CleaRank Financial AI • AI-powered analysis using real-time market data from TwelveData
Analysis reviewed by Kate Leaman, Financial Journalist and Market Analyst. Data refreshed daily. Not financial advice.
Waste Management Inc. (WM) is trading at $215.75, below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages ($216.31 and $224.47), indicating a short-term technical weakness. However, the company's fundamental outlook remains strong, supported by a median analyst price target of $260, implying a 20.5% upside potential. The company has a history of beating earnings estimates, with the most recent quarter reporting an EPS of $2.02 against an estimate of $1.98. Revenue growth is also expected to remain steady, with a projected 5.00% increase for the current year and 5.00% for the next. Despite trading below key moving averages, the underlying business fundamentals and analyst conviction suggest a favorable long-term investment. A key risk to monitor is the insider selling activity, with insiders being net sellers of $44.2 million in the past reporting period, although this is characterized as a 'Moderate Sell Signal' and may not reflect a lack of confidence in the company's future prospects. The company's dividend yield stands at approximately 1.70%.
WM at a glance
Waste Management Inc. (WM): Buy, 70/100 on CleaRank's AI score.
TrendDown: the price is below both its 50- and 200-day moving averages ($216.31 and $224.47).
InsidersInsiders sold $44.2M and bought $393K over the last 18 months.
ValuationP/E of 30.6 against 34.0 for the Industrials sector: broadly in line with peers (-10%).
As of October 15, 2026, Waste Management Inc. (WM) trades at $215.75. Wall Street's consensus target is $260.00 across 28 analysts. The 14-day RSI (daily closes) is 59, in neutral territory, and the price is below its 50-day simple moving average of $216.31.
Figures as of October 15, 2026.
Only on CleaRank
Figures we compute ourselves from WM's own price, earnings and insider-filing history. Tap one to see it in context.
Valuation is broadly in line with sector peers (-10% difference), suggesting fair market pricing relative to industry standards.
WM Financial Performance
Revenue vs. Earnings
Annual
Quarterly
Earnings Reality Check
In the last quarter, WM beat the analyst estimate 1 time; the stock fell in the first session after 1 of those beats.
WM earnings surprises and the stock's reaction
Report
EPS estimate
EPS actual
Surprise
First session
5 sessions
Jul 28, 2026
$1.98
$2.02
+2.02%
-1.17%
-5.91%
The first session is the first full trading day on the news: the report day itself for a report before the open, the next day for one after the close. Surprise is actual EPS against the consensus estimate.
As of October 15, 2026, WM has beaten the analyst EPS estimate in 1 of its last 1 reported quarters and fell in the first trading session after it; its latest report, on July 28, 2026, came in 2.02% above the estimate and the stock moved -1.17% in the first session.
WM Analysis
Company's Health4/5
12-Month Analyst Target+20.51% above price
Median of 28 analysts (12-month)
$260.00
AI Analyst Consensus ScoreBuy
Waste Management Inc. (WM) is currently trading below its 50-day SMA of $216.31 and its 200-day SMA of $224.47, suggesting a bearish short-term trend. However, the price is above its 20-day EMA of $210.47, indicating some near-term support. The 14-day RSI is at 59.33, which is in neutral territory, not indicating overbought or oversold conditions. The MACD is slightly negative at -1.24, also suggesting a lack of strong momentum in either direction. Volume on the latest trading day was 1.94 million, below the average of 2.14 million, indicating subdued trading activity. Key resistance levels are the moving averages, while support may be found near the 20-day EMA.
ProTips
The stock's current position below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages ($216.31 and $224.47) suggests caution for short-term traders; look for a confirmed break above these levels for a bullish technical signal.
Consider the company's strong return on equity (29.84%) and below-sector-average P/E (30.56 vs 34) as indicators of fundamental strength that may outweigh current technical weakness.
Key Catalysts
BullishPositive Analyst Revisions and Upgrades
Several analysts have maintained 'Buy' or 'Overweight' ratings, with some upgrades noted, indicating sustained Wall Street confidence in WM's growth prospects and financial performance.
