Summary
Waste Management Inc. (WM) reported its second quarter 2015 financial results, showing a decrease in revenue primarily due to the divestiture of its Wheelabrator business and lower volumes. Despite revenue challenges, net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. increased to $274 million ($0.60 per diluted share) from $210 million ($0.45 per diluted share) in the prior year's quarter. This improvement was largely driven by a significant reduction in interest expense following debt refinancing and a lower effective tax rate. The company also saw a substantial increase in cash flow from operations, benefiting from lower income tax and interest payments, although this was partially offset by higher annual incentive plan payments. The company completed the acquisition of Deffenbaugh Disposal, Inc. for $416 million, expanding its Midwest presence. Additionally, WM continued its focus on capital allocation, repurchasing $300 million of its common stock under an accelerated share repurchase agreement and authorizing up to $1 billion in future share repurchases. Management expressed confidence in the company's strategy to drive financial performance through customer focus, operational improvements, cost control, and strategic growth opportunities.
Financial Highlights
54 data points| Revenue | $3.31B |
| Cost of Revenue | $2.16B |
| Gross Profit | $1.15B |
| SG&A Expenses | $322.00M |
| Operating Expenses | $2.81B |
| Operating Income | $502.00M |
| Net Income | $274.00M |
| EPS (Basic) | $0.60 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $0.60 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 455.50M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 458.00M |
Key Highlights
- 1Revenue decreased by 6.9% year-over-year to $3.315 billion, primarily due to divestitures (notably Wheelabrator) and lower volumes.
- 2Net income attributable to Waste Management, Inc. increased to $274 million ($0.60/share) from $210 million ($0.45/share) in Q2 2014.
- 3Interest expense significantly decreased due to debt refinancing, with a substantial charge recorded for the early extinguishment of debt.
- 4Acquired Deffenbaugh Disposal, Inc. for $416 million, expanding Midwest operations.
- 5Completed an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement for $300 million in common stock and announced authorization for up to $1 billion in future repurchases.
- 6Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $261 million to $816 million for the quarter, aided by lower tax and interest payments.
- 7The company recorded a $55 million charge related to withdrawal from underfunded multiemployer pension plans.