Home 
Today's Top Picks 
Top Performers 
Watchlist 
My Robo Portfolios 
ETF Zone 
Help & Tutorial - Chart
- Upturn Summary
- Highlights
- Revenue
- Valuation
- About
WCN 
Waste Connections Inc (WCN)
- BUY Advisory
- SELL Advisory (Profit)
- SELL Advisory (Loss)
- Profit
- Loss
- Pass (Skip investing)
Stock price based on last close (see disclosures)
- ALL
- 1Y
- 1M
- 1W
Upturn Advisory Summary
12/11/2025: WCN (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Number of Analysts
25 Analysts rated it
Well-followed company, solid analyst reports, reliable data for confident investing.
1 Year Target Price $204.96
1 Year Target Price $204.96
| 11 | Strong Buy |
| 6 | Buy |
| 6 | Hold |
| 0 | Sell |
| 2 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 1.86% | Avg. Invested days 42 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  2.0 | Stock Returns Performance  1.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 12/11/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Large-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 44.06B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 69.94 | 1Y Target Price 204.96 |
Price to earnings Ratio 69.94 | 1Y Target Price 204.96 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 25 | Beta 0.61 | 52 Weeks Range 163.27 - 200.58 | Updated Date 12/11/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 163.27 - 200.58 | Updated Date 12/11/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 0.75% | Basic EPS (TTM) 2.45 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Revenue by Geography
Geography revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 6.65% | Operating Margin (TTM) 19.25% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 3.89% | Return on Equity (TTM) 7.61% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 69.94 | Forward PE 21.55 | Enterprise Value 52697677844 | Price to Sales(TTM) 4.71 |
Enterprise Value 52697677844 | Price to Sales(TTM) 4.71 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 5.63 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 22.32 | Shares Outstanding 256023511 | Shares Floating 255163156 |
Shares Outstanding 256023511 | Shares Floating 255163156 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.24 | Percent Institutions 89.12 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Waste Connections Inc
Company Overview
History and Background
Waste Connections Inc. was founded in 1997 by Ronald J. W. Sr. and William D. R. Jr. It has grown significantly through strategic acquisitions and organic expansion to become one of the largest waste management companies in North America. Its primary focus has been on acquiring and operating in secondary and tertiary markets, which often offer less competition and higher returns compared to primary markets. A significant milestone was its acquisition of Progressive Waste Solutions in 2016, which significantly expanded its operational footprint and revenue base.
Core Business Areas
- Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Services: This segment includes the collection of solid waste from residential, commercial, and industrial customers. It also encompasses the operation of landfills for the disposal of this waste.
- Transfer Stations: These are facilities where solid waste is unloaded, compacted, and shipped to other locations, such as landfills or processing facilities, often to reduce transportation costs.
- Recycling Services: Waste Connections provides recycling services for both residential and commercial customers, diverting materials from landfills and promoting sustainability.
- Special Waste Services: This involves the management of hazardous and non-hazardous special waste streams, requiring specialized handling and disposal procedures.
Leadership and Structure
Waste Connections Inc. is led by a seasoned executive team, including President and CEO Worthing "Woody" R. I. and Executive Vice President and CFO Anthony J. F. The company operates with a decentralized management structure, empowering its regional and district managers to make operational decisions, which is a key component of its growth strategy. The board of directors oversees the company's strategic direction and corporate governance.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Residential Solid Waste Collection: Provides curbside collection of household waste. Competitors include Republic Services (RSG) and Waste Management (WM).
- Commercial Solid Waste Collection: Offers waste collection services for businesses, restaurants, and institutions. Competitors include Republic Services (RSG) and Waste Management (WM).
- Landfill Disposal Services: Operates a network of landfills to safely dispose of solid waste. Competitors include Republic Services (RSG) and Waste Management (WM).
- Industrial Waste Management: Provides specialized waste collection and disposal for industrial clients. Competitors include Republic Services (RSG) and Waste Management (WM).
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The waste management industry is characterized by its essential nature, providing critical services for public health and environmental protection. It is a consolidated industry with significant barriers to entry, including high capital costs for infrastructure (landfills, collection fleets) and regulatory hurdles. The industry is influenced by economic cycles, population growth, and increasing environmental regulations driving demand for recycling and sustainable waste solutions.
Positioning
Waste Connections Inc. differentiates itself by focusing on secondary and tertiary markets where it can achieve leading positions with less competition. Its decentralized operating model and emphasis on customer service and operational efficiency are key competitive advantages. The company's strategy of acquiring smaller, well-run businesses in its target markets has also been highly effective.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The total addressable market for waste management services in North America is estimated to be in the tens of billions of dollars annually. Waste Connections Inc. is a significant player in this market, particularly in the regions where it operates, and is well-positioned to capture market share through its focused strategy and continuous acquisitions.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong market position in secondary and tertiary markets.
- Proven track record of successful acquisitions.
- Decentralized operating model fosters efficiency and local market expertise.
- Diversified customer base (residential, commercial, industrial).
- Focus on route density and operational efficiency.
