WM Announces Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Earnings

WM Announces Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Earnings

Focus on Operational Excellence Drives the Company’s Best-Ever Operating Expenses as a Percentage of Revenue for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year

Robust Operational Performance Led to Cash Flow from Operations Growing More than 12% in 2025

Strong Growth in Earnings and Cash Flow from Operations Expected to Continue in 2026

HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
WM (NYSE: WM) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2025.

 

Three Months Ended

Year Ended

 

December 31, 2025

December 31, 2024

December 31, 2025

December 31, 2024

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As

Reported

As

Adjusted(a)

As

Reported

As

Adjusted(a)

 

As

Reported

As

Adjusted(a)

As

Reported

As

Adjusted(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

$6,313

$6,313

$5,893

 

$5,893

 

$25,204

$25,204

 

$22,063

 

$22,063

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from Operations

$1,155

$1,204

$919

 

$1,054

 

$4,308

$4,719

 

$4,063

 

$4,296

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating EBITDA(b)

$1,925

$1,974

$1,571

 

$1,706

 

$7,171

$7,582

 

$6,330

 

$6,563

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating EBITDA Margin

30.5%

31.3%

26.7%

 

28.9%

 

28.5%

30.1%

 

28.7%

 

29.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income(c)

$742

$780

$598

 

$688

 

$2,708

$3,031

 

$2,746

 

$2,916

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted EPS

$1.83

$1.93

$1.48

 

$1.70

 

$6.70

$7.50

 

$6.81

 

$7.23

“2025 was a year of disciplined execution for WM,” said Jim Fish, WM’s CEO. “We delivered record performance in operating expenses as a percentage of revenue for both the fourth quarter and the full year, resulting in our best full-year adjusted operating EBITDA margin.(a) Our investments in technology and automation continue to generate meaningful efficiencies, contributing to structurally enhanced margins and stronger cash generation. We are also building momentum in the strategic growth of our recycling, renewable energy, and healthcare solutions businesses as we position WM as the leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions.”

Fish continued, “As we carry our momentum into 2026, we expect to grow free cash flow by nearly 30% at the midpoint of our guidance.(a) This growth is underpinned by our unreplicable solid waste network as well as the intentional investments we have made in recycling and renewable energy projects, our fleet, and a premier medical waste network. We plan to harvest the benefits of our investments and return to shareholders approximately $3.5 billion in 2026 through dividends and share repurchases while also returning our leverage ratio to our long-term target range of between 2.5x and 3.0x.”(d)

KEY HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2025

Operating EBITDA(b)

Fourth Quarter 2025

($ in millions)

Full Year 2025

($ in millions)

 

Total Company

Breakout

 

 

As Adjusted(a)

Total Company

Breakout

 

 

As Adjusted(a)

 

Amount

 

Margin

 

Amount

 

Margin

Amount

 

Margin

 

Amount

 

Margin

Legacy Business(e)

$ 1,838

 

32.3%

 

$ 1,869

 

32.8%

 

$ 6,833

 

30.1%

 

$ 7,158

 

31.5%

Healthcare Solutions

87

 

14.1%

 

105

 

17.1%

 

338

 

13.5%

 

424

 

16.9%

Total Company

$ 1,925

 

30.5%

 

$ 1,974

 

31.3%

 

$ 7,171

 

28.5%

 

$ 7,582

 

30.1%

  • Total Company operating EBITDA grew 13.3% in 2025. On an adjusted basis, total Company operating EBITDA grew 15.5%, and full-year adjusted margin exceeded 30% for the first time.(a)
  • Operating EBITDA for the Legacy Business increased 8.0% in 2025 and margin expanded 90 basis points. On an adjusted basis, operating EBITDA for the Legacy Business increased 10.1% in 2025 and margin expanded 150 basis points to 31.5%. These results were driven by organic revenue growth from price, disciplined cost initiatives, a continued focus on optimizing business mix, and contributions from sustainability growth investments.(a)
  • Operating EBITDA margin in the Healthcare Solutions business improved to 13.5% in 2025 from 1.0% in 2024. Adjusted operating EBITDA margin in the Healthcare Solutions business improved 180 basis points to 16.9% in 2025 as the Company progressed its integration of the business, leading to improved processes and synergy capture.(a)
Revenue

Fourth Quarter 2025

($ in millions)

Full Year 2025

($ in millions)

 

 

Amount

Growth

 

Amount

Growth

Legacy Business(e)

$ 5,698

3.8%

 

$ 22,696

4.8%

Healthcare Solutions

615

N/A

 

2,508

N/A

Total Company

$ 6,313

7.1%

 

$ 25,204

14.2%

  • Revenue growth in the Legacy Business in 2025 was driven by Collection and Disposal core price of 6.3% and yield of 3.8% as the Company continues to focus on maximizing customer lifetime value.(f)
  • In 2025, the Company’s Collection and Disposal volume was 0.1%, or 0.3% on a workday adjusted basis, inclusive of 50 basis points of volume from wildfire cleanup efforts.

Operating Expenses

Fourth Quarter 2025

($ in millions)

Full Year 2025

($ in millions)

 

Total Company

Breakout

 

 

As Adjusted(a)

Total Company

Breakout

 

 

As Adjusted(a)

 

Amount

 

Margin

 

Amount

 

Margin

 

Amount

 

Margin

 

Amount

 

Margin

Legacy Business(e)

$ 3,302

 

58.0%

 

$ 3,302

 

58.0%

 

$ 13,429

 

59.2%

 

$ 13,422

 

59.1%

Healthcare Solutions

391

 

63.6%

 

389

 

63.3%

 

1,583

 

63.1%

 

1,574

 

62.8%

Total Company

$ 3,693

 

58.5%

 

$ 3,691

 

58.5%

 

$ 15,012

 

59.6%

 

$ 14,996

 

59.5%

  • Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue for the Legacy Business improved 150 basis points in 2025. Adjusted operating expenses as a percentage of revenue for the Legacy Business improved 160 basis points in 2025, reflecting the benefits of front-line employee retention, capital investments made in the fleet, and intentional efforts to improve the residential collection business.(a)

SG&A Expenses

Fourth Quarter 2025

($ in millions)

Full Year 2025

($ in millions)

 

Total Company

Breakout

 

 

As Adjusted(a)

Total Company

Breakout

 

 

As Adjusted(a)

 

Amount

 

Margin

 

Amount

 

Margin

Amount

 

Margin

 

Amount

 

Margin

Legacy Business(e)

$ 535

 

9.4%

 

$ 520

 

9.1%

 

$ 2,149

 

9.5%

 

$ 2,098

 

9.2%

Healthcare Solutions

139

 

22.6%

 

128

 

20.8%

 

573

 

22.8%

 

528

 

21.1%

Total Company

$ 674

 

10.7%

 

$ 648

 

10.3%

 

$ 2,722

 

10.8%

 

$ 2,626

 

10.4%

  • SG&A as a percentage of revenue in the Legacy Business continues to reflect the Company’s strong cost management approach, improving 20 basis points for the full year, or 10 basis points on an adjusted basis.(a)
  • SG&A as a percentage of revenue for Healthcare Solutions improved to 22.8% in 2025 from 38.5% in 2024. On an adjusted basis SG&A as a percentage of revenue for Healthcare Solutions improved 320 basis points to 21.1% in 2025. This strong result in the first full year of integration demonstrates the Company’s substantial progress toward its long-term objective of aligning the SG&A of this business with the Legacy Business.(a)

Cash Flow and Investments

  • The Company generated $6.04 billion of net cash provided by operating activities in 2025, an increase of 12.1% from the prior year. This strong operating cash flow growth resulted in free cash flow in 2025 of $2.94 billion, an increase of 26.8% compared to the prior year.(a)
  • The Company invested approximately $400 million in acquisitions in 2025 for solid waste and recycling businesses.

