Waste nections(WCN) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

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][19] - Full year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA was $3.125 billion, up 7.7% year-over-year [20] - Revenue for Q4 was $2.373 billion, with acquisitions contributing approximately $58 million [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Solid waste core pricing increased by 6.5% in 2025, contributing to margin expansion [9] - Reported volume decreased by 2.7%, reflecting intentional shedding and ongoing weakness in cyclically driven elements [17] - Special waste tons increased by 7% for the full year 2025, while construction and demolition debris tons decreased by 5% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q4 pricing accelerated to 6.4%, ranging from 3.7% in the Western region to over 7% in competitive markets [17] - The Northeast market showed improvement in internalization rates, now up to almost 60% [74] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on solid waste and plans to continue disciplined acquisition strategies, with $330 million in annualized revenue from 19 acquisitions in 2025 [11][12] - Investments in sustainability and AI technology are prioritized to enhance efficiency and customer service [15][48] - The company aims for double-digit adjusted free cash flow growth in 2026, with a focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for upside from economic recovery and commodity price increases, although no significant improvements were factored into the 2026 outlook [35][36] - The company is encouraged by macro indicators suggesting improving dynamics in the broader economy [19] Other Important Information - The company returned over $830 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in 2025 [3] - Capital expenditures for 2025 were $1.194 billion, including $100 million for RNG projects [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on sustainability CapEx and Chiquita Canyon spend? - Management expects both sustainability-related outlays and Chiquita Canyon costs to step down in 2026-2027, with $100 million for RNG projects expected to be completed in 2026 [30][31] Question: What are the expectations for the macro environment and potential upside? - Management has not baked in improvements in commodity values or cyclical volumes but noted that any such improvements would provide upside to the outlook [34][35] Question: Can you provide an update on the Northeast Corridor build-out? - The company has significantly increased throughput at the Arrowhead Landfill and continues to focus on densification in the Northeast [71][72] Question: How is the ramp-up of new RNG facilities progressing? - The ramp-up is taking longer than expected due to permitting issues, but the company remains confident in the long-term returns from these investments [76][80]