WASTE CONNECTIONS INC (WCN) Fundamental Analysis & Valuation
NYSE:WCN • CA94106B1013
Current stock price
157.18 USD
+0.12 (+0.08%)
At close:
157.18 USD
0 (0%)
After Hours:
This WCN fundamental analysis includes valuation metrics, fair value assessment, financial health analysis, profitability trends, growth metrics and dividend sustainability analysis.
1. WCN Profitability Analysis
1.1 Basic Checks
- In the past year WCN was profitable.
- In the past year WCN had a positive cash flow from operations.
- In the past 5 years WCN has always been profitable.
- WCN had a positive operating cash flow in each of the past 5 years.
1.2 Ratios
- The Return On Assets of WCN (5.10%) is better than 73.17% of its industry peers.
- WCN's Return On Equity of 13.06% is fine compared to the rest of the industry. WCN outperforms 71.95% of its industry peers.
- Looking at the Return On Invested Capital, with a value of 7.60%, WCN is in the better half of the industry, outperforming 71.95% of the companies in the same industry.
- Measured over the past 3 years, the Average Return On Invested Capital for WCN is below the industry average of 10.18%.
- The 3 year average ROIC (7.41%) for WCN is below the current ROIC(7.60%), indicating increased profibility in the last year.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ROA | 5.1% | ||
| ROE | 13.06% | ||
| ROIC | 7.6% |
ROA(3y)4.16%
ROA(5y)4.31%
ROE(3y)10.28%
ROE(5y)10.29%
ROIC(3y)7.41%
ROIC(5y)7%
1.3 Margins
- Looking at the Profit Margin, with a value of 11.37%, WCN belongs to the top of the industry, outperforming 89.02% of the companies in the same industry.
- In the last couple of years the Profit Margin of WCN has grown nicely.
- WCN has a Operating Margin of 19.48%. This is amongst the best in the industry. WCN outperforms 93.90% of its industry peers.
- In the last couple of years the Operating Margin of WCN has grown nicely.
- Looking at the Gross Margin, with a value of 42.37%, WCN is in the better half of the industry, outperforming 76.83% of the companies in the same industry.
- In the last couple of years the Gross Margin of WCN has remained more or less at the same level.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| OM | 19.48% | ||
| PM (TTM) | 11.37% | ||
| GM | 42.37% |
OM growth 3Y3.01%
OM growth 5Y3.6%
PM growth 3Y-0.62%
PM growth 5Y24.78%
GM growth 3Y2.05%
GM growth 5Y1.25%
2. WCN Health Analysis
2.1 Basic Checks
- With a Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) below the Cost of Capital (WACC), WCN is destroying value.
- WCN has less shares outstanding than it did 1 year ago.
- Compared to 5 years ago, WCN has less shares outstanding
- Compared to 1 year ago, WCN has a worse debt to assets ratio.
2.2 Solvency
- An Altman-Z score of 2.90 indicates that WCN is not a great score, but indicates only limited risk for bankruptcy at the moment.
- The Altman-Z score of WCN (2.90) is better than 65.85% of its industry peers.
- WCN has a debt to FCF ratio of 7.23. This is a slightly negative value and a sign of low solvency as WCN would need 7.23 years to pay back of all of its debts.
- With a decent Debt to FCF ratio value of 7.23, WCN is doing good in the industry, outperforming 64.63% of the companies in the same industry.
- A Debt/Equity ratio of 1.07 is on the high side and indicates that WCN has dependencies on debt financing.
- Looking at the Debt to Equity ratio, with a value of 1.07, WCN is doing worse than 67.07% of the companies in the same industry.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Debt/Equity | 1.07 | ||
| Debt/FCF | 7.23 | ||
| Altman-Z | 2.9 |
ROIC/WACC0.9
WACC8.47%
2.3 Liquidity
- A Current Ratio of 0.62 indicates that WCN may have some problems paying its short term obligations.
- WCN has a worse Current ratio (0.62) than 85.37% of its industry peers.
- A Quick Ratio of 0.58 indicates that WCN may have some problems paying its short term obligations.
- WCN has a Quick ratio of 0.58. This is amonst the worse of the industry: WCN underperforms 85.37% of its industry peers.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 0.62 | ||
| Quick Ratio | 0.58 |
3. WCN Growth Analysis
3.1 Past
- The Earnings Per Share has been growing slightly by 7.52% over the past year.
- WCN shows quite a strong growth in Earnings Per Share. Measured over the last years, the EPS has been growing by 14.21% yearly.
- The Revenue has been growing slightly by 6.14% in the past year.
- WCN shows quite a strong growth in Revenue. Measured over the last years, the Revenue has been growing by 11.69% yearly.
EPS 1Y (TTM)7.52%
EPS 3Y10.57%
EPS 5Y14.21%
EPS Q2Q%11.21%
Revenue 1Y (TTM)6.14%
Revenue growth 3Y9.49%
Revenue growth 5Y11.69%
Sales Q2Q%5%
3.2 Future
- WCN is expected to show quite a strong growth in Earnings Per Share. In the coming years, the EPS will grow by 9.22% yearly.
