Waste Management posts revenue beat, earnings miss and returns $957 million to shareholders in Q3 2026
Waste Management released its third‑quarter 2026 results, showing revenue of $6.85 billion, up 6.3% year over year, while adjusted earnings per share came in at $2.15, falling short of the $2.18 consensus by $0.03. The company generated $2.12 billion of adjusted operating EBITDA and returned $957 million to investors through share buybacks and dividends. Management affirmed full‑year guidance, expecting revenue and free cash flow to land at the high ends of their previously disclosed ranges.
Why it matters
The earnings miss may weigh on the stock in the short term, as reflected by a post‑market decline, while the strong cash return and revenue beat support the company’s dividend and buyback policy and could appeal to income‑focused investors. The reaffirmed guidance signals that the firm expects to meet its 2026 financial targets despite higher costs.
Key facts
- 1Revenue for the quarter was $6.85 billion, a 6.3% increase from the same period last year. tradingview.com
- 2Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $2.15, missing the consensus estimate of $2.18 by $0.03. investing.com
- 3Adjusted operating EBITDA rose to $2.12 billion, a 5.8% gain year over year. tradingview.com
- 4The company returned $957 million to shareholders, comprising $580 million in share repurchases and $377 million in cash dividends. stocktitan.net
- 5A new renewable natural gas facility began operating in New York during the quarter. stocktitan.net
- 6Full‑year 2026 revenue guidance is $26.275 billion to $26.475 billion, with the company expecting to finish at the high end of that range. stocktitan.net
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 6 of 6 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.