Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM) is included among the 15 Best Long Term Stocks to Buy According to Reddit. Wells Fargo Initiates Coverage on Waste Management (WM) with Overweight Rating On Nov‌ember 13,⁠ Wells Fargo began covering Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM) with an Overweight rating and a​ pr⁠ice target of $238, according to a report by The Fly. The firm expects the company to delive‍r strong perf‌ormance ov‍er the​ next two year‌s,⁠ projecting ro⁠ughl‍y 20% gr‍o‍wth in unit​ profitability and‍ ab ...

Group 1 - Technology stocks have been performing exceptionally well over the past decade, driven by transformative products that have changed consumer behavior [1] - Many investors have overlooked simpler businesses, such as waste management and staffing uniform providers, which are not as flashy but are essential [2] - Companies in the Consumer Staples sector, like Cintas and Waste Management, have shown steady demand regardless of economic conditions, providing stability against market volatility [3] Group 2 - Cintas (CTAS) has experienced a +780% increase over the last decade, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's +300% gain, with an annualized return of +24.2% [4] - Waste Management (WM) shares have risen by 385% over the past decade, also surpassing the S&P 500's performance, and have shown resilience during market downturns [5] - Both Cintas and Waste Management demonstrate that strong returns can be achieved through consistent and dependable growth in less glamorous sectors [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - CIBC maintains a "Neutral" rating on Waste Management, Inc. (WM) while reducing its price target from $235 to $231, emphasizing the need for consistent revenue growth to realize long-term earnings potential from the Stericycle acquisition [1] Financial Performance - Waste Management reported Q3 2025 results showing strong momentum in its legacy segment, with Collection and Disposal revenue benefiting from a 6% increase in core pricing and stable industrial volumes [2] - Operating margins improved by 160 basis points due to cost discipline, although revenue was affected by lower recycled commodity prices [2] - Free cash flow for the first nine months of the year increased by 13.5% year-over-year to $2.11 billion [2] Future Outlook - The company is confident in its full-year guidance for adjusted EBITDA, projected to be between $7.475 billion and $7.625 billion, driven by ongoing integration progress at WM Healthcare Solutions [3] - Waste Management serves a diverse customer base, including residential, commercial, and industrial clients, providing waste collection, recycling, and renewable energy services [3]

