Core Insights - WM reported strong financial results for Q3 2025, with a revenue increase of 14.9% year-over-year, reaching $6,443 million compared to $5,609 million in Q3 2024 [2][4] - The company achieved double-digit growth in cash flow from operations, driven by disciplined growth, cost optimization, and sustainability investments [1][10] - Adjusted operating EBITDA for the WM Legacy Business grew by 8.7%, with a record operating EBITDA margin of 37.5% in the Collection and Disposal segment [3][4] Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q3 2025 was $6,443 million, up from $5,609 million in Q3 2024, reflecting a 14.9% increase [2][4] - Net income for Q3 2025 was $603 million, compared to $760 million in Q3 2024, resulting in diluted EPS of $1.49 [2][4] - Operating EBITDA for the total company was $1,718 million, with an operating EBITDA margin of 26.7% [2][3] Segment Performance - The WM Legacy Business generated $5,815 million in revenue, a 3.7% increase from the previous year, driven by a 6.0% core price increase and a 3.8% yield [4][10] - The Recycling Processing and Sales segment experienced a revenue decline of $60 million due to lower market prices for recycled commodities, with a nearly 35% drop in blended average prices [4][10] - WM Healthcare Solutions generated $628 million in revenue, slightly below expectations, as the company prioritized customer lifetime value [4][10] Cost Management - Total operating expenses for Q3 2025 were $3,833 million, with an adjusted operating expense margin of 59.5% [5][6] - SG&A expenses for the total company were $665 million, reflecting a margin of 10.3% [6][7] - The company improved adjusted operating expenses as a percentage of revenue for the WM Legacy Business by 160 basis points, attributed to better driver retention and strategic exits from low-margin contracts [5][10] Cash Flow and Investments - The company generated $4.35 billion in net cash from operating activities in the first nine months of 2025, a 12.0% increase from the prior year [10] - Free cash flow for the first nine months was $2.11 billion, a 13.5% year-over-year increase [10] - WM continues to invest in sustainability projects, with four new facilities commencing operations during the quarter [10][11] 2025 Outlook - The company affirms its adjusted operating EBITDA guidance of $7.475 to $7.625 billion and free cash flow guidance of $2.8 to $2.9 billion [10][11] - Total company revenue is expected to be approximately $25.275 billion, at the low end of prior guidance, primarily due to declining recycled commodity prices [10][11] - Projected adjusted operating EBITDA margin guidance has increased to between 29.6% and 30.2% [10][11]