STOCK TITAN

Waste Management (NYSE: WM) grows Q2 cash flow and backs 2026 EBITDA outlook

(High)
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Waste Management, Inc. (WM) reported solid second quarter 2026 results, with revenue of $6.684 billion, up 4.0% from a year earlier. Income from operations was $1.253 billion, and net income attributable to WM was $785 million, or $1.95 diluted EPS, with adjusted diluted EPS of $2.02.

Adjusted operating EBITDA was $2.067 billion, and the adjusted operating EBITDA margin improved to 30.9% from 30.5%. Free cash flow rose to $1.104 billion, a 34.5% increase, supported by net cash from operating activities of $1.726 billion. WM returned $1.04 billion to shareholders in the quarter through $659 million in share repurchases and $379 million in dividends.

The company completed three new renewable natural gas facilities adding about 3.5 million MMBtu of expected annual production and a new recycling facility with about 60,000 tons of annual capacity. For 2026, WM reaffirmed adjusted operating EBITDA guidance of $8.15–$8.25 billion and free cash flow of $3.75–$3.85 billion, while updating revenue guidance to $26.275–$26.475 billion and raising its adjusted operating EBITDA margin outlook to 31.0%–31.2%.

Positive

  • Second quarter free cash flow increased 34.5% to $1.10 billion, enabling WM to return $1.04 billion to shareholders while maintaining full‑year adjusted operating EBITDA guidance of $8.15–$8.25 billion and free cash flow guidance of $3.75–$3.85 billion.

Negative

  • None.

Filing Explained

The filing adds a period-to-date liquidity view through June 30.

The July 28 Form 8-K records WM’s completed second-quarter results disclosure and adds a June 30 balance-sheet view.

Form 8-K reports specified material events within four business days; the attached interim financial statements are marked unaudited.

For the six months ended June 30, 2026, the filing provides period-to-date cash-flow context for the reported cash balance.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Q2 2026 Revenue $6,684 million Operating revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2026
Q2 2026 Net Income $785 million Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. for Q2 2026
Q2 2026 Diluted EPS $1.95 per share Diluted earnings per common share for the quarter ended June 30, 2026
Q2 2026 Adjusted Operating EBITDA $2,067 million Adjusted operating EBITDA for the quarter ended June 30, 2026
Q2 2026 Adjusted EBITDA Margin 30.9% Adjusted operating EBITDA as a percentage of revenue in Q2 2026
Q2 2026 Free Cash Flow $1,104 million Free cash flow for the three months ended June 30, 2026
Capital Returned to Shareholders Q2 2026 $1,040 million Share repurchases of $659 million and dividends of $379 million in Q2 2026
2026 Adjusted EBITDA Outlook $8.15–$8.25 billion Full‑year 2026 guidance for adjusted operating EBITDA
Operating EBITDA financial
"Operating EBITDA (b) (c) | | $ | 2,030 | | | $ | 2,067"
Operating EBITDA is a measure of the cash profit a company generates from its core business activities, calculated by taking earnings and adding back interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization while excluding one‑time items and non‑operating income. For investors it acts like checking how much money a store makes from selling its products before financing, taxes and accounting charges, helping compare operational performance across companies and periods.
free cash flow financial
"Free cash flow was $1.10 billion, compared to $818 million"
Free cash flow is the amount of money a company has left over after paying all its expenses and investing in its business, like buying equipment or updating facilities. It shows how much cash is available to reward shareholders, pay down debt, or save for future growth. This helps investors understand if a company is financially healthy and able to grow.
Healthcare Solutions segment financial
"now presented as our Healthcare Solutions segment and achieve the anticipated benefits"
landfill accretion expense financial
"Beginning in 2026, landfill accretion expense was moved from operating expenses"
internalization of waste financial
"Internalization of waste, based on disposal costs | | | 73.0 %"
Revenue $6,684 million up 4.0% versus the quarter ended June 30, 2025
Adjusted operating EBITDA $2,067 million up 5.5% versus the prior‑year quarter
Free cash flow $1,104 million up 34.5% from $818 million in the prior‑year quarter
Adjusted diluted EPS $2.02 per share up from $1.92 per share a year earlier
Guidance

For 2026, WM expects adjusted operating EBITDA of $8.15–$8.25 billion, free cash flow of $3.75–$3.85 billion, revenue of $26.275–$26.475 billion, and an adjusted operating EBITDA margin of 31.0%–31.2%.

