STOCK TITAN

Casella Waste (NASDAQ: CWST) grows 2025 sales 18% and raises 2026 targets

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Casella Waste Systems reported strong growth for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025. Quarterly revenue reached $469.1 million, up 9.7% from 2024, while full-year revenue rose 18.0% to $1.837 billion, driven by acquisitions and solid waste pricing gains.

Despite this, profitability on a GAAP basis softened. Net loss for the quarter was $(2.5) million versus income of $4.9 million a year earlier, and full-year net income fell to $7.9 million, down 41.9%, largely due to higher costs and depreciation and amortization tied to acquisitions.

Non-GAAP metrics were much stronger. Full-year Adjusted EBITDA increased 17.3% to $422.8 million, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow rose 13.6% to $179.9 million. For 2026, the company guides to revenue of $1.970–$1.990 billion, Adjusted EBITDA of $455–$465 million, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $195–$205 million.

Positive

  • Strong growth in scale and cash generation: 2025 revenue rose 18.0% to $1.837 billion, Adjusted EBITDA increased 17.3% to $422.8 million, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow climbed 13.6% to $179.9 million, indicating a larger, more cash-generative business.
  • Supportive 2026 outlook: Guidance for 2026 projects revenues of $1.970–$1.990 billion, Adjusted EBITDA of $455–$465 million, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $195–$205 million, implying continued growth in operations and cash flow.

Negative

  • Weak GAAP profitability despite growth: 2025 net income declined to $7.9 million from $13.5 million, and Q4 showed a $(2.5) million net loss, reflecting higher operating costs and significantly higher depreciation and amortization related to acquisitions.

Insights

Strong top-line and cash flow growth offset weaker GAAP earnings, with 2026 guidance signaling continued expansion.

Casella Waste Systems delivered 2025 revenue of $1.837 billion, up 18.0%, with solid waste pricing and acquisitions as key drivers. $422.8 million in Adjusted EBITDA, up 17.3%, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $179.9 million, up 13.6%, show robust operational cash generation.

However, GAAP net income dropped to $7.9 million from $13.5 million, and Q4 posted a $(2.5) million net loss, mainly from higher operating costs and sharply higher depreciation and amortization tied to acquisitions. This widens the gap between reported earnings and cash-based performance measures.

For 2026, guidance points to revenue of $1.970–$1.990 billion, Adjusted EBITDA of $455–$465 million, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $195–$205 million. Actual outcomes will hinge on integrating roughly $145 million of recent annualized acquisition revenue and maintaining pricing and cost discipline through the year.

0000911177false00009111772026-02-192026-02-19

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 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): February 19, 2026
__________________________________________
Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
__________________________________________
Delaware 000-23211 03-0338873
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
 (Commission
File Number)
 (IRS Employer
Identification No.)
25 Greens Hill Lane,
Rutland,Vermont05701
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (802775-0325
Not applicable
(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 (see General Instruction A.2. below):
     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 classTrading
Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange
on which registered
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per shareCWSTThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(Nasdaq Global Select Market)
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.
On February 19, 2026, Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2025. The full text of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.  
The information in this Item 2.02 of this Form 8-K (including Exhibit 99.1) shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
Item 9.01     Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.    
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.Exhibit Description
99.1
Press Release of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. dated February 19, 2026.
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.**
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document.**
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document.**
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101).
**Submitted Electronically Herewith.

SIGNATURE
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.
 
 CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC.
Date: February 19, 2026 By: /s/ Bradford J. Helgeson
  Bradford J. Helgeson
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

2

Exhibit 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR 2025 RESULTS AND PROVIDES FISCAL YEAR 2026 GUIDANCE
RUTLAND, VERMONT (February, 19, 2026) — Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, today reported its financial results for the three and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2025.
Key Highlights:
Revenues were $469.1 million for the quarter, up $41.6 million, or up 9.7%, from the same period in 2024. Revenues were $1.837 billion for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 (“fiscal year 2025”), up $279.6 million, or up 18.0% from the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (“fiscal year 2024”).
Solid waste pricing for fiscal year 2025 was up 4.9% from fiscal year 2024, driven by 5.0% collection price growth and 4.9% disposal price growth.
Net (loss) income was $(2.5) million for the quarter, down $(7.4) million, as compared to $4.9 million for the same period in 2024. Net income was $7.9 million for fiscal year 2025, down $(5.7) million, or down (41.9)%, as compared to $13.5 million in fiscal year 2024. Adjusted Net Income, a non-GAAP measure, was $80.6 million for fiscal year 2025, up $1.8 million, or up 2.3%, from fiscal year 2024.
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, was $107.0 million for the quarter, up $12.0 million, or up 12.7%, from the same period in 2024. Adjusted EBITDA was $422.8 million for fiscal year 2025, up $62.2 million, or up 17.3%, from fiscal year 2024.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $329.8 million for fiscal year 2025, up $48.4 million, or up 17.2%, from fiscal year 2024.
Adjusted Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP measure, was $179.9 million for fiscal year 2025, up $21.6 million, or up 13.6%, from fiscal year 2024.
Acquired nine businesses in fiscal year 2025 with approximately $115 million in annualized revenue, with approximately another $30 million added with the closing of the previously announced Mountain State Waste acquisition on January 1, 2026.