Source: Wall Street Analyst Ratings
BullishConsistent Earnings Beat Trend
Waste Management Inc. has a history of exceeding EPS estimates, most recently beating by 2.02% in Q3 2026, which supports its valuation and signals operational strength.
Source: Earnings Reports
BullishStrong Profitability and Sector Outperformance
WM's profit margin (11.12%) and ROE (29.84%) significantly outperform sector averages, indicating efficient operations and strong shareholder returns.
Source: Company Fundamentals
BearishInsider Net Selling Activity
Insiders have been net sellers, with total sales of $44.2 million versus purchases of $392.8K, indicating a 'Moderate Sell Signal' that warrants attention.
Source: Insider Transactions
BearishTrading Below Key Moving Averages
The stock is currently trading below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages ($216.31 and $224.47), suggesting potential short-term downward pressure and a need for technical confirmation of a bullish reversal.
Source: Technical Analysis
Market Outlook
Waste Management Inc. (WM) is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with analysts projecting an average EPS of $8.14 for the current year and $9.10 for the next. Revenue is forecast to grow by 5.00% annually for the next two years. The median analyst target price of $260 suggests significant upside from the current price, indicating confidence in the company's ability to execute its growth strategy. Potential catalysts for upside include further market share gains, successful integration of new technologies in waste processing, and favorable regulatory environments. Conversely, a significant increase in operating costs, a slowdown in economic activity impacting waste generation, or increased competition could pose downside risks to this outlook. The company's strong balance sheet and consistent dividend payments provide a degree of stability.
Key Statistics
Market Cap
86.24B
P/E Ratio
30.56
EPS (TTM)
7.06
Dividend Yield
1.70%
52 Week High
248.13
52 Week Low
194.11
As of October 15, 2026, WM trades at $215.75, with a market value of $86.24B, a P/E ratio of 30.56 and a dividend yield of 1.70%.
Waste Management Inc. (WM) exhibits a P/E ratio of 30.56, which is below the sector median of 34, suggesting a potential valuation discount relative to peers in the Industrials sector. The company's price-to-sales ratio is 3.36, also below the sector average of 4.0. WM demonstrates strong profitability with a net profit margin of 11.12% and an operating margin of 18.99%. Its return on equity is a strong 29.84%, significantly higher than the sector average of 17.8%. The company's debt-to-equity ratio is 2.35, which is in line with the sector average. While the P/E ratio is somewhat elevated compared to historical norms, the company's superior profitability and growth prospects, coupled with its below-sector-average P/E and P/S ratios, present a solid fundamental picture.
Earnings & Growth Analysis
Waste Management Inc. (WM) has a consistent track record of exceeding earnings expectations. In the most recent quarter reported on July 28, 2026, the company posted an EPS of $2.02, surpassing the analyst estimate of $1.98 by 2.02%. The stock experienced a slight dip of 1.17% following the latest earnings report, but the pattern of consistent earnings beats highlights the company's operational efficiency and ability to meet or exceed financial targets.
Key Risks
A primary risk for Waste Management Inc. (WM) is the ongoing insider selling, with a 'Moderate Sell Signal' indicating net sales of $44.2 million. Additionally, the stock is currently trading below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages ($216.31 and $224.47), suggesting potential near-term headwinds and a need for technical confirmation of a sustained uptrend. While valuation appears reasonable relative to sector averages, any slowdown in projected revenue or EPS growth could pressure the stock price.
Technical Indicators i
RSI (14-day)
59.33
MACD (12, 26)
-1.24
SMA (50-day)
216.31
SMA (200-day)
224.47
Technical RatingBearish
RSI
Neutral
SMA Cross
Bearish
Price vs SMA
Bearish
MACD
Bearish
Moving averages show a lagging Death Cross (50-day: $216.31, 200-day: $224.47), price is trading below the 50-day SMA.
As of October 15, 2026, with WM at $215.75, its 14-day RSI is 59.3 (neutral territory), its 50-day simple moving average is $216.31 and its 200-day is $224.47.
Calculated by CleaRank on daily closes as of October 15, 2026: Wilder's 14-day RSI, 50- and 200-day simple moving averages, MACD line (12, 26).
