EX-99.12tm2426919d2_ex99-1.htmEXHIBIT 99.1
EXHIBIT 99.1
For Immediate Release
WM Announces Third Quarter 2024 Earnings
Strong Organic
Revenue Growth and Cost Optimization Drive Record Results
The Company Now
Expects to Deliver Adjusted Operating EBITDA Near the Upper End of 2024 Guidance
Accretive Acquisitions,
Sustainability Investments, and Continued Growth from Core Solid Waste Position WM for Another Strong Year in 2025
Houston — Oct. 28, 2024 —
WM (NYSE: WM) today announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.
Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2024
(in millions, except per share
amounts)
September 30, 2023
(in millions, except per share
amounts)
As Reported
As Adjusted(a)
As Reported
As Adjusted(a)
Revenue
$5,609
$5,609
$5,198
$5,198
Income from Operations
$1,119
$1,153
$1,021
$1,022
Operating EBITDA(b)
$1,677
$1,711
$1,540
$1,541
Operating EBITDA Margin
29.9%
30.5%
29.6%
29.6%
Net Income(c)
$760
$790
$663
$664
Diluted EPS
$1.88
$1.96
$1.63
$1.63
“The Company’s third quarter results
again demonstrated the dedication of our people, the consistency of our business model, and the strength of our operations,” said
Jim Fish, WM’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our investments in technology, our fleet, and our asset network, combined
with our disciplined pricing programs, are expanding the spread between price growth and our cost to serve. This led to adjusted operating
EBITDA growth of 11% and record margin of 30.5% for the quarter.”(a)
Fish
continued, “Our strong results have been led by our Collection and Disposal business where our focused efforts on frontline retention,
optimization of our cost structure, and providing differentiated service to our customers have fueled earnings growth. Additionally, we
continue to make headway on our sustainability growth investments and planning for the successful integration of the Stericycle business.
We have a lot of momentum for a strong finish to the year, which will position us to deliver another year of outsized growth in 2025.”(a)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Waste Management
Web site
www.wm.com
Analysts
Ed Egl
713.265.1656
eegl@wm.com
Media
Toni Werner
media@wm.com
KEY
HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER of 2024
•
Total
Company revenue grew 7.9% driven by core price of 6.5%.(d) In addition to strong execution on pricing, revenue grew above
expectations due to higher market prices for the recyclable commodities we sell and a notable increase in landfill volumes. G1The Company
expects full year revenue growth to be about 6%, which is above the high end of prior guidance of 5.75%.(g)
•
Adjusted
operating EBITDA grew $170 million in the quarter driven by the Company’s Collection and Disposal business. Adjusted operating
EBITDA margin grew 90 basis points to a record high of 30.5%. G2This strong result puts the Company on track to deliver about $6.5 billion
in adjusted operating EBITDA in 2024, which is near the upper end of its guidance range.(a)(e)(g)
•
The
Company continues to prioritize technology and automation to optimize its cost structure and enhance operational efficiency. This is
evident in operating expenses as a percentage of revenue improving 70 basis points to 60.6% in the third quarter. This is the fourth
consecutive quarter this measure has been below 61%.
•
SG&A
expenses were 9.4% of revenue, or 8.9% on an adjusted basis, reflecting continued discipline in cost control.(a)
•
The
Company completed eight recycling projects in the quarter and has now completed 24 out of its 39 planned automation and new market projects.
Completed projects have added 1.5 million tons of annual recycling capacity across North America.(f)
•
The
Company has brought three of its 20 planned renewable natural gas projects into service, including one brought online earlier this year,
and currently expects four additional projects to be commissioned by year-end. The Company anticipates that these seven projects will
contribute approximately six million MMBtu of annual production next year.(f)
•
Through
the first nine months of the year, the Company generated $3.88 billion of net cash provided by operating activities, an increase of 16.2%
from the prior year.
•
G3The
Company expects total capital expenditures to be $3.15 to $3.25 billion, with about $950 million targeted at sustainability growth investments.
•
Strong
operating cash flow growth combined with disciplined capital spending led to a 20.0% increase in free cash flow on a year-to-date basis.
G4These results put the Company on track to achieve the high end of its guidance of $2.15 billion in free cash flow in 2024.(a)(g)
•
The
Company has invested $790 million on acquisitions in 2024, largely for solid waste businesses. The acquired businesses have contributed
$108 million of revenue growth in 2024. Additionally, the Company continues to work through regulatory approval processes to support
its planned acquisition of Stericycle. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024. Integration planning processes
are moving forward as expected.
