Waste Management Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 2/6
Waste Management has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 10.3%, while the Commercial Services industry saw earnings growing at 9.4% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 8.4% per year. Waste Management's return on equity is 27.9%, and it has net margins of 11%.
Key information
10.34%
Earnings growth rate
11.42%
EPS growth rate
| Commercial Services Industry Growth | 8.53% |
| Revenue growth rate | 8.42% |
| Return on equity | 27.89% |
| Net Margin | 10.99% |
| Last Earnings Update | 31 Mar 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • May 26
Waste Management: Quality Business But Still Too Expensive For My Liking
Summary Waste Management remains a high-quality business, but its current valuation limits near-term upside, justifying a hold rating. Despite mixed Q1 results and softer volumes in its largest segment, WM delivered solid EBITDA growth and robust free cash flow expansion. WM's balance sheet is healthy, with leverage reduced to 2.94x and strong capital returns via buybacks and dividends. I see little margin of safety at a 26.8x forward P/E, preferring to buy WM on a 10–20% pullback for better risk/reward. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Mar 08
WM: Dividend Hike And New Buyback Authorization Will Support Steady Outlook
Analysts have increased their price target for Waste Management by about $0.40, reflecting slightly adjusted assumptions for discount rate, revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E. Together, these changes point to a modestly refined view of the company’s long term value.Narrative Update • Feb 22
WM: Dividend Increase And New Buyback Program Will Support Steady Upside
Analysts now place their average price target for Waste Management at about $252.72, a shift from roughly $251.64. This reflects small model tweaks around fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions.Narrative Update • Feb 07
WM: Dividend Hike And New Buyback Authorization Will Support Measured Upside
Analysts have raised their fair value estimate for Waste Management from $248.32 to $251.64, citing updated assumptions around discount rates, revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E levels. What's in the News Waste Management issued earnings guidance for 2026, with expected revenue in the range of US$26.425b to US$26.625b (Company guidance).Narrative Update • Jan 22
WM: Buybacks And Dividend Plan Will Support Measured Long Term Upside
Analysts have nudged their price target for Waste Management higher by about US$1, citing only small tweaks to fair value estimates, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions. What's in the News The Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program allowing Waste Management to buy back up to US$3.0b of its shares, replacing the prior US$1.5b authorization from 2023 (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Jan 08
WM: Buybacks And Rising Dividends Will Support Future Upside
Analysts have nudged their price target for Waste Management higher from US$246.52 to US$247.16, reflecting updated views that slightly adjust revenue growth expectations, profit margin assumptions and the future P/E multiple while keeping the overall valuation framework largely intact. What's in the News The Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for up to US$3 billion of Waste Management, Inc.Narrative Update • Dec 13
WM: Future Margin Gains From Pricing And Technology Will Drive Upside
Analysts slightly raised their price target on Waste Management by 0.40 dollars to 246.52 dollars, citing incremental improvements in long term profit margin expectations that more than offset modestly lower revenue growth assumptions and a marginally higher discount rate. What's in the News Management reiterated its focus on pricing strategies and technology investments to enhance customer lifetime value and optimize the cost structure, while actively pursuing tuck in acquisitions to expand its network and increase internalization (company comments).Narrative Update • Nov 28
WM: Future Network Expansion Will Drive Long-Term Upside From Acquisitions
Analysts have slightly raised their price target for Waste Management to $246.12 per share, reflecting modest adjustments in their financial outlook and underlying assumptions. What's in the News Waste Management is actively seeking tuck-in acquisition opportunities to expand its network and increase internalization.Narrative Update • Nov 14
WM: Revenue Expansion Will Follow Tuck-In Acquisitions And Technology Investments
Analysts have slightly lowered their price target for Waste Management from $246.64 to $246.09. This adjustment reflects moderated profit margin projections and a marginal increase in the discount rate, even as expectations for revenue growth have strengthened.Narrative Update • Oct 31
WM: Network Expansion And New Leadership Will Drive Upside Momentum
Analysts have lowered their price target for Waste Management from $252.45 to $246.64. This reduction is attributed to a more cautious outlook on revenue growth and modestly narrower profit margins.Analysis Article • Oct 30
Earnings Miss: Waste Management, Inc. Missed EPS By 25% And Analysts Are Revising Their Forecasts
Last week, you might have seen that Waste Management, Inc. ( NYSE:WM ) released its third-quarter result to the market...Narrative Update • Oct 16
Automation And Renewable Energy Will Drive Future Success
Narrative Update on Waste Management Analyst Price Target Analysts have revised their fair value estimate for Waste Management downward from $257.30 to $252.45, citing slightly lower expectations for revenue growth and profit margins in future forecasts. What's in the News Devina Rankin, Chief Financial Officer of Waste Management, announced her planned retirement after nearly 23 years with the company (Key Developments).Analysis Article • Jul 19
The Price Is Right For Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM)
With a price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 34.2x Waste Management, Inc. ( NYSE:WM ) may be sending very bearish...Analysis Article • Jul 03
Estimating The Fair Value Of Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM)
Key Insights Waste Management's estimated fair value is US$259 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity With US$223...Seeking Alpha • Feb 28
Waste Management Could See Further Upside
Summary Waste Management should benefit from strong pricing, volume recovery, and strategic investments in renewable natural gas and medical waste markets, driving long-term growth. Positive margin outlook due to strong pricing, cost synergies from the Stericycle acquisition, and management's cost reduction initiatives, with automation targeting $450 million in savings. WM stock trades at a discount to peers, with potential upside from conservative EPS estimates and possible valuation re-rating, making it a good buy. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 14
Waste Management: Buying At Around $200 Would Be Ideal
