$WM

Why is Waste Management stock sliding today?

Waste Management (WM) stock fell 2.8% after reporting Q3 adjusted EPS of $2.15, missing estimates by $0.03, despite revenue of $6.85B beating expectations. Margin pressure and volume declines contributed to the decline, though the company affirmed its full-year guidance. Analysts had recently lowered price targets, and the broader market provided little support.

Original reporting
Published Oct 28, 2026, 3:37 PM UTC
Analysis
AlphAI AI DeskAI-generated
Added to AlphAI Oct 28, 2026, 3:48 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
$WM
Bearish
high confidence
Mentioned
$WM
Relevance
8/10
AlphAI data visualization · based on investing.com
Decision brief

The 30-second read

$WMBearishHigh
01

Why it matters

The earnings miss and margin compression are the primary catalysts for the stock's slide, with analyst target reductions reinforcing downside sentiment.

02

Market read

The earnings release provides fresh, material information for traders; the stock's immediate decline creates a short‑term trading opportunity.

03

What to watch

Analyst target cuts were already in place; the earnings miss may be priced in already.

Relevance 8/10Novelty 8/10Timing: mid‑day today

Background

Waste Management (WM) reported Q3 2026 results with revenue beating estimates but EPS missing consensus, leading to a 2.8% intraday decline.

Company-level read

Ticker impact

$WMBearishHigh confidence
Context

Q3 earnings miss (EPS $2.15 vs $2.18) and 2.8% slide in mid‑day trading.

Expected impact

likely pressure as investors price in the EPS miss and weaker margins

Evidence & confidence

The article reports the first release of the Q3 results, showing a miss and a 2.8% drop, which typically prompts short‑term selling.

Market effects

Waste‑management sector may see broader scrutiny on margin pressures and fuel costs.

U.S. market impact limited to waste‑services stocks; broader indices unchanged.

Minimal global effect beyond U.S. waste‑management peers.

Counterpoint

If free cash flow remains strong, the dip could be an overreaction offering a buying opportunity.

Key entities

  • Waste Management

    U.S. waste‑collection and disposal firm (ticker WM).

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$WMHighAI 8/10

Oppenheimer reiterates Waste Management stock rating after Q3 results

Oppenheimer reiterated an Outperform rating and $263 price target for Waste Management (NYSE:WM) after Q3 results. Shares fell as adjusted EBITDA missed estimates, though revenue beat. The company adjusted guidance, citing margin headwinds. Analysts see 13% upside potential. Waste Management trades at a P/E of 31.91, with some analysts suggesting overvaluation. Jefferies lowered its target to $267, citing margin pressures.

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$WMHighAI 8/10

Waste Management: Q3 Earnings Snapshot

Waste Management Inc. (WM) reported Q3 earnings of $820M, or $2.05 per share, missing analyst estimates of $2.18 per share. Revenue was $6.85B, exceeding expectations of $6.8B. The company expects full-year revenue between $26.28B and $26.48B.

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WM president says ‘we’ve turned a corner’ on healthcare waste profits

WM reported Q3 2026 revenue of $6.84B, up 6.25% YoY, and net income of $820M, up 36% YoY. The Healthcare Solutions segment saw its first YoY revenue increase since the 2024 Stericycle acquisition, with a 33% EBITDA increase. CEO Jim Fish will retire, with President John Morris taking over in January. WM met its healthcare segment's core price and SG&A targets.