•
WM
released its 2024 Sustainability Report during the third quarter, focused on three core ambitions - material is repurposed, energy is
renewable, and communities are thriving. The report details the Company’s sustainability ambitions and progress toward its goals.
Fish concluded, “We came into this year expecting strong execution across several fronts, and through the first nine months we have delivered results
that exceeded our own high expectations. As we look ahead to 2025, we anticipate continued growth in our solid waste business, increased
contributions from our sustainability growth investments, and the successful integration of the Stericycle business to come together to
create a significant step change in revenue, earnings, and free cash flow.”
(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 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)
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.
(e)
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company updated its reportable segments
to enhance transparency regarding its financial performance and underscore its commitment to sustainability through substantial planned
and ongoing investments in its Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable
Energy businesses. The Company reports through four segments, referred to as (i) Collection
and Disposal – East Tier; (ii) Collection and Disposal –
West Tier; (iii) Recycling Processing and Sales and (iv) WM Renewable
Energy. The Company’s East and West Tiers along with certain ancillary services not managed through its Tier segments form its “Collection
and Disposal” business.
(f)
The Company’s blended average price received for single stream recycled
commodity price sold during the quarter was about $101 per ton compared to about $58 per ton in the prior year period, and the full-year
expectation for received pricing remains approximately $90 per ton. In the third quarter, the average price received for Renewable Fuel
Standard credits sold during the quarter was $3.08 compared to $2.65 in the prior year period, and the average price received for natural
gas sold during the quarter was $1.80 per MMBtu compared to $2.11 per MMBtu in the prior year period. The average price received for electricity
was about $60 per megawatt hour in the third quarter compared to about $65 per megawatt hour in the prior year period.
(g)
The Company’s 2024 financial guidance and outlook excludes (i) transaction
and advisory costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of Stericycle and (ii) post-closing financial contributions related to
the acquisition of Stericycle.
The Company will host a conference call at 10 a.m.
ET on October 29, 2024 to discuss the third quarter 2024 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 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 achieve 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 of its kind in North America. 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 all statements regarding future performance or financial results of our
business; achievement of financial guidance or outlook; growth and strength of our business; drivers of performance, including pricing
programs, cost optimization and other initiatives; consummation and integration of the Stericycle acquisition related results and benefits;
and timing of sustainability investments, upgrades and project completions and related results and benefits. 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, including
the planned Stericycle acquisition, or new lines of business; failure to identify acquisition targets, consummate and integrate acquisitions,
including our planned integration of Stericycle; our ability to consummate and finance the Stericycle acquisition and achieve the anticipated
benefits therefrom, including cost synergies; legal, regulatory and other matters that may affect the costs and timing of our ability
to complete, integrate and deliver all of the expected benefits of the planned Stericycle acquisition; existing or new environmental and
other regulations, including developments related to emerging contaminants, gas emissions, renewable energy, 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; pricing actions; impacts from
international trade restrictions; competitive disposal alternatives, diversion of waste from landfills and declining waste volumes; weakness
in general economic conditions and capital markets, including potential for an economic recession; instability of financial institutions;
adoption of new tax legislation; fuel shortages; failure to develop and protect new technology; failure of technology to perform as expected;
failure to prevent, detect and manage cybersecurity incidents or comply with privacy regulations; inability to adapt and manage the benefits
and risks of artificial intelligence; negative outcomes of litigation or governmental proceedings including those acquired through transactions,
including the Stericycle acquisition; and operations 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 earnings per diluted share, adjusted net income, adjusted income from operations, adjusted
operating EBITDA and margin, adjusted SG&A expenses and free cash flow. All of these items 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 projection 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
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Operating revenues
$
5,609
$
5,198
$
16,170
$
15,209
Costs and expenses:
Operating
3,399
3,188
9,830
9,460
Selling, general and administrative
525
470
1,517
1,413
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
558
519
1,615
1,545
Restructuring
2
—
2
4
(Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net
6
—
62
(3
)
4,490
4,177
13,026
12,419
Income from operations
1,119
1,021
3,144
2,790
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net
(131
)
(127
)
(397
)
(372
)
Equity in net income (losses) of unconsolidated entities
1
(18
)
4
(41
)
Other, net
6
(4
)
7
—
(124
)
(149
)
(386
)
(413
)
Income before income taxes
995
872
2,758
2,377
Income tax expense
235
210
611
570
Consolidated net income
760
662
2,147
1,807
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
—
(1
)
(1
)
(4
)
Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.
