Clean Harbors Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Clean Harbors - **Event**: 28th Annual Needham Growth Conference - **Presenters**: Co-CEO Mike Battles, SVP Jim Buckley Key Points Industry and Business Segments - Clean Harbors operates primarily in the environmental services and oil business sectors, with total revenue exceeding $6 billion in 2025, of which approximately $1 billion is from the oil business and $5 billion from environmental services [3][8]. Oil Business Performance - The oil business has seen a significant decline from $300 million to approximately $140 million due to falling oil prices and market challenges [4]. - The company shifted focus to collecting high-value used motor oil (UMO) instead of volume, leading to improved profitability despite lower collection volumes [5][6]. - The goal for 2026 is to stabilize the oil business and make it less volatile [6]. Environmental Services Business - The environmental services segment is performing well, with a 12% revenue growth in Q3 and 7% growth over the first nine months of 2025, driven by price increases and volume [9]. - The technical services (TS) business, which includes PFAS remediation, is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with pricing discipline being a key factor [10][25]. - The Safety-Kleen branch, focusing on small quantity hazardous waste, has also shown consistent growth of 7% over the past several years [11]. Industrial Services Challenges - The industrial services segment, valued at approximately $1.3 billion, has faced challenges with negative revenue growth of 5% due to delayed turnarounds in large plants [12][13]. - Leadership changes are anticipated to improve performance in this segment, with hopes of stabilizing revenue in 2026 [14]. PFAS Remediation - PFAS-related services are projected to grow at 20% annually, with Clean Harbors positioned as a leader in high-temperature incineration for PFAS disposal [27][30]. - Recent engagements with regulatory bodies and successful projects, such as the one in Hawaii, are expected to enhance growth in this area [36][37]. Pricing Strategy - Clean Harbors maintains a disciplined pricing strategy, with annual contract renewals allowing for price adjustments based on inflation and market conditions [55][57]. - The company has successfully navigated price negotiations, achieving mid-single-digit price increases [57]. M&A and Growth Strategy - Clean Harbors has a strong cash position with $1 billion available and plans for share buybacks, indicating a focus on shareholder value rather than aggressive M&A [58]. - The company is exploring smaller acquisitions in the environmental services space, particularly targeting privately owned businesses [62][63]. Internal Investments - Significant investments are being made in infrastructure, including the Kimball incinerator, which is expected to generate $20-$30 million in EBITDA in 2026 [40][41]. - The company is also developing mega hubs to enhance operational efficiency and margin improvement [71][73]. Future Outlook - Clean Harbors is optimistic about stabilizing its industrial services segment and continuing growth in environmental services and PFAS remediation [14][27]. - The company aims to leverage its strong market position and operational efficiencies to drive future profitability [25][66]. Additional Insights - The leadership emphasizes the importance of maintaining high margins and operational efficiency across all business segments [26][72]. - The company is cautious about the timing of potential captive incinerator closures, recognizing the long-term commitment involved [48][50]. This summary encapsulates the key insights and strategic directions discussed during the Clean Harbors conference call, highlighting both challenges and growth opportunities within the company and its industry.

