Core Viewpoint - Waste Connections reported strong second-quarter 2025 results, with earnings and revenues exceeding expectations, but the stock has underperformed the S&P 500 recently [1][2]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share were $1.29, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.2% and increasing 4% year over year [2]. - Revenues reached $2.4 billion, slightly beating consensus estimates and growing 7.1% from the previous year [2]. Segment Performance - The Solid Waste Collection segment generated revenues of $1.6 billion, missing the estimate of $1.7 billion [3]. - The Solid Waste Disposal and Transfer segment saw revenues surge 71.1% year over year to $756 million, also missing projections [3]. - The E&P Waste Treatment, Recovery and Disposal segment's revenues increased 4.9% to $123.6 million, falling short of the estimate [4]. - The Solid Waste Recycling segment's revenues grew 3.5% to $63.3 million, missing the forecast [4]. - The Intermodal and Other segment's revenues gained marginally to $49.1 million, missing estimates as well [4]. Operating Results - Adjusted EBITDA was $731.8 million, down 6.9% from the previous year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 32.6% [5]. - Operating income totaled $424.7 million, compared to $459.5 million in the prior year [5]. Balance Sheet & Cash Flow - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q2 2025 were $62.4 million, down from $111.2 million in the previous quarter [6]. - Long-term debt decreased to $8.1 billion from $8.4 billion [6]. - Cash generated from operating activities was $611.4 million, with adjusted free cash flow at $402.6 million [7]. Future Outlook - For FY25, Waste Connections expects revenues of $9.45 billion, lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9.51 billion [8]. - Adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to be $3.12 billion, representing nearly 33% of total revenues [8]. Market Sentiment - Since the earnings release, there has been a downward trend in estimates revisions for Waste Connections [9]. - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating expectations of below-average returns in the coming months [12]. Industry Comparison - Waste Connections operates within the Zacks Waste Removal Services industry, where competitor Pentair plc has shown a 1.6% gain over the past month [13]. - Pentair reported revenues of $1.12 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.2% [13].

Core Insights - Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) reported strong second-quarter 2025 results, with earnings and revenues exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates [1][2] - Despite the earnings beat, the stock price has not experienced significant movement since the results were released on July 23 [1] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share were $1.29, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.2% and reflecting a 4% year-over-year increase [2][9] - Revenues reached $2.4 billion, slightly beating consensus estimates and growing 7.1% from the previous year [2][9] - Year-to-date, WCN shares have increased by 8.4%, compared to the industry's 10.7% and the Zacks S&P 500 Composite's 8.2% growth [2] Segment Performance - The Solid Waste Collection segment generated revenues of $1.6 billion, which was below the estimated $1.7 billion [3] - The Solid Waste Disposal and Transfer segment saw a significant revenue increase of 71.1% year-over-year to $756 million, also missing projections [3] - The E&P Waste Treatment, Recovery and Disposal segment's revenues rose 4.9% to $123.6 million, falling short of the estimate [4] - The Solid Waste Recycling segment's revenues grew 3.5% to $63.3 million, missing the forecast [4] - The Intermodal and Other segment's revenues increased slightly to $49.1 million, also below expectations [4] Operating Results - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $731.8 million, a decrease of 6.9% from the previous year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 32.6% [5] - Operating income was reported at $424.7 million, down from $459.5 million year-over-year [5] Balance Sheet & Cash Flow - At the end of Q2 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at $62.4 million, down from $111.2 million in the previous quarter [6] - Long-term debt decreased to $8.1 billion from $8.4 billion [6] - Cash generated from operating activities was $611.4 million, with adjusted free cash flow at $402.6 million [7] - Capital expenditures totaled $217.2 million, and dividends paid amounted to $73.7 million [7] FY25 Outlook - For the full year 2025, Waste Connections expects revenues of $9.45 billion, which is below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9.51 billion [8][9] - Adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to be $3.12 billion, representing nearly 33% of total revenues [8]

Core Viewpoint - Waste Connections (WCN) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.25 per share, reflecting a 0.8% increase year-over-year, with revenues projected at $2.39 billion, indicating a 6.4% year-over-year growth [1]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised downward by 1.1% over the past 30 days, indicating a collective reassessment by analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical studies show a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [3]. Revenue Breakdown - Analysts estimate that 'Revenue Breakdown- E&P Waste Treatment, Recovery and Disposal' will reach $140.55 million, a 13.8% increase from the previous year [5]. - The 'Revenue Breakdown- Intermodal and Other' is expected to be $51.51 million, reflecting a 4.9% increase year-over-year [5]. - 'Revenue Breakdown- Solid Waste Recycling' is projected at $65.33 million, a 3.2% increase from the prior year [6]. - 'Revenue Breakdown- Solid Waste Collection' is estimated at $1.69 billion, indicating a 6.5% year-over-year change [6]. Geographic Revenues - 'Geographic Revenues- Canada' is expected to reach $359.10 million, reflecting a 12.5% increase year-over-year [7]. - 'Geographic Revenues- Southern' is projected at $501.00 million, indicating a 14.1% increase [8]. - 'Geographic Revenues- Central' is estimated at $429.61 million, reflecting an 11.3% increase [8]. - 'Geographic Revenues- Eastern' is expected to be $447.61 million, indicating a 15.9% increase [8]. - 'Geographic Revenues- Western' is projected at $444.69 million, reflecting a 2% decrease from the prior year [9]. Stock Performance - Shares of Waste Connections have decreased by 1.7% over the past month, contrasting with a 5.4% increase in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [10].