Investors are cautious about Waste Management Inc. (NYSE: WM) despite recent acquisitions. Revenue was up 14% YOY but missed forecasts at $6.44 billion. Earnings per share also fell short at $1.98. However, strong EBITDA growth and increased free cash flow are positive signs for the company’s future.

The healthcare unit, WM Healthcare Solutions, is underperforming due to deferred pricing actions and ERP challenges. Analysts maintain a Moderate Buy rating for WM stock despite its premium valuation. The stock is consolidating but remains in an uptrend, with technical indicators pointing towards stabilization.

WM stock has returned 8.5% in 2025 with a 1.5% dividend yield. Waste Management announced a 14.5% dividend increase and plans to resume stock buybacks in 2026. Management is optimistic about the company’s growth potential in the coming year and beyond, emphasizing shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks.

Read more at Nasdaq: Waste Management’s Next Chapter Is Taking Shape for Investors