How did Waste Management's revenue and expenses trend in Q4 2024?

**Waste Management's revenue for Q4 2024 was $5.89 billion, reflecting a continuation of the company's growth trajectory.**

1. **Revenue Growth**: The company's total revenue increased by 7.9% compared to the prior year period, reaching $5.89 billion in Q4 2024. This growth was primarily driven by higher yields in the Collection and Disposal businesses and increased market values for recycled commodities.
2. **Segment Performance**: Within WM's segments, the Collection and Disposal business performed significantly well, with the East Tier reporting $2.835 billion and the West Tier reporting $2.687 billion in gross operating revenues. The Recycling Processing and Sales segment also showed strong performance, with a 30.3% increase in revenues.
3. **Cost Management**: Waste Management's gross profit for the quarter was $2.21 billion, calculated as total revenue minus operating expenses. The company's operating income increased by 9.6% compared to the prior year period, reaching $1.119 billion, driven by revenue growth and improved business performance.

While specific quarterly operating expenses for Q4 2024 are not available, the company's overall cost management and profitability improved, with a focus on efficiency and cost control initiatives. The 60.6% operating expense ratio for the third quarter, which represents a 70-basis point improvement, indicates a consistent trend of optimizing cost structures.

In conclusion, Waste Management demonstrated robust revenue growth and effective cost management in Q4 2024, contributing to its strong financial performance.