Waste Management, Inc.
Waste Management, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides environmental solutions to residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, and internationally. It offers collection services, including picking up and transporting waste and recycla…
What to know about WM
Waste Management, Inc. is a large Industrials company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on risk and sentiment, but health is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider WM?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
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Waste Management, Inc. is a large-cap Industrials company with a mixed overall financial profile — it ranks in the top quarter of its Industrials peers (19 of 75).
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Profitability is roughly average for the S&P 500 — not a standout in either direction.
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Valuation is in the middle of the pack — neither obviously cheap nor stretched.
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The company is growing at a reasonable pace — not the fastest, but consistently moving in the right direction.
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There is a small dividend (0.02%), but income-focused investors will likely find better yields elsewhere in the market.
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Risk is relatively low — the stock tends to be less volatile than the broader market, which typically means a smoother ride during uncertain periods.
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Analyst sentiment is broadly positive and short interest is low — professionals who cover this stock are mostly optimistic about its near-term prospects.
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On balance the positives outweigh the concerns — worth a closer look if Industrials fits your investment goals.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how WM compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | 31.06 | Average |
| Forward P/E | 23.21 | Average |
| PEG Ratio | 2.23 | Average |
| Price to Sales | 3.39 | Average |
| Price to Book | 8.61 | Below avg |
| EV/EBITDA | 14.42 | Above avg |
| Earnings Yield | 3.22% | Average |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 40.61% | Average |
| Operating Margin | 17.52% | Average |
| Net Profit Margin | 10.99% | Average |
| Return on Equity | 29.94% | Above avg |
| Return on Invested Capital | 6.60% | Above avg |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 3.50% | Below avg |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | 8.56% | Above avg |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | 13.30% | Average |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | 30.43% | Top 25% |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 0.93 | Average |
| Debt to Equity | 2.28 | Below avg |
| Interest Coverage | 4.76 | Average |
| Altman Z-Score | 2.82 | Average |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 1.62% | Average |
| Payout Ratio | 49.49% | Average |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -3.85% | Top 25% |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | 3.82% | Average |
| OCF to Sales | 24.93% | Above avg |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | 0.46 | Top 25% |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 21.02% | Top 25% |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 1.43% | Top 25% |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | 1.75 | Above avg |
| Target Upside % | 19.31% | Above avg |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 86.18B | Above avg |
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