Waste Management Stock (WM): Misses EPS Despite Strong Margins

By Patricia Miller

Oct 30, 2025

3 min read

Waste Management's Q3 revenue jumped 14.9%, but an EPS miss and recycling headwinds rattled investors. Is sustainability enough to steady the stock?

#Waste Management Latest

Waste Management, Inc (NYSE:WM) is a leading provider of integrated waste management services in North America. Recently, it announced third-quarter revenue of approximately $6.44 billion, which marked a 14.9% year-over-year increase. However, this figure slightly missed market expectations, leading to a disappointing reaction from investors.

The company attributes its solid performance to pricing gains within its core collection and disposal business, where segment-adjusted EBITDA margins reached 38.4%. At the company-wide level, adjusted EBITDA margins stood at 30.6%. Despite positive pricing trends, a drop in recycling commodity prices and stagnant volumes limited growth potential.

Moving forward, management has reaffirmed full-year EBITDA guidance and expects continued strength in operating cash flow but did not publicly revise its revenue guidance. Ensuring margin improvement and driving investments in sustainability will be crucial for maintaining investor sentiment.

For investors focused on stable returns and consistent cash flow, explore long-standing dividend payers that have sustained growth through market cycles.

#What Investors Need to Know About Waste Management

  • Revenue for Q3 2025 was $6.443 billion, up 14.9% year-over-year.

  • EPS came in at $1.98, missing analyst expectations of around $2.03.

  • Company-wide adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 30.6%, reflecting pricing strength. The core collection and disposal segment achieved an adjusted EBITDA margin of 38.4%.

  • Declining recycling commodity prices are impacting overall performance.

  • Management reaffirmed EBITDA and operating cash flow targets; revenue guidance was not revised.

#Waste Management At A Glance

Waste Management is a key player in the waste management industry, offering services that include waste collection, recycling, and disposal. The company focuses on sustainability and maximizing resource recovery while maintaining strict operational standards. It has a well-established infrastructure and a broad customer base across both commercial and residential sectors.

#Competitive Landscape

The waste management industry features competition from several key players, including Republic Services and Waste Connections. These companies also provide comprehensive waste management solutions and are working to enhance their sustainability efforts. Waste Management remains at the forefront, dominating in several municipalities and offering diverse services.

#Near-Term Catalysts and Risks

Waste Management faces the challenge of fluctuating commodity prices, particularly in its recycling segments. Moreover, while it aims to enhance sustainability initiatives, any setbacks in execution could pose risks to future growth. However, ongoing investments in infrastructure and new technologies could provide significant upside potential if they manage to align operations with market demands effectively.

#Trading Waste Management Stock

For potential investors considering Waste Management, it could be prudent to focus on its longstanding reputation and the consistent demand for waste services. While recent earnings fell short of expectations, the company's commitment to margin improvement and sustainability investments suggests robust long-term viability. You might look for entry points during any dips, especially if macroeconomic factors imply a more stable outlook for revenue moving forward.

#FAQ

Why should I invest in a waste management stock?

Investing in waste management stocks can be appealing due to their essential service nature, with consistent demand regardless of economic conditions. The sector also presents growth potential linked to sustainability initiatives and environmental regulations.

What are the risks associated with Waste Management?

Risks include fluctuating commodity prices, regulatory challenges, and competition that could potentially squeeze margins. Staying informed about market conditions and company updates can help mitigate these risks.

Can Waste Management achieve its growth targets?

If it effectively addresses commodity price pressures and continues to invest in sustainable growth initiatives, it can certainly stay on track to meet its targets in the longer term.

Important Notice And Disclaimer

This article does not provide any financial advice and is not a recommendation to deal in any securities or product. Investments may fall in value and an investor may lose some or all of their investment. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.