Core Insights - Clean Harbors reported record financial and safety performance for 2025, with significant growth in revenue and adjusted EBITDA, alongside a strong safety record [4][6][3] Financial Performance - Clean Harbors achieved over $6 billion in annual revenue for the first time, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 5% year-over-year, driven primarily by Environmental Services [2][6] - The adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 40 basis points year-over-year, reaching a consolidated Q4 adjusted EBITDA margin of 18.6% [2][16] - Operating cash flow in Q4 grew by 17% to a record $355 million, while adjusted free cash flow also reached a record $261 million for the quarter [17] Safety Performance - The company achieved a total recordable incident rate (TRIR) of 0.49 in 2025, which is considered industry-leading and significantly lower than the previous year [3][6] Operational Milestones - Key operational milestones for 2025 included the ramp-up of the new Kimball Incinerator, the creation of the Phoenix Hub, and handling nearly 22,000 emergency response events [1][4] Capital Allocation and Guidance - Clean Harbors plans to acquire DCI environmental businesses for approximately $130 million and expand its vacuum truck fleet by $50 million [5][14] - For 2026, the company guided adjusted EBITDA between $1.20 billion and $1.26 billion, implying about 5% growth, and adjusted free cash flow between $480 million and $540 million [5][18] Segment Performance - Environmental Services revenue increased by 6% in Q4, attributed to demand for disposal and recycling services, project volumes, and emergency response work [6][10] - Safety-Kleen Environmental Services revenue rose by 7%, driven by pricing and higher volumes, particularly in vacuum services [10] PFAS Growth Opportunity - The company anticipates considerable momentum in PFAS services, with a projected revenue growth of 20% for 2026, supported by a recent incineration study with the EPA [8][9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record revenues exceeding $6 billion for the first time in its history, with a 5% increase in adjusted EBITDA for 2025 [7][19] - Q4 revenue increased by 5% to $1.5 billion, with adjusted EBITDA rising 8% to $279 million, marking the highest growth rates seen in fiscal 2025 [19][20] - The adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 60 basis points year-over-year to 18.6% for Q4, and by 40 basis points for the full year [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Environmental Services (ES) segment achieved a 6% growth in adjusted EBITDA, with a margin increase of 60 basis points [7][19] - Technical Services revenue rose by 8%, while Safety-Kleen Environmental Services revenue grew by 7%, driven by pricing and higher volumes [8] - Field Services revenue grew by 13% in Q4, significantly aided by large-scale emergency response projects [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company handled nearly 22,000 emergency response events in 2025, reflecting a strong demand for its services [9][57] - The PFAS incineration study released in partnership with the EPA is generating increased discussions with customers, indicating a growing market opportunity [10][11] - The company anticipates a 20% growth rate for its PFAS business in 2026, consistent with past performance [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to continue expanding its Environmental Services business organically while enhancing earnings potential through strategic initiatives [28][29] - A $130 million acquisition of environmental businesses from Depot Connect International is expected to generate annual revenue of approximately $40 million [15][16] - The company is also investing $50 million to expand its vacuum truck fleet to capitalize on growth opportunities [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering growth in revenue and adjusted EBITDA for 2026, supported by modest economic assumptions and potential upside [18][29] - The company is entering 2026 with strong momentum in its hazardous waste collection businesses and expects continued strong performance from its incinerator and PFAS projects [18][29] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced view on growth expectations, considering potential market fluctuations [76] Other Important Information - The company achieved a record $509 million in annual adjusted free cash flow, representing nearly 44% of its 2025 adjusted EBITDA [23] - The net debt to EBITDA ratio improved to approximately 1.8x, the lowest leverage in nearly 15 years [22] - The company plans to continue share repurchases, having executed $133 million in repurchases in Q4 alone [17][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on captive market and incineration pricing trends - Management indicated active discussions in the captive market with potential closures expected in the future, while incineration pricing is anticipated to improve in the mid to upper single digits [34][36] Question: Confidence in industrial services growth - Management noted positive indicators from customers regarding turnaround needs, but maintained a conservative outlook for 2026 [38][41] Question: Internal growth investments versus acquisitions - Management clarified that the balance sheet allows for both internal growth investments and acquisitions, with a focus on ROI [42][45] Question: M&A pipeline and opportunities - Management confirmed ongoing interest in environmental services acquisitions, with several opportunities being pursued [50] Question: Drivers of Safety-Kleen EBITDA expectations - Management acknowledged challenges in base oil pricing affecting Q1 but expects improvements throughout the year [51][53] Question: Emergency response work quantification - Management reported over 22,000 emergency response events in 2025, with expectations for continued growth in this area [57][60]