TimesSquare Capital Management, an equity investment management company, released its “U.S. Small Cap Growth Strategy” third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. During the quarter, the fund returned 2.26% (gross) and 2.01% (net), compared to the Russell 2000 Growth Index’s 12.19% return. During the quarter, all asset classes except fixed income outside the U.S. posted positive returns. In addition, please check the fund’s top five holdings to know its best picks in 202 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $2,407 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 7.1% or $159 million, exceeding the high end of the company's outlook [20] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $786.4 million, up 7.5% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 32.7%, which is consistent with the outlook and up 10 basis points year-over-year [24] - The company maintains its full-year 2025 outlook, estimating revenue at approximately $9,450 million and adjusted EBITDA at approximately $3,120 million, reflecting a 50 basis points increase in adjusted EBITDA margin to 33% [29][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core solid waste pricing increased by 6.6%, exceeding inflation, contributing to a 70 basis points underlying adjusted EBITDA margin expansion in solid waste [11] - Reported volume declines of 2.6% were attributed to a purposeful price-volume trade-off and shedding of underperforming contracts [11] - Landfill revenue increased by about 4%, with tons up 1.5%, while construction and demolition (C&D) tons were down 9%, indicating limited construction activity [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., waste activity correlated with crude prices was down about 10% year-over-year, particularly in June, while Canadian operations saw revenue growth in both price and volume [23] - The company experienced a decline in recycled commodity values by 10-15% during Q2, alongside a 15% drop in Renewable Energy Credits (RINs) [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a robust acquisition pipeline, having completed acquisitions contributing approximately $200 million in annualized revenue, with expectations for additional acquisitions later in the year [4][15] - There is an emphasis on leveraging technology for operational improvements and margin expansion, including AI-driven applications for customer retention and data analytics [14] - The company is also pursuing sustainability projects and reinvesting in existing operations while maintaining flexibility for capital returns to shareholders through share repurchases [4][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating economic headwinds, maintaining a full-year outlook despite challenges from lower commodity prices and economic sluggishness [4][32] - The company highlighted improvements in employee retention and safety, which are expected to contribute positively to operational performance and margin expansion [12][32] - Management remains cautious about predicting volume recovery, noting that economic conditions and M&A activity will influence future performance [60] Other Important Information - The company announced a new listing as a founding member of NYSE Texas, reflecting its growth and operational presence in Texas [16] - Management acknowledged the retirement of COO Daryl Chambliss, recognizing his significant contributions to the company over nearly three decades [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you clarify the capital allocation strategy regarding M&A and buybacks? - Management confirmed that the recent buyback activity is opportunistic and does not indicate a change in M&A strategy, emphasizing the capacity to pursue both [40][42] Question: What is the expected M&A impact in 2025? - The original guidance included $300 million from acquisitions, with $75 million already closed and an additional $125 million expected in the first half of the year [44] Question: How do you see the E&P revenue trend given the rig count? - Management indicated that E&P revenue is expected to stabilize around $180 million per quarter, reflecting contributions from recent acquisitions despite a cautious rig count [46] Question: What are the expectations for volume shedding in the upcoming quarters? - Management anticipates Q3 to be the most negative quarter due to ongoing shedding impacts, with a return to more normalized volumes expected in Q4 [54] Question: How will the EPA's involvement at Chiquita benefit remediation efforts? - Management expressed optimism that the EPA's active role will streamline regulatory processes and improve remediation efforts at Chiquita Canyon Landfill [86]