Group 1: ClearBridge Investments Overview - ClearBridge Investments released its "ClearBridge Mid Cap Strategy" Q4 2025 investor letter, reporting underperformance compared to the Russell Midcap Index, which returned 0.16% during the period [1] - The underperformance was attributed to narrow market leadership and sentiment-driven trading, with weaknesses in information technology and real estate holdings impacting returns, while gains in select consumer discretionary stocks provided partial support [1] - The firm noted that elevated dispersion and uneven earnings reactions continued to shape mid-cap equity performance during the quarter [1] Group 2: Future Outlook - The portfolio management team expressed cautious optimism, indicating that improving clarity around policy, interest rates, and business investment could create a more favorable backdrop for active stock selection [1] - The widening valuation gaps and strengthening fundamentals across many mid-cap companies were highlighted as positive indicators for future performance [1] Group 3: Casella Waste Systems Inc. Insights - ClearBridge Investments initiated positions in Casella Waste Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:CWST), a residential waste services provider, following a transitory selloff related to minor acquisition integration issues [3] - The company has a high proportion of recurring revenue, which supports durable long-term growth, and limited exposure to near-term AI disruption [3] - Casella Waste Systems Inc. has a market capitalization of approximately $6.501 billion, with shares trading between $82.2 to $121.24 over the last 52 weeks [2] Group 4: Hedge Fund Interest - Casella Waste Systems Inc. was held by 26 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the third quarter, an increase from 24 in the previous quarter [4] - Despite the interest, the company is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with a belief that some AI stocks may offer greater promise for higher returns in a shorter time frame [4]

Core Viewpoint - Casella Waste Systems, Inc. is set to release its financial results for Q4 2025 on February 19, 2026, after market close [1] Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will cover the three months ended December 31, 2025 [1] - The announcement will be made after the market closes on February 19, 2026 [1] Group 2: Conference Call Details - A conference call to discuss the financial results will take place on February 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time [2] - Interested participants must register to obtain dial-in and passcode details [2] - The call will also be available via webcast on the company's website [2] Group 3: Additional Information - A replay of the conference call will be accessible on the company's website following the event [2] - For further inquiries, contact Brian J. Butler, VP of Investor Relations [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues in Q2 2025 were $465.3 million, an increase of $88.2 million or 23.4% year over year, with $67.1 million from acquisitions and $21 million from organic growth, representing a 5.6% increase [11] - Adjusted EBITDA was $109.5 million, up $17.9 million or 19.5% year over year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.5%, down approximately 75 basis points year over year [14] - Adjusted net income was $23 million or $0.36 per diluted share, up $1.3 million year over year [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Solid waste revenues increased by 27.1% year over year, with pricing up 5% and volume down 0.8% [11] - Resource Solutions revenues were up 10.2% year over year, with recycling and other processing revenue up 9.6% [13] - Landfill volumes were up 9.5% year over year, with internalized volumes growing over 12% [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Solid waste pricing increased by 5% year over year, indicating healthy pricing trends [8] - The company experienced improved volume trends in the landfill business, reflecting a stable economy in its markets [12] - The average recycled commodity sales price was down 16% year over year, but the net impact on revenue was minimal due to contract structures [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its footprint through acquisitions, having completed six acquisitions year to date, representing about $90 million in annualized revenues [9] - The pending acquisition of Mountain State Waste is expected to add another $30 million in annualized revenues and expand the company's presence in Pennsylvania and West Virginia [9] - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to a midpoint of $1.83 billion, reflecting continued strength in core pricing and acquisition activity [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth strategy and robust M&A pipeline, with a strong balance sheet enabling continued opportunistic acquisitions [18] - The management noted that persistent market headwinds experienced last year are behind them, and they expect to see margin expansion opportunities in the future [14] - The company anticipates that the operational challenges in the Mid Atlantic region will be resolved, leading to improved performance in 2026 [32] Other Important Information - The company achieved record first-half adjusted free cash flow of over $70 million, which is more than $30 million above the same period last year [8] - Capital expenditures were $121.9 million, up $47 million year over year, including significant upfront investments in recent acquisitions [17] - The consolidated net leverage ratio was 2.39x, with $700 million of revolver remaining undrawn, indicating a strong liquidity position [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the Mid Atlantic performance and the ERP implementation? - Management acknowledged that the Mid Atlantic region is lagging due to issues with the legacy billing system and truck delivery delays, which have impacted pricing visibility and synergy realization [29][32] Question: What is the expected synergy EBITDA benefit from the Mid Atlantic assets in 2026? - Management indicated potential benefits of $5 to $10 million over several years as they automate the fleet and resolve system issues [34] Question: Can you elaborate on the Mountain State acquisition and its market dynamics? - The acquisition will expand the company's footprint into a growing market in West Virginia, with franchise agreements providing a solid customer base [39] Question: Why did the interest expense guidance drop significantly? - Management stated that the guidance was refined as the year progressed, reflecting a more optimistic view [40] Question: What is the outlook for Resource Solutions growth? - Management believes Resource Solutions will continue to grow rapidly, particularly in the Mid Atlantic region, where there are significant opportunities [72] Question: How do you see capital expenditures evolving over time? - Management noted that CapEx will fluctuate based on landfill development schedules and acquisition activity, which often requires significant upfront investments [74]