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FAQ

How did Waste Management (WM) perform financially in Q2 2026?

Waste Management reported Q2 2026 revenue of $6.684 billion, up 4.0% year over year, and net income attributable to WM of $785 million. Diluted EPS was $1.95, or $2.02 on an adjusted basis, with adjusted operating EBITDA of $2.067 billion.

What were Waste Management (WM)’s margins in the second quarter of 2026?

In Q2 2026, Waste Management’s adjusted operating EBITDA margin was 30.9%, up from 30.5% a year earlier. Operating expenses were 59.2% of revenue, and SG&A expenses were 10.2% of revenue, or 9.9% on an adjusted basis.

How much free cash flow did Waste Management (WM) generate in Q2 2026?

Waste Management generated $1.104 billion of free cash flow in Q2 2026, compared to $818 million in the prior‑year quarter. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.726 billion, and capital spending included both core and sustainability growth investments.

What capital returns did Waste Management (WM) provide to shareholders in Q2 2026?

During Q2 2026, Waste Management returned $1.04 billion to shareholders. This consisted of $659 million in share repurchases and $379 million in cash dividends, reflecting strong cash generation and an ongoing capital return program.

What is Waste Management (WM)’s financial outlook for full‑year 2026?

For 2026, Waste Management projects adjusted operating EBITDA of $8.15–$8.25 billion and free cash flow of $3.75–$3.85 billion. Revenue is expected between $26.275 and $26.475 billion, with an adjusted operating EBITDA margin of 31.0%–31.2%.

What sustainability and growth projects did Waste Management (WM) complete in Q2 2026?

In Q2 2026, Waste Management completed three renewable natural gas facilities in South Carolina and Florida, adding about 3.5 million MMBtu of expected annual production, and a new recycling facility in Denver providing roughly 60,000 tons of annual processing capacity.
false 0000823768 WASTE MANAGEMENT INC 0000823768 2026-07-28 2026-07-28 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): July 28, 2026

 

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 second quarter of 2026, 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 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on July 29, 2026. 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 July 28, 2026
104  Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

 

 

 

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: July 28, 2026 By: /s/ Charles C. Boettcher
    Charles C. Boettcher
    Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1 

 

WM Announces Second Quarter 2026 Earnings

 

Cash Flow from Operations Increases Nearly 12%, Supporting the Return of More Than $1 Billion to Shareholders During the Quarter 

 

WM Completes Four Sustainability Growth Projects and Releases its 2026 Sustainability Report

 

Houston — July 28, 2026 — WM (NYSE: WM) today announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.

 

   Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
   June 30, 2026
(in millions, except per share amounts)
   June 30, 2025
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
   As Reported   As Adjusted(a)   As Reported   As Adjusted(a) 
Revenue  $6,684   $6,684   $6,430   $6,430 
Income from Operations  $1,253   $1,290   $1,151   $1,215 
Operating EBITDA(b) (c)  $2,030   $2,067   $1,895   $1,959 
Operating EBITDA Margin   30.4%   30.9%   29.5%   30.5%
Net Income(d)  $785   $813   $726   $777 
Diluted EPS  $1.95   $2.02   $1.80   $1.92 

 

“Second quarter earnings growth, margin expansion, and cash flow generation reflect the strength of our business model and consistent execution from the WM team,” said Jim Fish, WM’s CEO. “Adjusted operating EBITDA grew 5.5%, or 9.1% when removing contributions from wildfire cleanup activities in the prior year. Each of our operating segments contributed to growth in adjusted operating EBITDA and margin, led by the Collection and Disposal business and bolstered by our healthcare and sustainability businesses. The momentum across our operations and our confidence in the ability to execute our strategy position us well to achieve strong 2026 results.”(a)

 

Fish continued, “Our results continue to demonstrate our ability to harvest the benefits of our strategic investments in technology and automation, sustainability growth projects, and our healthcare business. Growth and productivity gains across our diversified portfolio, anchored by our Collection and Disposal business, drove a nearly 12% increase in cash flow from operations. With a strong balance sheet, industry-leading asset network, and significant technology runway ahead, we are confident in our ability to deliver long-term value for shareholders.”