Summary Waste Management is a strong company with consistent growth, high profitability, and a solid moat, but its current valuation appears elevated. Recent Q4 earnings showed record EBITDA and margin, with revenue growth driven by both organic expansion and the Stericycle acquisition. The Stericycle acquisition adds growth potential and cross-selling opportunities, with management expecting significant synergies from WM Healthcare Solutions. Despite an impressive historical performance, WM's current P/E ratio is relatively high, leading me to a Hold rating with a potential buy at around $200-205. The chart has a support level of around $200, making that level not only a fundamental Buy but also a technical one. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jan 03
Waste Management: Time To Buy The Dip
Summary Waste Management's strong economic moat, driven by scale, pricing power, and vertical integration, ensures high profitability and market leadership in waste collection and disposal. The acquisition of Stericycle enhances Waste Management's growth trajectory and market position, particularly in the medical waste sector. Despite strong financials and growth prospects, WM is undervalued compared to peers, presenting a 20-30% upside potential. Potential risks include acquisition integration challenges and macroeconomic fluctuations, but Waste Management's solid operations and experienced management mitigate these concerns. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Dec 17
Waste Management: Good Growth Prospects And Attractively Valued
Summary Waste Management, Inc. has strong growth prospects driven by pricing power, Stericycle acquisition, and investments in recycling and renewable natural gas projects. Margins are expected to improve due to favorable price/cost dynamics, cost optimization, automation, and cost synergies from the Stericycle acquisition. The stock is trading at a discount compared to historical averages and peers, making it an attractive Buy given its growth potential. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Oct 20
Waste Management Remains Expensive
Summary Waste Management is acquiring Stericycle for $7.2 billion, a 24% premium, highlighting its strategy to expand its core business. The acquisition is costly at a post-synergy EBITDA multiple of ~13x, reflecting market reliability and high valuations. Despite the company's strong financial position, the 7% yield from the acquisition is considered expensive. Waste Management's long-term growth potential and minimal competition could justify its current valuation, but the yield doesn't support immediate investment. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaRevenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Waste Management makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 26 | 25,413 | 2,794 | 2,653 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 25,204 | 2,708 | 2,633 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 24,784 | 2,564 | 2,635 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 23,950 | 2,721 | 2,495 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 22,922 | 2,675 | 2,300 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 22,063 | 2,746 | 2,104 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 21,387 | 2,641 | 2,030 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 20,976 | 2,544 | 1,975 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 20,693 | 2,479 | 1,941 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 20,426 | 2,304 | 1,926 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 20,144 | 2,310 | 1,900 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 20,021 | 2,286 | 1,903 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 19,929 | 2,258 | 1,923 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 19,698 | 2,238 | 1,938 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 19,441 | 2,245 | 1,943 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 19,031 | 2,144 | 1,939 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 18,480 | 1,908 | 1,897 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 17,931 | 1,816 | 1,864 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 17,320 | 1,748 | 1,732 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 16,516 | 1,600 | 1,679 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 15,601 | 1,556 | 1,611 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 15,218 | 1,496 | 1,728 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 14,997 | 1,505 | 1,663 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 15,103 | 1,610 | 1,633 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 15,488 | 1,684 | 1,647 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 15,455 | 1,670 | 1,631 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 15,451 | 1,754 | 1,556 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 15,306 | 1,758 | 1,515 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 15,099 | 1,876 | 1,489 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 14,914 | 1,925 | 1,453 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 14,724 | 2,297 | 1,452 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 14,618 | 2,184 | 1,463 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 14,556 | 2,047 | 1,451 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 14,485 | 1,949 | 1,468 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 14,293 | 1,381 | 1,477 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 14,125 | 1,297 | 1,451 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 13,873 | 1,222 | 1,438 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 13,609 | 1,182 | 1,410 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 13,395 | 1,120 | 1,375 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 13,207 | 1,153 | 1,375 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 13,097 | 1,140 | 1,357 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 12,961 | 753 | 1,343 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 13,152 | 1,070 | 1,345 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 15 | 13,394 | 1,005 | 1,392 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: WM has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: WM's current net profit margins (11%) are lower than last year (11.7%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: WM's earnings have grown by 10.3% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: WM's earnings growth over the past year (4.4%) is below its 5-year average (10.3% per year).
Earnings vs Industry: WM earnings growth over the past year (4.4%) did not outperform the Commercial Services industry 7.6%.
Return on Equity
High ROE: Whilst WM's Return on Equity (27.89%) is high, this metric is skewed due to their high level of debt.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/06/10 21:42 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/06/10 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Waste Management, Inc. is covered by 39 analysts. 26 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| David Coleman | Argus Research Company |
| David Manthey | Baird |
| William Grippin | Barclays |