Waste Management Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2007 Earnings

February 13, 2008 at 7:02 AM EST
    Increases Earnings per Diluted Share by 32.6% in Fourth Quarter of
                                 2007

     Expands Full Year 2007 Income from Operations as a Percent of
                   Revenue by Over 170 Basis Points

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 13, 2008--Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WMI) today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and for the year ended December 31, 2007. Revenues for the fourth quarter 2007 were $3.36 billion compared with $3.28 billion in the 2006 period, an increase of 2.4%. Net income for the quarter was $309 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, compared with $246 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter 2006, or a 32.6% increase in earnings per diluted share.

The Company noted several items that impacted the results in the 2006 and 2007 fourth quarters. Excluding these items, net income would have been $276 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2007 compared with $252 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2006, or a 14.9% increase in earnings per diluted share.(a)

Income from operations as a percent of revenue, as adjusted for these items, increased 150 basis points to 16.9% in the fourth quarter of 2007 compared with 15.4% in the fourth quarter of 2006.(a)

Results in the fourth quarter of 2007 included a net $0.07 per diluted share benefit consisting of:

    --  A $31 million income tax benefit resulting primarily from
        reductions in the Canadian income tax rate.

    --  A $7 million benefit in net income due to gains from
        divestitures of operations.

    --  A $5 million reduction in net income related to labor
        disruptions in California.

Results in the fourth quarter of 2006 included a net charge of $0.01 per diluted share consisting of after-tax charges of $24 million for asset impairments and unusual items partially offset by a combined $18 million benefit to net income from income tax related items.

"We ended the year on a strong note and are poised for additional earnings growth in 2008. We grew revenues by 2.4% during the fourth quarter due mainly to our disciplined approach to pricing, which led to internal revenue growth on base business from yield of 3.3%, and the strength of recycling commodity prices. Partially offsetting these increases were revenue declines caused by lower volumes of 3.8%, primarily in the collection lines of business, as well as the impact of divestitures of certain under-performing operations," stated David P. Steiner, Chief Executive Officer of Waste Management. "We are pleased with our accomplishments in both the fourth quarter and the full year as we exceeded our expectations for earnings per share growth, margin expansion and the generation of free cash flow."

For the full year 2007, the Company reported revenues of $13.31 billion compared with $13.36 billion in 2006. Earnings per diluted share were $2.23 for the full year 2007 compared with $2.10 for the full year 2006. Income from operations as a percent of revenue increased 170 basis points to 16.9% for the full year of 2007. During fiscal years 2006 and 2007, the Company noted in its earnings press releases a number of items that impacted the full-year results. Excluding the 2007 items, earnings per diluted share were an adjusted $2.07 for the full year 2007. Excluding the 2006 items, earnings per diluted share were an adjusted $1.81 for the full year 2006. On this basis, earnings per diluted share increased 14% during 2007.(a)

Steiner continued, "We generated $593 million in net cash from operating activities and $146 million of free cash flow during the quarter. For the year, we produced over $2.4 billion in net cash from operating activities and over $1.5 billion of free cash flow.(a) We returned over $1.9 billion in cash to our shareholders during 2007, which was comprised of cash dividend payments of $495 million and share repurchases of $1.42 billion. Based on our market capitalization at the beginning of 2007, that is a pre-tax cash return of 9.7%.

"The fourth quarter 2007 was not without its challenges, including the impact of rising diesel fuel prices, and the increased phase-out of our Section 45K tax credits due to higher crude oil prices. Higher fuel costs caused a $0.01 per share reduction in net income because our fuel surcharge did not keep up with the steep increase in diesel fuel prices. Higher crude oil prices also caused us to lose Section 45K tax credits in the quarter. Coming into the fourth quarter of 2007, we had expected no benefit, but we actually lost $0.01 per share from Section 45K credits in the quarter."

    Key Highlights for the Fourth Quarter 2007 and the Full Year 2007

    --  Internal revenue growth from yield was 7.1% during the quarter
        including the positive impact of higher pricing in our base
        business, stronger recycling commodity prices and our fuel
        surcharge program.

    --  Internal revenue growth on base business due to yield was 3.3%
        in both the fourth quarter of 2007 and for the full year 2007.