 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS FOR the SECOND quarter OF 2026

 

·Revenue grew 4.0%, driven by core price of 5.7% and Collection and Disposal yield of 3.6%. In addition to disciplined execution on pricing, revenue growth was driven by increased volumes in the recycling and renewable energy businesses as a result of completed growth projects as well as higher energy surcharges.(e)
·Collection and Disposal volume declined 1.8%, primarily due to wildfire cleanup activities that benefited the prior year period. Excluding prior year’s wildfire cleanup activity, landfill volumes grew 1.7% and Collection and Disposal volume declined 0.4%. While intentional shedding of lower-margin residential business drove a portion of the Collection and Disposal volume decline, residential volume losses have begun to slow, as anticipated, with losses improving sequentially by 210 basis points.

 

 

 

 

·Operating expenses were 59.2% of revenue, in-line with prior year despite higher fuel-related expenses, demonstrating the Company’s continued commitment to using technology and automation to optimize costs and enhance operational efficiency.
·SG&A expenses were 10.2% of revenue, or 9.9% on an adjusted basis, an improvement of 60 basis points both on a reported and adjusted basis from the prior year, reflecting strong cost discipline and continued synergy capture in Healthcare Solutions.(a)
·Total Company operating EBITDA margin expanded 90 basis points, or 40 basis points on an adjusted basis, in the second quarter, overcoming a 60-basis point headwind from prior year wildfire cleanup volumes and a 40-basis point headwind from the impact of higher energy surcharges. (a)
·Collection and Disposal operating EBITDA grew by $104 million, or $79 million on an adjusted basis. Growth overcame a 70-basis point headwind to the segment from wildfire cleanup contributions in the prior year and was driven by favorable price-to-cost spread, reflecting the Company’s continued success in reducing frontline turnover and disciplined cost management initiatives.(a)
·Together, operating EBITDA in the recycling and renewable energy businesses grew $39 million, or $40 million on an adjusted basis, an increase of 32.5% compared to last year driven by higher recycling volumes, efficiencies from automation projects, and increased renewable natural gas production.(a)(f)
·Operating EBITDA grew by $25 million, or $11 million on an adjusted basis, in the Healthcare Solutions business, driven by effective SG&A cost management and benefits from integration with core Collection and Disposal operations.(a)
·The Company generated $1.73 billion of net cash provided by operating activities compared to $1.55 billion in the prior year period, primarily driven by operating EBITDA growth and working capital improvements. Free cash flow was $1.10 billion, compared to $818 million in the prior year period, an increase of 34.5%.(a)
·The Company returned $1.04 billion to shareholders in the second quarter, consisting of $659 million in share repurchases and $379 million in cash dividends.
·During the quarter, the Company completed three new renewable natural gas facilities, two in South Carolina and one in Florida that together added about 3.5 million MMBtu of expected annual run-rate production. Additionally, the Company completed a new recycling facility in Denver, Colorado that added about 60,000 tons of annual processing capacity.
·WM released its 2026 Sustainability Report, Driving Value Through Sustainability, highlighting progress toward the Company’s sustainability ambitions and describing how its sustainability businesses drive value while advancing a more sustainable future for communities and the environment.

 

2026 OUTLOOK

 

With two quarters of the year complete, the Company remains confident in its ability to deliver its full-year outlook for adjusted operating EBITDA between $8.15 and $8.25 billion and free cash flow of between $3.75 and $3.85 billion. Revenue is now expected to be between $26.275 and $26.475 billion dollars, reflecting a reduction of approximately 0.6% compared to the prior outlook, primarily driven by lower volume expectations, partially offset by higher energy surcharges. Accordingly, adjusted operating EBITDA margin in 2026 is now expected to be between 31.0% and 31.2%, representing an increase of 20 basis points. Despite a slightly lower revenue outlook, the resilience of the Company’s operating model, including a proven ability to flex costs and drive productivity, supports continued confidence in achieving original profitability and cash flow targets.(a)

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

(c)Beginning in 2026, landfill accretion expense was moved from operating expenses to depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion.  Landfill accretion expense in the three months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025 was $39 million and $36 million, respectively. For comparability purposes, 2025 actuals have been updated to reflect that change.

 

(d)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.”

 

(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)The Company’s blended average price received for single stream recycled commodities sold during the quarter was about $75 per ton compared to about $84 per ton in the prior year period. The average price received for Renewable Fuel Standard credits was $2.33 during the quarter compared to $2.53 in the prior year period. The average price received for natural gas was $2.23 per MMBtu during the quarter compared to $2.81 per MMBtu in the prior year. The average price received for electricity was about $69 per megawatt hour in the quarter compared to about $67 per megawatt hour in the prior year period.