Clean Harbors (NYSE:CLH) 2025 Conference Summary Industry Overview - **Company**: Clean Harbors - **Industry**: Environmental Services Key Points and Arguments Margin Expansion - Clean Harbors has expanded margins by approximately 480 basis points since 2019 and about 800 basis points over the last eight years, driven by: - Increased volumes from strategic partnerships, such as with 3M, and growth in underlying verticals [6][7] - Focus on pricing during high inflation periods while maintaining service quality [7] - Environmental services margins are projected to finish the year just over 26%, with a long-term goal of reaching 30% and above [8] Volume and Pricing Drivers - Major drivers for margin improvement include: - Continued volume growth and pricing strategies [10] - Tailwinds from reshoring, infrastructure build-out, and PFAS opportunities [10][11] Incineration Business - The new Kimball Incinerator is expected to generate $10 million in EBITDA this year, with a target of $40 million run rate by 2027 [12][14] - The facility has exceeded throughput goals, with expectations of $25 million to $30 million EBITDA in 2026 [14] - The incineration market remains strong, with high utilization rates expected to continue [18] Captive Incinerator Opportunities - There are currently 41 active captive incinerators, with a trend of companies moving waste to commercial incinerators like Clean Harbors [19][21] - Clean Harbors aims to attract more waste from these captive facilities, similar to the arrangement with 3M [23] Industrial Services Segment - The industrial services business is valued at approximately $1.3 billion, with 50% of revenue from day-to-day maintenance and 20% from turnaround services [28][30] - Turnaround work has slowed due to deferred shutdowns, but improvements are expected in 2026 [31][32] PFAS Opportunity - PFAS revenues are currently around $100 million, growing at 20% [38] - The company is expanding its PFAS solutions, including water treatment and disposal, with significant contracts like the one at Pearl Harbor expected to generate $110 million over three years [41][42] - Regulatory developments are anticipated to create further opportunities in PFAS destruction [45] M&A and Capital Allocation - Clean Harbors has allocated nearly $2 billion toward M&A over the past five years, focusing on synergies and operational efficiencies [50][51] - The company is currently prioritizing high-return organic investments and share buybacks due to higher valuations in the M&A space [53][55] - Plans for $500 million in internal investments include enhancing throughput and developing regional hubs [56][57] Safety-Kleen Segment - The Safety-Kleen segment has shown consistent growth, with a business model that supports all Clean Harbors facilities [60][62] - The segment has been resilient despite market pressures, with a focus on subscription-based services and efficient route management [62][63] Additional Important Insights - Clean Harbors is well-positioned to leverage its capabilities in the growing PFAS market and capitalize on regulatory changes [49][50] - The company maintains a competitive edge through continuous improvement and high service levels, despite increasing competition in the environmental services sector [59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a consolidated revenue growth of 9% year-over-year, driven by a 50 basis point sequential acceleration in pricing to 6.3% and a 100 basis point increase in volume [13][15] - Adjusted EBITDA margin reached 31.6%, the highest in the company's history, with underlying solid waste margins expanding by 250 basis points [15][9] - Adjusted free cash flow was reported at $181 million, exceeding expectations due to strong operational performance [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced near double-digit top-line growth, attributed to successful pricing strategies and volume performance [7] - MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) volumes increased, offsetting declines in construction-oriented activity and special waste volumes [8][15] - The company deployed nearly $650 million into acquisitions year-to-date, with an active M&A pipeline expected to contribute to growth [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Volumes grew by 5% in Canada, while the U.S. saw a 0.9% decline, influenced by lower construction and special waste volumes [15][56] - The company noted broader economic uncertainty impacting market activity levels, particularly in construction and industrial sectors [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a strong M&A pipeline and executing share buybacks, with a belief that current share prices are undervalued [11][42] - The management expressed confidence in the company's operating plan and growth trajectory, with expectations for continued margin expansion and revenue growth [18][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges from commodity prices and economic uncertainty but remained optimistic about future performance and growth opportunities [8][10] - The company plans to provide detailed guidance for 2026 in February, with expectations for continued growth driven by M&A and EPR contributions [17][18] Other Important Information - The company completed a recapitalization of GIP, valuing it at $4.25 billion, which returned approximately $585 million to shareholders [10][11] - The company repurchased $350 million of shares in Q3 and nearly $2.8 billion year-to-date, indicating a strong commitment to returning capital to shareholders [12][11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk us through the guidance update and the factors influencing it? - Management explained that the guidance increase reflects strong pricing actions and volume performance, offset by commodity-related headwinds [20][21] Question: What is the status of the EPR ramp and its contributions? - Management noted that EPR has outperformed expectations, contributing significantly to revenue, with further benefits anticipated in 2026 [25][26] Question: How do you view the organic growth trends in Canada versus the U.S.? - Management indicated that Canada experienced higher organic growth due to EPR contributions, while the U.S. faced challenges from lower special waste volumes [53][54] Question: What are the expectations for cost inflation next year? - Management anticipates cost inflation starting with a 4%, driven by labor and other operational costs [73][72] Question: How is the company addressing pricing strategies moving forward? - Management is focused on moving away from CPI-related pricing indices to better reflect operational costs, with expectations for pricing to remain above internal cost inflation [70][78]