“We delivered strong fourth quarter results in line with expectations, closing the year on a high note and carrying positive momentum into 2026,” said Edmond (“Ned”) R. Coletta, President and CEO of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. “These results reflect the success of our ongoing acquisition integrations in our Mid-Atlantic region and marked our fifth consecutive year of double-digit revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow growth.”

“Since assuming the role of CEO on January 1st, I remain impressed by, and deeply grateful for, the efforts of our entire team,” Coletta said. “Our execution of long-term strategy continues to strengthen our foundation for future growth, with a clear focus on investing in our people and fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and accountability.”

“In 2025, we acquired nine businesses, and on January 1, 2026, we successfully closed the previously announced Mountain State Waste acquisition. Combined these deals represent approximately $145 million in annualized revenue. Over the past five years, we have acquired more than $800 million of annualized revenue through tuck-in acquisitions and new market entries, expanding our geographic footprint and creating meaningful shareholder value. Looking ahead to 2026, our acquisition pipeline remains robust, with attractive opportunities to further expand and densify our platform.”
Q4 2025 Results
Revenues were $469.1 million for the quarter, up $41.6 million, or up 9.7%, from the same period in 2024, with revenue growth mainly driven by: the positive impact from acquisitions, including the rollover contribution from deals closed in prior periods; sustained collection and disposal price growth; and strong National Accounts growth in our Resource Solutions operating segment.
Operating income was $11.9 million for the quarter, down $(6.6) million, or down (35.9)%, from the same period in 2024, reflecting higher depreciation and amortization expense mainly related to acquisition growth.
1


Net (loss) income was $(2.5) million for the quarter, down $(7.4) million, as compared to $4.9 million, from the same period in 2024, largely driven by the same factor impacting operating income. Adjusted Net Income, a non-GAAP measure, was $18.9 million for the quarter, down $(3.4) million, or down (15.1)%, from the same period in 2024.
Adjusted EBITDA was $107.0 million for the quarter, up $12.0 million, or up 12.7%, from the same period in 2024, driven by both acquisition contribution and organic growth.
Please refer to "Non-GAAP Performance Measures" included in "Unaudited Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures" below for additional information and reconciliations of Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA and other non-GAAP performance measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures.
Fiscal Year 2025 Results
Revenues were $1.837 billion for fiscal year 2025, up $279.6 million, or up 18.0%, from fiscal year 2024.
Operating income was $63.7 million for fiscal year 2025, down $(9.1) million, or down (12.5)%, from fiscal year 2024, as a result of higher operating costs and depreciation and amortization expense mainly related to acquisitions.
Net income was $7.9 million for fiscal year 2025, or $0.12 per diluted common share, down $(5.7) million and $(0.11) per diluted common share, or down (41.9)% and (47.8)%, respectively, from fiscal year 2024, driven by lower operating income, partially offset by lower taxes.
Adjusted Net Income was $80.6 million for fiscal year 2025, up $1.8 million, or up 2.3%, from fiscal year 2024. Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share for fiscal year 2025 was $1.27, down $(0.05) per Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share, or down (3.8)% from fiscal year 2024 driven by a higher diluted weighted average outstanding share count.
Adjusted EBITDA was $422.8 million for fiscal year 2025, up $62.2 million, or up 17.3%, from fiscal year 2024, driven by both acquisition contribution and organic growth.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $329.8 million for fiscal year 2025, up $48.4 million, or up 17.2%, from fiscal year 2024. Adjusted Free Cash Flow was $179.9 million for fiscal year 2025, up $21.6 million, or up 13.6%, from fiscal year 2024.
Please refer to "Non-GAAP Liquidity Measures" included in "Unaudited Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures" below for additional information and reconciliation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow to its most directly comparable GAAP measure.
Fiscal Year 2026 Outlook
The Company provided guidance for fiscal year ending December 21, 2026 (“fiscal year 2026”) by estimating results in the following ranges:
Revenues between $1.970 billion and $1.990 billion;
Net income between $16 million and $22 million;
Adjusted EBITDA between $455 million and $465 million;
Net cash provided by operating activities between $370 million and $380 million; and
Adjusted Free Cash Flow between $195 million and $205 million.
The guidance ranges do not include the impact of any acquisitions that have not been completed. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow related to fiscal year 2026 are described in the Unaudited Reconciliation of Fiscal Year 2026 Outlook Non-GAAP Measures section of this press release. Net income and Net cash provided by operating activities are provided as the most directly comparable GAAP measures to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow, respectively, however these forward-looking estimates for fiscal year 2026 do not contemplate any unanticipated impacts.
Conference Call to Discuss Quarter
The Company will host a conference call to discuss these results on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Individuals interested in participating in the call should register for the call by clicking here to obtain a dial in number and unique passcode. Alternatively, upon registration, the website linked above provides an option for the conference provider to call the registrant's phone line, enabling participation on the call.
The call will also be webcast; to listen, participants should visit the company’s website at http://ir.casella.com and follow the appropriate link to the webcast. A replay of the call will be available on the Company's website and accessible using the same link.
2


About Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
Casella Waste Systems, Inc., headquartered in Rutland, Vermont, provides resource management expertise and services to residential, commercial, municipal, institutional and industrial customers, primarily in the areas of solid waste collection and disposal, transfer, recycling and organics services in the eastern United States. For further information, investors may visit the Company’s website at http://www.casella.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain matters discussed in this press release, including, but not limited to, the statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, our financial performance; financial condition; operations and services; prospects; growth; strategies; anticipated impacts from future or completed acquisitions; and guidance for fiscal year 2026, are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such by the context of the statements, including words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “may,” “would,” “intend,” “estimate,”, “projects”, "will," “guidance” and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry and markets in which the Company operates and management’s beliefs and assumptions. The Company cannot guarantee that it will achieve the financial results, plans, intentions, expectations or guidance disclosed in the forward-looking statements made. Such forward-looking statements, and all phases of the Company's operations, involve a number of risks and uncertainties, any one or more of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in its forward-looking statements.
Such risks and uncertainties include or relate to, among other things, the following: the Company may be unable to adequately increase prices or drive operating efficiencies to adequately offset increased costs and inflationary pressures, including increased fuel prices, wages, and tariffs; it is difficult to determine the timing or future impact of a sustained economic slowdown that could negatively affect our operations and financial results; the increasing focus on per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) and other emerging contaminants, including the recent designation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of two PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, will likely lead to increased compliance and remediation costs and litigation risks; adverse weather conditions may negatively impact the Company's revenues and its operating margin; the Company may be unable to increase volumes at its landfills or improve its route profitability; the Company may be unable to reduce costs or increase pricing or volumes sufficiently to achieve estimated Adjusted EBITDA and other targets; landfill operations and permit status may be affected by factors outside the Company's control; the Company may be required to incur capital expenditures in excess of its estimates; the Company's insurance coverage and self-insurance reserves may be inadequate to cover all of its risk exposures; fluctuations in energy pricing or the commodity pricing of its recyclables may make it more difficult for the Company to predict its results of operations or meet its estimates; disruptions or limited access to domestic and global transportation or the imposition of tariffs could impact the Company's ability to sell recyclables into end markets; the Company may be unable to achieve its acquisition or development targets on favorable pricing or at all, including due to the failure to satisfy all closing conditions and to receive required regulatory approvals that may prevent closing of any announced transaction; the Company may not be able to successfully integrate and recognize the expected financial benefits from acquired businesses; and the Company may incur environmental charges or asset impairments in the future.
There are a number of other important risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These additional risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those detailed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in the Company's most recently filed Form 10-K and in other filings that the Company may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the future.
The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Investors:
Brian J. Butler, CFA
Vice President of Investor Relations
(802) 772-2264
Media:
Jeff Weld
Vice President of Communications
(802) 772-2234
http://www.casella.com
3


CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except for per share data)
 