 

The Company will host a conference call at 10 a.m. ET on July 29, 2026, to discuss the second quarter 2026 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. WM, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. In North America, WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet, is the largest recycler and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gas-to-electricity plants, as well as the largest heavy-duty natural gas truck fleet in the industry. WM, through its subsidiaries, also provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste and secure information destruction services in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

 

 

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

The Company, from time to time, provides estimates or projections of financial and other data, comments on expectations relating to future periods and makes statements of opinion, view or belief about current and future events, circumstances or performance. This press release contains a number of such forward-looking statements, including all statements under the heading “2026 Outlook” and all statements regarding future growth, earnings, value creation, performance and results of our business; targets, financial guidance and outlook; ability to achieve the Company’s 2026 outlook; and technology and automation 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, including our ability to integrate the acquisition of Stericycle, Inc. (which is now presented as our Healthcare Solutions segment) and achieve the anticipated benefits therefrom, including synergies; legal, regulatory, operational, technological and other matters that may affect the costs and timing of our ability to integrate and deliver all of the expected benefits of the Stericycle, Inc. acquisition; existing or new environmental and other regulations, including developments related to emerging contaminants, gas emissions, renewable energy, recyclables, extended producer responsibility and our natural gas fleet; significant environmental, safety or other incidents resulting in liabilities or brand damage; failure to obtain and maintain necessary permits due to land scarcity, public opposition or otherwise; diminishing landfill capacity, resulting in increased costs and the need for disposal alternatives; failure to attract, hire and retain key team members and a high quality workforce; increases in labor costs due to union organizing activities or changes in wage- and labor-related regulations; disruption and costs resulting from severe weather and destructive climate events; failure to achieve our sustainability goals or execute on our sustainability-related strategy and initiatives, including within planned timelines or anticipated budgets due to disruptions, delays, cost increases or changes in environmental or tax regulations and incentives; focus on, and regulation of, environmental and sustainability-related disclosures, which could lead to increased costs, risk of non-compliance, brand damage and litigation risk related to our sustainability efforts; macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical conflict and large-scale market disruption resulting in labor, supply chain and transportation constraints, inflationary cost pressures and fluctuations in commodity prices, fuel and other energy costs; increased competition and pricing pressure; impacts from international trade restrictions and tariffs; competitive disposal alternatives, diversion of waste from landfills and declining waste volumes; changes in general economic conditions, capital markets or consumer trends; changing conditions in the recycling industry, including impacts on demand, pricing and availability of counterparties; changing conditions in the healthcare industry; adoption of new tax legislation; fuel shortages; failure to develop and protect new technology; failure of technology to perform as expected; inability to adapt and manage the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence; failure to prevent, detect and address cybersecurity incidents or comply with privacy regulations; negative outcomes of litigation or governmental proceedings, including those acquired through transactions; failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting; and operational or management decisions or developments that result in impairment charges. Please also see the Company’s filings with the SEC, including Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated by subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, for additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties applicable to its business. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, including financial estimates and forecasts, whether as a result of future events, circumstances or developments or otherwise.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

WM

 

Website 

www.wm.com

 

Analysts 

Ed Egl 

713.265.1656 

eegl@wm.com

 

Media 

Toni Werner 

media@wm.com

 

###

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 

(In Millions, Except per Share Amounts) 

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   June 30,   June 30, 
   2026   2025   2026   2025 
Operating revenues  $6,684   $6,430   $12,911   $12,448 
Costs and expenses:                   
Operating(a)   3,955    3,803    7,649    7,415 
Selling, general and administrative   683    696    1,390    1,383 
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion(a)   777    744    1,512    1,435 
Restructuring   6    12    10    25 
(Gain) loss from divestitures, asset impairments and unusual items, net   10    24    (16)   26 
    5,431    5,279    10,545    10,284 
Income from operations   1,253    1,151    2,366    2,164 
Other income (expense):                    
Interest expense, net   (233)   (232)   (458)   (464)
Other, net   4    9    7    16 
    (229)   (223)   (451)   (448)
Income before income taxes   1,024    928    1,915    1,716 
Income tax expense   238    201    406    352 
Consolidated net income   786    727    1,509    1,364 
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests   1    1    1    1 
Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc.  $785   $726   $1,508   $1,363 
Basic earnings per common share  $1.96   $1.80   $3.75   $3.39 
Diluted earnings per common share  $1.95   $1.80   $3.74   $3.37 
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding   401.5    402.6    402.3    402.5 
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding   402.4    404.3    403.3    404.0 

 

 

(a)Beginning in 2026, landfill accretion expense was moved from operating expenses to depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion. Landfill accretion expenses in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026 are $39 million and $78 million, respectively. Landfill accretion expenses in the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 are $36 million and $71 million, respectively. For comparability purposes, 2025 actuals have been updated to reflect that change.

