Why did Waste Management stock slip after earnings?

The company posted a slight earnings miss tied to healthcare operations and Stericycle integration friction. Still, operating and net margins remain healthy, and cash generation improved year over year. We think investors are waiting for clearer integration milestones and for price to reclaim key moving averages before re-rating.

Is the 14.5% dividend hike sustainable?

The dividend sits at $3.30 TTM with a ~1.5% yield and a payout ratio near 51%. Interest coverage is about 4.9x and net debt to EBITDA near 3.35x. Those levels are watch items, but recurring cash flows and planned capital returns suggest the new dividend is supported barring a sharp downturn.

What are the key technical levels now?

Price is near $221 with the 200-day around $223.69. The upper Bollinger Band is $222.29, RSI is 60.9, and ADX indicates no strong trend. Resistance remains in the mid-$230s, while support sits around $215 to $211. A weekly close above the 200-day would help confirm upside.

How would a $3B 2026 buyback affect shareholders?

A $3 billion program in 2026 can reduce the share count and lift EPS, especially if paired with steady margin performance. Shares already trended slightly lower year over year. The impact depends on purchase prices, free cash flow delivery, and keeping leverage within targeted ranges.

Global Market Insights

WM Stock Today, December 24: Earnings Miss, Dividend Hike, Buybacks Ahead

ByHuzaifa Zahoor December 24, 2025December 24, 2025

Waste Management stock (WM) is steady after a slight earnings miss tied to healthcare integration, even as core margins, EBITDA, and free cash flow improved. Shares trade near $221.28 with a 34.7x P/E, close to a 35.4x fair multiple. Management lifted the dividend by 14.5% and outlined a $3 billion buyback for 2026, signaling confidence in cash generation. With resistance in the mid-$230s and the 50-week average nearby, the next move hinges on execution, Stericycle integration progress, and a clean break above key technical lines.