Weaknesses
- Reliance on acquisitions for growth can be dependent on deal availability and pricing.
- Sensitivity to fuel price volatility.
- Potential for regulatory changes impacting landfill operations or disposal methods.
Opportunities
- Continued consolidation within the fragmented waste management industry.
- Increasing demand for recycling and sustainable waste solutions.
- Expansion into new geographic regions or service offerings.
- Leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency and customer service.
Threats
- Intensified competition from larger players or new entrants.
- Economic downturns reducing waste generation volumes.
- Stricter environmental regulations and permitting challenges for landfills.
- Rising operating costs, including labor and fuel.
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- Republic Services (RSG)
- Waste Management (WM)
Competitive Landscape
Waste Connections Inc. competes with larger, more established national waste management companies like Waste Management (WM) and Republic Services (RSG). Its competitive advantage lies in its focus on secondary and tertiary markets where it can achieve a dominant position and higher profit margins. Its decentralized operational model and disciplined acquisition strategy allow it to be agile and responsive to local market conditions, differentiating it from the more centralized approaches of its larger rivals.
Major Acquisitions
Progressive Waste Solutions
- Year: 2016
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 2680
- Strategic Rationale: This transformative acquisition significantly expanded Waste Connections' operational footprint across North America, creating a larger, more diversified company with enhanced scale and market reach. It bolstered its presence in key markets and created significant synergies.
TrueNorth Waste & Recycling
- Year: 2021
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 213
- Strategic Rationale: Acquired assets in several key states, enhancing route density and market presence in growing regions. This acquisition aligned with Waste Connections' strategy of acquiring well-run, smaller operations to expand its network.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Waste Connections has exhibited consistent revenue and earnings growth over the past decade, driven by both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. The company's focus on operational efficiency and market leadership in its chosen regions has fueled this steady upward trend.
Future Projections: Analyst projections generally anticipate continued revenue and EPS growth in the mid-to-high single digits annually, supported by ongoing acquisition opportunities and the essential nature of its services. Projections also factor in the company's ability to expand services and capture market share in its existing and new territories.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include continued strategic tuck-in acquisitions to strengthen existing market positions, investments in technology to enhance operational efficiency, and a growing emphasis on sustainable waste management solutions to meet evolving customer and regulatory demands.
Summary
Waste Connections Inc. is a strong player in the essential waste management industry, leveraging a successful strategy of focusing on secondary and tertiary markets and executing disciplined acquisitions. Its decentralized operational model, consistent financial performance, and commitment to shareholder returns are key strengths. However, the company must remain vigilant regarding competition from larger players, regulatory changes, and the inherent cyclicality of the economy to sustain its growth trajectory.
Similar Stocks
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company Investor Relations Reports (e.g., 10-K, 10-Q filings)
- Financial News Outlets (e.g., Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg)
- Financial Data Providers (e.g., Refinitiv, FactSet)
- Industry Analyst Reports
Disclaimers:
This JSON output is generated based on publicly available information and financial data. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Market share data is an estimation based on industry trends and company positioning. All figures are subject to change and may vary based on the specific reporting period and methodology.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Waste Connections Inc
Exchange NYSE | Headquaters Woodbridge, ON, Canada | ||
IPO Launch date 1998-05-20 | Founder, CEO, President & Director Mr. Ronald J. Mittelstaedt | ||
Sector Industrials | Industry Waste Management | Full time employees 23854 | Website https://www.wasteconnections.com |
Full time employees 23854 | Website https://www.wasteconnections.com | ||
Waste Connections, Inc. provides non-hazardous waste collection, transfer, disposal, and resource recovery services in the United States and Canada. It offers collection services to residential, commercial, municipal, industrial, and exploration and production (E&P) customers; landfill disposal services; and recycling services for various recyclable materials, including compost, cardboard, mixed paper, plastic containers, glass bottles, and ferrous and aluminum metals. The company owns and operates transfer stations that receive compact and/or load waste to be transported to landfills or treatment facilities through truck, rail, or barge; and intermodal services for the rail haul movement of cargo and solid waste containers in the Pacific Northwest through a network of intermodal facilities. In addition, it provides E&P waste treatment, recovery, and disposal services for waste resulting from oil and natural gas exploration and production activity, such as drilling fluids, drill cuttings, completion fluids, and flowback water; production wastes and produced water during a well's operating life; contaminated soils that require treatment during site reclamation; and substances, which require clean-up after a spill, reserve pit clean-up, or pipeline rupture. Further, the company offers leasing services. Waste Connections, Inc. was founded in 1997 and is based in Woodbridge, Canada.
Note: This website is maintained by Upturn Corporation, which is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing in securities has risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. No assurance is provided as to any particular investment return, and you may lose money using our services. You are strongly advised to consult appropriate counsel before making any investments in companies you learn about through our services. You should obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment, accounting, and other advice that takes into account your investment portfolio and overall financial situation. You are solely responsible for conducting due diligence on a potential investment. We do not affect trades for you. You will select your own broker through which to transact. Investments are not FDIC insured, they are not guaranteed, and they may lose value. Please see the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclosure for more information.