false 0000823768 WASTE MANAGEMENT INC 0000823768 2024-04-24 2024-04-24 iso4217:USD xbrli:shares iso4217:USD xbrli:shares

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 24, 2024

 

Waste Management, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

Delaware   1-12154   73-1309529
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
  (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

800 Capitol Street, Suite 3000, Houston, Texas   77002
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone number, including area code: (713) 512-6200

  

 

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨           Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

¨           Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

¨           Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

¨           Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value   WM   New York Stock Exchange

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

 

Waste Management, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release today announcing its financial results for the first quarter of 2024, a copy of which is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K. The Company is conducting an audio webcast to discuss these results beginning at 9:00 a.m. Central Time on April 25, 2024. Listeners can access the live audio webcast 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.

 

On the webcast, management of the Company is expected to discuss certain non-GAAP financial measures. The Company has provided information regarding its use of non-GAAP measures and reconciliations of such measures to their most comparable GAAP measures in the notes and tables that accompany the press release.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit
Number
  Description
     
99.1   Press Release dated April 24, 2024
     
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

 

 2

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.

 

  WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.
   
Date: April 24, 2024 By: /s/ Charles C. Boettcher
    Charles C. Boettcher
    Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 99.1

For Immediate Release

 

 

WM Announces First Quarter 2024 Earnings

 

 

Momentum on Cost Optimization Powers Strong Expansion of Operating EBITDA Margin

 

WM Increases Full-Year Financial Outlook for Earnings and Cash Flow

  

Houston — Apr. 24, 2024 — WM (NYSE: WM) today announced financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

 

  Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended
 

March 31, 2024

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

March 31, 2023

(in millions, except per share amounts)

       
  As Reported As Adjusted(a)   As Reported As Adjusted(a)
           
Revenue $5,159 $5,159   $4,892 $4,892
           
Income from Operations $1,016 $1,014      $825    $828
           
Operating EBITDA(b) $1,530 $1,528   $1,330 $1,333
           
Operating EBITDA Margin 29.7% 29.6%   27.2% 27.2%
           
Net Income(c) (d) $708 $706   $533 $535
           
Diluted EPS(d) $1.75 $1.75   $1.30 $1.31

 

 

“We’re pleased with the strong operational and financial performance the WM team delivered in the first quarter,” said Jim Fish, WM’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Adjusted operating EBITDA growth was 14.6% and margin expanded 240 basis points, which was powered by optimization of costs in the Collection and Disposal business and disciplined execution on price programs. Our results are a testament to the investments we have made in talent, technology, and assets over the past several years.”(a)

 

Fish continued, “We outperformed our own high expectations in the first quarter, and what really stands out in our results is our ability to convert more of each revenue dollar to earnings. Achieving 29.6% adjusted operating EBITDA margin in the first quarter of the year, which historically has been our lowest margin quarter of a year, gives us confidence that we are positioned to deliver full-year margin in the range of 29.7% to 30.2%, expanding more than 100 basis points from the prior year at the midpoint. Momentum in capturing cost efficiencies and execution on our pricing programs allows us to raise our prior outlook for both adjusted operating EBITDA and free cash flow by $100 million.”(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 FIRST QUARTER of 2024

 

·Total Company revenue grew 5.5%, driven primarily by core price of 7.2%.(e)
·Collection and Disposal yield was 5.1%, and Collection and Disposal volume was -0.1%, or 0.3% on a workday adjusted basis.(f)

 

 

 

  

·Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue improved 210 basis points to 60.9%, compared to prior year adjusted results, driven by efficiencies in the Collection and Disposal business.(a) The Company’s technology and automation investments continue to provide benefits, driver turnover remained at record lows and collection efficiency meaningfully improved for the second consecutive quarter.
·SG&A expenses were 9.5% of revenue, an improvement of 20 basis points from the prior year.
·Total Company adjusted operating EBITDA grew 14.6% to $1.53 billion, and margin expanded 240 basis points to 29.6% on an adjusted basis.(a)
·The Company’s Collection and Disposal business grew adjusted operating EBITDA by $212 million to $1.73 billion and margin expanded 310 basis points to 36.6%.(a)
·Operating EBITDA in the Recycling Processing & Sales and WM Renewable Energy businesses grew 13.2%, primarily driven by higher market prices for recycled commodities partially offset by temporary shutdown costs associated with recycling facility upgrades.(f)(g)
·The Company continues to progress growth projects in its recycling and renewable energy businesses, with two significant projects completed during the first quarter. WM began operations at its largest upgraded recycling facility, located in Germantown, Wis., and also commissioned a new renewable natural gas facility near Dallas, Texas.
·The Company returned $557 million to shareholders, including $250 million of share repurchases and $307 million of cash dividends.