    --  Higher recycling commodity prices contributed 2.9% to internal
        revenue growth from yield in the fourth quarter.

    --  Higher fuel surcharge revenue contributed 0.9% to internal
        revenue growth in the fourth quarter. However, the steep
        run-up in diesel fuel prices during the fourth quarter
        resulted in fuel costs increasing faster than fuel surcharge
        revenue, causing a $0.01 per share reduction in net income.

    --  Divestitures caused a 2.2% decline in revenues in the quarter,
        while acquisitions added 0.4% to revenue growth. Foreign
        currency translation contributed an additional 0.9% to revenue
        growth in the quarter.

    --  Internal revenue growth from volume for the entire Company was
        a negative 3.8% in the quarter, and a negative 4.5% for the
        full year 2007.

    --  Net cash provided by operating activities was $593 million in
        the quarter and $2.44 billion for the full year.

    --  Capital expenditures were $490 million in the quarter and
        $1.21 billion for the full year.

    --  Free cash flow was $146 million in the quarter and $1.51
        billion for the full year.(a)

    --  Operating expenses were 63.5% of revenue during the quarter,
        down from 64.2% of revenue for the same period in 2006. For
        the full year, operating expenses were 63.1% of revenue, down
        from 64.3% of revenue for the full year 2006.

    --  Returned $483 million to shareholders during the quarter,
        consisting of $362 million in common stock repurchases, or 9.9
        million shares, and $121 million in cash dividends. For the
        full year, repurchases of common stock totaled $1.42 billion,
        or 39.9 million shares. Dividends paid totaled $495 million
        for the full year.

    --  The effective tax rate in the quarter, adjusted for the $31
        million in non-recurring tax items, was approximately 39%.
        This reflects a 69% phase-out of Section 45K tax credits due
        to higher crude oil prices, offset by the utilization of tax
        loss carry forwards resulting from improved operating results.
        The impact of significantly higher crude oil prices caused a
        $0.01 reduction in earnings per share in the fourth quarter
        due to the higher phase-out of our Section 45K tax credits.

Steiner continued, "The fourth quarter capped another successful year at Waste Management and we are proud of what we accomplished during 2007. We forecast that our full year 2008 earnings will increase to a range of $2.19 to $2.23 per diluted share. This is an 8 to 10% improvement over our further adjusted 2007 earnings per diluted share of $2.03, which excludes the $0.04 per share Section 45K tax benefit that we received in 2007 but will not receive in 2008.

"We expect the combination of our efforts to enhance the quality of our revenue along with our cost improvement programs will lead to continued expansion of our operating margin. We will again apply our strategy of utilizing standard tools and processes, particularly in the areas of labor efficiency, maintenance and safety, to improve and flex down operating costs.

"We are focused on maintaining our pricing discipline and improving our sales and marketing performance. We project that internal revenue growth on base business for 2008 will be about flat, which was not the case in 2007 when overall internal revenue growth on base business was a negative 1.2 percent. We also project the revenue we gain from acquisitions we expect to make during 2008 will exceed the revenue lost from divestitures that may occur during 2008. This was not the case in 2006 and 2007, when we were more focused on divesting underperforming operations."

Steiner concluded, "We remain committed to our goals of growing earnings, expanding our operating margins, increasing our return on invested capital and generating strong free cash flow. We plan to continue to utilize our disciplined pricing approach and our commitment to operational excellence to drive our financial performance."

2008 Outlook

The Company also announced the following with regard to its financial outlook for 2008:

    --  Internal revenue growth on base business from yield is
        expected to be 2.5 to 3.0%, which is 50 to 100 basis points
        above the Company's 2008 outlook for the core Consumer Price
        Index. Internal revenue growth on base business from volume is
        expected to decline by 2.5% to 3.0%, a projected 150-200 basis
        point improvement over the 4.5% decline in the full year 2007.

    --  Average recycling commodity prices are expected to remain at
        approximately average 2007 levels.

    --  Income from operations as a percent of revenue is projected to
        increase by more than 100 basis points to approximately 18%.

    --  The full year 2008 forecast reflects a tax rate of
        approximately 40%, because Section 45K tax credits expired at
        the end of 2007.

