Core Insights - Republic Services (RSG) has demonstrated strong stock performance, with a 24.4% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the Waste Removal Services industry (6.6%) and the S&P 500 (9.3%) [1] - Earnings projections for 2025 and 2026 indicate growth of 6.2% and 9.5% year-over-year, respectively, with a long-term expected earnings growth rate of 9.2% [1] Company Developments - The opening of North America's first Polymer Center and Blue Polymers plastics recycling complex in Indianapolis is a significant advancement in plastic recycling, processing over 175 million pounds of recycled plastics annually and creating 125 skilled jobs [3] - Republic Services has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for seven consecutive years, reflecting its commitment to ethics and governance [4] - The company reported a solid revenue growth of 5.6%, driven by 4.3% organic growth and 1.3% from acquisitions, with an anticipated investment of approximately $1 billion in acquisitions in 2025 [5] - Completion of two renewable natural gas projects in the quarter and six for the year indicates strong growth in sustainable energy [6] Financial Performance - Republic Services returned $1.18 billion to shareholders, including $490 million in share repurchases and $687 million in dividends, with an 8% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.580 per share [7] - Over the last five years, dividends have grown at a compounded annual growth rate of 6.4%, supported by a $3.0 billion share repurchase authorization effective from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026 [8][9]
Reasons Why You Should Hold RSG Stock in Your Portfolio Now