Stock Information
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WCNWaste Connections Inc

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Company Info

CEO

Worthing F. Jackman

Location

Ontario, Canada

Exchange

NYSE

Website

https://wasteconnections.com

Summary

Waste Connections, Inc.

Company Info

CEO

Worthing F. Jackman

Location

Ontario, Canada

Exchange

NYSE

Website

https://wasteconnections.com

Summary

Waste Connections, Inc.

AI Insights for WCN
2 min read

Quick Summary

Waste Connections Inc is a major provider of non-hazardous waste management services headquartered in The Woodlands, Canada, serving both the United States and Canada. The company specializes in the collection, transfer, disposal, and resource recovery of various types of waste for residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers. Waste Connections operates an extensive network of facilities, including 334 solid waste collection operations and several transfer stations, which help streamline the logistics from waste pickup to landfill or treatment sites. Its business model is built around providing essential waste removal and recycling services while managing environmentally sensitive operations efficiently. Customers mainly include urban and suburban communities, local governments, commercial businesses, and industrial clients seeking dependable, sustainable waste solutions.

The Bull Case

  • Waste Connections boasts a solid track record of revenue and earnings growth, underpinned by a disciplined acquisition strategy and a diversified geographic footprint across North America.
  • It enjoys strong cash flow, productively reinvesting in its operations, and has shown adaptability through expanding high-margin segments like E&P waste.
  • The company’s ability to consistently raise dividends—averaging 14% annual growth since 2016—demonstrates its stability and commitment to shareholder returns.
  • Its scale and operational efficiency provide cost advantages, and the essential nature of its services affords a defensive buffer against economic downturns.
  • Positive long-term returns and growing hedge fund interest reflect investor confidence.

The Bear Case

  • Despite its strengths, Waste Connections faces challenges from its relatively high price-to-earnings multiple, which leaves the stock vulnerable to valuation corrections if growth expectations are not met.
  • The company’s solid waste recycling business has shown signs of weakness, with revenue contraction in recent quarters.
  • Integration risk is heightened by the fast pace of acquisitions, and share price momentum has recently lagged peers.
  • Some analysts note that its performance is at risk if investor preference shifts toward faster-growing sectors such as AI or technology.
  • Additionally, the company has a shorter history of dividend payments, which may give some investors pause.

Key Risks

  • Waste Connections is exposed to risks including weather-related disruptions that can impede operational efficiency, especially during severe conditions.
  • Acquisitions carry integration challenges, and failing to assimilate new businesses effectively could impact profitability.
  • The company operates in a capital-intensive industry, making it sensitive to interest rate changes and economic cycles affecting capital availability.
  • Regulation changes and environmental liabilities present ongoing compliance risks.

What to Watch

UpcomingIn the most recent quarter, Waste Connections reported Q3 2025 revenue of $2.46 billion, representing a year-over-year growth of 5.1%, and delivered an EPS of $1.44, surpassing analyst estimates.
UpcomingThe Energy and Production (E&P) Waste segment grew significantly by 21.6%, while core solid waste collection posted a 6.6% increase.
UpcomingHowever, the solid waste recycling segment experienced a decline of -16.2%.
ExpectedLooking to the upcoming quarter, analysts expect Waste Connections to maintain revenue growth, with consensus projections of $2.39 billion (around 6.4% YoY) and continued EPS expansion, estimated at $1.25.

Price Drivers

  • The stock price of Waste Connections Inc is primarily driven by its earnings results, revenue growth, and the consistent execution of its acquisition-driven expansion strategy.
  • Macroeconomic trends such as urbanization, population growth, and increased environmental regulations also influence demand for waste services and subsequently affect pricing.
  • Market sentiment related to the defensive and stable nature of waste management stocks often supports valuation, especially during periods of economic uncertainty.
  • Analyst upgrades or downgrades and shifts in investor focus towards growth, dividends, and sustainability further impact valuation.

Recent News

  • Recent news coverage highlights Waste Connections' mixed share performance, with a modest 1% return in the past month and a 6% drop over the past year despite strong overall financials.
  • The company beat Q2 and Q3 earnings and revenue estimates, though analyst sentiment remains cautious.
  • UBS lowered its price target but maintained a neutral stance, while Scotiabank upgraded the stock based on improved valuation.
  • Waste Connections is raising its dividend by 11% and maintaining a strong dividend growth track record.

Market Trends

  • The waste management industry is seen as an attractive sector for investors due to its essential role in urbanized economies and its recession-resistant business model.
  • Strong demand from growing metropolitan regions, the need for more efficient and environmentally compliant waste solutions, and the stable, recurring revenue profile support both operational performance and investor interest.
  • The sector is capital intensive but generates robust cash flows, enabling consistent dividend growth.
  • Waste management stocks like Waste Connections tend to outperform during periods of volatility, making them solid defensive holdings.

AI-generated summary. Not investment advice. DYOR.

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Topics: Company overview • Products • Competitors • Strengths & Risks

Symbol's posts

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@SevenProblem148 2 months ago

$WCN Up 11% on Latest Dividend Raise

$WCN Up 11% on Latest Dividend Raise

Waste Connections raised its dividend by 11.1%, showing impressive stability for a company operating in a less flashy sector. It’s the kind of steady compounder investors appreciate: predictable demand, defensive operations, and consistent annual raises that add up over time.

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