$
760
$
663
$
2,148
$
1,811
Basic earnings per common share
$
1.89
$
1.64
$
5.35
$
4.46
Diluted earnings per common share
$
1.88
$
1.63
$
5.33
$
4.44
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding
401.5
404.0
401.5
405.8
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
403.2
405.9
403.2
407.6
WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Millions)
(Unaudited)
September 30,
December 31,
2024
2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
614
$
458
Receivables, net
3,125
2,870
Other
520
476
Total current assets
4,259
3,804
Property and equipment, net
17,931
16,968
Goodwill
9,822
9,254
Other intangible assets, net
742
759
Other
1,976
2,038
Total assets
$
34,730
$
32,823
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred revenues
$
4,103
$
3,892
Current portion of long-term debt
676
334
Total current liabilities
4,779
4,226
Long-term debt, less current portion
15,977
15,895
Other
6,002
5,806
Total liabilities
26,758
25,927
Equity:
Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity
7,979
6,903
Noncontrolling interests
(7
)
(7
)
Total equity
7,972
6,896
Total liabilities and equity
$
34,730
$
32,823
WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Millions)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2024
2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Consolidated net income
$
2,147
$
1,807
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
1,615
1,545
Other
271
278
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures
(154
)
(293
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
3,879
3,337
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired
(782
)
(139
)
Capital expenditures
(2,116
)
(1,853
)
Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested
99
68
Other, net
(40
)
(83
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(2,839
)
(2,007
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
New borrowings
10,914
17,319
Debt repayments
(10,619
)
(16,991
)
Common stock repurchase program
(262
)
(990
)
Cash dividends
(909
)
(855
)
Exercise of common stock options
42
29
Tax payments associated with equity-based compensation transactions
(49
)
(28
)
Other, net
(20
)
(9
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(903
)
(1,525
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents
(2
)
—
(Decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents
135
(195
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
552
445
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
687
$
250
WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.
SUMMARY DATA SHEET
(In Millions)
(Unaudited)
Operating Revenues by Line of Business
Three Months Ended
September 30,
2024
2023
Gross
Intercompany
Net
Gross
Intercompany
Net
Operating
Operating
Operating
Operating
Operating
Operating
Revenues
Revenues
Revenues
Revenues
Revenues
Revenues
Commercial
$
1,564
$
(205
)
$
1,359
$
1,464
$
(179
)
$
1,285
Industrial
1,003
(206
)
797
982
(194
)
788
Residential
897
(22
)
875
875
(23
)
852
Other collection
822
(57
)
765
773
(55
)
718
Total collection
4,286
(490
)
3,796
4,094
(451
)
3,643
Landfill
1,345
(422
)
923
1,259
(412
)
847
Transfer
641
(276
)
365
594
(263
)
331
Total Collection and Disposal
6,272
(1,188
)
5,084
5,947
(1,126
)
4,821
Recycling Processing and Sales
503
(71
)
432
386
(81
)
305
WM Renewable Energy
88
(1
)
87
68
(1
)
67
Corporate and Other
12
(6
)
6
12
(7
)
5
Total
$
6,875
$
(1,266
)
$
5,609
$
6,413
$
(1,215
)
$
5,198
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2024
2023
Gross
Intercompany
Net
Gross
Intercompany
Net
Operating
Operating
Operating
Operating
Operating
Operating
Revenues
Revenues
Revenues
Revenues
Revenues
Revenues
Commercial
$
4,591
$
(586
)
$
4,005
$
4,300
$
(508
)
$
3,792
Industrial
2,915
(592
)
2,323
2,889
(563
)
2,326
Residential
2,659
(67
)
2,592
2,595
(73
)
2,522
Other collection
2,354
(162
)
2,192
2,207
(161
)
2,046
Total collection
12,519
(1,407
)
11,112
11,991
(1,305
)
10,686
Landfill
3,813
(1,225
)
2,588
3,672
(1,220
)
2,452
Transfer
1,819
(797
)
1,022
1,719
(779
)
940
Total Collection and Disposal
18,151
(3,429
)
14,722
17,382
(3,304
)
14,078
Recycling Processing and Sales
1,414
(209
)
1,205
1,154
(239
)
915
WM Renewable Energy
228
(3
)
225
201
(3
)
198
Corporate and Other
36
(18
)
18
38
(20
)
18
Total
$
19,829
$
(3,659
)
$
16,170
$
18,775
$
(3,566
)
$
15,209
WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.