 

 

UPDATED 2024 OUTLOOK

 

  Current Expectations Original Expectations
     
Revenue 5% - 5.75% Growth from Prior Year 6% - 7% Growth from Prior Year
     
Adjusted Operating EBITDA(a) (b) $6.375 - $6.525 Billion $6.275 - $6.425 Billion
     
Adjusted Operating EBITDA Margin(a) 29.7% - 30.2% 29.0% - 29.4%
     
Free Cash Flow(a) $2.0 - $2.15 Billion $1.9 - $2.05 Billion

 

 

Fish concluded, “We kicked off the year with great momentum, thanks to our team's dedication to executing on our strategic priorities. Our outstanding performance in the first quarter sets us up for another year of robust financial growth.”

 

 

  (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) In the first quarter, the Company recognized $37 million of investment tax credits (“ITC”) associated with the development of renewable natural gas projects as a reduction to its income tax expense, resulting in a $0.09 per diluted share benefit. The first quarter benefit is based on the Company’s projected full year ITC benefit of about $145 million, which is derived from its projected

 

 

 

 

  completion of five new renewable natural gas facilities by the end of 2024. The amount of the projected ITC benefit for 2024 is based on a number of estimates and assumptions, including the timing of project completion and interpretation of the Inflation Reduction Act.
   
(e)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.

 

(f)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 our Tier segments form its “Collection and Disposal” businesses.

 

(g)The Company’s blended average single stream recycled commodity price was about $84 per ton compared to about $54 per ton in the prior year period, and the full-year expectation for pricing has increased to approximately $80 per ton from approximately $70 per ton. The average value of Renewable Fuel Standard credits was $3.01 compared to $2.28 in the prior year period, and the average natural gas price was $2.27 per MMBtu compared to $2.37 per MMBtu in the prior year period. The average electricity price was about $62 per megawatt hour compared to about $66 per megawatt hour in the prior year period.

 

 

The Company will host a conference call at 10 a.m. ET on April 25, 2024 to discuss the first 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 the 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 under the heading “Updated 2024 Outlook” and all statements regarding future performance or financial results of our business; achievement of financial outlook and growth; drivers of financial performance; investment tax credit benefits; and future investments and results. 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; 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; 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 address 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; and 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, 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 future operating EBITDA and margin is anticipated 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. Free cash flow is not intended to replace “Net cash provided by operating activities,” which is the most comparable GAAP measure. 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 
   March 31, 
   2024   2023 
Operating revenues  $5,159   $4,892 
Costs and expenses:          
Operating   3,140    3,086 
Selling, general and administrative   491    476 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   514    505 
Restructuring       3 
(Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net   (2)   (3)
    4,143    4,067 
Income from operations   1,016    825 
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense, net   (130)   (120)
Equity in net losses of unconsolidated entities   (19)   (11)
Other, net   2    2 
    (147)   (129)
Income before income taxes   869    696 
Income tax expense   162    164 
Consolidated net income   707    532 
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests   (1)   (1)
Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.  $708   $533 
Basic earnings per common share  $1.76   $1.31 
Diluted earnings per common share  $1.75   $1.30 
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding   401.7    407.4 
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding   403.5    409.0 

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2024   2023 
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $322   $458 
Receivables, net   2,685    2,870 
Other   522    476 
Total current assets   3,529    3,804 
Property and equipment, net   17,044    16,968 
Goodwill   9,246    9,254 
Other intangible assets, net   728    759 
Other   2,119    2,038 
Total assets  $32,666   $32,823 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred revenues  $3,613   $3,892 
Current portion of long-term debt   336    334 
Total current liabilities   3,949    4,226 
Long-term debt, less current portion   15,762    15,895 
Other   5,877    5,806 
Total liabilities   25,588    25,927 
Equity:          
Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity   7,082    6,903 
Noncontrolling interests   (4)   (7)
Total equity   7,078    6,896 
Total liabilities and equity  $32,666   $32,823 

