Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 110 basis points in Q4 2025, reaching an industry-leading 33%, up 100 basis points year-over-year, excluding lower commodities [3][17] - Full year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA was $3.125 billion, up 7.7% year-over-year, with an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 33% [18] - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $2.373 billion, with a pricing increase of 6.4% [15][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Solid waste core pricing increased by 6.5% in 2025, contributing to margin expansion despite declines in recycled commodities [8] - Reported volume decreased by 2.7%, reflecting intentional shedding and ongoing weakness in cyclically driven elements [15] - Special waste tons increased by 7% for the full year 2025, while construction and demolition debris (C&D) tons decreased by 5% [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pricing in competitive markets exceeded 7%, while the Western region saw pricing around 3.7% [15] - The company experienced a decline in roll-off pulls by 2% and an increase in total landfill tons by 3% on a same-store basis [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on solid waste and continue disciplined acquisition strategies, having completed approximately $330 million in annualized revenue from 19 acquisitions in 2025 [10][11] - Investments in sustainability and AI technology are prioritized, with ongoing development of renewable gas facilities and a new recycling facility expected to be operational by 2027 [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about improving macro indicators but did not factor in a material pickup in expectations for 2026 [17] - The outlook for 2026 estimates revenue between $9.9 billion and $9.95 billion, with organic growth in solid waste collection expected to be 3.5%-4% [20][21] Other Important Information - The company returned over $830 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in 2025 [3][12] - Adjusted free cash flow for 2025 was $1.26 billion, with expectations for an increase to $1.4 billion-$1.45 billion in 2026 [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on sustainability CapEx and Chiquita Canyon spend? - Management expects sustainability-related outlays to step down in 2026, with $100 million allocated for RNG facilities and additional investments in recycling technology [27][28] Question: What are the macroeconomic assumptions baked into guidance? - Management has not factored in improvements in commodity values or cyclical volumes but noted potential upside from these areas [31][32] Question: What buckets of expenses are seeing moderation? - Labor rates have decreased from 5% year-over-year to about 3.9%, with expectations to trend down further in 2026 [40][41] Question: Can you provide an update on the Northeast Corridor build-out? - The company has increased daily tonnage significantly and expects to reach 9,000-9,500 tons per day at Arrowhead Landfill by 2026 [66][67] Question: How is the ramp-up of new RNG facilities progressing? - The ramp-up is slower than expected due to permitting issues, with efficiency rates improving over time [72][75]