SUMMARY DATA SHEET
(In Millions)
(Unaudited)
Internal Revenue Growth
Period-to-Period Change for the
Period-to-Period Change for the
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024 vs. 2023
September 30, 2024 vs. 2023
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
$
188
4.1
%
$
609
4.6
%
Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy(c)
108
28.1
236
20.5
Energy surcharge and mandated fees
(19
)
(7.9
)
(55
)
(7.6
)
Total average yield(d)
$
277
5.3
%
$
790
5.2%
Volume(e)
70
1.4
75
0.5
Internal revenue growth
347
6.7
865
5.7
Acquisitions
71
1.4
108
0.7
Divestitures
(4
)
(0.1
)
(5
)
—
Foreign currency translation
(3
)
(0.1
)
(7
)
(0.1)
Total
$
411
7.9
%
$
961
6.3%
Period-to-Period Change for the
Period-to-Period Change for the
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024 vs. 2023
September 30, 2024 vs. 2023
As a % of Related Business(a)
As a % of Related Business(a)
Yield
Volume(f)
Yield
Volume
Commercial
5.8
%
0.9
%
6.3
%
1.0
%
Industrial
4.8
(4.1
)
5.1
(4.1
)
Residential
5.1
(2.9
)
6.0
(3.0
)
Total collection
5.1
(1.6
)
5.6
(1.6
)
MSW
3.1
5.7
3.2
3.9
Transfer
3.6
(1.3
)
4.6
1.7
Total Collection and Disposal
4.1
%
0.3
%
4.6
%
0.1
%
(a)
Calculated by dividing the increase or decrease for the current year period by the prior year period’s
related business revenue adjusted to exclude the impacts of divestitures for the current year period.
(b)
Calculated by dividing the increase or decrease for the current year period by the prior year
period’s total Company revenue adjusted to exclude the impacts of divestitures for the current year period.
(c)
Includes combined impact of commodity price variability in both our Recycling Processing and Sales and
WM 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)
Workday adjusted volume impact.
WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.
SUMMARY DATA SHEET
(In Millions)
(Unaudited)
Free Cash Flow(a)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
1,358
$
1,263
$
3,879
$
3,337
Capital expenditures to support the business
(598
)
(493
)
(1,545
)
(1,456
)
Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested
41
22
99
68
Free cash flow without sustainability growth investments
801
792
2,433
1,949
Capital expenditures - sustainability growth investments
(183
)
(180
)
(571
)
(397
)
Free cash flow
$
618
$
612
$
1,862
$
1,552
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Supplemental Data
Internalization of waste, based on disposal costs
69.6
%
69.0
%
69.1
%
68.8
%
Landfill depletable tons (in millions)
32.9
31.6
93.9
92.7
Acquisition Summary(b)
Gross annualized revenue acquired
$
217
$
10
$
295
$
121
Total consideration, net of cash acquired
540
20
780
138
Cash paid for acquisitions consummated during the period, net of cash acquired
540
23
773
134
Cash paid for acquisitions including contingent consideration and other items from prior periods, net of cash acquired
540
21
790
139
Landfill Depletion and Accretion Expenses:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Landfill depletion expense:
Cost basis of landfill assets
$
166
$
155
$
474
$
453
Asset retirement costs
37
33
106
101
Total landfill depletion expense(c)
203
188
580
554
Accretion expense
33
32
99
97
Landfill depletion and accretion expense
$
236
$
220
$
679
$
651
(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 third quarter of 2024 and the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the increase in
landfill depletion expense was driven by changes in amortization rates from revisions in landfill and volume increases, partially offset
by the closure of a landfill in our East Tier.
WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES
(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Income from
Pre-tax
Tax
Net
Diluted Per
Operations
Income
Expense
Income(a)
Share Amount
As reported amounts
$
1,119
$
995
$
235
$
760
$
1.88
Adjustments:
Stericycle transaction costs
40
40
5
35
0.09
Gain from divestment, asset impairments and unusual items, net
(6
)
(6
)
(1
)
(5
)
(0.01
)
As adjusted amounts
$
1,153
$
1,029
$
239
(b)
$
790
$
1.96
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
558
Adjusted operating EBITDA
$
1,711
Adjusted operating EBITDA margin
30.5
%
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Income from
Pre-tax
Tax
Net
Diluted Per
Operations
Income
Expense
Income(a)
Share Amount
As reported amounts
$
1,021
$
872
$
210
$
663
$
1.63
Adjustment:
Collective bargaining agreement costs
1
1
—
1
—
As adjusted amounts
$
1,022
$
873
$
210
(b)
$
664
$
1.63
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
519
Adjusted operating EBITDA
$
1,541
Adjusted operating EBITDA margin
29.6
%
(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)
The Company calculates its effective tax rate based on actual dollars. When the effective tax rate is
calculated by dividing the Tax Expense amount in the table above by the Pre-tax Income amount, differences occur due to rounding, as these
items have been rounded in millions. The third quarter 2024 and 2023 adjusted effective tax rates were 23.3% and 24.1%, respectively.
WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES
(In Millions)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Recycling
WM
Collection
Processing
Renewable
Corporate
and Disposal(a)(b)
and Sales(a)
Energy(b)
and Other
Total
Operating revenues, as reported
$
5,084
$
432
$
87
$
6
$
5,609
Income from operations, as reported
$
1,426
$
21
$
28
$
(356
)
$
1,119
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
491
34
9
24
558
Operating EBITDA, as reported
$
1,917
$
55
$
37
$
(332
)
$
1,677
Adjustments:
Stericycle transaction costs
—
—
—
40
40
Gain from divestment, asset impairments and unusual items, net
(18
)
—
7
5
(6
)
(18
)
—
7
45
34
Adjusted operating EBITDA
$
1,899
$
55
$
44
$
(287
)
$
1,711
Operating EBITDA margin, as reported
37.7
%
12.7
%
42.5
%
N/A
29.9
%
Adjusted operating EBITDA margin
37.4
%
12.7
%
50.6
%
N/A
30.5
%
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Recycling
WM
Collection
Processing
Renewable
Corporate
and Disposal(a)(b)
and Sales(a)
Energy(b)
and Other
Total
Operating revenues, as reported
$
4,821
$
305
$
67
$
5
$
5,198
Income from operations, as reported
$
1,259
$
18
$
17
$
(273
)
$
1,021
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
458
28
8
25
519
Operating EBITDA, as reported
$
1,717
$
46
$
25
$
(248
)
$
1,540
Adjustment:
Collective bargaining agreement costs
1
—
—
—
1
Adjusted operating EBITDA
$
1,718
$
46
$
25
$
(248
)
$
1,541
Operating EBITDA margin, as reported
35.6
%
15.1
%
37.3
%
N/A
29.6
%
Adjusted operating EBITDA margin
35.6
%
15.1
%
37.3
%
N/A
29.6
%
(a)
Certain fees related to the processing of recycled material we collect are included within our Collection and Disposal businesses. The amounts in income from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 are $29 million and $16 million, respectively.
(b)
WM 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 September 30, 2024 and 2023, are $13 million and $10 million, respectively.
WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES
(In Millions)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
As a % of
As a % of
Amount
Revenues
Amount
Revenues
Adjusted SG&A Expenses and Adjusted SG&A Expenses Margin
Operating revenues, as reported
$
5,609
$
5,198
SG&A expenses, as reported
$
525
9.4
%
$
470
9.0
%
Adjustments:
Stericycle transaction costs
(26
)
—
Collective bargaining agreement costs
—
(1
)
SG&A expenses, as adjusted
$
499
8.9
%
$
469
9.0
%
2024 Projected Free Cash Flow Reconciliation(a)
Scenario 1
Scenario 2
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
5,125
$
5,300
Capital expenditures to support the business
(2,225
)
(2,275
)
Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested
125
150
Free cash flow without sustainability growth investments
$
3,025
$
3,175
Capital expenditures - sustainability growth investments
(925
)
(975
)
Free cash flow
$
2,100
$
2,200
(a)
The reconciliation includes two scenarios that illustrate our projected free cash flow range for 2024.
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.
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 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
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Amount
Change in
Adjusted
Operating
EBITDA Margin
Amount
Change in
Adjusted
Operating
EBITDA Margin
Recycling commodity rebates
$
240
1.4
%
$
143
0.9
%
Accretion expense
$
33
0.6
%
$
32
0.6
%
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2023
Amount
Change in
Adjusted
Operating
EBITDA Margin
Amount
Change in
Adjusted
Operating
EBITDA Margin
Recycling commodity rebates
$
643
1.3
%
$
433
0.9
%
Accretion expense
$
99
0.6
%
$
97
0.6
%
Mentions · how they’re counted
| Category | Underlined | Word counter | Model’s count |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI AI, artificial intelligence, generative AI, machine learning, large language model, LLM | 1 | — | — |
| Layoffs layoffs, RIF, headcount reduction, workforce optimization, restructuring | 1 | — | — |
| Recession recession, downturn, contraction, slowdown | 1 | — | — |
| Tariffs tariff, trade war, trade barriers, trade restrictions, trade policy | 1 | — | — |
| Buybacks share repurchase, buyback program | 0 | — | — |
Underlines use the same word lists the scores use. AI, recession and tariffs follow Palanor’s word counter, so those counts match it exactly on the same text. Layoffs and buybacks use the terms the model was given. The model’s count is an estimate by meaning, not by string, so it can differ from the underlines.
Source: SEC EDGAR · public domain · Highlights by Palanor