Market Correlations
How this stock moves relative to other assets
Based on 1 year of daily price data. Correlations may vary over different time periods.
S&P 500 (SPY)+0.08
Weak correlation
Nasdaq 100 (QQQ)-0.06
Weak correlation
Bitcoin (BTC)-0.16
Weak correlation
Gold (XAU)-0.02
Weak correlation
As of October 15, 2026, WM's 1-year correlation of daily returns is +0.08 with S&P 500 (SPY), -0.06 with Nasdaq 100 (QQQ), -0.16 with Bitcoin (BTC) and -0.02 with gold (XAU).
Check Custom Correlation
How does any other asset move with WM? One year of daily closes, Pearson correlation.
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WM Wall Street View
12-month price targets
Low $220.00Median $260.00 (+20.5%)High $277.00
The price, $215.75, sits below every analyst's target.
Ratings
Buy 19Hold 9Sell 03 months ago: 19 of 28 buy
Recent rating actions
Recent analyst rating actions on WM
Date
Firm
Action
Rating
Oct 8, 2026
JP Morgan
Maintains
Overweight
Oct 8, 2026
CIBC
Maintains
Neutral
Sep 15, 2026
Wolfe Research
Assumes
Peer Perform
Aug 4, 2026
UBS
Maintains
Buy
Jul 30, 2026
RBC Capital
Maintains
Sector Perform
Jul 30, 2026
Stifel
Maintains
Buy
As of October 15, 2026, 28 Wall Street analysts cover WM: 19 rate it a buy or strong buy, 9 a hold and 0 a sell or strong sell. Their 12-month price targets range from $220.00 to $277.00, with a median of $260.00, 20.5% above the price of $215.75.
Source: TwelveData analyst consensus. Targets and ratings belong to the analysts, not to CleaRank.
WM Trade Plans
Specific entry, exit, and risk management levels
Select Your Trade Bias
Risk Tolerance
Conservative2%Aggressive
Portfolio Value
$
Position Size: Enter portfolio size →
Long entry pick an entry style
Conservative
$211.44
2% below current price (Pullback entry)
Lower risk, wait for pullback
Aggressive
$215.75
Buy at current price
Higher risk, immediate entry
Risk Management
STOP LOSS
$205.09
MAX LOSS
-3.0%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on RSI (59.3) and current market volatility
These levels come from WM's moving averages and recent volatility, not from a forecast. Educational levels, not financial advice; the full disclaimer is at the foot of the page.
Growth of $10,000
A $10,000 investment in WM in October 2016 would be worth about $34,443 today, compared with about $36,237 for the same investment in the S&P 500 benchmark. This is price change only; dividends paid along the way would add to it.
Compare with Another Ticker
WM Drawdowns & Recovery
Worst fall, last 10 years
-27.4%
February 2020 to April 2020
Recovery
12 months
back at the old peak by March 2021
From the 10-year high
-12.5%
highest close, March 2026
1-year holds that gained
79%
of every 1-year window
As of October 15, 2026, WM's worst peak-to-trough fall over the last 10 years was -27.4% (February 2020 to April 2020); it regained that peak by March 2021, 12 months after the low, and 79% of 1-year holding periods ended with a gain.
From weekly closing values. A drawdown is the fall from the highest value reached so far to a later low.
Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)
CleaRank's 10-year Monte Carlo simulation projects that a $10,000 investment in WM today could grow to about $23,138 by 2036 in the base case, with a 90th-percentile outcome near $51,662 and a 10th-percentile outcome around $10,363 (above the amount invested: over ten years most simulated paths of a rising, moderately volatile asset end higher). The simulation models price only; at today's 1.70% yield, dividends would add to these figures. Projections are statistical simulations, not guarantees.
WM Stock Price Prediction: 2030
CleaRank's simulation projects a price near $302 for WM by 2030 in the base case, from $216 today (1.4x over 4 years). The 10th-percentile path ends near $182. These are outcomes of a Monte Carlo simulation run on WM's historical return distribution, not price targets, and they assume no dividends are reinvested.