Core Insights - Clean Harbors, Inc. (CLH) reported disappointing third-quarter 2025 results, with earnings and revenues falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate, leading to a 15.2% decline in stock price since the results were released on October 29 [1][9]. Financial Performance - CLH's earnings per share were $2.21, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.8%, but showing a 4.3% increase year-over-year. Total revenues reached $1.5 billion, missing estimates by 1.7% but increasing 1.3% year-over-year [2]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $320.2 million, a 6.1% increase from the previous year, but below the estimate of $328.9 million. The adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 20.7%, up 100 basis points from the year-ago quarter [4]. - Segment-wise, Environmental Services (ES) revenues were $1.3 billion, a 2.4% increase year-over-year, while Safety-Kleen Sustainability Solutions (SKSS) revenues totaled $230.8 million, down 4.5% year-over-year [3][9]. Segment Analysis - Adjusted EBITDA for ES was $357.2 million, a 7.4% year-over-year increase but below the estimate of $378 million. For SKSS, adjusted EBITDA was $40.9 million, slightly down from the previous year but exceeding the estimate of $38.4 million [5]. Balance Sheet & Cash Flow - At the end of the quarter, CLH had cash and cash equivalents of $759.2 million, up from $600.2 million in the previous quarter. Inventories were $377.3 million, down from $383.4 million [6]. - Long-term debt remained flat at $2.8 billion. The company generated $302 million in net cash from operating activities, with capital expenditures of $94.4 million and adjusted free cash flow utilized at $230.6 million [7]. 2025 Guidance - For 2025, CLH updated its guidance for adjusted EBITDA to $1.16-$1.18 billion, down from the previous range of $1.16-$1.20 billion. However, the adjusted free cash flow outlook was raised to $445-$495 million, compared to the prior estimate of $430-$490 million [8].

Core Insights - Clean Harbors reported revenue of $1.55 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 1.3% and an EPS of $2.21 compared to $2.12 a year ago [1] - The reported revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.58 billion, resulting in a surprise of -1.72%, while the EPS also missed the consensus estimate of $2.37 by -6.75% [1] Revenue Breakdown - Direct Revenues from Safety-Kleen Sustainability Solutions amounted to $218.04 million, below the three-analyst average estimate of $229.75 million, representing a year-over-year decline of -6.1% [4] - Direct Revenues from Environmental Services reached $1.33 billion, slightly below the three-analyst average estimate of $1.35 billion, with a year-over-year increase of +2.6% [4] EBITDA Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for Environmental Services was reported at $357.23 million, compared to the average estimate of $374.51 million from three analysts [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Corporate Items was -$78.01 million, better than the average estimate of -$81.65 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Safety-Kleen Sustainability Solutions was $40.94 million, exceeding the average estimate of $39.83 million from three analysts [4] Stock Performance - Clean Harbors shares have returned +6% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +3.8% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - FLINT Corp. has secured new contract awards and renewals estimated to generate approximately $320 million in backlog, with about 13% of the work to be executed in 2025 and the remainder scheduled for 2026-2030 [1][2][7] Group 1: Contract Awards and Renewals - The company announced strong contract bookings across its core service lines, including construction, maintenance, turnarounds, and environmental services, reflecting customer confidence in FLINT's operational excellence [2][3] - The total value of the new contracts and renewals is approximately $320 million, indicating a robust demand for FLINT's services [1][2] Group 2: Company Strategy and Focus - FLINT emphasizes collaboration with customers, local communities, and Indigenous partners as a key driver of its success and expansion of work scope [3] - The company is dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality solutions that support clients' long-term needs, showcasing a commitment to continuous improvement [2][3] Group 3: Company Background - FLINT Corp. has over 100 years of experience providing solutions for the Energy and Industrial markets, including sectors such as Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Mining, and Infrastructure [4] - The company operates strategically across Canada, offering a range of services that help clients bring their resources to market [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was reported at $464.3 million, an 8.5% increase year-over-year [7] - Cost of services was reported at $367.9 million, or 79.2% of revenue, with a benefit of $34.2 million related to the ERC [7] - Net income was reported at $43.59 per share, including a $0.39 benefit from the ERC [9] - Cash flow from operations was reported at $71.3 million, adjusted to $87.1 million after accounting for a decrease in payroll accrual [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Environmental services revenue was reported at $211.8 million, while dietary services revenue was $252.5 million [7] - Segment margins for environmental services were reported at 10.7%, and for dietary services at 5.1% [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a strong labor market, with skilled nursing job gains significantly outpacing previous years, indicating a recovery towards pre-pandemic levels by mid-2026 [23] - The company identified over 23,000 potential facilities for their services, with less than 15% currently outsourcing environmental services and less than 8% for dietary services [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The top three strategic priorities include driving growth through management development, managing costs through operational execution, and optimizing cash flow [6] - The company is focusing on organic growth, strategic acquisitions, and opportunistic share repurchases, with a $50 million share repurchase plan valid through June 2026 [12] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the business environment, citing strong fundamentals in long-term and post-acute care markets, despite economic uncertainties [5] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities due to robust fundamentals and a multi-decade demographic tailwind [39] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $27.3 million of common stock in Q3, bringing year-to-date buybacks to $42 million [12] - The company continues to evaluate M&A opportunities, with a focus on the education sector as a primary target [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pipeline of new client wins and future growth - Management noted that Q3 was the sixth consecutive sequential revenue increase, driven by new business wins and high client retention rates [14] Question: Update on education efforts and acquisitions - The company is expanding its focus to include campus-like environments beyond traditional education, with education as a top acquisition target [16][19] Question: Labor market conditions and hiring - The labor market is strong, with expectations to reach pre-pandemic job levels by mid-2026, which supports growth prospects [23][25] Question: Outsourcing trends in Environmental and Dietary Services - There is an increasing acceptance of outsourcing, with the company holding a significant share of the outsourced market [31][33] Question: Update on Genesis HealthCare and facility closures - The company continues to provide services to Genesis facilities without disruption, and the bankruptcy process is proceeding normally [34][36]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was reported at $464.3 million, an 8.5% increase year-over-year [7] - Cost of services was reported at $367.9 million, or 79.2% of revenue, including a benefit of $34.2 million related to the ERC [7] - Net income and diluted earnings per share were reported at $43.59 per share, including a $0.39 benefit related to the ERC [9] - Cash flow from operations was reported at $71.3 million, adjusted to $87.1 million after accounting for a decrease in payroll accrual [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Environmental services revenue was reported at $211.8 million, while dietary services revenue was $252.5 million [7] - Segment margins for environmental services were reported at 10.7%, and for dietary services at 5.1% [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a strong labor market, with skilled nursing job gains significantly outpacing previous years, indicating a recovery towards pre-pandemic levels by mid-2026 [24] - The company identified over 23,000 potential facilities for their services, with less than 15% currently outsourcing environmental services and less than 8% for dietary services [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The top three strategic priorities for Q4 include driving growth through management development, managing costs through operational execution, and optimizing cash flow [6] - The company is focusing on organic growth, strategic acquisitions, and opportunistic share repurchases, with education as the primary target for acquisitions [12][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the business environment, citing strong fundamentals in long-term and post-acute care markets, despite economic uncertainties [5] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities due to robust fundamentals and a multi-decade demographic tailwind [39] Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 with cash and marketable securities of $207.5 million and an undrawn credit facility [10] - The company repurchased $27.3 million of common stock during Q3, with a total of $42 million year-to-date [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pipeline of new client wins and future growth - Management noted that Q3 was the sixth consecutive sequential revenue increase, driven by new business wins and high client retention rates, with Q4 revenue estimated between $460 to $470 million [14] Question: Education segment and acquisition targets - The company is focusing on a broader "campus" initiative for potential acquisitions, with education as the top target [16][19] Question: Labor market conditions - The labor market is strong, with significant job gains in skilled nursing, and the company is well-positioned to fill job openings [22][24] Question: Outsourcing trends - There is an increasing acceptance of outsourcing environmental and dietary services, with the company holding a significant share of the market [30][32] Question: Genesis Healthcare updates - The company continues to provide services to Genesis Healthcare facilities without disruption, and the bankruptcy process is proceeding normally [34][36]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was