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
Unaudited
 2025202420252024
Revenues$469,055 $427,486 $1,836,841 $1,557,283 
Operating expenses:
Cost of operations312,823 285,641 1,216,605 1,027,336 
General and administration55,937 52,208 224,219 190,754 
Depreciation and amortization79,509 66,357 306,835 234,907 
Expense from acquisition activities7,564 6,582 24,174 24,879 
Organics facility closure charge1,339 — 1,339 — 
Southbridge Landfill closure (recovery) charge
— (92)— 8,385 
Landfill capping recovery - veneer failure
— (1,739)— (1,739)
457,172 408,957 1,773,172 1,484,522 
Operating income11,883 18,529 63,669 72,761 
Other expense (income):
Interest expense, net14,083 11,849 52,596 51,983 
Debt modification expense
— 1,396 — 1,396 
Other income(610)(427)(1,979)(1,666)
Other expense, net13,473 12,818 50,617 51,713 
(Loss) income before income taxes(1,590)5,711 13,052 21,048 
Provision for income taxes921 835 5,181 7,512 
Net (loss) income$(2,511)$4,876 $7,871 $13,536 
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
63,494 63,323 63,462 59,576 
Basic (loss) earnings per common share
$(0.04)$0.08 $0.12 $0.23 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding63,494 63,449 63,565 59,681 
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share
$(0.04)$0.08 $0.12 $0.23 

4


CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
 
December 31,
2025
December 31,
2024
ASSETS 
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$123,773 $383,303 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses178,068 165,917 
Other current assets67,440 64,085 
Total current assets369,281 613,305 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
1,289,409 1,164,815 
Operating lease right-of-use assets105,252 98,050 
Goodwill1,120,056 1,002,266 
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization290,855 313,468 
Restricted cash and assets
96,265 2,499 
Other non-current assets32,208 35,665 
Total assets$3,303,326 $3,230,068 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of debt $25,735 $42,619 
Current operating lease liabilities11,952 10,291 
Accounts payable102,468 111,087 
Current accrued final capping, closure and post-closure costs7,562 3,224 
Contract liabilities
45,153 50,690 
Other accrued liabilities101,032 89,406 
Total current liabilities293,902 307,317 
Debt, less current portion1,128,927 1,090,632 
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion72,513 64,449 
Accrued final capping, closure and post-closure costs, less current portion185,160 169,006 
Other long-term liabilities54,115 47,825 
Total stockholders' equity1,568,709 1,550,839 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$3,303,326 $3,230,068 
5


CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
 
 Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 20252024
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income
$7,871 $13,536 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization306,835 234,907 
Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities14,718 11,601 
Amortization of debt issuance costs
3,023 2,960 
Stock-based compensation14,217 12,186 
Operating lease right-of-use assets expense22,140 17,784 
Other items and charges, net
1,954 12,980 
Landfill capping recovery - veneer failure— (889)
Deferred income taxes3,262 6,894 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures(44,244)(30,604)
Net cash provided by operating activities329,776 281,355 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(224,213)(468,628)
Additions to intangible assets
(672)(280)
Additions to property and equipment
(245,071)(203,227)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment809 1,380 
Proceeds from property insurance settlement— 146 
Net cash used in investing activities(469,147)(670,609)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from debt borrowings91,500 846,750 
Principal payments on debt(116,341)(783,684)
Payments of debt issuance costs(2,232)(6,619)
Proceeds from the exercise of share based awards— 349 
Proceeds from the public offering of Class A common stock— 496,245 
Payments of debt modification costs
— (1,396)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(27,073)551,645 
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, including non-current(166,444)162,391 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period
383,303 220,912 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, including non-current, end of period
$216,859 $383,303 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Cash interest payments$58,969 $61,217 
Cash income tax (refunds) payments, net$(154)$6,776 
Non-current assets obtained through long-term financing obligations
$45,311 $30,551 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations$24,221 $11,686 