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

(In Millions) 

(Unaudited)

 

   June 30,   December 31, 
   2026   2025 
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $557   $201 
Receivables, net   4,206    4,055 
Other   634    654 
Total current assets   5,397    4,910 
Property and equipment, net   20,440    20,378 
Goodwill   14,001    13,880 
Other intangible assets, net   3,641    3,767 
Other   2,962    2,900 
Total assets  $46,441   $45,835 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred revenues  $4,873   $4,813 
Current portion of long-term debt   1,075    711 
Total current liabilities   5,948    5,524 
Long-term debt, less current portion   22,281    22,196 
Other   8,286    8,124 
Total liabilities   36,515    35,844 
Equity:          
Waste Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity   9,925    9,990 
Noncontrolling interests   1    1 
Total equity   9,926    9,991 
Total liabilities and equity  $46,441   $45,835 

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

(In Millions) 

(Unaudited)

 

   Six Months Ended 
   June 30, 
   2026   2025 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Consolidated net income  $1,509   $1,364 
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion   1,512    1,435 
Other   288    228 
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures   (82)   (274)
Net cash provided by operating activities   3,227    2,753 
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired   (85)   (366)
Capital expenditures   (1,280)   (1,563)
Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested   77    103 
Other, net   (139)   (89)
Net cash used in investing activities   (1,427)   (1,915)
Cash flows from financing activities:          
New borrowings   12,823    9,135 
Debt repayments   (12,484)   (9,234)
Common stock repurchase program   (1,003)    
Cash dividends   (764)   (669)
Exercise of common stock options   32    50 
Tax payments associated with equity-based compensation transactions   (40)   (49)
Other, net   (16)   (14)
Net cash used in financing activities   (1,452)   (781)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents   (7)   8 
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents   341    65 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   297    487 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $638   $552 

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

SUMMARY DATA SHEET 

(In Millions) 

(Unaudited)

 

Operating Revenues by Line of Business

 

   Three Months Ended June 30, 
   2026   2025 
   Gross   Intercompany   Net   Gross   Intercompany   Net 
   Operating   Operating   Operating   Operating   Operating   Operating 
   Revenues   Revenues(a)   Revenues   Revenues   Revenues(a)   Revenues 
Commercial  $1,721   $(236)  $1,485   $1,618   $(220)  $1,398 
Industrial   1,065    (245)   820    1,013    (223)   790 
Residential   930    (19)   911    894    (22)   872 
Other collection   923    (74)   849    864    (68)   796 
Total collection   4,639    (574)   4,065    4,389    (533)   3,856 
Landfill   1,433    (429)   1,004    1,446    (410)   1,036 
Transfer   710    (300)   410    681    (292)   389 
Total Collection and Disposal  $6,782   $(1,303)  $5,479   $6,516   $(1,235)  $5,281 
Recycling Processing and Sales   491    (88)   403    482    (101)   381 
Renewable Energy   157        157    115        115 
Healthcare Solutions(b)   742    (104)   638    760    (114)   646 
Corporate and Other   15    (8)   7    15    (8)   7 
Total  $8,187   $(1,503)  $6,684   $7,888   $(1,458)  $6,430 

 

   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2026   2025 
   Gross   Intercompany   Net   Gross   Intercompany   Net 
   Operating   Operating   Operating   Operating   Operating   Operating 
   Revenues   Revenues(a)   Revenues   Revenues   Revenues(a)   Revenues 
Commercial  $3,379   $(465)  $2,914   $3,212   $(434)  $2,778 
Industrial   2,045    (467)   1,578    1,953    (422)   1,531 
Residential   1,836    (37)   1,799    1,788    (44)   1,744 
Other collection   1,789    (146)   1,643    1,689    (140)   1,549 
Total collection   9,049    (1,115)   7,934    8,642    (1,040)   7,602 
Landfill   2,679    (811)   1,868    2,639    (763)   1,876 
Transfer   1,329    (571)   758    1,273    (548)   725 
Total Collection and Disposal  $13,057   $(2,497)  $10,560   $12,554   $(2,351)  $10,203 
Recycling Processing and Sales   946    (175)   771    947    (182)   765 
Renewable Energy   318    (2)   316    207    (1)   206 
Healthcare Solutions(b)   1,463    (211)   1,252    1,481    (216)   1,265 
Corporate and Other   28    (16)   12    25    (16)   9 
Total  $15,812   $(2,901)  $12,911   $15,214   $(2,766)  $12,448 

