WM, previously known as Waste Management, ranks as the largest integrated provider of traditional solid waste services in the United States, operating 257 active landfill sites and about 342 transfer stations that help with transporting waste efficiently and economically. The company serves residential, commercial, industrial, and medical end markets for waste collection, transfer, and disposal. The company also has an energy business emanating from the beneficial use of landfill gas and is a leading recycler in North America.
The chart shows the growth of an initial investment of $10,000 in Waste Management, Inc., comparing it to the performance of the S&P 500 index. All prices have been adjusted for splits and dividends.
Returns By Period
Waste Management, Inc. (WM) has returned 7.33% so far this year and 7.43% over the past 12 months. Looking at the last ten years, WM has achieved an annualized return of 14.83%, outperforming the Benchmark (SPY), which averaged 12.23% per year.
WM
1M-2.97%
6M7.37%
YTD7.33%
1Y7.43%
5Y11.79%
10Y14.83%
Benchmark (SPY)
1M-3.85%
6M-2.35%
YTD-4.36%
1Y34.06%
5Y9.80%
10Y12.23%
Monthly Returns
The table below presents the monthly returns of Waste Management, Inc. (WM) with color gradation from worst to best to easily spot seasonal factors.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2026
1.32%
8.11%
-4.98%
2.23%
2025
8.57%
6.34%
-0.89%
0.94%
3.86%
-4.29%
0.28%
-1.94%
-2.47%
-9.35%
9.48%
0.81%
2024
4.45%
10.85%
4.21%
-2.16%
1.49%
3.06%
-5.51%
4.34%
-2.11%
4.04%
5.21%
-11.63%
2023
-1.70%
-0.23%
9.19%
1.99%
-2.35%
7.18%
-4.90%
-4.54%
-3.16%
7.53%
4.22%
4.59%
2022
-9.63%
-4.05%
9.83%
3.79%
-3.11%
-3.83%
7.60%
3.12%
-5.32%
-2.01%
5.45%
-6.98%
2021
-5.66%
-0.89%
15.54%
6.75%
1.41%
-0.93%
4.63%
4.31%
-3.36%
7.02%
-0.16%
3.04%
2020
6.67%
-9.29%
-17.24%
10.95%
8.20%
-1.02%
3.48%
3.67%
-0.12%
-5.31%
9.21%
-1.86%
2019
8.59%
5.47%
2.35%
2.64%
1.96%
4.28%
0.78%
2.02%
-3.85%
-2.55%
0.35%
1.10%
2018
2.65%
-2.43%
-2.74%
-3.23%
1.67%
-2.21%
11.23%
0.82%
-0.48%
-1.43%
4.56%
-5.73%
2017
-2.11%
5.77%
-0.59%
-0.41%
-0.23%
0.53%
2.33%
2.36%
1.33%
4.68%
0.05%
4.75%
2016
-0.08%
3.31%
9.34%
-0.05%
-3.49%
-0.34%
3.08%
7.09%
1.85%
Performance Indicators
The charts below present risk-adjusted performance metrics for Waste Management, Inc. (WM) and compare them to a Benchmark (SPY). These indicators evaluate an investment's returns against its associated risks.
Sharpe ratio
Sortino ratio
Omega ratio
Calmar ratio
Martin ratio
sharpe ratio
The Sharpe ratio helps investors understand how much return they're getting for the level of risk taken. A higher Sharpe ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance, meaning more reward for each unit of risk.
These values reflect how efficiently the investment has delivered returns relative to its volatility over different time periods. All figures are annualized and based on daily total returns.
The chart below shows the rolling Sharpe ratio of WM compared to the benchmark. This view highlights how the investment's risk-adjusted performance has changed over time.
Volatility Chart
The current Waste Management, Inc. volatility is 1.33%, representing the standart deviation of percentage change in the investments's value, either up or down over the past month. The chart below shows the rolling one-month volatility.
Drawdowns Chart
The Drawdowns chart displays portfolio losses from any high point along the way. It shows the maximum percentage drop from a peak to a trough over a specified period, indicating the risk of significant losses. Although chart shows positive values, it represents the percentage drop from the peak, so a value of 10% means the portfolio has dropped 10% from its highest point.
Income Statement
The income statement provides a summary of a company's revenues, expenses, and profits over a specific period. It shows how much money the company earned (revenues) and how much it spent (expenses), leading to the net income or profit. This statement is crucial for understanding a company's financial performance and profitability.
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
Liabilities And Equity (USD)
45.84B
44.57B
32.82B
31.37B
29.10B
29.35B
27.74B
22.65B
21.83B
20.86B
20.42B
21.41B
22.60B
23.10B
22.57B
21.48B
21.15B
Equity Attributable To Parent (USD)
9.99B
8.25B
6.90B
6.85B
7.12B
7.45B
7.07B
6.28B
6.02B
5.30B
5.35B
5.87B
5.71B
6.35B
6.07B
6.26B
6.29B
Equity Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest (USD)
The article recommends two industrial sector dividend stocks as alternatives to technology investments. RTX (Raytheon Technologies) is highlighted for its defense and aerospace business with post-war military replenishment tailwinds, offering a 1.4% dividend yield and expected 10% annual earnings growth. Waste Management (WM) is praised for its regulatory moat from its landfill network, 1.45% dividend yield, and 23-year dividend growth streak with projected 11-12% annual earnings growth. Both stocks trade at fair valuations relative to their growth prospects.
The Motley Fool•Justin Pope
AI Insight
Recommended as a solid buy with durable regulatory moat from landfill network, steady business model, 23-year dividend growth streak, 1.45% dividend yield, and fair valuation at 28x earnings with projected 11-12% annual earnings growth.