6


CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES
(In thousands)
Non-GAAP Performance Measures
In addition to disclosing financial results prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"), the Company also presents non-GAAP performance measures such as Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues, Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income as a percentage of revenues, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share that provide an understanding of operational performance because it considers them important supplemental measures of the Company's performance that are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of the Company's results. The Company also believes that identifying the impact of certain items as adjustments provides more transparency and comparability across periods. Management uses these non-GAAP performance measures to further understand its “core operating performance” and believes its “core operating performance” is helpful in understanding its ongoing performance in the ordinary course of operations. The Company believes that providing such non-GAAP performance measures to investors, in addition to corresponding income statement measures, affords investors the benefit of viewing the Company’s performance using the same financial metrics that the management team uses in making many key decisions and understanding how the core business and its results of operations has performed. The tables below set forth such performance measures on an adjusted basis to exclude such items:
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 2025202420252024
Net (loss) income
$(2,511)$4,876 $7,871 $13,536 
Net (loss) income as a percentage of revenues
(0.5)%1.1 %0.4 %0.9 %
Provision for income taxes921 835 5,181 7,512 
Other income(610)(427)(1,979)(1,666)
Interest expense, net14,083 11,849 52,596 51,983 
Depreciation and landfill amortization60,596 48,721 230,360 178,426 
Amortization of intangibles (i)18,913 17,636 76,475 56,481 
Expense from acquisition activities (ii)7,564 6,582 24,174 24,879 
Organics facility closure charge (iii)1,339 — 1,339 — 
Southbridge Landfill closure (recovery) charge (iv)
— (92)— 8,385 
Landfill capping recovery - veneer failure (v)
— (1,739)— (1,739)
Debt modification expense (vi)— 1,396 — 1,396 
Depletion of landfill operating lease obligations3,108 2,517 12,055 9,763 
Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities3,613 2,843 14,718 11,601 
Adjusted EBITDA$107,016 $94,997 $422,790 $360,557 
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues22.8 %22.2 %23.0 %23.2 %
Depreciation and landfill amortization(60,596)(48,721)(230,360)(178,426)
Depletion of landfill operating lease obligations(3,108)(2,517)(12,055)(9,763)
Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities(3,613)(2,843)(14,718)(11,601)
Adjusted Operating Income$39,699 $40,916 $165,657 $160,767 
Adjusted Operating Income as a percentage of revenues8.5 %9.6 %9.0 %10.3 %
7


Three Months Ended
December 31,
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2025202420252024
Net (loss) income
$(2,511)$4,876 $7,871 $13,536 
Amortization of intangibles (i)18,913 17,636 76,475 56,481 
Expense from acquisition activities (ii)7,564 6,582 24,174 24,879 
Organics facility closure charge (iii)
1,339 — 1,339 — 
Southbridge Landfill closure (recovery) charge (iv)
— (92)— 8,385 
Landfill capping recovery - veneer failure (v)
— (1,739)— (1,739)
Debt modification expense (vi)— 1,396 — 1,396 
Tax effect (vii)(6,410)(6,411)(29,225)(24,098)
Adjusted Net Income
$18,895 $22,248 $80,634 $78,840 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
63,494 63,449 63,565 59,681 
Dilutive effect of options and other stock awards114 — — — 
Adjusted Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding
63,608 63,449 63,565 59,681 
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share
$(0.04)$0.08 $0.12 $0.23 
Amortization of intangibles (i)0.30 0.27 1.20 0.95 
Expense from acquisition activities (ii)0.12 0.11 0.38 0.42 
Organics facility closure charge (iii)
0.02 0.02 — 
Southbridge Landfill closure (recovery) charge (iv)
— — — 0.14 
Landfill capping recovery - veneer failure (v)
— (0.03)— (0.03)
Debt modification expense (vi)— 0.02 — 0.02 
Tax effect (vii)(0.10)(0.10)(0.45)(0.41)
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
$0.30 $0.35 $1.27 $1.32 
8