Sustainability and Healthcare Solutions Update

  • During 2025, the Company continued to progress its investments in sustainability growth projects, completing seven renewable natural gas facilities and nine recycling automation and growth projects, adding significant recycling and renewable natural gas capacity to our network.(g)
  • The Company achieved the targeted integration of the Healthcare Solutions operations into its existing field management and operating structure during the fourth quarter. The Company expects this integration step to benefit customer engagement, cross selling, and operating cost optimization beginning in 2026.

FINANCIAL OUTLOOK(h)

WM’s outlook for growth in 2026 is driven by expectations of continued strength in the solid waste business, ongoing optimization of Healthcare Solutions, and increased contributions from sustainability growth investments.

 

Projected Results

($ in millions)

 

Projected Year-Over-Year Change at Midpoint

Revenue

$26,425 – $26,625

 

Growth of 5.2%

Adjusted operating EBITDA(a)

$8,150 – $8,250

 

Growth of 6.2% on a comparable basis, reflecting a change in the classification of accretion expense beginning in 2026(i)

Adjusted operating EBITDA margin(a)

30.8%-31.0%

 

Expansion of 30 basis points on a comparable basis, reflecting a change in the classification of accretion expense beginning in 2026,(i) or 50 basis points when normalized for the prior year wildfire cleanup

Capital to support the business

$2,450 – $2,550

 

Reduction of about $100 million

Sustainability growth capital(j)

About $200

 

Reduction of more than $400 million

Free cash flow(a)

$3,750 – $3,850

 

Growth of 29.4%

2026 EXPECTATIONS

  • Strong growth in the Collection and Disposal business is expected to be driven by disciplined pricing and continued cost optimization. The outlook for revenue growth is based on core price in 2026 of between 5.4% and 5.8%, yield of between 3.2% and 3.6%, and volumes between 0.2% and 0.6%, overcoming a 50-basis point headwind from wildfire volume in 2025.(f)
  • Rollover from solid waste acquisitions is expected to contribute about $65 million of revenue and $25 million of adjusted operating EBITDA.(a)
  • Growth in the Company’s sustainability businesses is expected to be driven by increased contributions from growth projects, partially offset by lower commodity prices.(k)(l) Together, adjusted operating EBITDA for the Recycling Processing and Sales and Renewable Energy segments combined with the landfill gas royalties realized by the Collection and Disposal segment are expected to grow between $235 and $255 million in 2026.(a)
  • The Company expects its Healthcare Solutions business to grow revenue by around 3% primarily driven by price. Margin expansion is expected to be driven by further SG&A synergies and cost optimization now that operations are locally managed.

  • WM’s strong balance sheet and cash flow growth outlook position the Company to continue its commitment to sound capital allocation. The Company’s outlook includes $100 to $200 million of investment in solid waste acquisitions and estimated annual dividends paid to shareholders of $1.5 billion. The Board of Directors has indicated its intention to increase the annual dividend by $0.48 per share to $3.78 in 2026, though all future dividends will be declared at the discretion of the Board prior to payment. As announced in December, the Company expects to resume share repurchases during the first quarter of 2026 and repurchase approximately $2 billion of its shares during 2026 while remaining committed to returning to its targeted leverage ratio of between 2.5x and 3.0x during the year.(d)

SUSTAINABILITY GROWTH OUTLOOK

WM is progressing its sustainability growth portfolio to expand its industry-leading network of renewable energy and recycling assets. The Company expects to complete six additional renewable natural gas plants and four additional recycling projects in 2026. The Company has executed well on its strategic investment portfolio, and 2027 financial results are expected to achieve almost all of the full run-rate contributions from its previously announced projects. As a result, adjusted operating EBITDA for the Recycling Processing and Sales and Renewable Energy segments combined with the landfill gas royalties realized by the Collection and Disposal segment are expected to collectively approach $1 billion in 2027 at current market prices.(a)(m)

Fish concluded, “As we wrap up a record 2025, we’re incredibly grateful for the hard work and commitment of our WM team. Their focus and drive delivered impressive results and provided a strong foundation for 2026. Looking ahead, we’re confident in our ability to achieve our 2026 outlook as we continue to grow our sustainability and healthcare solutions businesses and create value for our customers, communities, and shareholders.”

(a)

The information labeled as adjusted in this press release, as well as free cash flow, are non-GAAP measures. Please see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below and the reconciliations in the accompanying schedules for more information.

 

 

(b)

Management defines operating EBITDA as GAAP income from operations before depreciation, depletion and amortization; this measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

 

 

(c)

For purposes of this press release, all references to “Net income” refer to the financial statement line item “Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.”

 

 

(d)

Leverage ratio is calculated based on the defined terms for this financial covenant in the Company’s revolving credit agreement, which is Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed Feb. 19, 2025.

 

 

(e)

Management defines Legacy Business as total Company GAAP results excluding the Healthcare Solutions segment and net of intercompany eliminations.

 

 

(f)

Core price is a performance metric used by management to evaluate the effectiveness of our pricing strategies; it is not derived from our financial statements and may not be comparable to measures presented by other companies. Core price is based on certain historical assumptions, which may differ from actual results, to allow for comparability between reporting periods and to reveal trends in results over time.

 

 

(g)

The Company’s blended average price received for single stream recycled commodities sold during the quarter was about $62 per ton compared to about $87 per ton in the prior year period, and $75 per ton for the full year compared to $92 per ton in the prior year period. The blended average price for renewable natural gas sold in 2025 was about $31per MMBtu. The average price received for Renewable Fuel Standard credits was $2.41 during the quarter compared to $3.02 in the prior year period, and $2.49 for the full year compared to $3.05 in the prior year period. The average price received for natural gas was $3.06 per MMBtu during the quarter compared to $2.30 per MMBtu in the prior year period and $2.99 for the full year compared to $1.99 in the prior year period. The average price received for electricity was about $72 per megawatt hour in the quarter compared to about $65 per megawatt hour in the prior year period and $72 per megawatt hour for the full year compared to $63 in the prior year period.

