Waste Management is the largest trash hauler and landfill operator in North America, with a market cap of $86.9 billion. The company has a 22-year history of annual dividend increases, with a dividend yield currently at 1.5%. Waste Management’s share price has increased by 375% over the last 10 years.

Trash haulers and landfill operators like Waste Management benefit from a growing North American population that produces more waste. Waste Management, Republic Services, and Waste Connections are the three major players in the industry, controlling the majority of market share. Waste Management has low customer churn due to high barriers to entry.

Waste Management’s reliable stream of cash from long-term contracts supports its dividend. The company expects free cash flow for 2025 to be between $2.8 billion and $2.9 billion, providing ample dividend coverage. Although the dividend yield is currently low at 1.5%, the payout has increased by over 114% in the last 10 years.

Investors looking at Waste Management for potential growth should note that it was not among the 10 best stocks identified by the Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team. The team’s top picks have historically outperformed the market significantly. The latest top 10 list is available for investors to explore potential high-return opportunities.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: What Every Waste Management Investor Should Know Before Buying