 

 

(a)Includes each segment’s intercompany activity, including transactions within a segment and between segments. Transactions within and between segments are generally made on a basis intended to reflect the market value of the service.
(b)In the third quarter of 2025, as a result of continued integration efforts and to enhance transparency and accountability, the Company began reflecting intra-segment activity within the Healthcare Solutions segment. These charges were designed to measure profitability at more granular levels of the enterprise and to facilitate clearer financial accountability within operating units. Accordingly, adjustments to the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 were made to properly reflect intra-segment activity for each period. Intra-segment operating revenues and operating expenses within Healthcare Solutions for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 are $101 million and $202 million, respectively. Intra-segment operating revenues and operating expenses within Healthcare Solutions for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 are $113 million and $207 million, respectively.

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

SUMMARY DATA SHEET 

(In Millions) 

(Unaudited)

 

Internal Revenue Growth

 

   Period-to-Period Change for the   Period-to-Period Change for the
    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30, 2026 vs. 2025   June 30, 2026 vs. 2025
       As a % of       As a % of       As a % of       As a % of
       Related       Total       Related       Total
   Amount   Business(a)   Amount   Company(b)   Amount   Business(a)   Amount   Company(b)
Collection and Disposal  $181    3.6%            $362    3.7%          
Recycling Processing and Sales and Renewable Energy(c)   (6)   (1.2)             (43)   (4.3)          
Energy surcharge and mandated fees   102    38.2              122    23.7           
Total average yield            $277    4.3%            $441   3.5 %
Volume(d)             (22)   (0.3)             (10)  (0.1 )
Healthcare Solutions(e)             (30)   (0.5)             (42)  (0.3 )
Internal revenue growth             225    3.5              389   3.1  
Acquisitions             33    0.5              68   0.6  
Divestitures             (5)                 (9)  (0.1 )
Foreign currency translation             1                  15   0.1  
Total            $254    4.0%            $463   3.7 %

 

   Period-to-Period Change for the   Period-to-Period Change for the 
   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   June 30, 2026 vs. 2025   June 30, 2026 vs. 2025 
   As a % of Related Business(a)   As a % of Related Business(a) 
   Yield   Volume   Yield   Volume 
Commercial   4.0%   (1.2)%   4.4%   (1.4)%
Industrial   3.4    0.2    3.3    0.2 
Residential   6.1    (2.9)   6.2    (3.9)
Total collection   4.2    (1.2)   4.3    (1.6)
MSW   5.2    0.2    5.9    1.3 
Transfer   3.6    (1.1)   3.4    (1.9)
Total Collection and Disposal   3.6%   (1.8)%   3.7%   (1.6)%

 

 

(a)Calculated by dividing the increase or decrease for the current year period by the prior year period’s related business revenues adjusted to exclude the impacts of divestitures for the current year period.
(b)Calculated by dividing the increase or decrease for the current year period by the prior year period’s total Company revenues adjusted to exclude the impacts of divestitures for the current year period.
(c)Includes combined impact of commodity price variability in both our Recycling Processing and Sales and WM Renewable Energy segments, as well as changes in certain recycling fees charged by our collection and disposal operations.
(d)Includes activities from our Corporate and Other businesses.
(e)The amounts reported herein represent the change in our revenues from the combined impacts of yield and volume attributable to our Healthcare Solutions segment.