 

 

(h)

The Company’s 2026 financial outlook and expectations are independent of 2027 estimates and projections communicated at its June 2025 Investor Day. The Investor Day estimates were developed using certain commodity, economic and other assumptions at that time. The Investor Day estimates spoke only as of the date issued and are not reissued or affirmed. The Company anticipates that it would next comment on 2027 estimates and projections when it provides ordinary course annual financial guidance in connection with its fourth quarter 2026 earnings announcement. As noted at the Investor Day and under “Forward-Looking Statements” below, the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, including estimates, projections, guidance or underlying assumptions.

 

 

(i)

To enhance comparability and better reflect operating performance, the Company is updating its classification of accretion expense, resulting in its exclusion from operating expense and operating EBITDA. Accretion will remain a component of income from operations. For 2026, the Company expects accretion expense of approximately $150 million. This compares to accretion expense of $142 million in 2025 with $35 million in the first quarter, $36 million in the second quarter, $35 million in the third quarter, and $36 million in the fourth quarter.

 

 

(j)

The Company expects capital spending of about $85 million in 2026 on two recently approved renewable natural gas facilities and one new recycling growth project that are each expected to be completed and begin contributing operating EBITDA by 2028.

 

 

(k)

The 2026 outlook includes a blended average single-stream recycled commodity price of approximately $70 per ton. The Company estimates that a $10 per ton change in the blended average single-stream commodity price impacts total Company operating EBITDA by approximately $27 million.

 

 

(l)

The Company expects to generate between 21 and 22 million MMBtu of renewable natural gas in 2026, 60% of which has already been contracted at a blended average price of about $27 per MMBtu. The remaining 40% is expected to be sold at market rates averaging approximately $24.50 per MMBtu for an overall anticipated blended average price of approximately $26 per MMBtu. The Company’s current sensitivity to a $0.10 change in the value of Renewable Fuel Standard credits on the uncontracted portion of expected sales is approximately $6 million of operating EBITDA.

 

 

(m)

The Company estimates an adjusted operating EBITDA baseline for the Recycling Processing and Sales and Renewable Energy segments combined with landfill gas royalties that would have been realized in the Collection and Disposal segment in 2023 of approximately $300 million before contributions from sustainability growth projects realized that year.

The Company will host a conference call at 10 a.m. ET on Jan. 29, 2026, to discuss the fourth quarter and full-year 2025 results. Information contained within this press release will be referenced and should be considered in conjunction with the call.

Listeners can access a live audio webcast of the conference call by visiting investors.wm.com and selecting “Events & Presentations” from the website menu. A replay of the audio webcast will be available at the same location following the conclusion of the call.

Conference call participants should register to obtain their dial in and passcode details. This streamlined process improves security and eliminates wait times when joining the call.

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America’s leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of post-consumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gas-to-electricity plants in North America. WM’s fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks – the largest heavy-duty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company’s sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Company, from time to time, provides estimates or projections of financial and other data, comments on expectations relating to future periods and makes statements of opinion, view or belief about current and future events, circumstances or performance. This press release contains a number of such forward-looking statements, including statements regarding 2026 in the heading of this press release, all statements under the headings “Financial Outlook,” “2026 Expectations,” and “Sustainability Growth Outlook” and all statements regarding future growth, earnings, value creation, performance and results of our business; targets, financial guidance and outlook; ability to achieve the Company’s 2026 outlook; future capital allocation, including dividends, share repurchases and acquisition spending; future leverage ratio; technology and automation investments and results; integration of the Healthcare Solutions business and related contributions, results and benefits, including amount and timing of synergies; amount and timing of sustainability investments, upgrades and project completions and related returns, contributions, and benefits; drivers of performance, including pricing programs, cost optimization, and volume; and assumptions regarding commodity prices, natural gas production, tax credits and renewable fuel programs. You should view these statements with caution. They are based on the facts and circumstances known to the Company as of the date the statements are made. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from those set forth in such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, failure to implement our optimization, automation, growth, and cost savings initiatives and overall business strategy; failure to obtain the results anticipated from strategic initiatives, investments, acquisitions, or new lines of business; failure to identify acquisition targets, consummate and integrate acquisitions, including our ability to integrate the acquisition of Stericycle (which is now presented as our Healthcare Solutions segment) and achieve the anticipated benefits therefrom, including synergies; legal, regulatory, operational, technological and other matters that may affect the costs and timing of our ability to integrate and deliver all of the expected benefits of the Stericycle acquisition; existing or new environmental and other regulations, including developments related to emerging contaminants, gas emissions, renewable energy, recyclables, extended producer responsibility and our natural gas fleet; significant environmental, safety or other incidents resulting in liabilities or brand damage; failure to obtain and maintain necessary permits due to land scarcity, public opposition or otherwise; diminishing landfill capacity, resulting in increased costs and the need for disposal alternatives; failure to attract, hire and retain key team members and a high quality workforce; increases in labor costs due to union organizing activities or changes in wage- and labor-related regulations; disruption and costs resulting from severe weather and destructive climate events; failure to achieve our sustainability goals or execute on our sustainability-related strategy and initiatives, including within planned timelines or anticipated budgets due to disruptions, delays, cost increases or changes in environmental or tax regulations and incentives; focus on, and regulation of, environmental and sustainability-related disclosures, which could lead to increased costs, risk of non-compliance, brand damage and litigation risk related to our sustainability efforts; macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical conflict and large-scale market disruption resulting in labor, supply chain and transportation constraints, inflationary cost pressures and fluctuations in commodity prices, fuel and other energy costs; increased competition and pricing pressure; impacts from international trade restrictions and tariffs; competitive disposal alternatives, diversion of waste from landfills and declining waste volumes; changes in general economic conditions, capital markets or consumer trends; changing conditions in the recycling industry, including impacts on demand, pricing and availability of counterparties; changing conditions in the healthcare industry; adoption of new tax legislation; fuel shortages; failure to develop and protect new technology; failure of technology to perform as expected; inability to adapt and manage the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence; failure to prevent, detect and address cybersecurity incidents or comply with privacy regulations; negative outcomes of litigation or governmental proceedings, including those acquired through transactions; failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting; and operational or management decisions or developments that result in impairment charges. Please also see the Company’s filings with the SEC, including Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated by subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, for additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties applicable to its business. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, including financial estimates and forecasts, whether as a result of future events, circumstances or developments or otherwise.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

To supplement its financial information, the Company has presented, and/or may discuss on the conference call, adjusted measures including adjusted earnings per diluted share, adjusted net income, adjusted income from operations and margin, adjusted operating EBITDA and margin, adjusted operating expense and margin, and adjusted SG&A expenses and margin. All adjusted measures and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures, as defined in Regulation G of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company reports its financial results in compliance with GAAP but believes that also discussing non-GAAP measures provides investors with (i) financial measures the Company uses in the management of its business and (ii) additional, meaningful comparisons of current results to prior periods’ results by excluding items that the Company does not believe reflect its fundamental business performance and are not representative or indicative of its results of operations.

