Waste Management is executing a transformative margin expansion, with gross margin surging to 40.8% in 2026Q2 from 29.3% a year earlier, driven by pricing power and cost efficiencies. The Stericycle acquisition has expanded the asset base but also increased le...
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 accelerated to 4.0% in 2026Q2, while gross margin jumped to 40.8% from 29.3% a year earlier, signaling a structural shift in cost structure.
WM has demonstrated consistent long-term revenue growth, making it a reliable investment.
The company maintains strong margins, contributing to its financial resilience.
WM's stock exhibits low volatility, appealing to risk-averse investors.
Trailing total returns as of 9/23/2026, 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) |
|---|---|---|
Q3 2026Latest Jul 28, 2026 | $2.02+2.0% vs $1.98 | $6.7B-0.4% vs $6.7B |
Q2 2026 Apr 28, 2026 | $1.81+3.4% vs $1.75 | $6.2B-0.8% vs $6.3B |
Q1 2026 Jan 28, 2026 | $1.93-1.0% vs $1.95 | $6.3B-1.2% vs $6.4B |
Q4 2025 Oct 27, 2025 | $1.98-1.5% vs $2.01 | $6.4B-0.8% vs $6.5B |
Few industries match the defensive predictability of municipal solid waste management. Essential public service functions, high regulatory barriers, and contractually guaranteed price adjustments give the sector structural durability.
Waste Management is a resilient, market-leading dividend player with strong diversification and secular tailwinds. WM's business model is insulated from macro volatility and AI disruption, supporting steady top- and bottom-line growth. Recent financials show margin expansion and disciplined cost management, with management transition risk seen as manageable.
WM's integrated network, disciplined pricing, technology investments and strong cash flow support durable growth, margin expansion and shareholder returns.
In the latest trading session, Waste Management (WM) closed at $218.09, marking a +2.17% move from the previous day.
Benchmark WM against direct peers instead of judging its metrics in isolation.
Key metrics vs top competitors for Waste Management, Inc. (WM)
| Company | Price | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | Rev Growth (1Y) | Net Margin | ROE | Div Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $207.68 | $83.01B | 31.00 | 14.24% | 10.74% | 29.68% | 1.59% | |
| $213.88 | $65.8B | 31.22 | 3.49% | 12.94% | 18.26% | — | |
| $85.76 | $5.37B | 714.67 | 17.95% | 0.29% | 0.36% | — | |
| $155.42 | $39.17B | 37.18 | 6.55% | 10.86% | 13.18% | — | |
| $312.85 | $16.51B | 42.97 | 2.39% | 7.03% | 15.65% | — | |
| $73.71 | $4.3B | 53.80 | 38.79% | -2.98% | -3.58% | — |
Waste Management, Inc. (WM) 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 Management, Inc. (WM) SEC filings — annual & quarterly reports (10-K, 10-Q)
Jul 28, 2026·SEC
May 14, 2026·SEC
May 13, 2026·SEC
Get notified when WM posts new earnings or crosses analyst targets
Free. No account needed. Unsubscribe any time.
Waste Management, Inc. (WM) stock FAQ — growth, dividends, profitability & financials explained
Waste Management, Inc. (WM) reported $25.67B in revenue for fiscal year 2025. This represents a 1854% increase from $1.31B in 1996.
Waste Management, Inc. (WM) grew revenue by 14.2% over the past year. This is steady growth.
Yes, Waste Management, Inc. (WM) is profitable, generating $2.85B in net income for fiscal year 2025 (10.7% net margin).
Yes, Waste Management, Inc. (WM) pays a dividend with a yield of 1.59%. This makes it attractive for income-focused investors.
Waste Management, Inc. (WM) has a return on equity (ROE) of 29.7%. This is excellent, indicating efficient use of shareholder capital.
Waste Management, Inc. (WM) generated $3.57B in free cash flow for fiscal year 2025. Positive FCF indicates the company can fund dividends, buybacks, or reinvestment.