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2024   2023 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Consolidated net income  $707   $532 
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   514    505 
Other   137    107 
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures   9    (100)
Net cash provided by operating activities   1,367    1,044 
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired   (11)   (34)
Capital expenditures   (668)   (660)
Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested   15    11 
Other, net   (91)   (95)
Net cash used in investing activities   (755)   (778)
Cash flows from financing activities:          
New borrowings   4,412    6,885 
Debt repayments   (4,570)   (6,548)
Common stock repurchase program   (250)   (350)
Cash dividends   (307)   (289)
Exercise of common stock options   32    12 
Tax payments associated with equity-based compensation transactions   (48)   (28)
Other, net   (6)   (1)
Net cash used in financing activities   (737)   (319)
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   (127)   (53)
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  $425   $392 

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

SUMMARY DATA SHEET

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

Operating Revenues by Line of Business

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2024   2023 
   Gross   Intercompany   Net   Gross   Intercompany   Net 
   Operating   Operating   Operating   Operating   Operating   Operating 
   Revenues   Revenues   Revenues   Revenues   Revenues   Revenues 
Commercial  $1,501   $(185)  $1,316   $1,412   $(161)  $1,251 
Industrial   934    (187)   747    933    (177)   756 
Residential   876    (22)   854    854    (25)   829 
Other collection   751    (53)   698    689    (50)   639 
Total collection   4,062    (447)   3,615    3,888    (413)   3,475 
Landfill   1,177    (385)   792    1,150    (391)   759 
Transfer   560    (251)   309    540    (251)   289 
Total Collection and Disposal  $5,799   $(1,083)  $4,716   $5,578   $(1,055)  $4,523 
Recycling Processing and Sales   436    (68)   368    374    (80)   294 
WM Renewable Energy   70    (1)   69    70    (1)   69 
Corporate and Other   12    (6)   6    12    (6)   6 
Total  $6,317   $(1,158)  $5,159   $6,034   $(1,142)  $4,892 

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

SUMMARY DATA SHEET

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

Internal Revenue Growth

 

   Period-to-Period Change for the
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2024 vs. 2023
 
       As a % of       As a % of 
       Related       Total 
   Amount   Business(a)   Amount   Company(b) 
Collection and Disposal  $218    5.1%        
Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy(c)    60    15.7           
Energy surcharges and mandated fees(d)    (28)   (11.3)          
Total average yield(e)            $250    5.1%
Volume(f)             (1)    
Internal revenue growth             249    5.1 
Acquisitions             19    0.4 
Divestitures             (1)    
Foreign currency translation                  
Total            $267    5.5%

 

   Period-to-Period Change for the 
   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 2024 vs. 2023 
   As a % of Related Business(a) 
   Yield   Volume(g) 
Commercial   6.8%   0.7%
Industrial   5.8    (3.9)
Residential   6.4    (2.9)
Total collection   6.1    (1.6)
MSW   4.6    3.4 
Transfer   5.5    2.8 
Total collection and disposal   5.1%   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 WM Renewable Energy segments, as well as changes in certain recycling fees charged by our collection and disposal operations.

(d)Our energy surcharge was revised in the second quarter of 2023 to incorporate market prices for both diesel and compressed natural gas (“CNG”).

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

(f)Includes activities from our Corporate and Other businesses.
(g)Workday adjusted volume impact.

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

SUMMARY DATA SHEET

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

Free Cash Flow(a)  Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2024   2023 
Net cash provided by operating activities  $1,367   $1,044 
Capital expenditures to support the business   (502)   (504)
Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested   15    11 
Free cash flow before sustainability growth investments   880    551 
Capital expenditures - sustainability growth investments   (166)   (156)
Free cash flow  $714   $395 

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2024   2023 
Supplemental Data          
           
Internalization of waste, based on disposal costs   68.3%   68.5%
           
Landfill depletable tons (in millions)   29.0    29.3 
           
Acquisition Summary(b)          
           
Gross annualized revenue acquired  $1   $18 
           
Total consideration, net of cash acquired   3    34 
           
Cash paid for acquisitions consummated during the period, net of cash acquired   2    31 
           
Cash paid for acquisitions including contingent consideration and other items from prior periods, net of cash acquired   18    34 

 

Landfill Amortization and Accretion Expenses:

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2024   2023 
Landfill depletion expense:          
Cost basis of landfill assets  $146   $142 
Asset retirement costs   30    36 
Total landfill depletion expense(c)   176    178 
Accretion expense   33    32 
Landfill depletion and accretion expense  $209   $210 

 

 

(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)The decrease in landfill depletion for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2023 was primarily driven by the closure of a landfill in our East Tier partially offset by increases due to changes in estimates.

