ALTSTATION.IO

Waste Management, Inc. (WM) Stock Analysis

By Nova Skye | AltStation.io | Updated February 07, 2026

Price

$226.90

Change

+0.13%

Market Cap

$91.41B

Avg Volume

2.1M

Company Overview

Waste Management, Inc. (WM) provides a range of environmental solutions, focusing on waste collection and disposal services for residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers. Based in Houston, Texas, WM’s operations include collecting and transporting waste, operating transfer stations, and running landfill gas-to-energy facilities that generate renewable energy. The company also deals in recycling services covering various materials like cardboard, metals, and plastics, and offers specialized waste services for hazardous materials and secure information destruction.

WM is a market leader in the waste management sector, commanding an approximate 25% share of the North American waste services market. Its extensive infrastructure, innovative technology, and broad service offerings provide a competitive edge over challengers like Republic Services and Waste Connections. However, challenges do exist, particularly with increasing regulations and growing emphasis on sustainability, which could affect traditional waste disposal methods.

Currently, Waste Management is in a growth phase, benefitting from a stable demand for waste services and a shift toward more sustainable practices. The company has been expanding its recycling capabilities and focusing on renewable energy initiatives to align with environmental goals. Recent milestones, such as the acquisition of smaller waste management firms and investments in advanced waste processing technologies, reinforce its position in the market and set the stage for continued expansion and adaptability in a changing industry landscape.

Key Financials

Market Cap

$91.41B

Revenue

$25.20B

EBITDA

$7.58B

Gross Margin

40.5%

Profit Margin

10.7%

Revenue Growth

7.1%

Total Cash

$201.00M

Total Debt

$22.91B

Free Cash Flow

$1.74B

52-Week Price Performance Analysis

Price Statistics

P/E Ratio

33.82

Forward P/E

24.18

Beta

0.59

52-Week High

$242.58

52-Week Low

$194.11

EPS

$6.71

50-Day Avg

$219.69

200-Day Avg

$222.95

Price/Book

9.16

Technical Analysis

The overall trend for Waste Management, Inc. (WM) over the past 52 weeks shows a moderate upward trajectory with some volatility, culminating in a current price of $226.90, up 1.8%. Key support is evident at the $220 level, where the stock has consistently bounced back four times over the past year, while resistance is observed around the $230 mark, where the price has faced significant challenges breaking through. Notably, the stock formed a narrowing wedge pattern from October into December, suggesting potential bullish continuation as it approaches resistance. Recent momentum indicates a positive shift, with price appreciation seen in the last few weeks after a consolidation phase, likely driven by strong market interest. The current price is slightly below the 52-week high around $240, which implies potential for upward movement if the stock can successfully break the resistance at $230. Overall, the stock remains in a consolidation phase, poised for possible upward movement if momentum can be sustained.

Recent News and Developments

Latest Developments

No recent news available.

Latest Developments

No recent news available.

Latest Developments

No recent news available.

Market Sentiment and Analyst Recommendations

Bull Case

WM is a defensive cash machine in a duopoly market with Republic Services. The 7.1% revenue growth is solid for a mature waste company, and with 25 analysts rating it a buy, consensus targets $251.64 — that’s 10.8% upside from current levels. The debt load of $22.91B looks heavy until you realize waste companies generate predictable, recurring cash flows that service debt reliably. At a 33.82 P/E, it’s expensive on absolute terms, but waste management trades at premiums because earnings are stable and recession-resistant. The stock has found solid support at $220 and recently bounced, suggesting institutional buyers are comfortable at these levels. If the company can sustain mid-to-high single-digit revenue growth while maintaining margins, the stock breaks through $240 resistance and heads toward the $285 analyst ceiling.

Bear Case

A 33.82 P/E ratio is steep for a company growing at 7.1%. You’re paying a 35-40% premium relative to the broader market for mid-single-digit growth, which assumes flawless execution and no economic slowdown. The $22.91B debt burden is manageable but leaves little room for error if interest rates stay elevated or if a recession crushes volume. WM’s duopoly structure is priced in already — there’s no surprise upside from market consolidation. The stock has hit resistance at $230 repeatedly and is currently stuck in consolidation, suggesting the market is skeptical about breakout momentum. With only $201M in cash against $22.91B in debt, the company has limited financial flexibility for acquisitions or shareholder returns if conditions tighten.

What to Watch

Monitor Q4 and Q1 earnings for margin trends. If operating margins compress below 15%, that signals pricing power is weakening and growth is becoming harder to achieve. Watch the $230 resistance level closely — a sustained break above it targets $240-245 and validates the bull thesis. Track management commentary on pricing and volume growth in the next earnings call, specifically whether they can maintain 7%+ revenue growth into 2025. Keep an eye on the debt-to-EBITDA ratio and any refinancing announcements, as rising rates could pressure profitability. If the stock breaks below the $220 support level, that’s a red flag suggesting institutional conviction is fading and the premium valuation is unjustified. Finally, watch for any recession signals in housing starts and commercial construction, since those drive waste volumes.

Analyst Consensus

BUY

Based on 25 analyst opinions

Low Target

$200.00

Mean Target

$251.64

High Target

$285.00

Earnings and Financial Data

Sector

Industrials

Industry

Waste Management

Employees

N/A

Earnings & Dividends

Next Earnings

Apr 27, 2026

EPS (Trailing)

$6.71

Dividend Yield

146.0%

Payout Ratio

49.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WM a good stock to buy?

Yes, analysts recommend a “BUY” for Waste Management, Inc. (WM) with a target price of $251.64. The stock is currently priced at $226.90, offering potential upside.

What is WM’s price target?

The current analyst target price for WM is $251.64. This represents an approximate 10.9% upside from its current price of $226.90.

Does WM pay a dividend?

Yes, Waste Management offers a dividend yield of 1.46%. This makes it appealing for income-focused investors looking for stable returns.

What is WM’s P/E ratio?

WM has a P/E ratio of 33.82 and a forward P/E of 24.18. These values suggest that the stock is priced at a premium compared to the broader market, reflecting strong earnings growth expectations.

What has been WM’s price range over the last 52 weeks?

The 52-week range for WM is between $194.11 and $242.58. This indicates volatility, but the current price is close to the upper limit, suggesting strong performance relative to its recent history.

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Disclaimer: This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The analysis and opinions expressed are those of AltStation.io and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for investment decisions. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Updated February 07, 2026.