    --  Net cash provided by operating activities is projected to be
        approximately $2.75 billion.

    --  Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $1.5
        billion, which includes higher spending on our truck fleet and
        on renewable energy power plants at our landfills.

    --  Free cash flow is projected to be approximately $1.4
        billion.(a)

    --  Expected annual payment of $1.08 per share in cash dividends
        over the course of the year, at an approximate cost of $530
        million. The Company expects to spend up to $870 million on
        share repurchases. The amount of stock repurchased will depend
        on a number of items, including cash allocated to the
        retirement of debt and the cash cost of business investments
        and acquisitions, which are other key components of our
        capital allocation program.

(a) This earnings release contains a discussion of non-GAAP 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) 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 (ii) financial measures the Company uses in the management of its business. GAAP measures that have been adjusted to exclude the impact of certain unusual, non-recurring or otherwise non-operational items include:

    --  Net Income;

    --  Earnings per diluted share; and

    --  Income from operations as a percentage of revenue.

The Company also discusses free cash flow and projected free cash flow, which are non-GAAP measures, because it believes that investors are interested in the cash produced by the Company from non-financing activities that is available for uses such as the Company's acquisitions, its share repurchase program, its scheduled debt reduction and the payment of dividends. The Company defines free cash flow as:

    --  Net cash provided by operating activities

    --  Less, capital expenditures

    --  Plus, proceeds from divestitures of businesses, net of cash
        divested, and other sales of assets.

The Company's definition of free cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies, and therefore not subject to comparison.

The quantitative reconciliations of each of the non-GAAP measures presented herein to the most comparable GAAP measures are included in the accompanying schedules. Investors are urged to take into account GAAP measures as well as non-GAAP measures in evaluating the Company.

The Company has scheduled an investor and analyst conference call for later this morning to discuss the results of today's earnings announcement. The information in this press release should be read in conjunction with the information on the conference call. The call will begin at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time and is open to the public. To listen to the conference call, which will be broadcast live over the Internet, go to the Waste Management Website at http://www.wm.com, and select "Earnings Webcast." You may also listen to the analyst conference call by telephone by contacting the conference call operator 5 to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and asking for the "Waste Management Conference Call - Call ID 30446447." US/Canada Dial-In Number: (877) 710-6139. Int'l/Local Dial-In Number: (706) 643-7398. For those unable to listen to the live call, a replay will be available 24 hours a day beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m. Eastern time on February 13th through 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on February 27th. To hear a replay of the call over the Internet, access the Waste Management Website at http://www.wm.com. To hear a telephonic replay of the call, dial (800) 642-1687 or (706) 645-9291 and enter reservation code 30446447.

Waste Management, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. It is also a leading developer, operator and owner of waste-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The Company's customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America.

The Company, from time to time, provides estimates 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. Statements relating to future events and performance are "forward-looking statements." The forward-looking statements that the Company makes are the Company's expectations, opinion, view or belief at the point in time of issuance but may change at some future point in time. By issuing estimates or making statements based on current expectations, opinions, views or beliefs, the Company has no obligation, and is not undertaking any obligation, to update such estimates or statements or to provide any other information relating to such estimates or statements. Outlined below are some of the risks that the Company faces and that could affect our financial statements for 2008 and beyond and that could cause actual results to be materially different from those that may be set forth in forward-looking statements made by the Company. However, they are not the only risks that the Company faces. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know or that we currently believe are immaterial which could also impair our business. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. The following are some of the risks that we face:

    --  competition may negatively affect our profitability or cash
        flows, our price increases may have negative effects on
        volumes and price roll-backs and lower than average pricing to
        retain and attract customers may negatively affect our yield
        on base business;

    --  we may be unable to maintain or expand margins if we are
        unable to control costs;

    --  we may not be able to successfully execute or continue our
        operational or other margin improvement plans and programs,
        including pricing increases; passing on increased costs to our
        customers; reducing costs due to our operational improvement
        programs; and divesting under-performing assets and purchasing
        accretive businesses, any of which could negatively affect our
        revenues and margins;

