What Analyst Projections for Key Metrics Reveal About Waste Management (WM) Q4 Earnings

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street analysts predict Waste Management (WM) will report quarterly earnings of $1.95 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 14.7%, with revenues expected to reach $6.39 billion, an 8.4% increase compared to the previous year [1]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 1.3% lower over the last 30 days, indicating a reevaluation of initial estimates by analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical research shows a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [3]. Revenue Metrics - Analysts estimate 'Operating revenues- Recycling Processing and Sales' will be $360.11 million, showing a year-over-year decline of 9.5% [5]. - 'Operating revenues- WM Renewable Energy' is expected to reach $149.45 million, indicating a significant year-over-year increase of 60.7% [5]. - 'Operating revenues- Corporate and Other' is projected at $5.18 million, reflecting a 3.6% increase from the previous year [6]. Internal Revenue Growth - The estimated 'Internal Revenue Growth - Period-to-Period Change - Total - As a % of Total Company' is likely to be 8.1%, down from 13.0% reported in the same quarter last year [6]. - 'Internal Revenue Growth - Period-to-Period Change - Internal revenue growth - As a % of Total Company' is forecasted to be 2.5%, compared to 4.0% reported in the same quarter last year [7]. Stock Performance - Waste Management shares have returned +3.5% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite, which changed by +0.6% [7]. - WM holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it is expected to mirror overall market performance in the near future [7].