- The Revenue is expected to grow by 5.74% on average over the next years.
EPS Next Y6.56%
EPS Next 2Y10.82%
EPS Next 3Y11.2%
EPS Next 5Y9.22%
Revenue Next Year5.2%
Revenue Next 2Y5.67%
Revenue Next 3Y5.81%
Revenue Next 5Y5.74%
3.3 Evolution
- When comparing the EPS growth rate of the last years to the growth rate of the upcoming years, we see that the growth is decreasing.
- The Revenue growth rate is decreasing: in the next years the growth will be less than in the last years.
4. WCN Valuation Analysis
4.1 Price/Earnings Ratio
- With a Price/Earnings ratio of 30.52, WCN can be considered very expensive at the moment.
- WCN's Price/Earnings ratio is a bit cheaper when compared to the industry. WCN is cheaper than 62.20% of the companies in the same industry.
- WCN is valuated at similar levels of the S&P average when we compare the Price/Earnings ratio to 25.61, which is the current average of the S&P500 Index.
- A Price/Forward Earnings ratio of 28.64 indicates a quite expensive valuation of WCN.
- Compared to the rest of the industry, the Price/Forward Earnings ratio of WCN indicates a somewhat cheap valuation: WCN is cheaper than 60.98% of the companies listed in the same industry.
- The average S&P500 Price/Forward Earnings ratio is at 22.79. WCN is valued slightly more expensive when compared to this.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| PE | 30.52 | ||
| Fwd PE | 28.64 |
4.2 Price Multiples
- The rest of the industry has a similar Enterprise Value to EBITDA ratio as WCN.
- Compared to the rest of the industry, the Price/Free Cash Flow ratio of WCN is on the same level as its industry peers.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| P/FCF | 32.95 | ||
| EV/EBITDA | 15.91 |
4.3 Compensation for Growth
- The high PEG Ratio(NY), which compensates the Price/Earnings for growth, indicates an expensive valuation of the company.
- WCN has an outstanding profitability rating, which may justify a higher PE ratio.
PEG (NY)4.65
PEG (5Y)2.15
EPS Next 2Y10.82%
EPS Next 3Y11.2%
5. WCN Dividend Analysis
5.1 Amount
- WCN has a yearly dividend return of 0.81%, which is pretty low.
- WCN's Dividend Yield is a higher than the industry average which is at 0.84.
- With a Dividend Yield of 0.81, WCN pays less dividend than the S&P500 average, which is at 1.89.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 0.81% |
5.2 History
- The dividend of WCN is nicely growing with an annual growth rate of 11.37%!
- WCN has paid a dividend for at least 10 years, which is a reliable track record.
- WCN has not decreased its dividend in the last 3 years.
Dividend Growth(5Y)11.37%
Div Incr Years3
Div Non Decr Years3
5.3 Sustainability
- 31.01% of the earnings are spent on dividend by WCN. This is a low number and sustainable payout ratio.
- The dividend of WCN is growing, but the earnings are growing slower. This means the dividend growth is not sustainable.
DP31.01%
EPS Next 2Y10.82%
EPS Next 3Y11.2%
WCN Fundamentals: All Metrics, Ratios and Statistics
157.18
+0.12 (+0.08%)
Chartmill FA Rating
GICS SectorIndustrials
GICS IndustryGroupCommercial & Professional Services
GICS IndustryCommercial Services & Supplies
Earnings (Last)02-11 2026-02-11/amc
Earnings (Next)04-21 2026-04-21/amc
Inst Owners90.22%
Inst Owner Change2.31%
Ins Owners0.12%
Ins Owner Change4.91%
Market Cap40.19B
Revenue(TTM)9.47B
Net Income(TTM)1.08B
Analysts83
Price Target149.42 (-4.94%)
Short Float %0.63%
Short Ratio0.9
Dividend
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 0.81% |
Yearly Dividend1.3
Dividend Growth(5Y)11.37%
DP31.01%
Div Incr Years3
Div Non Decr Years3
Ex-Date02-25 2026-02-25 (0.35)
Surprises & Revisions
EPS beat(2)1
Avg EPS beat(2)1.4%
Min EPS beat(2)-0.31%