In addition, the Company’s projected adjusted operating EBITDA and margin is anticipated to be adjusted to exclude the effects of other events or circumstances that are not representative or indicative of the Company’s results of operations. Such excluded items are not currently determinable, but may be significant, such as asset impairments and one-time items, charges, gains or losses from divestitures or litigation, and other items. Due to the uncertainty of the likelihood, amount and timing of any such items, the Company does not have information available to provide a quantitative reconciliation of such projections to the comparable GAAP measure.

The Company discusses free cash flow and provides a projection of free cash flow because the Company believes that it is indicative of its ability to pay its quarterly dividends, repurchase common stock, fund acquisitions and other investments and, in the absence of refinancings, to repay its debt obligations. The Company believes free cash flow gives investors useful insight into how the Company views its liquidity, but the use of free cash flow as a liquidity measure has material limitations because it excludes certain expenditures that are required or that the Company has committed to, such as declared dividend payments and debt service requirements. The Company defines free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities, less capital expenditures, plus proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets (net of cash divested); this definition may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures reported by other companies.

The quantitative reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures are included in the accompanying schedules, with the exception of projected adjusted operating EBITDA and margin. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP.

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In Millions, Except per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

2025

 

2024

 

2025

 

2024

Operating revenues

 

$

6,313

 

$

5,893

 

$

25,204

 

$

22,063

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating

 

 

3,693

 

 

3,553

 

 

15,012

 

 

13,383

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

674

 

 

747

 

 

2,722

 

 

2,264

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

770

 

 

652

 

 

2,863

 

 

2,267

Restructuring

 

 

12

 

 

2

 

 

51

 

 

4

(Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net

 

 

9

 

 

20

 

 

248

 

 

82

 

 

 

5,158

 

 

4,974

 

 

20,896

 

 

18,000

Income from operations

 

 

1,155

 

 

919

 

 

4,308

 

 

4,063

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

(223)

 

 

(201)

 

 

(912)

 

 

(598)

Equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated entities

 

 

(1)

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

4

Other, net

 

 

4

 

 

(18)

 

 

20

 

 

(11)

 

 

 

(220)

 

 

(219)

 

 

(882)

 

 

(605)

Income before income taxes

 

 

935

 

 

700

 

 

3,426

 

 

3,458

Income tax expense

 

 

193

 

 

102

 

 

717

 

 

713

Consolidated net income

 

 

742

 

 

598

 

 

2,709

 

 

2,745

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

(1)

Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.

 

$

742

 

$

598

 

$

2,708

 

$

2,746

Basic earnings per common share

 

$

1.84

 

$

1.49

 

$

6.72

 

$

6.84

Diluted earnings per common share

 

$

1.83

 

$

1.48

 

$

6.70

 

$

6.81

Weighted average basic common shares outstanding

 

 

403.1

 

 

401.6

 

 

402.7

 

 

401.5

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding

 

 

404.5

 

 

403.6

 

 

404.2

 

 

403.4

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2025

 

2024

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

201

 

$

414

Receivables, net

 

 

4,055

 

 

3,687

Other

 

 

654

 

 

673

Total current assets

 

 

4,910

 

 

4,774

Property and equipment, net

 

 

20,378

 

 

19,340

Goodwill

 

 

13,880

 

 

13,438

Other intangible assets, net

 

 

3,767

 

 

4,188

Other

 

 

2,900

 

 

2,827

Total assets

 

$

45,835

 

$

44,567

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred revenues

 

$

4,813

 

$

4,899

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

711

 

 

1,359

Total current liabilities

 

 

5,524

 

 

6,258

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

 

22,196

 

 

22,541

Other

 

 

8,124

 

 

7,514

Total liabilities

 

 

35,844

 

 

36,313

Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity

 

 

9,990

 

 

8,252

Noncontrolling interests

 

 

1

 

 

2

Total equity

 

 

9,991

 

 

8,254

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

45,835

 

$

44,567

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2025

 

2024

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated net income

 

$

2,709

 

$

2,745

Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

2,863

 

 

2,267

Other

 

 

984

 

 

402

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures

 

 

(513)

 

 

(24)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

6,043

 

 

5,390

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

 

 

(395)

 

 

(7,488)

Capital expenditures

 

 

(3,227)

 

 

(3,231)

Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested

 

 

121

 

 

158

Other, net

 

 

(65)

 

 

(40)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(3,566)

 

 

(10,601)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

New borrowings

 

 

20,414

 

 

24,578

Debt repayments

 

 

(21,747)

 

 

(17,870)

Common stock repurchase program

 

 

 

 

(262)

Cash dividends

 

 

(1,334)

 

 

(1,210)

Exercise of common stock options

 

 

61

 

 

53

Tax payments associated with equity-based compensation transactions

 

 

(51)

 

 

(52)

Other, net

 

 

(16)

 

 

(82)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

(2,673)

 

 

5,155

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

 

 

6

 

 

(9)

Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(190)

 

 

(65)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

487

 

 

552

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

297

 

$

487

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

SUMMARY DATA SHEET

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

Operating Revenues by Line of Business

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

December 31,

 

2025

 

2024

 

 

Gross

 

Intercompany

 

Net

 

Gross

 

Intercompany

 

Net

 

 

Operating

 

Operating

 

Operating

 

Operating

 

Operating

 

Operating

 

 

Revenues

 

Revenues

 

Revenues

 

Revenues

 

Revenues

 

Revenues

Commercial

 

$

1,666

 

$

(233)

 

$

1,433

 

$

1,578

 

$

(212)

 

$

1,366

Industrial

 

 

994

 

 

(227)

 

 

767

 

 

968

 

 

(202)

 

 

766

Residential

 

 

903

 

 

(21)

 

 

882

 

 

896

 

 

(22)

 

 

874

Other collection

 

 

886

 

 

(79)

 

 

807

 

 

840

 

 

(68)

 

 

772

Total collection

 

 

4,449

 

 

(560)

 

 

3,889

 

 

4,282

 

 

(504)

 

 

3,778

Landfill

 

 

1,306

 

 

(396)

 

 

910

 

 

1,231

 

 

(374)

 

 

857

Transfer

 

 

666

 

 

(285)

 

 

381

 

 

629

 

 

(270)

 

 

359

Total Collection and Disposal

 

$

6,421

 

$

(1,241)

 

$

5,180

 

$

6,142

 

$

(1,148)

 

$

4,994

Recycling Processing and Sales

 

 

449

 

 

(94)

 

 

355

 

 

476

 

 

(78)

 

 

398

Renewable Energy

 

 

158

 

 

(1)

 

 

157

 

 

93

 

 

 