Group 1 - Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM) is recognized for its waste collection, recycling, and landfill services, as well as renewable energy production from landfill gas [2] - The company also provides specialized services such as hazardous waste disposal, secure information destruction, and marketing of recycled materials and compost products [2] - Recent stock performance indicates volatility, with a notable increase of three points in a single day, suggesting potential for further investment [1] Group 2 - There is a perspective that while WM has investment potential, certain AI stocks may offer greater upside and less downside risk [3] - The article hints at the benefits of investing in undervalued AI stocks that could gain from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a consolidated revenue growth of 9% year-over-year, driven by a sequential pricing acceleration to 6.3% and positive volume growth of 100 basis points [13][15] - Adjusted EBITDA margin reached 31.6%, the highest in the company's history, with underlying solid waste margins expanding by 250 basis points [15][9] - Adjusted free cash flow was reported at $181 million, exceeding expectations due to strong adjusted EBITDA performance [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced near double-digit top-line growth, attributed to effective pricing strategies and ancillary surcharges [7] - MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) volumes increased, offsetting declines in construction-oriented activity and special waste volumes [8][15] - The company deployed nearly $650 million into acquisitions year-to-date, with an active M&A pipeline expected to contribute to future growth [10][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Volumes grew by 5% in Canada, while the U.S. saw a slight decline of 0.9%, impacted by lower C&D and special waste volumes [15][55] - The company noted broader economic uncertainty affecting market activity levels, particularly in construction and industrial sectors [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a strong M&A pipeline and executing share buybacks, viewing current share prices as attractive [11][42] - The management expressed confidence in the company's operating plan and growth trajectory, with expectations for continued margin expansion [18][32] - The company aims to leverage its asset base and pricing strategies to navigate economic challenges and capitalize on recovery opportunities [6][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging macroeconomic backdrop but emphasized the resilience of the business model and the effectiveness of value creation strategies [6][7] - The company raised its full-year guidance for revenue and adjusted EBITDA, reflecting strong operational performance and M&A contributions [16][10] - Management remains optimistic about the potential for economic recovery and the company's ability to capitalize on it [8][18] Other Important Information - The company completed a recapitalization of GIP, valuing it at $4.25 billion, which returned approximately $585 million to shareholders [10][11] - The company repurchased $350 million of shares in Q3 and nearly $2.8 billion year-to-date, indicating a commitment to returning capital to shareholders [12][11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk us through the guidance update and how M&A effects were considered? - Management explained that the guidance was raised due to strong pricing and volume performance, with M&A contributing approximately $200 million in annualized revenue [20][24] Question: What is the status of the EPR ramp and its expected contributions? - Management indicated that EPR has outperformed expectations, contributing about $15 million in Canada for the quarter, with further contributions expected in 2026 [25][27] Question: How do you view the runway EBITDA and its growth potential? - Management noted that the current EBITDA run rate includes large EPR contracts, and they expect double-digit growth in EBITDA for the next year [30][32] Question: Can you provide insights on SG&A trends and cost absorption? - Management highlighted an 80 basis point improvement in SG&A, attributing it to better labor turnover and operational efficiencies [34][36] Question: What actions are being considered to unlock shareholder value? - Management reiterated their commitment to share buybacks and M&A, viewing current share prices as an opportunity to enhance shareholder value [39][42] Question: Can you elaborate on pricing metrics and trends? - Management discussed the impact of EPR on pricing, noting that pricing is expected to be lower next year without the same level of EPR benefits [79][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income attributable to limited partners of $332 million and adjusted EBITDA of $634 million during Q3 2025, with adjusted gross margin remaining relatively flat compared to the previous quarter [16][19] - Operating and maintenance expenses decreased by 5%, or $12 million, quarter over quarter, attributed to reduced asset maintenance and repair expenses [16][18] - Cash flow from operating activities totaled $570 million, generating free cash flow of $397 million [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Natural gas throughput increased by 2% sequentially, driven by higher volumes from the Chepeta plant in Utah and the DJ Basin [6][10] - Crude oil and NGLs throughput decreased by 4% sequentially, primarily due to reduced throughput in the Delaware Basin [8][10] - Produced water throughput remained flat sequentially, with expectations for a 40% year-over-year increase in Q4 2025 due to the Aris acquisition [10][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Delaware Basin achieved record natural gas throughput, while the DJ Basin showed strong sequential growth [3][6] - The Powder River Basin experienced decreased throughput due to previously unloaded volumes subsiding [7][12] - The company expects low double-digit year-over-year throughput growth for natural gas in the Delaware Basin and low to mid-single digits for crude oil and NGLs [10][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Aris Water Solutions positions the company as a leader in produced water midstream solutions in the Delaware Basin, enhancing commercial capabilities [4][22] - The company aims to capture $40 million in annual run rate synergies from the Aris acquisition and is focused on organic growth alongside potential inorganic opportunities [4][14][67] - The company plans to maintain a disciplined capital allocation framework while pursuing growth opportunities in both Texas and New Mexico [24][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to address produced water challenges in the Delaware Basin and highlighted the importance of regulatory engagement [4][22] - The company anticipates continued throughput growth in 2026, particularly in the Delaware Basin, despite potential declines in the Powder River Basin due to commodity price weakness [14][57] - Management emphasized the successful execution of cost reduction initiatives, which are expected to continue benefiting the company in 2026 [17][58] Other Important Information - The company expects capital expenditures to be at least $1.1 billion in 2026, with budgeting processes already underway [20] - The company declared a quarterly distribution of $0.91 per unit, consistent with the prior quarter [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on O&M expense sustainability - Management indicated that the reduction in O&M expenses is sustainable and that further improvements are expected [28][29][33] Question: Potential for distribution step-ups with major projects - Management confirmed that distribution step-ups are possible with the completion of major projects or acquisitions, while maintaining a cautious approach to yield management [34][36] Question: Update on the Pathfinder project and pore space agreement - Management noted that the pore space agreement enhances project efficiency and allows for better growth potential in New Mexico [40][41][42] Question: Plans for expanding gas and oil infrastructure in New Mexico - Management stated that both organic and inorganic growth strategies will be pursued to expand infrastructure in New Mexico [44][46] Question: Outlook for 2026 and potential portfolio gaps - Management expects overall product growth across all three product lines in 2026, with a focus on leveraging the Aris acquisition for growth [55][57]

Core Insights - Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (CWST) is a significant player in the waste removal services industry, offering waste collection, recycling, and disposal services [1] - The company reported an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.15 for the quarter, which was below the estimated $0.33, although it has a history of exceeding expectations in previous quarters [2][6] - CWST's revenue for the quarter was $485.4 million, surpassing the estimated $476.9 million, and showing a significant increase from $411.63 million in the same period last year [3][6] Financial Performance - The EPS of $0.15 fell short of the estimated $0.33, indicating a potential area of concern for investors [2][6] - Revenue exceeded expectations at $485.4 million, reflecting a positive trend in revenue performance [3][6] - The company achieved a revenue of $485.35 million in the third quarter, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.66% [3] Valuation Metrics - CWST has a high price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 344.49, indicating that investors are willing to pay a premium for its earnings [4] - The price-to-sales ratio is about 2.88, and the enterprise value to sales ratio is approximately 2.84, further reflecting the company's valuation relative to its sales [4] Financial Stability - The company maintains a low debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 0.07, suggesting strong financial health and low debt levels [5][6] - A current ratio of about 1.51 indicates that CWST has sufficient liquidity to cover its short-term liabilities [5][6]