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 
   Income from   Pre-tax   Tax   Net   Diluted Per 
   Operations   Income   Expense   Income(a)   Share Amount 
As reported amounts  $1,016   $869   $162   $708   $1.75 
Adjustment:                         
Gain from asset impairments and unusual items, net   (2)   (2)   0    (2)   0 
As adjusted amounts  $1,014   $867   $162(b)  $706   $1.75 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   514                     
As adjusted operating EBITDA  $1,528                     
                          
Adjusted operating EBITDA margin   29.6%                    

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 
   Income from   Pre-tax   Tax   Net   Diluted Per 
   Operations   Income   Expense   Income(a)   Share Amount 
As reported amounts  $825   $696   $164   $533   $1.30 
Adjustments:                         
Collective bargaining agreement costs   6    6    2    4      
Reversal of legacy loss contingency reserve   (3)   (3)   (1)   (2)     
Restructuring   3    3    1    2      
Gain from asset impairments and unusual items, net   (3)   (3)   (1)   (2)     
    3    3    1    2    0.01 
As adjusted amounts  $828   $699   $165(b)  $535   $1.31 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   505                     
As adjusted operating EBITDA  $1,333                     
                          
Adjusted operating EBITDA margin   27.2%                    

 

 

(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 first quarter 2024 and 2023 adjusted effective tax rates were 18.6% and 23.6%, respectively.

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

   Quarter Ended March 31, 2024 
       Recycling   WM         
   Collection   Processing   Renewable   Corporate     
   and Disposal   and Sales   Energy   and Other   Total 
Operating revenues, as reported  $4,716   $368   $69   $6   $5,159 
                          
Income from Operations, as reported  $1,279   $19   $21   $(303)  $1,016 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   450    29    8    27    514 
Operating EBITDA, as reported  $1,729   $48   $29   $(276)  $1,530 
                          
Adjustment:                         
Gain from asset impairments and unusual items, net   (2)   0    0    0    (2)
Adjusted operating EBITDA  $1,727   $48   $29   $(276)  $1,528 
                          
Operating EBITDA margin, as reported   36.7%   13.0%   42.0%   N/A    29.7%
Adjusted operating EBITDA margin   36.6%   13.0%   42.0%   N/A    29.6%

 

   Quarter Ended March 31, 2023 
       Recycling   WM         
   Collection   Processing   Renewable   Corporate     
   and Disposal   and Sales   Energy   and Other   Total 
Operating revenues, as reported  $4,523   $294   $69   $6   $4,892 
                          
Income from Operations, as reported  $1,064   $13   $20   $(272)  $825 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   445    27    8    25    505 
Operating EBITDA, as reported  $1,509   $40   $28   $(247)  $1,330 
                          
Adjustments:                         
Collective bargaining agreement costs   6    0    0    0    6 
Gain from asset impairments and other, net   0    0    0    (3)   (3)
    6    0    0    (3)   3 
Adjusted operating EBITDA  $1,515   $40   $28   $(250)  $1,333 
                          
Operating EBITDA margin, as reported   33.4%   13.6%   40.6%   N/A    27.2%
Adjusted operating EBITDA margin   33.5%   13.6%   40.6%   N/A    27.2%

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 2024   March 31, 2023 
       As a % of       As a % of 
   Amount   Revenues   Amount   Revenues 
Adjusted Operating Expenses and Adjusted Operating Expenses Margin                    
                     
Operating revenues, as reported  $5,159        $4,892      
                     
Operating expenses, as reported  $3,140    60.9%  $3,086    63.1%
Adjustments:                    
Collective bargaining agreement costs   0         (6)     
Reversal of legacy loss contingency reserve   0         3      
Operating expenses, as adjusted  $3,140    60.9%  $3,083    63.0%

 

2024 Projected Free Cash Flow Reconciliation(a)  Scenario 1   Scenario 2 
Net cash provided by operating activities  $5,000   $5,250 
Capital expenditures to support the business   (2,200)   (2,300)
Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested   50    100 
Free cash flow before sustainability growth investments  $2,850   $3,050 
Capital expenditures - sustainability growth investments   (850)   (900)
Free cash flow  $2,000   $2,150 

 

 

(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 March 31, 
   2024   2023 
   Amount   Change in
Adjusted
Operating
EBITDA Margin
   Amount   Change in
Adjusted
Operating
EBITDA Margin
 
Recycling commodity rebates  $191    1.2%  $141    0.9%
Accretion expense  $33    0.6%  $32    0.6%

