WCN shares fall 7% since fourth-quarter 2025 earnings topped estimates, as margin pressure, an operating loss and weaker recycling results weigh on sentiment.
Waste Connections delivered robust 2025 results, with strong revenue growth, expanding margins, and disciplined M&A execution despite volume headwinds. WCN expects 2026 organic solid waste growth of 3.5-4.0%, EBITDA margins expanding 30-40 bps, and double-digit free cash flow growth, underpinned by pricing and efficiency gains. AI-driven initiatives and a sizable M&A pipeline position WCN for continued long-term growth, capital returns, and margin expansion.
Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
| - Industry | - Sector | Ronald J. Mittelstaedt CEO | CXA Exchange | CA94106B1013 ISIN |
| CA Country | 23,854 Employees | 25 Feb 2026 Last Dividend | 19 Jun 2017 Last Split | - IPO Date |
Waste Connections, Inc. is a prominent entity in the waste management sector, offering a broad range of non-hazardous waste collection, transfer, disposal, and resource recovery services across the United States and Canada. With a focus on servicing residential, commercial, municipal, industrial, and exploration and production (E&P) clients, the company has established a robust infrastructure including landfills, transfer stations, and recycling facilities. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Woodbridge, Canada, Waste Connections, Inc. is recognized for its commitment to providing environmentally responsible waste management solutions while also offering leasing services to its customers.
Waste Connections provides comprehensive waste collection services catered to residential, commercial, municipal, industrial, and E&P clients. This ensures a reliable and efficient management of waste materials, contributing to community cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
The company owns and operates various landfills, offering safe and environmentally responsible disposal services. This is a critical component of the waste management ecosystem, ensuring that non-hazardous waste is securely managed and contained.
Waste Connections is committed to resource recovery, offering recycling services for a wide array of materials such as compost, cardboard, mixed paper, plastic containers, glass bottles, and both ferrous and aluminum metals. These initiatives support the circular economy by recovering valuable materials for reuse.
The company's transfer stations play a crucial role in the waste management process by receiving, compacting, and/or loading waste for transport to final disposal sites or treatment facilities. This service is facilitated through various modes including truck, rail, or barge, enhancing the efficiency of waste handling.
Specifically designed for the Pacific Northwest, Waste Connections offers intermodal services for the rail haul movement of cargo and solid waste containers. This network of intermodal facilities emphasizes the company’s versatility in waste transport options.
Addressing the needs of the oil and natural gas sectors, the company provides comprehensive waste treatment, recovery, and disposal services. This includes managing drilling fluids, drill cuttings, completion fluids, and other waste generated from exploration and production activities, ensuring environmentally compliant disposal methods.
In addition to its core waste management services, Waste Connections offers leasing options to its customers. This flexibility allows for tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of its diverse client base.