WM

Waste Management stock closed at $231.73, up 2.35%, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.28% gain. The company has gained 9.36% over the past month, significantly outpacing its sector.

WM is expected to report Q3 earnings on October 27, 2026, with anticipated EPS of $2.18 (up 10.1% YoY) and quarterly revenue of $6.8 billion (up 5.61% YoY). However, the stock carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating with a Forward P/E of 27.98, trading at a premium to its industry average of 26.87.

Waste Management is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings on October 27 with consensus estimates of $2.18 EPS (up 10.1% YoY) and $6.8B in revenues (up 5.6% YoY). However, the company's Earnings ESP is -0.35%, indicating recent analyst pessimism, making it difficult to predict an earnings beat despite its Zacks Rank #3 rating.

As AI dominates investment focus, healthcare and waste management sectors offer alternative diversification opportunities. Healthcare benefits from an aging population and rising medical needs, while waste management provides recurring revenue from essential services. Key companies like Abbott, Johnson & Johnson, Stryker, Waste Management, and Republic Services are positioned to capitalize on these structural trends.

Waste Management shares surged 3.9% to $224.19, driven by prudent pricing, automation, recycling expansion, and renewable energy investments. The company is expected to report quarterly EPS of $2.18 (+10.1% YoY) and revenues of $6.8 billion (+5.6% YoY). With marginally revised upward earnings estimates, the stock carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating.

In a comparison of two waste removal services stocks, Veolia Environnement SA (VEOEY) emerges as the better value option compared to Waste Management (WM). VEOEY holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with improving earnings outlook and superior valuation metrics, including a forward P/E of 12.95 versus WM's 26.55, and a Value grade of A compared to WM's C grade.

Waste Management (WM) rose 1.85% to $215.75 in the latest session, outperforming the S&P 500's 1.11% decline. The company is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings on October 27 with EPS of $2.18 (up 10.1% YoY) and revenue of $6.8 billion (up 5.6% YoY).

WM holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) with a Forward P/E of 26.07, slightly above its industry average. The Waste Removal Services industry ranks in the top 25% of all industries.

Zacks Premium offers Style Scores (Value, Growth, Momentum, and VGM) that work alongside the Zacks Rank to help investors identify stocks with the best performance potential. The Zacks Rank #1 stocks have averaged +23.86% annual returns since 1988, more than double the S&P 500. Investors should focus on stocks with Rank #1 or #2 combined with Style Scores of A or B for optimal returns.

While industrial stocks are currently trading at premium valuations due to AI infrastructure investments, two non-AI-benefiting industrial stocks—Waste Management and Canadian Pacific Kansas City—are positioned as attractive buying opportunities during a future market downturn. Both have demonstrated strong historical returns post-crash and offer defensive characteristics with steady growth potential.

Industrial stocks Caterpillar and Waste Management are recommended for reliable dividend income. Caterpillar has increased its dividend for 32 consecutive years with strong Q2 results and growing AI data center business.

Waste Management, North America's largest waste management company, has increased its dividend for 23 consecutive years with a higher yield of 1.8%. Both companies offer consistent cash flow and strong competitive positions despite modest current yields.

Waste Management (WM) declined 1.53% to $203.92 in the latest trading session, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.25% loss. The company is set to report Q3 earnings on October 27, 2026, with expectations for EPS of $2.18 (up 10.1% YoY) and revenue of $6.79 billion (up 5.34% YoY). WM holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating with a Forward P/E of 25.48, trading at a slight discount to its industry average.

Waste Management (WM) reported Q2 2026 revenues of $6.68B, up 4% year-over-year, with adjusted operating EBITDA margin expanding to 30.9%. The company raised 2026 margin guidance and generated $1.10B in free cash flow. However, elevated debt of $23.36B and tight liquidity constrain financial flexibility, with current assets trailing current liabilities.

The article argues that Clean Harbors (CLH) is a superior investment compared to Waste Management (WM). Clean Harbors specializes in hazardous waste management and benefits from tightening environmental regulations, particularly around PFAS remediation.

The company demonstrated stronger Q2 performance with 12% revenue growth and 35.8% EPS growth, compared to WM's 4% revenue growth and 3% EPS decline. Clean Harbors' specialized infrastructure provides pricing power that municipal waste operators cannot replicate, though it lacks a dividend that WM offers.

The article recommends Walmart (WMT) and Waste Management (WM) as long-term buy-and-hold stocks due to their recession-resistant business models. Walmart has raised its full-year outlook with strong e-commerce growth and expanding high-margin advertising and membership businesses. WM benefits from predictable trash collection demand and has increased its dividend for 23 consecutive years while generating strong free cash flow.

A comparison of two waste removal services stocks shows that Veolia Environnement SA (VEOEY) presents better value for investors compared to Waste Management (WM). VEOEY has a higher Zacks Rank (#2 Buy vs #3 Hold), lower valuation multiples (forward P/E of 12.78 vs 25.40, PEG ratio of 1.42 vs 2.60), and a superior Value grade (A vs C), making it the more attractive option for value investors.

The industrial sector offers reliable dividend growth despite modest yields. Illinois Tool Works, a Dividend King with 57 years of consecutive payout increases, yields 2.4% with a 7.1% five-year dividend CAGR and strong operating margins. Waste Management has increased dividends for 23 consecutive years and is on track to become a Dividend Aristocrat, with additional growth potential from its renewable natural gas business.

Clean Harbors is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings of $3.18 per share (up 43.9% YoY) with revenues of $1.72 billion (up 11.3% YoY) on October 28. However, the company has a negative Earnings ESP of -0.66%, suggesting recent analyst downgrades, making it difficult to predict an earnings beat despite its Zacks Rank #2 rating. The company has beaten consensus estimates in 3 of the last 4 quarters.