    --  weather conditions cause our quarter-to-quarter results to
        fluctuate, and extremely harsh weather or natural disasters
        may cause us to temporarily shut down operations;

    --  inflation and resulting higher interest rates as well as other
        general and local economic conditions may negatively affect
        the volumes of waste generated, our financing costs and other
        expenses;

    --  possible changes in our estimates of site remediation
        requirements, final capping, closure and post-closure
        obligations, compliance and regulatory developments may
        increase our expenses;

    --  regulations, including regulations to limit greenhouse gas
        emissions, may negatively impact our business by, among other
        things, restricting our operations, increasing costs of
        operations or requiring additional capital expenditures;

    --  if we are unable to obtain and maintain permits needed to
        open, operate, and/or expand our facilities, our results of
        operations will be negatively impacted;

    --  limitations or bans on disposal or transportation of
        out-of-state, cross-border, or certain categories of waste, as
        well as mandates on the disposal of waste, can increase our
        expenses and reduce our revenues;

    --  fuel price increases or fuel supply shortages may increase our
        expenses or restrict our ability to operate;

    --  increased costs to obtain financial assurance or the
        inadequacy of our insurance coverages could negatively impact
        our liquidity and increase our liabilities;

    --  possible charges as a result of shut-down operations,
        uncompleted development or expansion projects or other events
        may negatively affect earnings;

    --  fluctuating commodity prices may have negative effects on our
        operating revenues and expenses;

    --  trends requiring recycling, waste reduction at the source and
        prohibiting the disposal of certain types of wastes could have
        negative effects on volumes of waste going to landfills and
        waste-to-energy facilities;

    --  efforts by labor unions to organize our employees may increase
        operating expenses and we may be unable to negotiate
        acceptable collective bargaining agreements with those who
        have been chosen to be represented by unions, which could lead
        to labor disruptions, including strikes and lock-outs, which
        could adversely affect our results of operations and cash
        flows;

    --  negative outcomes of litigation or threatened litigation or
        governmental proceedings may increase our costs, limit our
        ability to conduct or expand our operations, or limit our
        ability to execute our business plans and strategies;

    --  problems with the operation of our current information
        technology or the development and deployment of new
        information systems could decrease our efficiencies, increase
        our costs, or lead to an impairment charge;

    --  the adoption of new accounting standards or interpretations
        may cause fluctuations in reported quarterly results of
        operations or adversely impact our reported results of
        operations; and

    --  we may reduce or eliminate our dividend or share repurchase
        program or we may need to raise additional capital if cash
        flows are less than we expect or capital expenditures are more
        than we expect, and we may not be able to obtain any needed
        capital on acceptable terms.

Additional information regarding these and/or other factors that could materially affect results and the accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained herein may be found in Part I, Item 1 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

                        Waste Management, Inc.
           Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
               (In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
                             (Unaudited)


                                           Quarters Ended December 31,
                                           ---------------------------
                                               2007          2006
                                           ------------- -------------

Operating revenues                               $3,361        $3,283
                                           ------------- -------------

Costs and expenses:
  Operating                                       2,133         2,107
  Selling, general and administrative               371           348
  Depreciation and amortization                     296           321
  Restructuring                                       -             -
  (Income) expense from divestitures,
   asset impairments and unusual items              (14)           35
                                           ------------- -------------
                                                  2,786         2,811
                                           ------------- -------------
Income from operations                              575           472
                                           ------------- -------------

Other income (expense):
  Interest expense                                 (126)         (133)
  Interest income                                     8            16
  Equity in net earnings (losses) of
   unconsolidated entities                           10           (18)
  Minority interest                                 (13)          (11)
  Other, net                                          2            (1)
                                           ------------- -------------
                                                   (119)         (147)
                                           ------------- -------------

Income before income taxes                          456           325
Provision for income taxes                          147            79
                                           ------------- -------------
Net income                                       $  309        $  246
                                           ============= =============


Basic earnings per common share                  $ 0.61        $ 0.46
                                           ============= =============

Diluted earnings per common share                $ 0.61        $ 0.46
                                           ============= =============

Basic common shares outstanding                   505.2         534.4
                                           ============= =============

Diluted common shares outstanding                 509.1         539.8
                                           ============= =============

