Waste Connections appears to offer a durable mid-single-digit growth profile with revenue growth stabilizing at 6.4%-7.3% over the last four quarters after the 13.3% acquisition-led peak in 2024Q3, supported by gross margins consistently held in the 42.0%-43.1% band and operating margins near 20.5% in 2026Q3.
Price trend, volume and key moving averages
Start with the evidence for owning the stock and the risks that can break the thesis.
Revenue growth has cooled to 7.3% in 2026Q3 from 13.3% in 2024Q3 while gross margin held at 43.1% and operating margin reached 20.5%, though SG&A growth of roughly 25% since 2024Q4 versus about 13% revenue growth lifted the overhead ratio from 9.1% to 10.0% and the anomalous 29.1% gross margin in 2025Q4 warrants explicit reconciliation.
Waste Connections operates in underserved rural regions, leveraging pricing power and service quality to create a defensible niche.
Waste Connections' trailing and forward P/E ratios indicate strong earnings potential, with shares trading at $167.23 as of January 29th.
Multiple bullish theses highlight Waste Connections as a compelling investment, with analysts emphasizing its growth prospects.
Trailing total returns as of 11/8/2026, which may include dividends or other distributions. Benchmark is S&P 500 (^GSPC).
Check whether operating performance supports the current valuation.
Recent results and news deserve attention only when they alter the forward view.
| Quarter | EPS (Act vs Est) | Revenue (Act vs Est) |
|---|---|---|
Q4 2026Latest Oct 21, 2026 | $1.58+3.9% vs $1.52 | $2.6B+0.1% vs $2.6B |
Q3 2026 Jul 22, 2026 | $1.50+11.1% vs $1.35 | $2.5B+1.1% vs $2.5B |
Q2 2026 Apr 22, 2026 | $1.23+3.4% vs $1.19 | $2.3B+0.3% vs $2.3B |
Q1 2026 Feb 11, 2026 | $1.29+0.8% vs $1.28 | $2.4B-1.3% vs $2.4B |
Investors looking for stocks in the Waste Removal Services sector might want to consider either Clean Harbors (CLH) or Waste Connections (WCN). But which of these two stocks offers value investors a better bang for their buck right now?
Waste Connections shares jump 10.9% after Q3'26 earnings and revenues beat, fueled by strong landfill activity, solid pricing and an upgraded outlook.
Waste Connections NYSE: WCN reported third-quarter results that exceeded its expectations and raised its full-year 2026 outlook, citing pricing gains, improving landfill activity, acquisition contributions and commodity-related revenue growth.
Acquisitions are helping to drive Waste Connections' profits higher. The disposal services provider is passing much of this cash on to its stock owners.
Benchmark WCN against direct peers instead of judging its metrics in isolation.
Key metrics vs top competitors for Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN)
| Company | Price | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | Rev Growth (1Y) | Net Margin | ROE | Div Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $189.07 | $47.66B | 41.87 | 6.55% | 11.4% | 14.18% | 0.69% | |
| $236.26 | $94.44B | 30.77 | 14.24% | 11.78% | 30.85% | 1.4% | |
| $246.85 | $75.95B | 33.97 | 3.49% | 12.92% | 18.47% | 0.96% | |
| $98.21 | $6.15B | 1096.09 | 17.95% | 0.29% | 0.36% | — | |
| $284.10 | $15B | 28.44 | 2.39% | 8.05% | 18.27% | — | |
| $27.10 | $754.99M | -69.12 | 2.49% | -9.48% | -3.42% | — |
Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) vs competitors — business, growth, and fundamentals comparison against the closest industry rivals.
Verify the primary filings, follow material updates, and answer the remaining questions.
Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) SEC filings — annual & quarterly reports (10-K, 10-Q)
Oct 21, 2026·SEC
Jul 28, 2026·SEC
Jul 22, 2026·SEC
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Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) stock FAQ — growth, dividends, profitability & financials explained
Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) reported $9.98B in revenue over the trailing twelve months. Revenue was $9.50B in fiscal year 2025. That is 153181% more than the $6.2M of fiscal year 1997.
Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) grew revenue by 6.7% over the trailing twelve months, compared with the twelve months before.
Yes. Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) earned $1.14B in net income over the trailing twelve months (a 11.4% net margin).
Yes. Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) pays a dividend that yields 0.69% at the current price, a small yield.
Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) had a return on equity (ROE) of 14.2% over the trailing twelve months. That is in line with the market's typical 10-15%.
Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) generated $1.83B in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months.
