Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record performance in operating expenses as a percentage of revenue, with Operating EBITDA margin increasing by 150 basis points in the legacy business [8][12] - Full-year Operating EBITDA margin reached 30.1%, despite a 140 basis point headwind from the acquisition of the Healthcare Solutions business and the expiration of alternative fuel tax credits [22][24] - Cash flow from operations grew more than 12% to $6.04 billion, and free cash flow increased by nearly 27% to $2.94 billion [24][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Collection and Disposal business saw Operating EBITDA growth of over 8% in Q4, with a margin expansion of 160 basis points [15][21] - The Recycling segment delivered over 22% Operating EBITDA growth, despite nearly 20% lower commodity prices [11][24] - The Healthcare Solutions business improved its SG&A expenses to 20.8% of revenue in Q4, a notable improvement of 350 basis points from the prior year [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company observed a bounce back in the industrial line of business, which had been down 3% to 4% in volume for several quarters, now nearing flat [31][32] - Residential collection volume is expected to improve steadily as the company moves through 2026 [21][32] - The landfill line of business has been a source of strength, with special waste performing well [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on growing the core business by leveraging customer lifetime value, operational excellence, and network advantages [13] - There is a commitment to capturing returns from investments in Recycling and Renewable Energy businesses, as well as driving growth in healthcare solutions [13][28] - The company has authorized a new $3 billion share repurchase program and plans to return about $3.5 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2026 [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the macroeconomic environment, indicating a firm footing for the economy [31][35] - The company expects continued strong growth in 2026, with guidance for Operating EBITDA growth of 6.2% at the midpoint [12][26] - The company anticipates free cash flow growth of nearly 30% in 2026, reflecting structural earnings strength [12][27] Other Important Information - The company has made significant progress in integrating the Healthcare Solutions business, with improved customer service metrics now exceeding those of the legacy business [10][37] - The company is focused on reducing SG&A expenses across all business lines, aiming to bring total company SG&A below 10% [24][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on top-line guidance and industrial activity - Management remains cautiously optimistic about the macroeconomic environment, noting a bounce back in the industrial line of business [31][32] Question: Pricing and cost refinement in Healthcare Solutions - Management highlighted significant progress in customer service and expects better price realization in 2026, with a projected 4.2% price increase [39][41] Question: Discussion on 2027 financial targets - Management clarified that 2027 estimates were not detailed guidance and emphasized the difficulty in predicting long-term performance [46][47] Question: Margin expansion expectations for Collection and Disposal - Management targets a 50 basis point margin improvement on a same-store sales basis across the portfolio [49] Question: Outlook for Healthcare Solutions EBITDA and cost synergies - Management reported exceeding synergy goals for 2025 and expects continued benefits in 2026 [53][54]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 19% growth in operating EBITDA for the second quarter, driven by strong results across all market cycles [7][20] - Operating cash flow increased by 9% year-over-year to $2.75 billion, attributed to strong earnings growth [22] - Free cash flow for the first half of the year was $1.29 billion, with expectations to meet or exceed revised guidance for the year [23][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The collection and disposal business contributed significantly to EBITDA growth, with landfill volumes showing strong performance [8][14] - Collection and disposal operating EBITDA margin improved by 60 basis points to 37.9%, driven by strong landfill volumes and customer lifetime value focus [14][20] - The recycling segment saw a 17% increase in operating EBITDA despite a nearly 15% decline in recycled commodity prices [10][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced solid waste volume growth in key markets, particularly in MSW and special waste volumes related to wildfire cleanup in California [8][10] - The overall volume expectations for the year remain between 0.25% and 0.75% growth, with a notable impact from a large franchise contract loss [15][34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term growth through technology implementation and acquisitions, with a robust pipeline of tuck-in opportunities expected to exceed $500 million in acquisition spending for the year [9][11] - The integration of WM HealthCare Solutions is progressing well, with targeted synergies expected to reach $80 million to $100 million in 2025 [21][61] - The company aims to maintain its competitive edge through sustainability investments and operational excellence [10][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver strong results despite external challenges, including recycled commodity prices and weather impacts [25][26] - The company anticipates less pressure from the Healthcare Solutions business in the second half of the year, with margin improvements expected [30][34] - Overall, management remains optimistic about achieving long-term strategic priorities and maintaining strong earnings growth [26][25] Other Important Information - The company achieved a record operating expense ratio below 60% of revenue, reflecting significant progress in cost management [16][20] - The company is on track to achieve targeted leverage levels by 2026 through a combination of earnings growth and debt reduction [23][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is a 31% peak margin in Q3 back on the table? - Management indicated that margin expansion exceeded expectations in the first half, making them optimistic about margins for the second half of the year [29] Question: What are the updated volume expectations for the year? - Volume expectations remain between 0.25% and 0.75%, with the company confident in achieving this despite some headwinds [34] Question: Can you provide more color on the strength in volume? - June was the strongest month of the quarter, with solid performance in MSW and C&D waste streams, indicating a positive trend [37][39] Question: How is the residential business improvement journey progressing? - About 70% of the residential business is now performing at acceptable margins, with expectations for further improvement by the end of the year [46][48] Question: What are the expectations for the Healthcare Solutions business? - The company is focused on optimizing the Healthcare Solutions business, with long-term growth expectations of 5% to 6% [68][70]