WM simulated price paths by year
Year
10th percentile
Base case
90th percentile
2027
$182
$235
$302
2028
$178
$255
$365
2029
$179
$277
$431
2030
$182
$302
$502
2031
$186
$328
$579
Method: a lognormal simulation of WM's own volatility and capped historical trend, re-run daily; base case is the median path, the outer columns the 10th and 90th percentiles.
As of October 15, 2026, WM insiders reported 36 open-market sales worth $44.2M and 1 open-market purchase worth $393K over the last 18 months; grants and option exercises are not counted.
Recent insider transactions in WM
Date
Insider
Type
Shares
Value
Sep 4, 2026
CARROLL JOHN A
Officer
Sell
1.4K
$300.2K
Aug 28, 2026
CARROLL JOHN A
Officer
Grant
4.9K
-
Aug 7, 2026
REED DAVID L.
Chief Financial Officer
Grant
5.4K
-
Jun 5, 2026
CARRASCO RAFAEL
Officer
Sell
2.7K
$585.3K
Jun 5, 2026
CARRASCO RAFAEL
Officer
Option
2.7K
$334.5K
May 20, 2026
DALBY MARCEL
Officer
Grant
2.3K
-
May 20, 2026
HEMMER TARA J
Chief Operating Officer
Grant
2.5K
-
May 15, 2026
BENE THOMAS L
Director
Grant
861
$190.0K
May 15, 2026
CHINN BRUCE E.
Director
Grant
861
$190.0K
May 15, 2026
GLUSKI ANDRES RICARDO
Director
Grant
861
$190.0K
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key risks for Waste Management Inc.?
Key risks include moderate insider selling totaling $44.2 million and the stock trading below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages ($216.31 and $224.47). Any deceleration in projected revenue or EPS growth could also negatively impact the stock's performance.
How does Waste Management Inc. compare to its sector averages?
Waste Management Inc. (WM) trades at a P/E ratio of 30.56 and a P/S ratio of 3.36, both below the sector medians of 34 and 4.0, respectively. Its return on equity of 29.84% significantly outperforms the sector average of 17.8%.
What is Waste Management Inc.'s dividend yield?
Waste Management Inc. (WM) offers a dividend yield of approximately 1.70%, with a dividend rate of $3.66.
What is the long-term outlook for Waste Management Inc.?
The long-term outlook for Waste Management Inc. (WM) is positive, with projected annual growth rates of around 10.9% over the next five years. The company's strong market position in waste management and consistent operational performance support this optimistic view.
Has Waste Management Inc. met its recent earnings expectations?
Yes, Waste Management Inc. (WM) has consistently met or exceeded earnings expectations. Most recently, it reported EPS of $2.02 against an estimate of $1.98, marking a 2.02% surprise.
Is WM in an uptrend?
No. Waste Management Inc. (WM) trades at $215.75, below both its 50- and 200-day moving averages ($216.31 and $224.47). Its 14-day RSI on daily closes is 59.3, in neutral territory.
Are insiders buying or selling WM?
Selling, on balance. In the last 18 months, WM's officers, directors and large holders reported 36 sales worth $44.2M and 1 open-market purchase worth $393K. Grants and option exercises are not counted as buying.
What is the analyst price target for WM?
As of October 15, 2026, the 28 Wall Street analysts covering WM have 12-month targets from $220.00 to $277.00, with a median of $260.00, 20.5% above the current price of $215.75. 19 rate it a buy or strong buy, 9 a hold and 0 a sell or strong sell. Three months ago 19 of 28 rated it a buy.
What is WM's biggest drop in the last 10 years?
Waste Management Inc. (WM)'s worst peak-to-trough fall over the last 10 years was -27.4%, from February 2020 to April 2020. It regained that peak by March 2021, 12 months after the low. Over the same period, 79% of 1-year holding periods ended with a gain.
What are WM's best and worst months?
Over the last 10 years, November has been WM's strongest month on average (+5.46%, rising in 9 of 10 years) and September its weakest (-1.87%, rising in 1 of 10 years). Seasonal averages describe the past and do not predict a given year.
