Why Is Clean Harbors (CLH) Up 5.5% Since Last Earnings Report?

Core Insights - Clean Harbors reported disappointing Q3 2025 results, with earnings and revenues missing estimates, leading to concerns about future performance [3][12] - The company's stock has seen a 5.5% increase over the past month, outperforming the S&P 500, but analysts are cautious about sustainability [1][2] Financial Performance - Q3 earnings were $2.21 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.8%, but up 4.3% year-over-year [3] - Total revenues reached $1.5 billion, missing estimates by 1.7%, but showing a 1.3% increase year-over-year [3] - Environmental Services segment revenues were $1.3 billion, a 2.4% increase from the previous year, while Safety-Kleen Sustainability Solutions revenues declined by 4.5% to $230.8 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA was $320.2 million, a 6.1% increase year-over-year, but below estimates [5] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter were $759.2 million, up from $600.2 million in the previous quarter [7] - Long-term debt remained flat at $2.8 billion, with net cash from operating activities at $302 million [8] Guidance and Estimates - Updated guidance for adjusted EBITDA in 2025 is $1.16-$1.18 billion, slightly down from the previous estimate [9] - Adjusted free cash flow guidance has been increased to $445-$495 million [9] - Estimates for the stock have trended downward, leading to a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) [12] Industry Comparison - Clean Harbors operates in the Waste Removal Services industry, where competitor Waste Connections reported a 5.1% year-over-year revenue increase and a 3.5% stock gain over the past month [13] - Waste Connections has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) and is expected to post earnings of $1.29 per share, indicating an 11.2% year-over-year change [14]