Cash dividends declared per common share         $ 0.24        $ 0.22
                                           ============= =============

                        Waste Management, Inc.
                          Earnings Per Share
               (In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
                             (Unaudited)


                                           Quarters Ended December 31,
                                           ---------------------------
                                               2007          2006
                                           ------------- -------------

EPS Calculation:

Net income                                       $309          $246
                                           ============= =============



Number of common shares outstanding at end
 of period                                        500.1         533.7
  Effect of using weighted average common
   shares outstanding                               5.1           0.7
                                           ------------- -------------
Weighted average basic common shares
 outstanding                                      505.2         534.4

  Dilutive effect of equity-based
   compensation awards, warrants and other
   contingently issuable shares                     3.9           5.4
                                           ------------- -------------
Weighted average diluted common shares
 outstanding                                      509.1         539.8
                                           ============= =============



Basic earnings per common share                  $  0.61       $  0.46
                                           ============= =============

Diluted earnings per common share                $  0.61       $  0.46
                                           ============= =============

                        Waste Management, Inc.
           Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
               (In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
                             (Unaudited)


                                            Years Ended December 31,
                                           ---------------------------
                                               2007          2006
                                           ------------- -------------

Operating revenues                              $13,310       $13,363
                                           ------------- -------------

Costs and expenses:
  Operating                                       8,402         8,587
  Selling, general and administrative             1,432         1,388
  Depreciation and amortization                   1,259         1,334
  Restructuring                                      10             -
  (Income) expense from divestitures,
   asset impairments and unusual items              (47)           25
                                           ------------- -------------
                                                 11,056        11,334
                                           ------------- -------------
Income from operations                            2,254         2,029
                                           ------------- -------------

Other income (expense):
  Interest expense                                 (521)         (545)
  Interest income                                    47            69
  Equity in net losses of unconsolidated
   entities                                         (35)          (36)
  Minority interest                                 (46)          (44)
  Other, net                                          4             1
                                           ------------- -------------
                                                   (551)         (555)
                                           ------------- -------------

Income before income taxes                        1,703         1,474
Provision for income taxes                          540           325
                                           ------------- -------------
Net income                                      $ 1,163       $ 1,149
                                           ============= =============


Basic earnings per common share                 $  2.25       $  2.13
                                           ============= =============

Diluted earnings per common share               $  2.23       $  2.10
                                           ============= =============

Basic common shares outstanding                   517.3         540.4
                                           ============= =============

Diluted common shares outstanding                 521.8         546.1
                                           ============= =============

Cash dividends declared per common share
 (1st quarter 2006 dividend of $0.22 per
 share declared in December 2005, paid in
 March 2006)                                    $  0.96       $  0.66
                                           ============= =============

                        Waste Management, Inc.
                          Earnings Per Share
               (In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
                             (Unaudited)


                                            Years Ended December 31,
                                           ---------------------------
                                               2007          2006
                                           ------------- -------------

EPS Calculation:

Net income                                     $1,163        $1,149
                                           ============= =============



Number of common shares outstanding at end
 of period                                        500.1         533.7
  Effect of using weighted average common
   shares outstanding                              17.2           6.7
                                           ------------- -------------
Weighted average basic common shares
 outstanding                                      517.3         540.4

  Dilutive effect of equity-based
   compensation awards, warrants and other
   contingently issuable shares                     4.5           5.7
                                           ------------- -------------
Weighted average diluted common shares
 outstanding                                      521.8         546.1
                                           ============= =============



Basic earnings per common share                $    2.25     $    2.13
                                           ============= =============

Diluted earnings per common share              $    2.23     $    2.10
                                           ============= =============

                        Waste Management, Inc.
                Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
                            (In Millions)



                                             December 31, December 31,
                                                 2007         2006
                                             ------------ ------------
                                             (Unaudited)
Assets

Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                       $   348      $   614
  Receivables, net                                  1,892        1,858
  Other                                               240          710
                                             ------------ ------------
    Total current assets                            2,480        3,182

Property and equipment, net                        11,351       11,179
Goodwill                                            5,406        5,292
Other intangible assets, net                          124          121
Other assets                                          814          826
                                             ------------ ------------
    Total assets                                  $20,175      $20,600
                                             ============ ============


Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and
   deferred revenues                              $ 2,269      $ 2,446
  Current portion of long-term debt                   329          822
                                             ------------ ------------
    Total current liabilities                       2,598        3,268

Long-term debt, less current portion                8,008        7,495
Other liabilities                                   3,467        3,340
                                             ------------ ------------
    Total liabilities                              14,073       14,103

Minority interest in subsidiaries and
 variable interest entities                           310          275
Stockholders' equity                                5,792        6,222
                                             ------------ ------------
    Total liabilities and stockholders'
     equity                                       $20,175      $20,600
                                             ============ ============

                        Waste Management, Inc.
           Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                            (In Millions)
                             (Unaudited)


                                            Years Ended December 31,
                                           ---------------------------
                                               2007          2006
                                           ------------- -------------

Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                    $ 1,163       $ 1,149
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to
   net cash provided by operating
   activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                 1,259         1,334
    Other                                            98            76

    Change in operating assets and
     liabilities, net of effects of
     acquisitions and divestitures                  (81)          (19)
                                           ------------- -------------
Net cash provided by operating activities         2,439         2,540
                                           ------------- -------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash
   acquired                                         (90)          (32)
  Capital expenditures                           (1,211)       (1,329)
  Proceeds from divestitures of businesses
   (net of cash divested) and other sales
   of assets                                        278           240
  Purchases of short-term investments            (1,220)       (3,001)
  Proceeds from sales of short-term
   investments                                    1,404         3,123

  Net receipts from restricted trust and
   escrow accounts, and other                        78           211
                                           ------------- -------------
Net cash used in investing activities              (761)         (788)
                                           ------------- -------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  New borrowings                                    944           432
  Debt repayments                                (1,200)         (932)
  Common stock repurchases                       (1,421)       (1,072)
  Cash dividends                                   (495)         (476)
  Exercise of common stock options and
   warrants                                         142           295
  Other, net                                         84           (50)
                                           ------------- -------------
Net cash used in financing activities            (1,946)       (1,803)
                                           ------------- -------------

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 and cash equivalents                                 2            (1)
                                           ------------- -------------

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents              (266)          (52)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
 period                                             614           666
                                           ------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period      $   348       $   614
                                           ============= =============

                        Waste Management, Inc.
                          Summary Data Sheet
                     (Dollar Amounts in Millions)
                             (Unaudited)


                                           Quarters Ended
                               ---------------------------------------
                               December 31, September 30, December 31,
                                   2007         2007          2006
                               ------------ ------------- ------------
Operating Revenues by Lines of
 Business
------------------------------

  Collection                        $2,190        $2,210       $2,176
  Landfill                             747           789          775
  Transfer                             406           426          433
  Wheelabrator                         219           222          225
  Recycling and other                  350           339          260
  Intercompany (a)                    (551)         (583)        (586)
                               ------------ ------------- ------------
    Operating revenues              $3,361        $3,403       $3,283
                               ============ ============= ============

Internal Growth of Operating
 Revenues from Comparable
 Prior Periods
------------------------------

 Internal growth                       3.3%          0.5%        -1.3%
 Less: Yield changes due to
  recycling commodities,
  electricity (IPP), fuel
  surcharge and mandated fees          3.8%          2.2%         0.2%
                               ------------ ------------- ------------
    Adjusted internal growth          -0.5%         -1.7%        -1.5%
                               ============ ============= ============

Acquisition Summary (b)
------------------------------

  Gross annualized revenue
   acquired                         $    3        $   39       $    -
                               ============ ============= ============

  Total consideration               $    2        $   44       $    -
                               ============ ============= ============

  Cash paid for acquisitions        $    2        $   38       $    -
                               ============ ============= ============

  WMRA Segment Supplemental
   Data (c)
------------------------------

  Operating revenues                $  254        $  243       $  182
                               ============ ============= ============

  Operating expenses                $  216        $  207       $  160
                               ============ ============= ============

                  Quarters Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
                  --------------------------- ------------------------
                      2007          2006          2007        2006
                  ------------- ------------- ------------ -----------
Free Cash Flow
 Analysis (d)(e)
-----------------

Net cash provided
 by operating
 activities              $ 593         $ 653      $ 2,439     $ 2,540
Capital
 expenditures             (490)         (483)      (1,211)     (1,329)

Proceeds from
 divestitures of
 businesses (net
 of cash
 divested) and
 other sales of
 assets                     43            42          278         240
                  ------------- ------------- ------------ -----------
Free cash flow           $ 146         $ 212      $ 1,506     $ 1,451
                  ============= ============= ============ ===========

(a) Intercompany revenues between lines of business are eliminated
     within the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included
     herein.

