TSE:WCN

Waste Connections (WCN.TO)

237.00
-3.38 (1.41%)
as of Jul 21, 2026, 3:23:04 pm Market Open.
284 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconJul 21, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 14 opinions in the last 12 months.

Waste Connections (WCN-T) is viewed positively by several experts, primarily due to its position in a defensive and stable industry that is less sensitive to economic fluctuations. While some analysts appreciate the company's strong management and solid growth prospects, particularly in cash flow, others express concerns regarding its current stock performance and valuation metrics, with reports of lower highs and lows on the charts. Despite being fundamentally sound with a projected earnings growth of around 10%, the stock trades at a high forward P/E ratio, leading to mixed feelings about its attractiveness at present. Acquisitions aimed at smaller markets and a focus on employee safety enhance its reputation, but recent challenges, including a chemical incident in California and fuel costs, have impacted investor sentiment. In summary, while considered a valuable part of a diversified portfolio, timing for a new position is crucial given market volatility and external pressures.

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Consensus
Positive
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Valuation
Fair Value
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PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick July 18/17 - Up 26%) Garbage. As the economy improves more garbage being produce. Optically not cheap. Trading at 30 times earnings. But they continuously beat expectations. There are profit to be made here.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick July 14, 2017. Up 24%). This is a garbage company. It is relatively recession-resistant. He thinks there are still good opportunities for it. He expects it to grow by acquisition. They have tons of free cash flow to support that acquisition program.

BUY

It has been a great stock for him. It trades at a bit of a premium to some of the peers in the US because there aren't a lot of quality industrials in Canada. It is quite a recession resistant business. No need to crystallize your gains.

COMMENT

This has been a freight train hitting new highs. After decades of consolidation economies of scale have been reached. Valuation is way too rich for him. It is a good business but you have to buy it right.

TOP PICK

Pays a modest dividend. Free cash flow grew by 16% to $855 million. Paid down $300 million in debt in the past year. They grow by acquisitionEarnings to grow 17% this year, 14% in 2019. Multi-quarter breakout with 20% upside. (Analysts' price target $99.70)

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick July 14/17 Up 18%). This garbage collection company been growing successfully through acquisitions. They are benefitting from EPA regulations to collect methane at garbage dumps, collecting methane to fuel their fleet.

COMMENT

A disciplined acquirer. They've bought several companies over the years. Yield will grow over time, but their more focussed on increasing their assets.

DON'T BUY

Sold it, but it's continued to do well and reported a strong quarter. It looks positive in the short-term, but valuations are trading around 4x book, which is out of his league.

WATCH

It is in its seasonal period. It is related to industrial activities. Technically we have broken the uptrend. He would take a look at the recent highs and if it broke those, he would enter the position.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Optically doesn’t look cheap. 30 times earnings. But the company is growing at 15% and that justifies the price. They are looking to consolidate the garbage industry in North America. Good business to be in.

BUY

This has been an all-star performer. It had a terrific 2017. It is run by very smart group of allocators and there is more room to go. Waste collection is still a very fragmented business in North America. A very attractive business.

PARTIAL SELL

If you own this, he would start to play with the house money, maybe give half of it back. At this stage, it is really anybody's guess as to what it is going to do. He likes the volume and the run it’s had, but where does it stop. You should reward yourself and take a little bit off the table.

BUY

Wait for a pullback or buy today? Doesn’t expect less garbage in the future, but will be producing more. This company has pretty good pricing power and the waste services industry is still extremely fragmented in the US. A good opportunity here.

BUY

The waste business is economically sensitive. A lot of customers are commercial. As the economy strengthens, you produce more waste. This is a play on a strengthening economy, which is one of the reasons you would want to own this. It has a very interesting geographic footprint in parts of the US that are growing. Technically it is sound.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Has been a pretty hot stock lately. Expensively priced. Growth by acquisition, and a yield, but not a really high one. You take that combination, but unless you can really buy it well, or you already hold it, he would look for a cheaper entry point. He would look in the low $80s before he would be an interested buyer.

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