The article highlights two dividend-growth stocks that have pulled back due to Middle East tensions despite having no exposure to the conflict. Waste Management (WM) is investing $1.4 billion in AI-powered automation to boost efficiency and free cash flow growth, while Gilead Sciences (GILD) is leveraging AI to accelerate drug development timelines. Both stocks offer attractive entry points with accelerating dividend growth and strong underlying fundamentals.
Investing.com•Brett Owens
AI Insight
Company demonstrates accelerating dividend growth (23 consecutive years of increases, latest hike 14.5%), falling payout ratio despite higher payouts, significant AI investment ($1.4B for automation), and CEO guidance for 30% FCF growth. Recent 6% pullback presents buying opportunity.
As market volatility rises and the VIX approaches multi-month peaks, investors should consider defensive stocks rather than exiting the market entirely. Three recommended defensive plays are Verizon Communications for its 5.7% dividend yield and essential mobile service demand, Coca-Cola for its affordable consumer staples and 64-year dividend growth streak, and Waste Management for its recession-resistant garbage disposal services that historically outperform during market downturns.
The Motley Fool•James Brumley
AI Insight
Recommended as a defensive stock with a proven track record of outperforming during market weakness. Essential service with inelastic demand—garbage disposal needs persist regardless of economic conditions.
The article examines insider selling at Waste Management and Ionis Pharmaceuticals, arguing that profit-taking by insiders at these stocks presents buying opportunities. Waste Management benefits from institutional accumulation, strong dividend growth prospects, and analyst support despite insider sales. Ionis Pharmaceuticals faces heavier selling pressure but analysts project 25% upside driven by commercial growth of its drug Olezarsen and a bullish long-term earnings outlook.
Investing.com•Thomas Hughes
AI Insight
Strong institutional accumulation over 3 years with no distribution, bullish analyst coverage (25 ratings), sustainable 1.65% dividend yield with annual increases, and track record for Dividend Aristocrats inclusion. Insider selling of $25M is immaterial given 0.18% insider ownership and strong fundamental tailwinds.
The Gates Foundation's $35 billion stock portfolio is heavily concentrated in Berkshire Hathaway, which represents 28% of holdings worth $9.8 billion. This large position stems from Warren Buffett's annual charitable contributions of Berkshire stock rather than investment conviction. Microsoft ranks fourth in the portfolio at 10.5%, reflecting Bill Gates' charitable donations of his company shares.
The Motley Fool•Matt Frankel, Cfp
AI Insight
Listed as a top holding in the diversified portfolio, but no specific investment thesis or performance commentary provided in the article.
The article recommends three industrial stocks positioned to outperform the S&P 500 in 2026: Fluor, a construction and engineering firm benefiting from AI data center infrastructure demands; Waste Management, a reliable garbage collection company with growing recycling and medical waste segments; and USA Rare Earth, a pre-revenue company with an upcoming magnet manufacturing facility launch and significant rare earth mining potential.
The Motley Fool•James Brumley
AI Insight
Reliable, dependable business with consistent revenue generation. Growing complexity and pricing power due to decreasing landfill availability and environmental regulations. Expanding medical waste business projected to double from $14B to $28B by 2035. Solid performer in uncertain market.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation maintains a concentrated $38 billion equity portfolio, with 60% invested in three non-tech stocks: Berkshire Hathaway, Waste Management, and Canadian National Railway. This strategy reflects Warren Buffett's influence, favoring slow-growing value stocks with wide competitive moats over technology investments.
The Motley Fool•Adam Levy
AI Insight
Demonstrates excellent operational execution with best-ever operating margins, consistent pricing power, and successful horizontal expansion through Stericycle acquisition. Strong competitive moat from landfill infrastructure.
Republic Services reported Q4 2026 EPS above expectations but missed on revenue. The company guided for 3% YOY growth in 2026 revenue and EPS while announcing $1 billion in planned acquisitions. However, softer operating cash flow and potential free cash flow pressure from CapEx spending have raised investor concerns, causing the stock to decline despite the company's position as a defensive play in the waste management duopoly.
Investing.com•Chris Markoch
AI Insight
Mentioned as part of the waste management duopoly with Republic Services. While the sector offers defensive characteristics and long-term contract revenue, the article notes WM has underperformed RSG over the last three years (19.6% vs 24.5% total return), suggesting neutral positioning without specific catalysts mentioned.
The U.S. smart waste management market is experiencing rapid growth with a projected CAGR of 14.13% through 2035, driven by urbanization, population growth, and adoption of IoT-based technologies. North America leads with 45.02% market share, while Europe is expected to grow fastest. Key challenges include limited infrastructure and connectivity in rural areas.
GlobeNewswire Inc.•Sns Insider
AI Insight
Listed as a leading market player but no specific recent developments or performance metrics provided in the article.
The article highlights three consumer staples stocks as defensive investments during market volatility: Waste Management Inc. (WM) with a 52% dividend payout ratio and 22-year history of increases; British American Tobacco plc (BTI) yielding over 5% with 19 consecutive years of payout increases; and Service Corporation International Inc. (SCI) with a 1.68% yield and 15-year streak of dividend increases. These companies benefit from inelastic demand, pricing power, and low volatility relative to broader markets.
Investing.com•Dan Schmidt
AI Insight
Strong dividend safety with 52% payout ratio and 22-year history of annual increases. Company has near-monopoly in landfill operations due to regulatory barriers. Stock showing bullish technical signals with breakout above 200-day SMA and confirmed MACD bullish cross.