 

93

Healthcare Solutions(a)

 

 

732

 

 

(117)

 

 

615

 

 

471

 

 

(68)

 

 

403

Corporate and Other

 

 

13

 

 

(7)

 

 

6

 

 

12

 

 

(7)

 

 

5

Total

 

$

7,773

 

$

(1,460)

 

$

6,313

 

$

7,194

 

$

(1,301)

 

$

5,893

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

December 31,

 

2025

 

2024

 

 

Gross

 

Intercompany

 

Net

 

Gross

 

Intercompany

 

Net

 

 

Operating

 

Operating

 

Operating

 

Operating

 

Operating

 

Operating

 

 

Revenues

 

Revenues

 

Revenues

 

Revenues

 

Revenues

 

Revenues

Commercial

 

$

6,520

 

$

(890)

 

$

5,630

 

$

6,169

 

$

(798)

 

$

5,371

Industrial

 

 

3,989

 

 

(883)

 

 

3,106

 

 

3,883

 

 

(794)

 

 

3,089

Residential

 

 

3,597

 

 

(87)

 

 

3,510

 

 

3,555

 

 

(89)

 

 

3,466

Other collection

 

 

3,463

 

 

(288)

 

 

3,175

 

 

3,194

 

 

(230)

 

 

2,964

Total collection

 

 

17,569

 

 

(2,148)

 

 

15,421

 

 

16,801

 

 

(1,911)

 

 

14,890

Landfill

 

 

5,347

 

 

(1,566)

 

 

3,781

 

 

4,958

 

 

(1,513)

 

 

3,445

Transfer

 

 

2,629

 

 

(1,127)

 

 

1,502

 

 

2,448

 

 

(1,067)

 

 

1,381

Total Collection and Disposal

 

$

25,545

 

$

(4,841)

 

$

20,704

 

$

24,207

 

$

(4,491)

 

$

19,716

Recycling Processing and Sales

 

 

1,866

 

 

(374)

 

 

1,492

 

 

1,890

 

 

(287)

 

 

1,603

Renewable Energy

 

 

481

 

 

(3)

 

 

478

 

 

321

 

 

(3)

 

 

318

Healthcare Solutions(a)

 

 

2,951

 

 

(443)

 

 

2,508

 

 

471

 

 

(68)

 

 

403

Corporate and Other

 

 

52

 

 

(30)

 

 

22

 

 

48

 

 

(25)

 

 

23

Total

 

$

30,895

 

$

(5,691)

 

$

25,204

 

$

26,937

 

$

(4,874)

 

$

22,063

(a)

In the third quarter of 2025, as a result of continued integration efforts and to enhance transparency and accountability, the Company began reflecting intra-segment activity within the Healthcare Solutions segment. These charges were designed to measure profitability at more granular levels of the enterprise and to facilitate clearer financial accountability within operating units. Accordingly, adjustments to 2025 and 2024 activity were made to properly reflect intra-segment activity for both periods. Intra-segment operating revenues within Healthcare Solutions for the three months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 are $109 million and $58 million, respectively. Intra-segment operating revenues within Healthcare Solutions for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 are $425 million and $58 million, respectively.

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

SUMMARY DATA SHEET

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

Internal Revenue Growth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period-to-Period Change for the

Three Months Ended

December 31, 2025 vs. 2024

 

 

 

Period-to-Period Change for the

Year Ended

December 31, 2025 vs. 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a % of

 

 

 

 

 

As a % of

 

 

 

 

 

As a % of

 

 

 

 

 

As a % of

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

Related

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Amount

 

Business(a)

 

 

Amount

 

Company(b)

 

 

Amount

 

Business(a)

 

 

Amount

 

Company(b)

 

Collection and disposal

 

$

168

 

3.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

719

 

3.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recycling Processing and Sales and Renewable Energy (c)

 

 

(57)

 

(11.4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(155)

 

(7.9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy surcharges and mandated fees

 

 

25

 

11.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

44

 

4.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total average yield (d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

136

 

2.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

608

 

2.8

%

Volume (e)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

41

 

0.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

206

 

0.9

 

Healthcare Solutions (f)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

Internal revenue growth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

183

 

3.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

820

 

3.7

 

Acquisitions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

251

 

4.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,365

 

10.7

 

Divestitures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(18)

 

(0.3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(31)

 

(0.1)

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(13)

 

(0.1)

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

420

 

7.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

3,141

 

14.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period-to-Period Change for the

Three Months Ended December 31, 2025 vs. 2024

 

 

Period-to-Period Change for the

Year Ended December 31, 2025 vs. 2024

 

 

 

As a % of Related Business(a)

 

 

As a % of Related Business(a)

 

 

 

Yield

 

Volume

 

 

Yield

 

Volume(g)

 

Commercial

 

4.8

%

(0.4)

%

 

5.1

%

(0.2)

%

Industrial

 

2.3

 

(0.3)

 

 

2.8

 

(0.3)

 

Residential

 

4.2

 

(4.0)

 

 

5.4

 

(4.7)

 

Total collection

 

3.8

 

(1.4)

 

 

4.3

 

(1.3)

 

MSW

 

8.1

 

(1.7)

 

 

6.5

 

2.9

 

Transfer

 

4.1

 

(1.0)

 

 

4.9

 

(2.1)

 

Total collection and disposal

 

3.5

%

(0.6)

%

 

3.8

%

0.3

%

(a)

Calculated by dividing the increase or decrease for the current year by the prior year’s related business revenue adjusted to exclude the impacts of divestitures for the current year.

(b)

Calculated by dividing the increase or decrease for the current year by the prior year’s total Company revenue adjusted to exclude the impacts of divestitures for the current year.

(c)

Includes combined impact of commodity price variability in both our Recycling Processing and Sales and Renewable Energy segments, as well as changes in certain recycling fees charged by our collection and disposal operations.

(d)

The amounts reported herein represent the changes in our revenue attributable to average yield for the total Company.

(e)

Includes activities from our Corporate and Other businesses.

(f)

The amounts reported herein represent the total change in our revenues attributable to our Healthcare Solutions business in the period following the anniversary of the acquisition.

(g)

Workday adjusted volume impact.