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

SUMMARY DATA SHEET 

(In Millions) 

(Unaudited)

 

Free Cash Flow(a)

 

   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   June 30,   June 30, 
   2026   2025   2026   2025 
Net cash provided by operating activities  $1,726   $1,545   $3,227   $2,753 
Capital expenditures to support the business   (555)   (572)   (1,144)   (1,275)
Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested   8    5    77    103 
Free cash flow without sustainability growth investments   1,179    978    2,160    1,581 
Capital expenditures - sustainability growth investments   (75)   (160)   (136)   (288)
Free cash flow  $1,104   $818   $2,024   $1,293 

 

   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   June 30,   June 30, 
   2026   2025   2026   2025 
Supplemental Data                    
Internalization of waste, based on disposal costs   73.0%   71.9%   72.4%   71.3%
Landfill depletable tons (in millions)   33.5    34.7    62.3    64.0 
Acquisition Summary(b)                    
Gross annualized revenue acquired  $123   $131   $123   $142 
Total consideration, net of cash acquired   235    404    235    411 
Cash paid for acquisitions consummated during the period, net of cash acquired   85    363    85    370 
Cash paid for acquisitions including contingent consideration and other items from prior periods, net of cash acquired   97    365    98    378 

 

Landfill Amortization and Accretion Expenses

 

   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   June 30,   June 30, 
   2026   2025   2026   2025 
Landfill depletion expense:                    
Cost basis of landfill assets  $187   $182   $347   $332 
Asset retirement costs   43    38    75    71 
Total landfill depletion expense   230    220    422    403 
Accretion expense   39    36    78    71 
Landfill depletion and accretion expense  $269   $256   $500   $474 

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES 

(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts) 

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended June 30, 2026 
   Income from   Pre-tax   Tax   Net   Diluted Per 
   Operations   Income   Expense   Income(a)   Share Amount 
As reported amounts  $1,253   $1,024   $238   $785   $1.95 
Adjustments:                         
Stericycle acquisition and integration costs   24    24    6    18      
(Gain) loss from asset impairments, unusual items and other, net   13    13    3    10      
    37    37    9    28    0.07 
As adjusted amounts  $1,290   $1,061   $247(b)  $813   $2.02 
Depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion(c)   777                     
Adjusted operating EBITDA  $2,067                     
                          
Adjusted operating EBITDA margin   30.9%                    

 

   Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 
   Income from   Pre-tax   Tax   Net   Diluted Per 
   Operations   Income   Expense   Income(a)    Share Amount 
As reported amounts  $1,151   $928   $201   $726   $1.80 
Adjustments:                         
Stericycle acquisition and integration costs   37    37    8    29      
(Gain) loss from asset impairments, unusual items and other, net(d)   27    27    5    22      
    64    64    13    51    0.12 
As adjusted amounts  $1,215   $992   $214(b)  $777   $1.92 
Depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion(c)   744                     
Adjusted operating EBITDA  $1,959                     
                          
Adjusted operating EBITDA margin   30.5%                    
                          
Wildfire Adjustment:                         
Wildfire clean-up activities   (64)                    
Operating EBITDA adjusted for wildfires  $1,895                     

 

 

(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 three months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025 adjusted effective tax rates are 23.3% and 21.8%, respectively.
(c)Beginning in 2026, landfill accretion expense was moved from operating expenses to depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion. Landfill accretion expenses in the three months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025 are $39 million and $36 million, respectively. For comparability purposes, 2025 results have been updated to reflect that change.
(d)The three months ended June 30, 2025 includes net charges primarily related to a business engaged in oil recovery and sludge processing services.

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES 

(In Millions) 

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended June 30, 2026 
       Recycling                 
   Collection   Processing   Renewable   Healthcare   Corporate   Total 
   and Disposal(a)(b)   and Sales(a)   Energy(b)   Solutions   and Other   WM 
Adjusted Operating EBITDA and Adjusted Operating EBITDA Margin                              
                               
Operating revenues, as reported  $5,479   $403   $157   $638   $7   $6,684 
                               
Income from operations, as reported  $1,550   $36   $47   $2   $(382)  $1,253 
Depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion(c)   565    54    24    105    29    777 
Operating EBITDA, as reported  $2,115   $90   $71   $107   $(353)  $2,030 
                               
Adjustments:                              
Stericycle acquisition and integration costs               14    10    24 
(Gain) loss from asset impairments, unusual items and other, net       2            11    13 
        2        14    21    37 
Adjusted operating EBITDA  $2,115   $92   $71   $121   $(332)  $2,067 
Operating EBITDA margin, as reported   38.6%   22.3%   45.2%   16.8%   N/A    30.4%
Adjusted operating EBITDA margin   38.6%   22.8%   45.2%   19.0%   N/A    30.9%
                               

 

   Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 
       Recycling                 
   Collection   Processing   Renewable   Healthcare   Corporate   Total 
   and Disposal(a)(b)   and Sales(a)   Energy(b)   Solutions   and Other   WM 
Adjusted Operating EBITDA and Adjusted Operating EBITDA Margin                              
                               
Operating revenues, as reported  $5,281   $381   $115   $646   $7   $6,430 
                               
Income from operations, as reported  $1,461   $24   $38   $(23)  $(349)  $1,151 
Depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion(c)   550    45    15    105    29    744 
Operating EBITDA, as reported  $2,011   $69   $53   $82   $(320)  $1,895 
                               
Adjustments:                              
Stericycle acquisition and integration costs               28    9    37 
(Gain) loss from asset impairments, unusual items and other, net(d)   25    1            1    27 
    25    1        28    10    64 
Adjusted operating EBITDA  $2,036   $70   $53   $110   $(310)  $1,959 
Operating EBITDA margin, as reported   38.1%   18.1%   46.1%   12.7%   N/A    29.5%
Adjusted operating EBITDA margin   38.6%   18.4%   46.1%   17.0%   N/A    30.5%

 

 

(a)Certain fees related to the processing of recycled material we collect are included within our Collection and Disposal business. The amounts in Income from Operations for the three months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025 are $22 million and $20 million, respectively.
(b)WM Renewable Energy pays a 15% intercompany royalty to our Collection and Disposal business and Corporate and Other for landfill gas. The total amount of royalties in Income from Operations for the three months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, are $24 million and $17 million, respectively.
(c)Beginning in 2026, landfill accretion expense was moved from operating expenses to depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion. Landfill accretion expenses in the three months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025 are $39 million and $36 million, respectively. For comparability purposes, 2025 results have been updated to reflect that change.
(d)The three months ended June 30, 2025 includes net charges primarily related to a business engaged in oil recovery and sludge processing services.

 

 

 

 

WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP MEASURES 

(In Millions) 

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
   June 30, 2026   June 30, 2025(a) 
Adjusted Operating Expenses and Adjusted Operating Expenses Margin          
           
Operating revenues, as reported  $6,684   $6,430 
           
Operating expenses, as reported  $3,955   $3,803 
As a % of net revenues   59.2%   59.1%
Adjustment:          
Legacy loss contingency reserve       (4)
Operating expenses, as adjusted  $3,955   $3,799 
As a % of net revenues   59.2%   59.1%

 

   Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
   June 30, 2026   June 30, 2025 
Adjusted SG&A Expenses and Adjusted SG&A Expenses Margin          
           
Operating revenues, as reported  $6,684   $6,430 
           
SG&A expenses, as reported  $683   $696 
As a % of net revenues   10.2%   10.8%
Adjustment:          
Stericycle acquisition and integration-related costs   (21)   (24)
SG&A expenses, as adjusted  $662   $672 
As a % of net revenues   9.9%   10.5%

 

2026 Projected Free Cash Flow Reconciliation(b)  Scenario 1   Scenario 2 
Net cash provided by operating activities  $6,300   $6,450 
Capital expenditures to support the business   (2,400)   (2,500)
Proceeds from divestitures of businesses and other assets, net of cash divested   100    150 
Free cash flow without sustainability growth investments  $4,000   $4,100 
Capital expenditures - sustainability growth investments   (250)   (250)
Free cash flow  $3,750   $3,850 

 

 

(a)Beginning in 2026, landfill accretion expense was moved from operating expenses to depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion. Landfill accretion expenses in the three months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025 are $39 million and $36 million, respectively. For comparability purposes, 2025 results have been updated to reflect that change.
(b)The reconciliation includes two scenarios that illustrate our projected free cash flow range for 2026. The amounts used in the reconciliation are subject to many variables, some of which are not under our control and, therefore, are not necessarily indicative of actual results.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

The table below illustrates the impact that differing contract structures have 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 
   June 30, 2026   June 30, 2025 
   Amount   Change in
Adjusted
Operating
EBITDA Margin
   Amount   Change in
Adjusted
Operating
EBITDA Margin
 
Recycling commodity rebates  $180    0.9%  $139    0.7%

 

   Six Months Ended 
   June 30, 2026   June 30, 2025 
   Amount   Change in
Adjusted
Operating
EBITDA Margin
   Amount   Change in
Adjusted
Operating
EBITDA Margin
 
Recycling commodity rebates  $342    0.8%  $377    0.9%

 

 

 

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