for an initial purchase price of $396 million, with additional considerations bringing the total potential cost to $480 million, reflecting a strategic expansion into the waste and recycling industry [1][3]. Financial Details - The initial purchase price of $396 million assumes a cash-free, debt-free transaction and is subject to post-closing adjustments. An additional $30 million will be paid for New Way's manufacturing facilities and real estate rights [1]. - The acquisition includes a contingent earn-out opportunity of up to $54 million based on specified financial targets over two years [1]. - The combined initial purchase price represents a multiple of approximately 11x New Way's projected 2026 EBITDA and about 7x projected 2028 EBITDA, factoring in expected synergies [1]. - The transaction will be financed through cash on hand and Federal Signal's credit facility, with a pro-forma net debt leverage ratio anticipated to be less than 1.5x upon completion [1]. Company Overview - New Way is recognized as a leading U.S. manufacturer of refuse collection vehicles, known for its automated side loaders, rear loaders, and front loaders, serving both municipal and private-hauler customers [2]. - The acquisition is expected to enhance Federal Signal's position in the environmental solutions sector and create a new growth vertical within its Environmental Solutions Group [3]. Strategic Implications - The acquisition is seen as a meaningful expansion into the recession-resilient waste and recycling industry, with significant opportunities for synergies and growth acceleration for New Way [3]. - Federal Signal's expertise in selling refuse equipment and its specialty vehicle platform are expected to drive New Way's growth and margin trajectory [3]. Future Outlook - The transaction is expected to be neutral to earnings per share (EPS) in 2026 but accretive in subsequent years, with anticipated EPS accretion of between $0.40 and $0.45 in 2028, alongside expected annual run-rate synergies of $15 million to $20 million [5][6].