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

SUMMARY DATA SHEET

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free Cash Flow(a)

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

2025

 

2024

 

2025

 

2024

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

1,698

 

$

1,511

 

$

6,043

 

$

5,390

Capital expenditures to support the business

 

 

(684)

 

 

(736)

 

 

(2,594)

 

 

(2,281)

Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested

 

 

13

 

 

59

 

 

121

 

 

158

Free cash flow before sustainability growth investments

 

 

1,027

 

 

834

 

 

3,570

 

 

3,267

Capital expenditures – sustainability growth investments

 

 

(204)

 

 

(379)

 

 

(633)

 

 

(950)

Free cash flow

 

$

823

 

$

455

 

$

2,937

 

$

2,317

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2025

 

2024

 

2025

 

2024

 

Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internalization of waste, based on disposal costs

 

 

72.3

%

 

70.1

%

 

71.7

%

 

69.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Landfill depletable tons (in millions)

 

 

31.1

 

 

31.1

 

 

128.8

 

 

125.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition Summary(b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross annualized revenue acquired

 

$

1

 

$

2,622

 

$

166

 

$

2,917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total consideration, net of cash acquired

 

 

(2)

 

 

6,720

 

 

440

 

 

7,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for acquisitions consummated during the period, net of cash acquired

 

 

1

 

 

6,706

 

 

400

 

 

7,479

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for acquisitions including contingent consideration and other items from prior periods, net of cash acquired

 

 

1

 

 

6,713

 

 

408

 

 

7,503

 

Landfill Depletion and Accretion Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

2025

 

2024

 

2025

 

2024

Landfill depletion expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost basis of landfill assets

 

$

169

 

$

159

 

$

683

 

$

633

Asset retirement costs

 

 

99

 

 

56

 

 

215

 

 

162

Total landfill depletion expense(c)

 

 

268

 

 

215

 

 

898

 

 

795

Accretion expense

 

36

 

34

 

142

 

133

Landfill depletion and accretion expense

 

$

304

 

$

249

 

$

1,040

 

$

928

(a)

The summary of free cash flow has been prepared to highlight and facilitate understanding of the principal cash flow elements. Free cash flow is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles and is not intended to replace the consolidated statement of cash flows that was prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(b)

Represents amounts associated with business acquisitions consummated during the applicable period except where noted.

(c)

For both the fourth quarter of 2025 and the year ended December 31, 2025, the increase in landfill depletion expense was primarily due to increased volumes at our landfills, particularly in our Western Tier.

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2025

 

 

Income

from

Operations

 

Pre-tax

Income

 

Tax

Expense

 

Net

Income(a)

 

Diluted

Per Share Amount

As reported amounts

 

$

1,155

 

$

935

 

$

193

 

$

742

 

$

1.83

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stericycle transaction and integration costs

 

 

33

 

 

33

 

 

7

 

 

26

 

 

 

(Gain) loss from asset impairments and other, net(b)

 

 

16

 

 

16

 

 

4

 

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

49

 

 

49

 

 

11

 

 

38

 

 

0.10

As adjusted amounts

 

$

1,204

 

$

984

 

$

204

 

$

780

 

$

1.93

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

770

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As adjusted operating EBITDA

 

$

1,974

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted operating EBITDA margin

 

 

31.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2024

 

 

Income

from

Operations

 

Pre-tax

Income

 

Tax

Expense

 

Net

Income(a)

 

Diluted

Per

Share Amount

As reported amounts

 

$

919

 

$

700

 

$

102

 

$

598

 

$

1.48

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stericycle transaction and integration costs

 

 

113

 

 

113

 

 

22

 

 

91

 

 

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

2

 

 

5

 

 

 

(Gain) loss from asset impairments and other, net(c)

 

 

22

 

 

22

 

 

28

 

 

(6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

135

 

 

142

 

 

52

 

 

90

 

 

0.22

As adjusted amounts

 

$

1,054

 

$

842

 

$

154

 

$

688

 

$

1.70

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

652

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As adjusted operating EBITDA

 

$

1,706

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted operating EBITDA margin

 

 

28.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

For purposes of this press release table, all references to “Net income” refer to the financial statement line item “Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.”

(b)

Includes an $8 million impairment charge related to the decision to temporarily suspend the operations of a business engaged in accelerating plastic film and wrap recycling capabilities.

(c)

Primarily relates to a net charge of $13 million to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site. The tax expense and net income amounts also include a benefit from the determination that a realized loss from a prior period is deductible for tax purposes.

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2025

 

 

 

Collection

and

Disposal

(a)(b)

 

Recycling

Processing

and

Sales(a)

 

Renewable

Energy(b)

 

Corporate

and

Other

 

 

Total

Legacy

Business

 

Healthcare

Solutions

 

Total WM

 

Operating revenues, as reported

 

$

5,180

 

$

355

 

$

157

 

$

6

 

$

5,698

 

$

615

 

$

6,313

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations, as reported

 

$

1,503

 

$

15

 

$

57

 

$

(397)

 

$

1,178

 

$

(23)

 

$

1,155

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

516

 

 

45

 

 

21

 

 

78

 

 

660

 

 

110

 

 

770

 

Operating EBITDA, as reported

 

$

2,019

 

$

60

 

$

78

 

$

(319)

 

$

1,838

 

$

87

 

$

1,925

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stericycle transaction and integration costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15

 

 

15

 

 

18

 

 

33

 

(Gain) loss from asset impairments and other, net

 

 

1

 

 

14

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

14

 

 

1

 

 

15

 

 

31

 

 

18

 

 

49

 

Adjusted operating EBITDA

 

$

2,020

 

$

74

 

$

79

 

$

(304)

 

$

1,869

 

$

105

 

$

1,974

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating EBITDA margin, as reported

 

 

39.0

%

 

16.9

%

 

49.7

%

 

N/A

 

 

32.3

%

 

14.1

%

 

30.5

%

Adjusted operating EBITDA margin

 

 

39.0

%

 

20.8

%

 

50.3

%

 

N/A

 

 

32.8

%

 

17.1

%

 

31.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2024

 

 

 

Collection

and

Disposal

(a)(b)

 

Recycling Processing

and

Sales(a)

 

Renewable

Energy(b)

 

Corporate

and

Other

 

 

Total

Legacy Business

 

Healthcare Solutions

 

Total WM

 

Operating revenues, as reported

 

$

4,994

 

$

398

 

$

93

 

$

5

 

$

5,490

 

$

403

 

$

5,893

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations, as reported

 

$

1,380

 

$

17

 

$

32

 

$

(441)

 

$

988

 

$

(69)

 

$

919

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

484

 

 

38

 

 

10

 

 

47

 

 

579

 

 

73

 

 

652

 

Operating EBITDA, as reported

 

$

1,864

 

$

55

 

$

42

 

$

(394)

 

$

1,567

 

$

4

 

$

1,571

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stericycle transaction and integration costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

56

 

 

56

 

 

57

 

 

113

 

(Gain) loss from asset impairments and other, net

 

 

5

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

14

 

 

22

 

 

 

 

22

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

70

 

 

78

 

 

57

 

 

135

 

Adjusted operating EBITDA

 

$

1,869

 

$

58

 

$

42

 

$

(324)

 

$

1,645

 

$

61

 

$

1,706

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating EBITDA margin, as reported

 

 

37.3

%

 

13.8

%

 

45.2

%

 

N/A

 

 

28.5

%

 

1.0

%

 

26.7

%

Adjusted operating EBITDA margin

 

 

37.4

%

 

14.6

%

 

45.2

%

 

N/A

 

 

30.0

%

 

15.1

%

 

28.9

%

(a)

Certain fees related to the processing of recycled material we collect are included within our Collection and Disposal businesses. The total amount of such fees in income from operations for the three months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 is $16 million and $23 million, respectively.

