Waste Management (NYSE:WM) is gearing up to announce its quarterly earnings on Wednesday, 2026-01-28. Here's a quick overview of what investors should know before the release.
Analysts are estimating that Waste Management will report an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.95.
Anticipation surrounds Waste Management's announcement, with investors hoping to hear about both surpassing estimates and receiving positive guidance for the next quarter.
New investors should understand that while earnings performance is important, market reactions are often driven by guidance.
Overview of Past Earnings
In the previous earnings release, the company missed EPS by $0.03, leading to a 4.46% drop in the share price the following trading session.
Here's a look at Waste Management's past performance and the resulting price change:
| Quarter | Q3 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 | Q4 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPS Estimate | 2.01 | 1.89 | 1.62 | 1.8 |
| EPS Actual | 1.98 | 1.92 | 1.67 | 1.7 |
| Price Change % | -4.00 | 3.00 | 0.00 | 6.0 |
Tracking Waste Management's Stock Performance
Shares of Waste Management were trading at $230.25 as of January 26. Over the last 52-week period, shares are up 10.2%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are likely bullish going into this earnings release.
Insights Shared by Analysts on Waste Management
For investors, staying informed about market sentiments and expectations in the industry is paramount. This analysis provides an exploration of the latest insights on Waste Management.
Analysts have given Waste Management a total of 21 ratings, with the consensus rating being Outperform. The average one-year price target is $250.14, indicating a potential 8.64% upside.
Peer Ratings Overview
In this comparison, we explore the analyst ratings and average 1-year price targets of Republic Services, Waste Connections and Rollins, three prominent industry players, offering insights into their relative performance expectations and market positioning.
- Analysts currently favor an Neutral trajectory for Republic Services, with an average 1-year price target of $238.83, suggesting a potential 3.73% upside.
- Analysts currently favor an Outperform trajectory for Waste Connections, with an average 1-year price target of $201.67, suggesting a potential 12.41% downside.
- Analysts currently favor an Outperform trajectory for Rollins, with an average 1-year price target of $67.0, suggesting a potential 70.9% downside.
Summary of Peers Analysis
The peer analysis summary offers a detailed examination of key metrics for Republic Services, Waste Connections and Rollins, providing valuable insights into their respective standings within the industry and their market positions and comparative performance.
| Company | Consensus | Revenue Growth | Gross Profit | Return on Equity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waste Management | Outperform | 14.87% | $2.61B | 6.44% |
| Republic Services | Neutral | 3.34% | $1.75B | 4.60% |
| Waste Connections | Outperform | 5.13% | $1.05B | 3.48% |
| Rollins | Outperform | 11.99% | $558.66M | 10.99% |
Key Takeaway:
Waste Management ranks at the top for Revenue Growth and Gross Profit among its peers. It is in the middle for Return on Equity.
Unveiling the Story Behind Waste Management
WM, previously known as Waste Management, ranks as the largest integrated provider of traditional solid waste services in the United States, operating 262 active landfill sites and about 339 transfer stations that help with transporting waste efficiently and economically. The company serves residential, commercial, industrial, and medical end markets for waste collection, transfer, and disposal. The company also has an energy business emanating from the beneficial use of landfill gas and is a leading recycler in North America.
Key Indicators: Waste Management's Financial Health
Market Capitalization Analysis: With an elevated market capitalization, the company stands out above industry averages, showcasing substantial size and market acknowledgment.
Revenue Growth: Waste Management's remarkable performance in 3 months is evident. As of 30 September, 2025, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 14.87%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Industrials sector.
Net Margin: Waste Management's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 9.36%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.
Return on Equity (ROE): Waste Management's ROE stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 6.44%, the company demonstrates effective use of equity capital and strong financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): Waste Management's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROA, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROA of 1.32%, the company showcases efficient use of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: Waste Management's debt-to-equity ratio stands notably higher than the industry average, reaching 2.45. This indicates a heavier reliance on borrowed funds, raising concerns about financial leverage.
To track all earnings releases for Waste Management visit their earnings calendar on our site.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.
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