(b) Represents amounts associated with business acquisitions
     consummated during the indicated periods.

(c) Information provided is after the elimination of intercompany
     revenues and related expenses.

(d) Prior year information has been reclassified to conform to 2007
     presentation.

(e) The summary of free cash flows 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.

                        Waste Management, Inc.
                          Summary Data Sheet
                     (Dollar Amounts in Millions)
                             (Unaudited)


                                           Quarters Ended
                               ---------------------------------------
                               December 31, September 30, December 31,
                                   2007         2007          2006
                               ------------ ------------- ------------
Balance Sheet Data
------------------------------

Cash, cash equivalents and
 short-term investments
 available for use (a)             $   348       $   654      $   798
                               ============ ============= ============

Debt-to-total capital ratio:
  Long-term indebtedness,
   including current portion       $ 8,337       $ 8,278      $ 8,317
  Total equity                       5,792         5,932        6,222
                               ------------ ------------- ------------
    Total capital                  $14,129       $14,210      $14,539
                               ============ ============= ============

  Debt-to-total capital               59.0%         58.3%        57.2%
                               ============ ============= ============

Capitalized interest               $     6       $     6      $     7
                               ============ ============= ============


Other Operational Data
------------------------------

Internalization of waste,
 based on disposal costs              66.6%         66.5%        66.7%
                               ============ ============= ============

Total landfill disposal
 volumes (tons in millions)           27.3          29.5         29.9
Total waste-to-energy disposal
 volumes (tons in millions)            1.8           1.7          2.0
                               ------------ ------------- ------------
  Total disposal volumes (tons
   in millions)                       29.1          31.2         31.9
                               ============ ============= ============

Active landfills                       277           279          283
                               ============ ============= ============

Landfills reporting volume             258           261          264
                               ============ ============= ============


Amortization and SFAS No. 143
 Expenses for Landfills
 Included in Operating Groups
 (b)
------------------------------
Non - SFAS No. 143
 amortization expense              $  94.1       $ 102.1      $  96.4
Amortization expense related
 to SFAS No. 143 obligations           1.1          21.1         13.3
                               ------------ ------------- ------------
  Total amortization expense
   (c) (d)                            95.2         123.2        109.7
Accretion and other related
 expense                              16.6          15.8         16.3
                               ------------ ------------- ------------
  Landfill amortization,
   accretion and other related
   expense                         $ 111.8       $ 139.0      $ 126.0
                               ============ ============= ============

(a) The quarters ended December 31, 2007, September 30, 2007, and
     December 31, 2006 include short-term investments available for
     use of $0 million, $117 million, and $184 million, respectively.

(b) Prior period amounts have been revised to exclude amounts from
     closed landfills not included in our Operating groups.

(c) The quarter ended December 31, 2007, as compared with the quarter
     ended September 30, 2007 reflects a $28 million reduction in
     amortization expense, of which $9.6 million was due to the
     seasonal reduction in landfill volumes. Additionally, there was
     an $18.6 million reduction primarily as a result of the SFAS No.
     143 landfill capping construction and closure/post closure
     obligations identified in our annual landfill review process.

(d) The quarter ended December 31, 2007, as compared with the quarter
     ended December 31, 2006 reflects a $14.5 million reduction in
     amortization expense, of which approximately $6.1 million was due
     to reduced volumes resulting from the Company's collection
     pricing initiative and due to a decline in residential
     construction activities and other economic impacts. Additionally,
     there was a year over year reduction of $14.8 million from
     adjustments of the SFAS No. 143 landfill capping construction and
     closure/post closure obligations as identified in our annual
     landfill reviews. This reduction in expense was partially offset
     by increases resulting from expected landfill construction costs
     identified during the annual workbook process.