(i)Amortization of intangibles is the add-back of non-cash amortization of acquired intangibles such as covenants not-to-compete, customer relationships and trade names.
(ii)Expense from acquisition activities is comprised primarily of legal, consulting, rebranding, information technology and other costs associated with the due diligence, acquisition and integration of acquired businesses. Fiscal year 2024 included a charge for an increase in the reserve against accounts receivable of the businesses acquired in our acquisition of the equity interests of four wholly-owned subsidiaries of GFL Environmental Inc. as a result of our inability to pursue collections during the transition services period with the seller, resulting in accounts receivable aged beyond what is typical in our business.
(iii)Organics facility closure charge are expenses related to us ceasing operations at an organic residuals composting facility that we own in Maine related to a change in state law prohibiting land application of biosolids based recycled products. The charge includes costs related to our closure and post-closure obligations and an obligation incurred for corrective action linked to soil remediation at the site, as well as other costs incurred associated with ceasing operations at the site, which we expect to continue to occur through final closure of the site.
(iv)Southbridge Landfill closure (recovery) charge are expenses, and related recoveries, related to the unplanned early closure of the landfill located in Southbridge, Massachusetts (“Southbridge Landfill”). The Company initiated the unplanned, premature closure of the Southbridge Landfill in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 due to the significant capital investment required to obtain expansion permits and for future development coupled with an uncertain regulatory environment. In fiscal year 2024, the Company received the final closure permit related to Southbridge Landfill, which set out permit conditions including environmental monitoring, third party inspections, inspection of the final cover, leachate sampling, post-closure monitoring and other post-closure requirements, and entered the post-closure period. The Company recorded a non-cash charge in fiscal year 2024, including a subsequent recovery in the three months ended December 31, 2024, to revise the accrued post-closure liability for the Southbridge Landfill based on the conditions in the closure permit.
(v)Landfill capping recovery - veneer failure is associated with a veneer failure that occurred in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 at a Subtitle D landfill we operate located in Seneca, New York. In fiscal year 2024, we recorded a recovery consisting of both (i) a partial reversal of historical payments written off after an engineering evaluation determined that a portion of the area affected by the veneer failure was deemed to still be viable as well as (ii) a recovery of operating expenses incurred during the clean up of the affected capping material as part of a settlement with a third-party.
(vi)Debt modification expense associated with agent fees and other third party costs we paid during the refinancing of our second amended and restated credit agreement.
(vii)Tax effect of the adjustments is an aggregate of the current and deferred tax impact of each adjustment, including the impact to the effective tax rate, current provision and deferred provision. The computation considers all relevant impacts of the adjustments, including available net operating loss carryforwards and the impact on the remaining valuation allowance.
9


Non-GAAP Liquidity Measures
In addition to disclosing financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP, the Company also presents non-GAAP liquidity measures, such as Adjusted Free Cash Flow, that provide an understanding of the Company's liquidity because it considers them important supplemental measures of its liquidity that are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of the Company's cash flow generation from its core operations that are then available to be deployed for strategic acquisitions, growth investments, development projects, unusual landfill closures, site improvement and remediation, and strengthening the Company’s balance sheet through paying down debt. The Company also believes that showing the impact of certain items as adjustments provides more transparency and comparability across periods. Management uses non-GAAP liquidity measures to understand the Company’s cash flow provided by operating activities after certain expenditures along with its consolidated net leverage and believes that these measures demonstrate the Company’s ability to execute on its strategic initiatives. The Company believes that providing such non-GAAP liquidity measures to investors, in addition to corresponding cash flow statement measures, affords investors the benefit of viewing the Company’s liquidity using the same financial metrics that the management team uses in making many key decisions and understanding how the core business and cash flow generation has performed. The table below, on an adjusted basis to exclude certain items, sets forth such liquidity measures:
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 2025202420252024
Net cash provided by operating activities$96,563 $109,761 $329,776 $281,355 
Capital expenditures(57,268)(76,866)(245,071)(203,227)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment228 333 809 1,380 
Proceeds from property insurance settlement— — — 146 
Acquisition capital expenditures (i)
12,119 19,836 66,258 45,325 
Cash outlays for acquisition expenses (ii)6,823 6,442 24,521 20,457 
McKean Landfill rail capital expenditures (iii)
1,956 145 3,581 3,688 
Cash outlays for organics facility closure (iv)
39 — 39 — 
FLSA legal settlement payment (v)
— — — 6,150 
Cash outlays for Southbridge Landfill closure (vi)
— 754 — 3,035 
Cash inflow for landfill capping recovery - veneer failure (vii)
— (850)— — 
Adjusted Free Cash Flow$60,460 $59,555 $179,913 $158,309 
(i)Acquisition capital expenditures are acquisition-related capital expenditures that are necessary to transition and upgrade acquired assets to Company operating standards and to achieve strategic synergies associated with integrating newly acquired operations, which can be considered, together with acquisition purchase price, as part of the initial overall investment in an acquired business.
(ii)Cash outlays for acquisition expenses are cash outlays for transaction and integration costs relating to specific acquisition transactions and include legal, consulting, rebranding, information technology and other costs as part of the Company’s strategic growth initiative.
(iii)McKean Landfill rail capital expenditures are long-term infrastructure capital expenditures related to rail side development at the Company's landfill in Mount Jewett, PA ("McKean Landfill"), which is different from the landfill construction investments in the normal course of operations.
(iv)Cash outlays for organics facility closure are cash outlays related to us ceasing operations at an organic residuals composting facility that we own in Maine related to a change in state law prohibiting land application of biosolids based recycled products. We expect to incur cash outlays through satisfaction of the closure requirements and the soil remediation process.
(v)FLSA legal settlement payment is the cash outlay of a legal settlement related to reaching an agreement in June 2023 with the collective class members of a class action lawsuit relating to certain claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 ("FLSA") as well as state wage and hours laws.
(vi)Cash outlays for Southbridge Landfill closure are cash outlays associated with the unplanned, early closure of the Southbridge Landfill. The Company initiated the unplanned, premature closure of the Southbridge Landfill in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, and expects to incur cash outlays through satisfaction of the closure requirements and
10


