Waste Management, Inc. (WM)

Over the past six months, Waste Management, Inc. (WM) stock has increased. However, more recently, the stock was down in one day, over five days, and over one month as of May 8, 2026. Year-to-date, the stock was down. Key events impacting the stock include the announcement of Q1 2026 earnings on April 28, 2026, where WM reported strong performance, with increased cash flow and reaffirmed its full-year financial outlook. Adjusted operating EBITDA grew, driven by core pricing. Collection and disposal volume fell in Q1 2026, attributed to harsh winter weather, the intentional shedding of lower-margin residential business, and the absence of wildfire cleanup work. The company also completed new recycling facilities in Q1 2026 and acquired Stericycle in November 2024.

Demand for Waste Management's products and services exhibits seasonality, influenced by various factors. The company's Q1 2026 earnings call noted that volumes were a headwind early in the year but anticipated improvement from seasonality later in the year. General seasonality in the waste industry can be linked to geographical location and climate, as well as holidays. Waste Management also offers customers the option to place their services on a seasonal or vacation hold, indicating an understanding and accommodation of fluctuating demand.

Waste Management, Inc. (WM) is a leading environmental services company in North America, primarily operating in waste management, offering services like waste collection, recycling, and disposal, including waste-to-energy facilities. WM's services include waste collection, treatment, recycling, medical waste disposal, electronic goods recycling, hazardous waste collection, document management, and dumpster rental. The company's major products and services include the collection and hauling of waste, recyclables, yard debris/organics, and hazardous materials. They also offer dumpster rental, portable toilet rental, and sustainability advisory services. WM is involved in materials processing and commodities recycling and provides regulated waste and compliance services, secure information destruction, and manages and markets fly ash.

Waste Management, Inc. serves approximately 21 million residential, industrial, municipal, and commercial customers across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The company has an extensive network, including transfer stations, active landfills, recycling plants, landfill gas utilization projects, and power plants. As of Q3 2025, WM owned or operated solid waste landfills and secure hazardous waste landfills, representing the largest network in the United States and Canada.

Waste Management (WM) has maintained a strong brand reputation over the past year, receiving several notable recognitions. Ethisphere named WM as a World's Most Ethical Company for the 17th time in 2026. WM was also recognized by FORTUNE Magazine as one of the World's Most Admired Companies for the fifth consecutive year in 2023. The company has also been acknowledged by Forbes for being among the Best Employers for Diversity and America's Greatest Workplaces. WM's sustainability efforts are also frequently recognized.

Waste Management, Inc.'s ownership is primarily concentrated among institutional investors and asset managers, including The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, Inc., Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust, and State Street Corp. As of December 16, 2025, The Vanguard Group held 9.49% of shares, and Cascade Investment held 7.18%. Institutional investors collectively hold a substantial portion of the company's shares. Insider trades have been relatively small compared to the total shares outstanding.