(b)

Renewable Energy pays a 15% intercompany royalty to our Collection and Disposal businesses for landfill gas. The total amount of royalties in income from operations for the three months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 is $24 million and $14 million, respectively.

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2025

 

 

Income

from

Operations

 

Pre-tax

Income

 

Tax

Expense

 

Net

Income(a)

 

Diluted

Per

Share

Amount

As reported amounts

 

$

4,308

 

$

3,426

 

$

717

 

$

2,708

 

$

6.70

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stericycle transaction and integration costs

 

 

137

 

 

137

 

 

31

 

 

106

 

 

 

(Gain) loss from asset impairments and other, net(b)

 

 

274

 

 

274

 

 

57

 

 

217

 

 

 

 

 

 

411

 

 

411

 

 

88

 

 

323

 

 

0.80

As adjusted amounts

 

$

4,719

 

$

3,837

 

$

805

 

$

3,031

 

$

7.50

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

2,863

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As adjusted operating EBITDA

 

$

7,582

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted operating EBITDA margin

 

 

30.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2024

 

 

Income

from

Operations

 

Pre-tax

Income

 

Tax

Expense

 

Net

Income(a)

 

Diluted

Per

Share

Amount

As reported amounts

 

$

4,063

 

$

3,458

 

$

713

 

$

2,746

 

$

6.81

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stericycle transaction and integration costs

 

 

160

 

 

160

 

 

28

 

 

132

 

 

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

2

 

 

5

 

 

 

Collective bargaining agreement costs

 

 

1

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

(Gain) loss from asset impairments and other, net(c)

 

 

72

 

 

72

 

 

40

 

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

 

233

 

 

240

 

 

70

 

 

170

 

 

0.42

As adjusted amounts

 

$

4,296

 

$

3,698

 

$

783

 

$

2,916

 

$

7.23

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

2,267

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As adjusted operating EBITDA

 

$

6,563

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted operating EBITDA margin

 

 

29.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

For purposes of this press release table, all references to “Net income” refer to the financial statement line item “Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.”

(b)

Primarily includes (i) a $162 million impairment charge related to the decision to temporarily suspend the operations of a business engaged in accelerating plastic film and wrap recycling capabilities; (ii) a $45 million impairment charge related to the decision to accelerate the closure of a landfill within our East Tier; (iii) a $16 million goodwill impairment charge related to a business engaged in oil recovery and sludge processing services within our Collection and Disposal businesses and (iv) an $11 million negotiated payment for early termination of a contract in our Renewable Energy segment.

(c)

Primarily includes net charges consisting of a $54 million charge required to increase the estimated fair value of a liability associated with the expected disposition of an investment the Company holds in a waste diversion technology business and a $13 million charge to adjust an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary’s estimated potential share of the liability for a proposed environmental remediation plan at a closed site.

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2025

 

 

 

Collection

and

Disposal

(a)(b)

 

Recycling

Processing

and

Sales(a)

 

Renewable

Energy(b)

 

Corporate

and

Other

 

Total

Legacy

Business

 

Healthcare

Solutions

 

Total WM

 

Operating revenues, as reported

 

$

20,704

 

$

1,492

 

$

478

 

$

22

 

$

22,696

 

$

2,508

 

$

25,204

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations, as reported

 

$

5,777

 

$

(80)

 

$

135

 

$

(1,436)

 

$

4,396

 

$

(88)

 

$

4,308

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

2,038

 

 

176

 

 

67

 

 

156

 

 

2,437

 

 

426

 

 

2,863

 

Operating EBITDA, as reported

 

$

7,815

 

$

96

 

$

202

 

$

(1,280)

 

$

6,833

 

$

338

 

$

7,171

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stericycle transaction and integration costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

51

 

 

51

 

 

86

 

 

137

 

(Gain) loss from asset impairments and other, net

 

 

74

 

 

175

 

 

12

 

 

13

 

 

274

 

 

 

 

274

 

 

 

 

74

 

 

175

 

 

12

 

 

64

 

 

325

 

 

86

 

 

411

 

Adjusted operating EBITDA

 

$

7,889

 

$

271

 

$

214

 

$

(1,216)

 

$

7,158

 

$

424

 

$

7,582

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating EBITDA margin, as reported

 

 

37.7

%

 

6.4

%

 

42.3

%

 

N/A

 

 

30.1

%

 

13.5

%

 

28.5

%

Adjusted operating EBITDA margin

 

 

38.1

%

 

18.2

%

 

44.8

%

 

N/A

 

 

31.5

%

 

16.9

%

 

30.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2024

 

 

 

Collection

and

Disposal

(a)(b)

 

Recycling

Processing

and

Sales(a)

 

Renewable

Energy(b)

 

Corporate

and

Other

 

Total

Legacy

Business

 

Healthcare

Solutions

 

Total WM

 

Operating revenues, as reported

 

$

19,716

 

$

1,603

 

$

318

 

$

23

 

$

21,660

 

$

403

 

$

22,063

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations, as reported

 

$

5,444

 

$

86

 

$

99

 

$

(1,497)

 

$

4,132

 

$

(69)

 

$

4,063

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

1,900

 

 

132

 

 

36

 

 

126

 

 

2,194

 

 

73

 

 

2,267

 

Operating EBITDA, as reported

 

$

7,344

 

$

218

 

$

135

 

$

(1,371)

 

$

6,326

 

$

4

 

$

6,330

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stericycle transaction and integration costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

103

 

 

103

 

 

57

 

 

160

 

Collective bargaining agreement costs

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

1

 

(Gain) loss from asset impairments and other, net

 

 

(12)

 

 

3

 

 

7

 

 

74

 

 

72

 

 

 

 

72

 

 

 

 

(11)

 

 

3

 

 

7

 

 

177

 

 

176

 

 

57

 

 

233

 

Adjusted operating EBITDA

 

$

7,333

 

$

221

 

$

142

 

$

(1,194)

 

$

6,502

 

$

61

 

$

6,563

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating EBITDA margin, as reported

 

 

37.2

%

 

13.6

%

 

42.5

%

 

N/A

 

 

29.2

%

 

1.0

%

 

28.7

%

Adjusted operating EBITDA margin

 

 

37.2

%

 

13.8

%

 

44.7

%

 

N/A

 

 

30.0

%

 

15.1

%

 

29.7

%

(a)

Certain fees related to the processing of recycled material we collect are included within our Collection and Disposal businesses. The total amount of such fees in income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 is $75 million and $100 million, respectively.

(b)

Renewable Energy pays a 15% intercompany royalty to our Collection and Disposal businesses for landfill gas. The total amount of royalties in income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 is $72 million and $48 million, respectively.