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA – 2023 OPERATING REVENUES BY LINE OF BUSINESS

 

SUMMARY DATA SHEET

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

   Quarter Ended June 30, 2023 
   Gross   Intercompany   Net 
   Operating   Operating   Operating 
   Revenues   Revenues   Revenues 
Commercial  $1,424   $(168)  $1,256 
Industrial   974    (192)   782 
Residential   866    (25)   841 
Other collection   745    (56)   689 
Total collection   4,009    (441)   3,568 
Landfill   1,263    (417)   846 
Transfer   585    (265)   320 
Total Collection and Disposal  $5,857   $(1,123)  $4,734 
Recycling Processing and Sales   394    (78)   316 
WM Renewable Energy   63    (1)   62 
Corporate and Other   14    (7)   7 
Total  $6,328   $(1,209)  $5,119 

 

   Quarter Ended September 30, 2023 
   Gross   Intercompany   Net 
   Operating   Operating   Operating 
   Revenues   Revenues   Revenues 
Commercial  $1,464   $(179)  $1,285 
Industrial   982    (194)   788 
Residential   875    (23)   852 
Other collection   773    (55)   718 
Total collection   4,094    (451)   3,643 
Landfill   1,259    (412)   847 
Transfer   594    (263)   331 
Total Collection and Disposal  $5,947   $(1,126)  $4,821 
Recycling Processing and Sales   386    (81)   305 
WM Renewable Energy   68    (1)   67 
Corporate and Other   12    (7)   5 
Total  $6,413   $(1,215)  $5,198 

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA – 2023 OPERATING REVENUES BY LINE OF BUSINESS

 

SUMMARY DATA SHEET

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

   Quarter Ended December 31, 2023 
   Gross   Intercompany   Net 
   Operating   Operating   Operating 
   Revenues   Revenues   Revenues 
Commercial  $1,501   $(184)  $1,317 
Industrial   947    (190)   757 
Residential   879    (23)   856 
Other collection   799    (59)   740 
Total collection   4,126    (456)   3,670 
Landfill   1,191    (391)   800 
Transfer   574    (257)   317 
Total Collection and Disposal  $5,891   $(1,104)  $4,787 
Recycling Processing and Sales   422    (73)   349 
WM Renewable Energy   75        75 
Corporate and Other   13    (7)   6 
Total  $6,401   $(1,184)  $5,217 

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA - 2023 SEGMENT REPORTING BY QUARTER

 

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

   Quarter Ended June 30, 2023 
       Recycling   WM         
   Collection   Processing   Renewable   Corporate     
   and Disposal   and Sales   Energy   and Other   Total 
Operating revenues, as reported  $4,734   $316   $62   $7   $5,119 
                          
Income from Operations, as reported  $1,173   $24   $14   $(267)  $944 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   461    25    9    26    521 
Operating EBITDA, as reported  $1,634   $49   $23   $(241)  $1,465 
                          
Adjustments:                         
Collective bargaining agreement costs   1    0    0    0    1 
Restructuring   0    0    0    1    1 
    1    0    0    1    2 
Adjusted operating EBITDA  $1,635   $49   $23   $(240)  $1,467 
                          
Operating EBITDA margin, as reported   34.5%   15.5%   37.1%   N/A    28.6%
Adjusted operating EBITDA margin   34.5%   15.5%   37.1%   N/A    28.7%

 

   Quarter Ended September 30, 2023 
       Recycling   WM         
   Collection   Processing   Renewable   Corporate     
   and Disposal   and Sales   Energy   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    0    0    0    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%

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA - 2023 SEGMENT REPORTING BY QUARTER

 

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES

(In Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

   Quarter Ended December 31, 2023 
       Recycling   WM         
   Collection   Processing   Renewable   Corporate     
   and Disposal   and Sales   Energy   and Other   Total 
Operating revenues, as reported  $4,787   $349   $75   $6   $5,217 
                          
Income from Operations, as reported  $1,325   $(99)  $28   $(469)  $785 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   448    30    8    40    526 
Operating EBITDA, as reported  $1,773   $(69)  $36   $(429)  $1,311 
                          
Adjustment:                         
(Gain) loss from asset impairments and other, net   0    122    0    125    247 
Adjusted operating EBITDA  $1,773   $53   $36   $(304)  $1,558 
                          
Operating EBITDA margin, as reported   37.0%   N/A    48.0%   N/A    25.1%
Adjusted operating EBITDA margin   37.0%   15.2%   48.0%   N/A    29.9%