Waste Management Stock Rises 16% YTD: Buy, Hold, or Sell?

Group 1: Company Performance - Waste Management, Inc. (WM) shares have gained 16% year to date, outperforming the industry's 8% growth [1] - WM has demonstrated consistent revenue growth with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7% in revenues and operating income from 2020 to 2024 [3] - The company's disciplined pricing strategy and cost control measures help maintain strong profit margins [4] Group 2: Sustainability and Growth Initiatives - WM is a leader in sustainability, investing in initiatives such as converting landfill gas into renewable energy, attracting ESG-focused investors [3] - The acquisition of Stericycle strengthens WM's position in the medical waste industry, expected to generate more than $125 million in annual run-rate synergies [6] Group 3: Dividend and Shareholder Value - WM has consistently rewarded shareholders with dividends since 1998, with payments increasing from$1.1 billion in 2022 and 2023 to $1.2 billion in 2024 [5] - The company remains committed to returning value to investors despite fluctuations in cash flow [5] Group 4: Valuation and Investment Outlook - WM's stock appears overvalued, trading at a trailing 12-month Enterprise Value/EBITDA ratio of 17.69X, exceeding the industry average of 13.77X [7] - Given its current valuation, WM is best held for long-term stability and dividends, with investors awaiting better entry points for further accumulation [8]