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months

ended

 

 

Three months ended

December 31, 2025

 

 

December 31,

2024(a)

 

 

Legacy

 

Healthcare

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Business

 

Solutions

 

Total WM

 

 

Total WM

 

Adjusted Operating Expenses and Adjusted Operating Expenses Margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues, as reported

 

$

5,698

 

$

615

 

$

6,313

 

 

$

5,893

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses, as reported

 

$

3,302

 

$

391

 

$

3,693

 

 

$

3,553

 

As a % of revenues

 

 

58.0

%

 

63.6

%

 

58.5

%

 

 

60.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stericycle transaction and integration costs

 

 

 

 

(2)

 

 

(2)

 

 

 

 

As adjusted operating expenses(a)

 

$

3,302

 

$

389

 

$

3,691

 

 

$

3,553

 

As a % of revenues

 

 

58.0

%

 

63.3

%

 

58.5

%

 

 

60.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

Year Ended

December 31, 2025

 

 

December 31, 2024(a)

 

 

Legacy

 

Healthcare

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Business

 

Solutions

 

Total WM

 

 

Total WM

 

Adjusted Operating Expenses and Adjusted Operating Expenses Margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues, as reported

 

$

22,696

 

$

2,508

 

$

25,204

 

 

$

22,063

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses, as reported

 

$

13,429

 

$

1,583

 

$

15,012

 

 

$

13,383

 

As a % of revenues

 

 

59.2

%

 

63.1

%

 

59.6

%

 

 

60.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stericycle transaction and integration costs

 

 

 

 

(9)

 

 

(9)

 

 

 

 

Legacy loss contingency reserve

 

 

(7)

 

 

 

 

(7)

 

 

 

 

Collective bargaining agreement costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

 

As adjusted SG&A expenses

 

$

13,422

 

$

1,574

 

$

14,996

 

 

$

13,382

 

As a % of revenues

 

 

59.1

%

 

62.8

%

 

59.5

%

 

 

60.7

%

(a)

Total 2024 WM and Legacy Business reconciliation is the same.

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2025

 

 

December 31, 2024

 

 

 

Legacy

Business

 

Healthcare

Solutions

 

Total WM

 

 

Legacy

Business

 

Healthcare

Solutions

 

Total WM

 

Adjusted SG&A Expenses and Adjusted SG&A Expenses Margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues, as reported

 

$

5,698

 

$

615

 

$

6,313

 

 

$

5,490

 

$

403

 

$

5,893

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SG&A expenses, as reported

 

$

535

 

$

139

 

$

674

 

 

$

592

 

$

155

 

$

747

 

As a % of revenues

 

 

9.4

%

 

22.6

%

 

10.7

%

 

 

10.8

%

 

38.5

%

 

12.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stericycle transaction and integration costs

 

 

(15)

 

 

(11)

 

 

(26)

 

 

 

(56)

 

 

(57)

 

 

(113)

 

As adjusted SG&A expenses

 

$

520

 

$

128

 

$

648

 

 

$

536

 

$

98

 

$

634

 

As a % of revenues

 

 

9.1

%

 

20.8

%

 

10.3

%

 

 

9.8

%

 

24.3

%

 

10.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

December 31, 2025

 

 

December 31, 2024

 

 

 

Legacy

Business

 

Healthcare

Solutions

 

Total WM

 

 

Legacy

Business

 

Healthcare

Solutions

 

Total WM

 

Adjusted SG&A Expenses and Adjusted SG&A Expenses Margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues, as reported

 

$

22,696

 

$

2,508

 

$

25,204

 

 

$

21,660

 

$

403

 

$

22,063

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SG&A expenses, as reported

 

$

2,149

 

$

573

 

$

2,722

 

 

$

2,109

 

$

155

 

$

2,264

 

As a % of revenues

 

 

9.5

%

 

22.8

%

 

10.8

%

 

 

9.7

%

 

38.5

%

 

10.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stericycle transaction and integration costs

 

 

(51)

 

 

(45)

 

 

(96)

 

 

 

(89)

 

 

(57)

 

 

(146)

 

As adjusted SG&A expenses

 

$

2,098

 

$

528

 

$

2,626

 

 

$

2,020

 

$

98

 

$

2,118

 

As a % of revenues

 

 

9.2

%

 

21.1

%

 

10.4

%

 

 

9.3

%

 

24.3

%

 

9.6

%

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2026 Projected Free Cash Flow Reconciliation(a)

 

Scenario 1

 

Scenario 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

6,300

 

$

6,450

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures to support the business

 

 

(2,450)

 

 

(2,550)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested

 

 

100

 

 

150

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free cash flow before sustainability growth investments

 

$

3,950

 

$

4,050

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures – sustainability growth investments

 

 

(200)

 

 

(200)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free cash flow

 

$

3,750

 

$

3,850

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

The reconciliation includes two scenarios that illustrate our projected free cash flow range for 2026. The amounts used in the reconciliation are subject to many variables, some of which are not under our control and, therefore, are not necessarily indicative of actual results.

 

 

Note: The reconciliations of net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow for the fourth quarter and full year of 2025 are included in the third Summary Data Sheet.

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PROVIDED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

Diversity in the structure of recycling contracts results in different accounting treatment for commodity rebates. In accordance with revenue recognition guidance, our Company records gross recycling revenue and records rebates paid to customers as cost of goods sold. Other contract structures allow for netting of rebates against revenue.

 

Additionally, there are differences in whether companies adjust for accretion expense in their calculation of EBITDA. Our Company does not currently adjust for landfill accretion expenses when calculating operating EBITDA, while other companies do adjust it for the calculation of their EBITDA measure.

 

The table below illustrates the impact that differing contract structures and treatment of accretion expense has on the Company’s adjusted operating EBITDA margin results. This information has been provided to enhance comparability and is not intended to replace or adjust GAAP reported results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

December 31, 2025

 

December 31, 2024

 

 

Amount

 

Change in

Adjusted

Operating

EBITDA Margin

 

Amount

 

Change in

Adjusted

Operating

EBITDA Margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recycling commodity rebates

 

$

158

 

0.8%

 

$

236

 

1.3%

Accretion expense

 

$

36

 

0.6%

 

$

34

 

0.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

December 31, 2025

 

December 31, 2024

 

 

Amount

 

Change in

Adjusted

Operating

EBITDA Margin

 

Amount

 

Change in

Adjusted

Operating

EBITDA Margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recycling commodity rebates

 

$

712

 

0.9%

 

$

879

 

1.3%

Accretion expense

 

$

142

 

0.5%

 

$

133

 

0.7%

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

WM

Website

www.wm.com

Analysts

Ed Egl

713.265.1656

[email protected]

Media

Toni Werner

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Texas United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Public Policy/Government Environment State/Local Other Transport Recycling Trucking Logistics/Supply Chain Management Transport

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