                        Waste Management, Inc.
             Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures
           (Dollars In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
                             (Unaudited)

                              Quarter Ended           Quarter Ended
                            December 31, 2007       December 31, 2006
                       --------------------------- -------------------
Adjusted Net income
 and Diluted Earnings    After-tax     Per Share   After-tax Per Share
 Per Share                Amount        Amount      Amount    Amount
                       ------------- ------------- --------- ---------

  Net income and
   Diluted EPS, as
   reported                  $  309        $ 0.61      $246    $ 0.46

  Adjustments to Net
   income and Diluted
   EPS:
    (Income) expense
     from
     divestitures,
     asset impairments
     and unusual items           (7)        (0.02)       24      0.04
    Benefit from
     income tax
     related items              (31)        (0.06)      (18)    (0.03)
    Labor disputes                5          0.01         -         -
                       ------------- ------------- --------- ---------

  Net income and
   Diluted EPS, as
   adjusted (a)              $  276        $ 0.54      $252    $ 0.47
                       ============= ============= ========= =========




                       Quarter Ended Quarter Ended
                       December 31,  December 31,
Adjusted Income from
 Operations as a
 percent of Revenue        2007          2006
                       ------------- -------------

  As reported:
    Operating revenues       $3,361        $3,283
    Income from
     operations              $  575        $  472

  Income from
   Operations as a
   percent of Revenue          17.1%         14.4%

  Adjustments to
   Income from
   Operations:
    (Income) expense
     from
     divestitures,
     asset impairments
     and unusual items         ($14)       $   35
    Labor disputes           $    8        $    -

  As adjusted:
    Operating revenues       $3,361        $3,283
    Income from
     operations              $  569        $  507

  Adjusted Income from
   Operations as a
   percent of Revenue
   (b)                         16.9%         15.4%


(a)  Increase in Net income and Diluted EPS, as adjusted, of 9.5% and
      14.9% respectively.
(b)  Increase in Income from Operations as a percent of Revenue, as
      adjusted, of 150 basis points.

                        Waste Management, Inc.
             Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures
           (Dollars In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
                             (Unaudited)


                                                       Year Ended
                                                    December 31, 2007
                                                   -------------------
Adjusted Net income and Diluted Earnings Per Share After-tax Per Share
                                                    Amount    Amount
                                                   -------------------

  Net income and Diluted EPS, as reported             $1,163     $2.23

  Adjustments to Net income and Diluted EPS:
    Restructuring                                          6      0.01
    (Income) expense from divestitures, asset
     impairments and unusual items                      (25)    (0.05)
    Labor disputes                                        23      0.04
    Income tax audit settlements and other tax
     items                                              (86)    (0.16)
                                                   --------- ---------

  Net income and Diluted EPS, as adjusted             $1,081     $2.07
                                                   ========= =========



                                                       Year Ended
                                                    December 31, 2006
                                                   -------------------
Adjusted Net income and Diluted Earnings Per Share After-tax Per Share
                                                    Amount    Amount
                                                   -------------------

  Net income and Diluted EPS, as reported             $1,149     $2.10

  Adjustments to Net income and Diluted EPS:
    (Income) expense from divestitures, asset
     impairments and unusual items                        25      0.05
    Unclaimed property charge                             12      0.02
    Income tax audit settlements and other tax
     items                                             (195)    (0.36)
                                                   --------- ---------

  Net income and Diluted EPS, as adjusted               $991     $1.81
                                                   ========= =========




Full Year 2008 Free Cash Flow Reconciliation

    Net cash provided by operating activities         $2,750
    Capital expenditures                             (1,500)
    Proceeds from divestitures of businesses (net
     of cash divested) and other sales of assets         150
                                                   ---------

  Free cash flow                                      $1,400
                                                   =========


    CONTACT: Waste Management, Inc., Houston
             Analysts: Greg Nikkel, 713-265-1358
             or
             Media: Lynn Brown, 713-394-5093
             http://www.wm.com

    SOURCE: Waste Management, Inc.