10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2009

WASTE MANAGEMENT INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2009

Filed October 29, 2009For Securities:WM

Summary

Waste Management, Inc. (WM) reported its third-quarter and year-to-date results for the period ending September 30, 2009. The company experienced a decline in total revenues compared to the prior year, largely attributed to challenging economic conditions impacting waste volumes, lower commodity prices (especially for recyclables), and reduced natural gas prices affecting their energy businesses. Despite these headwinds, WM demonstrated resilience through a continued focus on pricing strategies, which yielded positive revenue growth in collection and disposal services, and stringent cost control measures, including benefits from a January 2009 restructuring. Financially, the company maintained solid operational income and generated substantial free cash flow, enabling it to resume share repurchases in the third quarter and continue its dividend payments. While the macroeconomic environment posed challenges, WM expressed optimism regarding the stabilization of volumes and the recovery of recyclable commodity prices, anticipating these trends to support improved performance in the fourth quarter and beyond. The company also highlighted its strategic investment in Shanghai Environment Group as part of its expansion in waste-to-energy services.

Financial Highlights

47 data points
Beta

Revenue

$3.02B

Net Income

$277.00M

9.2% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$0.56

Total Assets

$20.39B

Cash & Equivalents

$612.00M

Free Cash Flow

$575.00M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$3.02B
SG&A Expenses$339.00M
Operating Expenses$2.50B
Operating Income$525.00M
Net Income$277.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.56
EPS (Diluted)$0.56
Shares Outstanding (Basic)492.20M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)494.60M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, decreased by 14.5% to $8.785 billion compared to $10.280 billion in the prior year period.
  • 2Income from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, was $1.431 billion, a decrease from $1.775 billion in the same period of 2008.
  • 3Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, was $679 million, or $1.37 per diluted share, down from $869 million, or $1.75 per diluted share, in the prior year.
  • 4Free cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, was $839 million, compared to $1.207 billion in the prior year.
  • 5The company recognized $46 million in restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, primarily related to employee severance and benefit costs due to organizational streamlining.
  • 6Waste Management announced an agreement to purchase a 40% equity investment in Shanghai Environment Group for approximately $140 million, signaling international expansion in waste-to-energy.
  • 7Operating expenses decreased significantly due to lower volumes, reduced commodity prices, and lower fuel costs, with operating expenses as a percentage of revenue improving from 63.0% to 61.4% in the third quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers for the revenue decline were the challenging economic environment, which led to reduced waste volumes, significantly lower prices for recyclable commodities, and lower natural gas prices impacting the company's waste-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy businesses. These factors collectively resulted in a $502 million decrease in revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2009, compared to the prior year.

Waste Management implemented stringent cost control measures. Operating expenses decreased by $365 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. This reduction was driven by lower volumes, decreased costs for recyclable commodities and fuel, and savings realized from the company's January 2009 restructuring efforts. The company also focused on reducing controllable selling, general and administrative expenses.

The company expressed optimism, noting a stabilization in waste volumes and a recovery in recyclable commodity prices from their recent lows. They anticipate these trends will contribute to improved performance in the fourth quarter of 2009 and beyond. The strategic investment in Shanghai Environment Group also indicates a focus on future growth in the waste-to-energy sector.

Yes, given the stabilization of capital markets and economic conditions, Waste Management resumed its share repurchase program in the third quarter of 2009, spending $65 million on repurchases. The company also continued to return value to shareholders through dividend payments, totaling $143 million in the third quarter.