the environmental remediation process. In fiscal year 2024, the Company received the final closure permit related to Southbridge Landfill and entered the post-closure period.
(vii)Cash inflow for landfill capping recovery - veneer failure payment is the cash inflow associated with recovering certain operating expenses incurred to clean up the affected capping material at the Company's landfill in Seneca, New York that has been reimbursed to us by a third party.
Non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with or an alternative for GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues, Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income as a percentage of revenues, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP, and may be different from Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues, Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income as a percentage of revenues, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow presented by other companies.
11


CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2026 OUTLOOK NON-GAAP MEASURES
(In thousands)

Following is a reconciliation of the Company's estimated Adjusted EBITDA(i) from estimated Net income for fiscal year 2026:
 
(Estimated)
Twelve Months Ending
December 31, 2026
Net income
$16,000 - $22,000
Provision for income taxes
9,000 - 13,000
Other income(2,000)
Interest expense, net55,000
Expense from acquisition activities15,000
Depreciation and landfill amortization255,000
Amortization of intangibles75,000
Depletion of landfill operating lease obligations14,000
Interest accretion on landfill and environmental remediation liabilities15,000
Organics facility closure charge
3,000
Adjusted EBITDA
$455,000 - $465,000
Following is a reconciliation of the Company's estimated Adjusted Free Cash Flow(i) from estimated Net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal year 2026:
 
(Estimated)
Twelve Months Ending
December 31, 2026
Net cash provided by operating activities
$370,000 - $380,000
Capital expenditures(260,000)
Acquisition capital expenditures 65,000
Cash outlays for acquisition expenses15,000
McKean Landfill rail capital expenditures
2,000
Cash outlays for organics facility closure
3,000
Adjusted Free Cash Flow
$195,000 - $205,000
(i)See footnotes for Non-GAAP Performance Measures and Non-GAAP Liquidity Measures included in the Unaudited Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Measures for further disclosure over the nature of the various adjustments to estimated Adjusted EBITDA and estimated Adjusted Free Cash Flow.

12


CASELLA WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL DATA TABLES
(In thousands)
Amounts of total revenues attributable to services provided for the three months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 are as follows:
 Three Months Ended December 31,
 20252024
Gross
Revenues
Intercompany
Revenues
Third-Party
Revenues
Gross
Revenues (i)
Intercompany
Revenues (i)
Third-Party
Revenues
Collection$331,252 $(23,602)$307,650 $292,637 $(18,749)$273,888 
Disposal138,062 (73,738)64,324 131,329 (67,326)64,003 
Landfill gas-to-energy
1,742 — 1,742 1,814 — 1,814 
Processing3,358 (903)2,455 3,394 (729)2,665 
Solid waste
474,414 (98,243)376,171 429,174 (86,804)342,370 
Processing38,004 (5,981)32,023 36,401 (3,934)32,467 
National Accounts60,879 (18)60,861 52,844 (195)52,649 
Resource Solutions
98,883 (5,999)92,884 89,245 (4,129)85,116 
Total revenues$573,297 $(104,242)$469,055 $518,419 $(90,933)$427,486 
(i)Prior period amounts have been updated to correct an immaterial error by reclassifying certain intercompany amounts from contra-revenue to costs of operations.
Components of consolidated revenues growth for the three months ended December 31, 2025 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2024 are as follows:
Amount% of
Related
Business
% of Total
Company
Solid waste operations:
Collection$12,572 4.6 %2.9 %
Disposal2,602 4.1 %0.6 %
Solid waste price15,174 4.4 %3.5 %
Collection (884)(0.3)%(0.2)%
Disposal(2,911)(4.5)%(0.7)%
Processing86 3.2 %— %
Solid waste volume(3,709)(1.1)%(0.9)%
Intercompany transfers to National Accounts
(1,611)(0.4)%
Surcharges and other fees2,143 0.6 %
Commodity price and volume(369)(0.1)%
Acquisitions22,173 6.5 %5.2 %
Total solid waste operations33,801 9.9 %7.9 %
Resource Solutions operations:
Price(1,069)(1.3)%(0.3)%
Volume 8,002 9.4 %1.8 %
Intercompany transfers from solid waste
1,611 0.4 %
Surcharges and other fees227 0.1 %
Facility closure
(1,913)(0.4)%
Acquisitions910 1.1 %0.2 %
Total Resource Solutions operations7,768 9.1 %1.8 %
Total Company$41,569 9.7 %
13