reported at $464.3 million, an 8.5% increase year-over-year [8] - Net income was reported at $43 million, with diluted earnings per share at $0.59, which includes a $0.39 benefit primarily related to the ERC [10] - Cash flow from operations was reported at $71.3 million, adjusted to $87.1 million after accounting for a decrease in payroll accrual [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Environmental Services segment revenue was reported at $211.8 million, while Dietary Services segment revenue was $252.5 million [8] - Cost of services was reported at $367.9 million, representing 79.2% of revenue, which includes a benefit of $34.2 million related to the ERC [8][9] - Segment margins for Environmental and Dietary Services were reported at 10.7% and 11.5%, respectively [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted steady occupancy rates and increasing workforce availability in the long-term and post-acute care market [5] - The healthcare sector continues to lead in hiring, with expectations that the skilled nursing industry will return to pre-pandemic job levels by 2026 [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company's top three strategic priorities include driving growth through management development, converting sales pipeline opportunities, and optimizing cash flow [6] - The company is focusing on organic growth, strategic acquisitions, and opportunistic share repurchases, with a $50 million share repurchase plan valid through June 2026 [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the administration's focus on the healthcare sector and the potential for policy changes that align with operational realities [5] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on long-term demographic trends and deliver shareholder value [42] Other Important Information - The company reported a strong balance sheet with cash and marketable securities of $207.5 million [11] - The company has incurred $2.1 million in incremental expenses related to ERC professional fees [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pipeline of new client wins and future growth - Management indicated that Q3 was marked by the highest growth rate since 2018, driven by new business wins and high client retention rates [16][17] Question: Update on education segment and acquisitions - The company is focusing on a broader "campus" initiative for potential acquisitions, with education as a top target [19][22] Question: Labor market conditions - The labor market remains strong, with expectations for the skilled nursing sector to return to pre-pandemic hiring levels by 2026 [25][27] Question: Outsourcing trends in environmental and dietary services - The company noted an increasing acceptance of outsourcing, with significant growth opportunities in both environmental and dietary services [34][36] Question: Update on Genesis Healthcare - The company continues to provide services to Genesis facilities without disruption, despite ongoing bankruptcy proceedings [38]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2025 was reported at $464.3 million, an 8.5% increase year-over-year [7] - Net income and diluted earnings per share were reported at $43.59 per share, including a $0.39 benefit related to the ERC [10] - Cash flow from operations was reported at $71.3 million, adjusted to $87.1 million after accounting for a decrease in payroll accrual [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Environmental services revenue was reported at $211.8 million, while dietary services revenue was $252.5 million [7] - Segment margins for environmental and dietary services were reported at 10.7% and 5.1%, respectively [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a strong labor market, with skilled nursing job gains significantly outpacing 2024 levels, although still about 30,000 jobs short of pre-pandemic levels [25] - The company continues to see a positive trend in cash collection and a strong balance sheet, with cash and marketable securities of $207.5 million [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The top three strategic priorities for Q4 include driving growth through management development, managing costs through operational execution, and optimizing cash flow [6] - The company is focusing on organic growth, strategic acquisitions, and opportunistic share repurchases, with a $50 million share repurchase plan valid through June 2026 [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term care market, citing a multi-decade demographic tailwind and stable reimbursement environment [5] - The company is confident in its ability to capitalize on growth opportunities while delivering sustainable, profitable results [6] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $27.3 million of common stock in Q3, bringing year-to-date buybacks to $42 million [12] - The company continues to evaluate M&A opportunities, particularly in the education sector, which is a top target for acquisitions [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pipeline of new client wins and future growth - Management indicated that the majority of Q3 growth was driven by new business wins and high client retention rates, with an estimated revenue range of $460 to $470 million for Q4 [15][16] Question: Labor market and hiring capabilities - Management noted that the labor market is strong, with record application levels and sufficient staffing to support growth, despite some ongoing challenges in specific markets [25][26] Question: Outsourcing trends in Environmental and Dietary Services - Management observed an increasing acceptance of outsourcing in both environmental and dietary services, with significant growth potential in the market [32][35] Question: Update on Genesis Healthcare and facility transitions - Management confirmed that services to Genesis Healthcare facilities continue without disruption, and the company is monitoring the bankruptcy process closely [36][37]