Core Insights - Casella Waste Systems, Inc. reported record performance in key financial metrics for Q3 2025, driven by a disciplined acquisition strategy and strong organic growth [3][4][6] - The company completed eight acquisitions in 2025, contributing approximately $105 million in annualized revenue, with an additional $30 million expected from a pending acquisition [3][4] - Revenue for Q3 2025 reached $485.4 million, a 17.9% increase from Q3 2024, primarily due to acquisition impacts, price growth, and strong performance in the Resource Solutions segment [4][7] Financial Performance - Operating income for Q3 2025 was $29.4 million, up 20.5% from the same period in 2024, excluding a non-recurring landfill closure charge [5][6] - Net income for Q3 2025 was $10.0 million, a significant increase of 73.0% compared to Q3 2024, largely influenced by operating income factors [6][7] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $119.9 million, reflecting a 16.4% increase year-over-year, driven by both acquisitions and organic growth [6][7] Cash Flow and Guidance - Net cash provided by operating activities for the year-to-date period was $233.2 million, a 35.9% increase from the same period in 2024 [9] - Adjusted Free Cash Flow for the nine months ended September 30 was $119.5 million, up 21.0% from the previous year [9] - The company raised the lower end of its revenue and Adjusted EBITDA guidance for fiscal year 2025, reflecting confidence in strong performance and limited exposure to recycled commodity price volatility [11][16] Acquisition Strategy - The company has positioned itself to capitalize on a robust acquisition pipeline, with ongoing integration efforts in the Mid-Atlantic region expected to enhance business performance [3][4] - The anticipated acquisition of Mountain State Waste is expected to add another $30 million in annualized revenue, further strengthening the company's market position [3][4] Market Position - Casella Waste Systems provides solid waste, recycling, and resource management services primarily in the eastern United States, serving a diverse customer base [17]

Core Insights - Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM) is a leading provider of waste management services in North America, focusing on collection, transfer, recycling, and disposal, with an emphasis on sustainability initiatives [1] - Citigroup has maintained a "Buy" rating for WM and raised the price target from $268 to $270 following the Q3 2025 earnings call [2][6] - The current stock price of WM is $204.23, reflecting a decrease of 4.46% [4][6] Financial Performance - During the Q3 2025 earnings call, key leaders discussed WM's financial performance and strategic initiatives, with a focus on sustainability and enterprise strategy [3] - WM has a market capitalization of approximately $82.27 billion, indicating its significant presence in the waste management industry [5] - The trading volume for WM on the NYSE is 3,533,603 shares, showing active investor interest [5] Stock Performance - The stock price has fluctuated between a low of $197.25 and a high of $208.80 on the current trading day, with a yearly high of $242.58 and a low of $197.25, indicating volatility [4]

Core Insights - Waste Management (WM) has transformed waste collection and disposal into a highly profitable business, generating $22 billion in revenue and nearly $3 billion in profit last year [1][2] - The company is positioned for long-term growth due to increasing demand for its services and a strong business model [1][10] Business Model and Revenue Streams - WM is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America, with a vertically integrated structure that includes waste collection, transfer stations, and landfills [2] - The majority of WM's revenue (89%) comes from collection, transfer, and disposal services, which are secured through long-term contracts that typically last three years [3] - Revenue from collection and disposal has grown at approximately 6% annually over the past five years [3] Growth Segments - Recycling, healthcare solutions, and renewable energy are smaller but rapidly growing segments for WM [4] - The acquisition of Stericycle for $7.2 billion allows WM to enter the healthcare waste market, capitalizing on increased demand for regulated medical waste services [4][8] - WM is investing $3 billion in new or upgraded recycling facilities and renewable natural gas (RNG) facilities, which will generate an additional $600 million in annual free cash flow by 2027 [7][9] Financial Performance and Projections - WM has delivered a nearly 400% total return over the past decade, outperforming the S&P 500 [5] - The company forecasts revenue growth to approximately $29 billion by 2027, representing a compound annual growth rate of over 9% [9] - Annual free cash flow is expected to exceed $4 billion by 2027, allowing for continued investment in sustainability projects and shareholder returns [9] Market Position and Opportunities - WM holds a significant share of the $125 billion U.S. and Canadian waste and recycling market, with opportunities for further growth through acquisitions of smaller waste management companies [6] - The company has a strong balance sheet, rated A, providing financial flexibility for future acquisitions and investments [6]