Waste Management's investment case rests on a tension between exceptional cash conversion and weakening top-line momentum: operating cash flow has run at 2.0-2.3x net income for four straight quarters, lifting the FCF margin from 6.3% in 2025Q1 to 14.4% in 2026Q3 as capex normalized to 9.4-9.6% of revenue from 18.9% in…
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 decelerated to 6.3% in 2026Q3 from 19.0% in 2025Q2 while operating margin held at 18.7% on $1.3B of operating income, with the 40.8% gross margin step-change in 2026Q2 suggesting a structural shift that investors should monitor closely.
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 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 27, 2026 | $2.15-1.4% vs $2.18 | $6.8B+0.5% vs $6.8B |
Q3 2026 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 |
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?
The current bull market may be nearing its end.
Associated Banc Corp purchased a new stake in Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE: WM) during the undefined quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 59,134 shares of the business services provider's stock, valued at approximately $12,059,000. Other hedge funds also
Waste Management is rated Buy, driven by a turnaround in Healthcare Solutions, strong core pricing, and operational efficiency. WM's recycling automation and renewable natural gas investments are nearing completion, supporting future earnings and free cash flow growth. The stock trades at a discount to peers and its historical average, with potential for multiple re-rating as performance improves.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $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% | — | |
| $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% | — | |
| $48.60 | $2.84B | -77.51 | 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)
Oct 27, 2026·SEC
Jul 28, 2026·SEC
May 14, 2026·SEC
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Waste Management, Inc. (WM) stock FAQ — growth, dividends, profitability & financials explained
Waste Management, Inc. (WM) reported $26.07B in revenue over the trailing twelve months. Revenue was $25.20B in fiscal year 2025. That is 1819% more than the $1.31B of fiscal year 1996.
Waste Management, Inc. (WM) grew revenue by 5.2% over the trailing twelve months, compared with the twelve months before.
Yes. Waste Management, Inc. (WM) earned $3.07B in net income over the trailing twelve months (a 11.8% net margin).
Yes. Waste Management, Inc. (WM) pays a dividend that yields 1.40% at the current price, a moderate yield.
Waste Management, Inc. (WM) had a return on equity (ROE) of 30.8% over the trailing twelve months. That is well above the market's typical 10-15%.
Waste Management, Inc. (WM) generated $3.74B in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months.
