📊 WCN Key Takeaways
Is Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) a Good Investment?
Waste Connections demonstrates solid operational fundamentals with strong profitability margins (18.1% operating, 11.4% net) and excellent cash flow generation ($2.4B operating CF, $1.2B FCF), supported by an exceptional 21.8x interest coverage ratio. However, stagnant revenue and net income growth (both 0.0% YoY) combined with a critically low cash position ($46M) and weak current ratio (0.62x) relative to $8.8B debt create material headwinds that warrant a cautious stance despite the company's proven ability to service its obligations.
Why Buy Waste Connections, Inc. Stock? WCN Key Strengths
- Strong and stable operating margins (18.1%) and net margins (11.4%) indicating pricing power and operational efficiency in mature waste management sector
- Robust cash flow generation with $2.4B operating cash flow and $1.2B free cash flow, demonstrating the resilience of recurring revenue model
- Exceptional debt service capacity with 21.8x interest coverage ratio, indicating very low financial distress risk despite high absolute debt levels
WCN Stock Risks: Waste Connections, Inc. Investment Risks
- Zero revenue and net income growth (0.0% YoY) signals market maturation or increased competitive pressure with limited organic expansion opportunities
- Critical liquidity position with current ratio of 0.62x and only $46M cash against $12.9B liabilities raises concerns about near-term operational flexibility
- High leverage (1.07x Debt/Equity, $8.8B long-term debt) combined with capital-intensive business model ($1.2B annual capex) limits financial flexibility and acquisition capacity
Key Metrics to Watch
- Organic revenue growth trajectory and pricing power in next 2-3 quarters to determine if stagnation is cyclical or structural
- Cash position and working capital management to address liquidity concerns and ensure adequate operational cushion
- Free cash flow sustainability and capital allocation priorities, particularly debt reduction vs. shareholder returns vs. strategic growth investments
Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.
WCN Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
WCN vs Market Sector: How Waste Connections, Inc. Compares
How Waste Connections, Inc. compares to Market sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Waste Connections, Inc. Stock Overvalued? WCN Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Waste Connections, Inc. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Market sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Waste Connections, Inc. Balance Sheet: WCN Debt, Cash & Liquidity
WCN Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Waste Connections, Inc.'s revenue has grown significantly by 54% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $2.95 reflects profitable operations.
WCN Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
WCN Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $2.3B | $286.3M | $1.11 |
| Q2 2025 | $2.2B | $275.5M | $1.07 |
| Q1 2025 | $2.1B | $230.1M | $0.89 |
| Q3 2024 | $2.1B | $229.0M | $0.89 |
| Q2 2024 | $2.0B | $209.2M | $0.81 |
| Q1 2024 | $1.9B | $197.8M | $0.77 |
| Q3 2023 | $1.9B | $229.0M | $0.89 |
| Q2 2023 | $1.8B | $209.2M | $0.81 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Waste Connections, Inc. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
WCN SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Waste Connections, Inc. (CIK: 0001318220)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about WCN
What is the AI rating for WCN?
Waste Connections, Inc. (WCN) has an AI rating of HOLD with 77% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are WCN's key strengths?
Claude: Strong and stable operating margins (18.1%) and net margins (11.4%) indicating pricing power and operational efficiency in mature waste management sector. Robust cash flow generation with $2.4B operating cash flow and $1.2B free cash flow, demonstrating the resilience of recurring revenue model.
What are the risks of investing in WCN?
Claude: Zero revenue and net income growth (0.0% YoY) signals market maturation or increased competitive pressure with limited organic expansion opportunities. Critical liquidity position with current ratio of 0.62x and only $46M cash against $12.9B liabilities raises concerns about near-term operational flexibility.
What is WCN's revenue and growth?
Waste Connections, Inc. reported revenue of $9.5B.
Does WCN pay dividends?
Waste Connections, Inc. pays dividends, with $333.8M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find WCN SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Waste Connections, Inc. (CIK: 0001318220) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is WCN's EPS?
Waste Connections, Inc. has a diluted EPS of $4.17.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is WCN a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Waste Connections, Inc. has a HOLD rating with 77% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is WCN stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for WCN: ROE of 13.1% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of 11.4% (sector avg: 12%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy WCN stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Waste Connections, Inc. a combined HOLD rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is WCN's free cash flow?
Waste Connections, Inc.'s operating cash flow is $2.4B, with capital expenditures of $1.2B. FCF margin is 13.0%.
How does WCN compare to other Market stocks?
Vs Default sector averages: Net margin 11.4% (avg: 12%), ROE 13.1% (avg: 15%), current ratio 0.62 (avg: 1.8).