Two garbage giants just surged about 17% in a month, and both ask income investors to pay up. Yield, cash coverage, and valuation point in different directions, so which one actually rewards a retiree's patience?
Republic Services shows a stable operating base, with operating margins holding near 20% across recent quarters and net margin around 13%, though the 2026Q2 EPS miss of $1.84 versus $1.93 expected and the 2026Q1 gross margin dip to 30.5% suggest cost inflation may be running ahead of pricing.
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 moderated unevenly from 8.2% in 2026Q3 to 2.6% in 2026Q1 before recovering to 4.6% in 2026Q2, while operating margin held near 20% and net margin near 13%, with the gross margin trough to 30.5% in 2026Q1 warranting investigation as a possible timing or classification effect.
Republic Services reported year-on-year increases in revenue, net income, and earnings per share, with optimistic 2026 revenue guidance.
The company completed a $1.34 billion share repurchase program, signaling confidence in its financial health.
Republic Services is advancing its sustainability and operational efficiency efforts, positioning itself as a leader in waste management.
Trailing total returns as of 11/7/2026, 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 29, 2026 | $1.94+0.5% vs $1.93 | $4.6B+3.2% vs $4.4B |
Q3 2026 Aug 6, 2026 | $1.85+2.2% vs $1.81 | $4.4B+1.5% vs $4.4B |
Q2 2026 May 7, 2026 | $1.70+3.7% vs $1.64 | $4.1B+0.4% vs $4.1B |
Q1 2026 Feb 17, 2026 | $1.76+8.6% vs $1.62 | $4.1B-1.7% vs $4.2B |
Two garbage giants just surged about 17% in a month, and both ask income investors to pay up. Yield, cash coverage, and valuation point in different directions, so which one actually rewards a retiree's patience?
While tech remains attractive given its growth prospects, less-exciting businesses shouldn't be overlooked, with recurring demand and relatively predictable operations providing a nice level of stability.
The garbage professionals were in prime time last week, and no, we don't mean the Eagles and Cowboys on Monday Night Football. Republic Services Inc. NYSE: RSG and Waste Management Inc. NYSE: WM are the two largest waste and recycling services firms in North America, and both reported earnings in the final days of October.
Republic Services updated 2026 revenue guidance to $17.425 billion to $17.475 billion. Small and large container volumes both increased by 50 basis points.
Benchmark RSG against direct peers instead of judging its metrics in isolation.
Key metrics vs top competitors for Republic Services, Inc. (RSG)
| Company | Price | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | Rev Growth (1Y) | Net Margin | ROE | Div Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $246.85 | $75.95B | 33.97 | 3.49% | 12.92% | 18.47% | 0.96% | |
| $236.26 | $94.44B | 30.77 | 14.24% | 11.78% | 30.85% | 1.4% | |
| $98.21 | $6.15B | 1096.09 | 17.95% | 0.29% | 0.36% | — | |
| $189.07 | $47.66B | 41.87 | 6.55% | 11.4% | 14.18% | 0.69% | |
| $284.10 | $15B | 28.44 | 2.39% | 8.05% | 18.27% | — | |
| $23.85 | $1.97B | -1.40 | -9.72% | -34.37% | -1011.38% | — |
Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) vs competitors — business, growth, and fundamentals comparison against the closest industry rivals.
Verify the primary filings, follow material updates, and answer the remaining questions.
Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) SEC filings — annual & quarterly reports (10-K, 10-Q)
Oct 29, 2026·SEC
Aug 6, 2026·SEC
Jul 30, 2026·SEC
Feb 18, 2026·SEC
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Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) stock FAQ — growth, dividends, profitability & financials explained
Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) reported $17.24B in revenue over the trailing twelve months. Revenue was $16.59B in fiscal year 2025. That is 1112% more than the $1.37B of fiscal year 1998.
Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) grew revenue by 4.5% over the trailing twelve months, compared with the twelve months before.
Yes. Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) earned $2.23B in net income over the trailing twelve months (a 12.9% net margin).
Yes. Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) pays a dividend that yields 0.96% at the current price, a small yield.
Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) had a return on equity (ROE) of 18.5% over the trailing twelve months. That is above the market's typical 10-15%.
Republic Services, Inc. (RSG) generated $3.31B in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months.