Components of capital expenditures(i) for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 are as follows:
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 2025202420252024
Growth capital expenditures:
Acquisition capital expenditures
$12,127 $24,006 $62,383 $49,495 
McKean Landfill rail capital expenditures1,956 145 3,581 3,688 
Other3,743 5,231 17,036 14,867 
Growth capital expenditures17,826 29,382 83,000 68,050 
Replacement capital expenditures:
Landfill development9,733 11,337 23,932 43,873 
Vehicles, machinery, equipment and containers15,425 23,447 95,588 64,795 
Facilities11,099 11,354 32,720 21,890 
Other3,185 1,346 9,831 4,619 
Replacement capital expenditures39,442 47,484 162,071 135,177 
Capital expenditures$57,268 $76,866 $245,071 $203,227 
(i)The Company's capital expenditures are broadly defined as pertaining to either growth or replacement activities. Growth capital expenditures are defined as costs related to development projects, organic business growth, and the integration of newly acquired operations. Growth capital expenditures include costs related to the following: 1) acquisition capital expenditures that are necessary to transition and upgrade acquired assets to Company operating standards and to achieve strategic synergies associated with integrating newly acquired operations, which can be considered, together with acquisition purchase price, as part of the initial overall investment in an acquired business; 2) McKean Landfill rail capital expenditures, which is unique and different from landfill construction investments in the normal course of operations because the Company is investing in long-term infrastructure; and 3) development of landfill permit expansions, investment in infrastructure to increase throughput at transfer stations and recycling and other processing facilities, capital expenditures for new equipment, such as trucks, containers or compactors, to support new contracts or other organic business growth, and other development projects in support of our growth strategies. Replacement capital expenditures are defined as landfill cell construction costs not related to expansion airspace, costs for normal permit renewals, replacement costs for equipment and other capital expenditures due to age or obsolescence, and capital items not otherwise defined as growth capital expenditures.
14

FAQ

How did Casella Waste Systems (CWST) perform financially in fiscal year 2025?

Casella Waste Systems grew 2025 revenue to $1.837 billion, up 18.0% from 2024, driven by acquisitions and pricing. Adjusted EBITDA rose 17.3% to $422.8 million, while net income declined to $7.9 million because of higher costs and depreciation.

What were Casella Waste Systems’ Q4 2025 results?

In Q4 2025, Casella reported revenue of $469.1 million, up 9.7% year over year. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $107.0 million, up 12.7%, but the company posted a net loss of $(2.5) million due to higher depreciation and related expenses.

What 2026 guidance did Casella Waste Systems (CWST) provide?

For fiscal 2026, Casella guides to revenue of $1.970–$1.990 billion, net income of $16–$22 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $455–$465 million, net cash from operations of $370–$380 million, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $195–$205 million.

How are Casella Waste Systems’ non-GAAP metrics trending?

Non-GAAP metrics improved solidly in 2025. Adjusted EBITDA increased 17.3% to $422.8 million, and Adjusted Net Income reached $80.6 million. Adjusted Free Cash Flow rose 13.6% to $179.9 million, reflecting stronger underlying cash generation than GAAP net income suggests.

What drove Casella Waste Systems’ revenue growth in 2025?

Casella’s 18.0% revenue growth to $1.837 billion in 2025 was mainly driven by acquisitions, solid waste price increases, and growth in Resource Solutions, including National Accounts. Solid waste pricing alone contributed 4.9% for the year, with collection and disposal prices both rising.

How much cash did Casella Waste Systems generate from operations in 2025?

Casella generated net cash from operating activities of $329.8 million in 2025, an increase of $48.4 million, or 17.2%, from 2024. After capital expenditures and specific adjustments, Adjusted Free Cash Flow totaled $179.9 million for the year.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

4 documents
Casella Waste

NASDAQ:CWST

CWST Rankings

CWST Latest News

CWST Latest SEC Filings

CWST Stock Data

6.43B
62.13M
Waste Management
Refuse Systems
Link
United States
RUTLAND