Waste Management: 3 Key Takeaways for Long-Term Investors

On its third-quarter 2026 earnings call, held on Oct. 28, 2026, Waste Management (NYSE:WM) announced that full-year revenue and free cash flow (cash remaining after operating costs and capital investments) are expected to finish at the high end of guidance ranges. Operational technology and pricing discipline continue to protect margins against higher fuel expenses. Three things management said stand out.

1. Healthcare Solutions Integration Accelerates Operating Profitability

The healthcare integration reached financial and operational targets ahead of schedule. Pricing discipline and cost controls in healthcare demonstrate that solid waste operating principles translate directly into adjacent service lines.

For the first time since the acquisition, revenue was up year over year, and we grew operating EBITDA 33%. I believe this is going to prove to be one of the best acquisitions in the history of the company.
-- James C. Fish Jr., Chief Executive Officer

2. Technology Investments Drive Structural Reductions in Operating Expenses

Deploying route optimization, automated trucks, and predictive pricing tools helps offset rising fuel costs. Modernizing field operations enables the business to maintain profitability amid changing economic conditions.

Despite a 70-basis-point headwind from higher fuel costs, total company operating expenses remained below 60% of revenue, demonstrating the increasingly important role of technology combined with process improvements is playing in sustaining our performance and helping us to structurally lower our cost to serve.
-- John J. Morris Jr., President

3. Core Solid Waste Acquisition Pipeline Reinforces Long-Term Growth

Disciplined capital allocation converts high cash flow into targeted core solid waste acquisitions. Expanding network density across key markets strengthens competitive pricing power and expands post-collection margins.

Growing the collection and disposal business through tuck in acquisitions remains a strategic priority. We have completed $239 million of deals through the first 9 months of the year and expect to close another $140 million in the fourth quarter.
-- John J. Morris Jr., President

Looking Ahead

Pricing discipline and cash generation are supporting financial momentum across all service lines.

Strong pricing, cost optimization, and robust cash generation through the first 9 months position us well to deliver our full year outlook.
-- David L. Reed, executive vice president and chief operating officer

Landfill density, automated recycling facilities, and proprietary routing systems secure long-term market advantages as leadership focuses on pricing discipline.

Our focus on these priorities gives us confidence in our ability to deliver strong results in 2027.
-- John J. Morris Jr., President

The Motley Fool recommends WM. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.