$WCN

BMO raises Waste Connections stock price target on growth outlook

BMO Capital increased its price target for Waste Connections Inc. (WCN) to $206, citing growth prospects and recent stock performance. The company's Q3 earnings beat estimates, with revenue at $2.63B and EPS at $1.58. WCN raised its full-year outlook, and Scotiabank also upgraded its target to $201. The stock trades near its 52-week high at $185.91.

Original reporting
Published Oct 23, 2026, 2:26 PM UTC
Analysis
AlphAI AI DeskAI-generated
Added to AlphAI Oct 23, 2026, 2:48 PM UTC. Informational, not investment advice.
How this was made
AlphAI summarizes source reporting and applies a structured AI analysis for relevance, timing, sentiment and ticker impact. Always verify material claims with the original publisher.
AlphAI market briefEarnings
Primary signal
$WCN
Bullish
medium confidence
Mentioned
$WCN
Relevance
7/10
AlphAI data visualization · based on investing.com
Decision brief

The 30-second read

$WCNBullishMed
01

Why it matters

The earnings beat and target hikes provide fresh bullish catalysts for the stock.

02

Market read

The new earnings data and analyst upgrades create a short‑term buying opportunity for WCN.

03

What to watch

Potential headwinds from higher input costs and regulatory changes are not addressed.

Relevance 7/10Novelty 7/10Timing: post‑market today

Background

Waste Connections reported Q3 2026 earnings that exceeded expectations, prompting two major analysts to raise price targets.

Company-level read

Ticker impact

$WCNBullishMedium confidence
Context

BMO raised its price target on Waste Connections to $206 and Scotiabank to $201 after the company posted Q3 earnings that beat forecasts and raised its full-year outlook.

Expected impact

likely upward pressure as investors price in higher targets and improved outlook

Evidence & confidence

Target raises and earnings beat are fresh information that can attract buying interest.

Market effects

Positive earnings and target upgrades may lift other waste‑management peers.

U.S. waste‑service sector could see modest gains.

Limited to North American waste‑service stocks.

Counterpoint

The stock may be overvalued relative to fair value and could face a pull‑back.

Key entities

  • BMO Capital

    Raised price target to $206, Outperform rating.

  • Scotiabank

    Raised price target to $201, Sector Outperform rating.

Related articles

$WCNMedAI 8/10

WCN Q3 deep dive: margin expansion and sustainability initiatives drive optimism for 2027

Waste Connections (WCN) reported Q3 revenue of $2.64B, beating estimates by 1.2%, and adjusted EPS of $1.58, beating by 3.9%. The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to $10.09B. Operating margin expanded to 20.5% from 17.9% YoY. Management highlighted margin expansion from pricing discipline, landfill volume recovery, and sustainability investments, including RNG facilities. The board approved a 10% dividend increase and $1B in share repurchases.

$WCNHigh

Scotiabank raises Waste Connections stock price target on Q3 results

Scotiabank raised its price target on Waste Connections (WCN) to $201 from $193, citing strong Q3 results and raised guidance. The firm increased its EV/EBITDA multiple to 15.0x for 2028. WCN's stock surged over 10% in the past week, trading near its 52-week high. Q3 earnings beat expectations with $1.58 EPS and $2.63B revenue. The company also raised its full-year outlook.

$WCNHighAI 8/10

Waste Connections Q3 Earnings Call Highlights

Waste Connections reported Q3 earnings, noting growth in special-waste and recycling revenue, while residential construction remains pressured. The company raised its full-year outlook to $10.09B in revenue and $3.345B in adjusted EBITDA. It expects mid- to high-single-digit revenue growth for 2027, with adjusted EBITDA margin expansion. Waste Connections has $1B in liquidity and repurchased $1B of stock year-to-date, increasing its dividend by 10%.

$WCNHighAI 8/10

Why Waste Connections Stock Is Up Today

Waste Connections (WCN) shares rose after Q3 revenue grew 7% to $2.6B. EPS of $1.58 beat estimates. The company raised its full-year forecast and increased its dividend by 10%. Acquisitions and pricing power drove growth, offsetting higher fuel costs.