Max EPS beat(2)3.11%
EPS beat(4)3
Avg EPS beat(4)1.65%
Min EPS beat(4)-0.31%
Max EPS beat(4)3.11%
EPS beat(8)6
Avg EPS beat(8)1.47%
EPS beat(12)9
Avg EPS beat(12)1.17%
EPS beat(16)11
Avg EPS beat(16)1.38%
Revenue beat(2)0
Avg Revenue beat(2)-0.71%
Min Revenue beat(2)-0.82%
Max Revenue beat(2)-0.59%
Revenue beat(4)0
Avg Revenue beat(4)-0.65%
Min Revenue beat(4)-0.82%
Max Revenue beat(4)-0.45%
Revenue beat(8)2
Avg Revenue beat(8)-0.2%
Revenue beat(12)2
Avg Revenue beat(12)-0.36%
Revenue beat(16)5
Avg Revenue beat(16)-0.21%
PT rev (1m)-1.92%
PT rev (3m)1.54%
EPS NQ rev (1m)-1.3%
EPS NQ rev (3m)-4.93%
EPS NY rev (1m)-4.52%
EPS NY rev (3m)-4.68%
Revenue NQ rev (1m)-0.25%
Revenue NQ rev (3m)-0.96%
Revenue NY rev (1m)-0.17%
Revenue NY rev (3m)-0.61%
Valuation
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| PE | 30.52 | ||
| Fwd PE | 28.64 | ||
| P/S | 4.25 | ||
| P/FCF | 32.95 | ||
| P/OCF | 16.65 | ||
| P/B | 4.87 | ||
| P/tB | N/A | ||
| EV/EBITDA | 15.91 |
EPS(TTM)5.15
EY3.28%
EPS(NY)5.49
Fwd EY3.49%
FCF(TTM)4.77
FCFY3.04%
OCF(TTM)9.44
OCFY6.01%
SpS37.03
BVpS32.25
TBVpS-8.42
PEG (NY)4.65
PEG (5Y)2.15
Graham Number61.13
Profitability
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ROA | 5.1% | ||
| ROE | 13.06% | ||
| ROCE | 9.7% | ||
| ROIC | 7.6% | ||
| ROICexc | 7.62% | ||
| ROICexgc | 16.88% | ||
| OM | 19.48% | ||
| PM (TTM) | 11.37% | ||
| GM | 42.37% | ||
| FCFM | 12.88% |
ROA(3y)4.16%
ROA(5y)4.31%
ROE(3y)10.28%
ROE(5y)10.29%
ROIC(3y)7.41%
ROIC(5y)7%
ROICexc(3y)7.44%
ROICexc(5y)7.03%
ROICexgc(3y)16.68%
ROICexgc(5y)15.84%
ROCE(3y)9.46%
ROCE(5y)8.93%
ROICexgc growth 3Y5.3%
ROICexgc growth 5Y5.84%
ROICexc growth 3Y5.56%
ROICexc growth 5Y6.23%
OM growth 3Y3.01%
OM growth 5Y3.6%
PM growth 3Y-0.62%
PM growth 5Y24.78%
GM growth 3Y2.05%
GM growth 5Y1.25%
F-Score6
Asset Turnover0.45
Health
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Debt/Equity | 1.07 | ||
| Debt/FCF | 7.23 | ||
| Debt/EBITDA | 2.86 | ||
| Cap/Depr | 96.94% | ||
| Cap/Sales | 12.62% | ||
| Interest Coverage | 5.98 | ||
| Cash Conversion | 78.48% | ||
| Profit Quality | 113.3% | ||
| Current Ratio | 0.62 | ||
| Quick Ratio | 0.58 | ||
| Altman-Z | 2.9 |
F-Score6
WACC8.47%
ROIC/WACC0.9
Cap/Depr(3y)93.59%
Cap/Depr(5y)94.33%
Cap/Sales(3y)12.03%
Cap/Sales(5y)12.17%
Profit Quality(3y)153.2%
Profit Quality(5y)149.35%
High Growth Momentum
Growth
EPS 1Y (TTM)7.52%
EPS 3Y10.57%
EPS 5Y14.21%
EPS Q2Q%11.21%
EPS Next Y6.56%
EPS Next 2Y10.82%
EPS Next 3Y11.2%
EPS Next 5Y9.22%
Revenue 1Y (TTM)6.14%
Revenue growth 3Y9.49%
Revenue growth 5Y11.69%
Sales Q2Q%5%
Revenue Next Year5.2%
Revenue Next 2Y5.67%
Revenue Next 3Y5.81%
Revenue Next 5Y5.74%
EBIT growth 1Y8.05%
EBIT growth 3Y12.78%
EBIT growth 5Y15.71%
EBIT Next Year80.66%
EBIT Next 3Y28.11%
EBIT Next 5Y19.08%
FCF growth 1Y3.99%
FCF growth 3Y3.2%
FCF growth 5Y10.39%
OCF growth 1Y8.31%
OCF growth 3Y6.08%
OCF growth 5Y11.38%
WASTE CONNECTIONS INC / WCN Fundamental Analysis FAQ
What is the ChartMill fundamental rating of WASTE CONNECTIONS INC (WCN) stock?
ChartMill assigns a fundamental rating of 5 / 10 to WCN.
What is the valuation status of WASTE CONNECTIONS INC (WCN) stock?
ChartMill assigns a valuation rating of 3 / 10 to WASTE CONNECTIONS INC (WCN). This can be considered as Overvalued.
What is the profitability of WCN stock?
WASTE CONNECTIONS INC (WCN) has a profitability rating of 8 / 10.
What are the PE and PB ratios of WASTE CONNECTIONS INC (WCN) stock?
The Price/Earnings (PE) ratio for WASTE CONNECTIONS INC (WCN) is 30.52 and the Price/Book (PB) ratio is 4.87.
Can you provide the dividend sustainability for WCN stock?
The dividend rating of WASTE CONNECTIONS INC (WCN) is 5 / 10 and the dividend payout ratio is 31.01%.