Investment Choice Between Clean Harbors and Waste Management
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 day ago
0mins
Source: Fool
- Clean Harbors Financial Performance: In FY 2025, Clean Harbors reported nearly $6 billion in revenue, reflecting a 2.4% year-over-year growth, with a net income of approximately $391 million, demonstrating its profitability and stability in the complex hazardous waste management sector.
- Waste Management Expansion Strategy: Waste Management achieved $25.2 billion in revenue for FY 2025, a 14.2% increase, with a net income of about $2.7 billion, driven by its acquisition of Stericycle, which enhanced its competitive position in the market.
- Risk and Regulatory Challenges: Clean Harbors faces stringent oversight from the EPA and manages approximately $230.7 million in environmental remediation liabilities, while Waste Management navigates operational risks in integrating its Stericycle acquisition, requiring synchronization of billing and operational systems.
- Investor Choice Considerations: For investors seeking stable dividends, Waste Management may be the better option, while growth-focused investors might prefer Clean Harbors, particularly given the growth potential driven by new EPA regulations.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy CLH?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on CLH
Wall Street analysts forecast CLH stock price to fall
8 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 294.560
Low
230.00
Averages
263.14
High
290.00
Current: 294.560
Low
230.00
Averages
263.14
High
290.00
About CLH
Clean Harbors, Inc. is a provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company delivers a range of services, such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Its Environmental Services segment offers an array of services to customers. It collects, transports, treats and disposes of hazardous and non-hazardous waste through its network of waste disposal facilities, including incinerators, landfills, treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs), wastewater treatment facilities and solvent recycling centers. Its Safety-Kleen Sustainability Solutions (SKSS) segment offerings span the lifecycle of sustainable lubricant products. It collects used oil which serves as feedstock for its oil re-refineries. At these facilities, it manufactures, formulates and packages lubricants which are returned to the marketplace. It also provides parts washers and environmental services to various customers.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Investment Choices: Clean Harbors vs Waste Management
- Clean Harbors Financial Performance: In FY 2025, Clean Harbors reported nearly $6 billion in revenue, reflecting a 2.4% year-over-year growth, with a net income of approximately $391 million, demonstrating its profitability and stability in the complex hazardous waste management sector.
- Waste Management Expansion Strategy: Waste Management achieved $25.2 billion in revenue for FY 2025, a 14.2% increase, with a net income of about $2.7 billion, driven by organic growth and strategic integration of healthcare waste services, showcasing strong market demand and operational capabilities.
- Regulatory Risks and Challenges: Clean Harbors faces significant regulatory oversight, evidenced by a 2026 settlement with the U.S. EPA regarding its Safety-Kleen division, and manages approximately $230.7 million in environmental remediation liabilities, increasing operational risks.
- Market Competition and Investment Choices: Waste Management's acquisition of Stericycle in the medical waste sector presents growth potential but also integration challenges, while Clean Harbors relies on stricter EPA regulations for growth, requiring investors to choose based on their risk tolerance.
See More
Investment Choice Between Clean Harbors and Waste Management
- Clean Harbors Financial Performance: In FY 2025, Clean Harbors reported nearly $6 billion in revenue, reflecting a 2.4% year-over-year growth, with a net income of approximately $391 million, demonstrating its profitability and stability in the complex hazardous waste management sector.
- Waste Management Expansion Strategy: Waste Management achieved $25.2 billion in revenue for FY 2025, a 14.2% increase, with a net income of about $2.7 billion, driven by its acquisition of Stericycle, which enhanced its competitive position in the market.
- Risk and Regulatory Challenges: Clean Harbors faces stringent oversight from the EPA and manages approximately $230.7 million in environmental remediation liabilities, while Waste Management navigates operational risks in integrating its Stericycle acquisition, requiring synchronization of billing and operational systems.
- Investor Choice Considerations: For investors seeking stable dividends, Waste Management may be the better option, while growth-focused investors might prefer Clean Harbors, particularly given the growth potential driven by new EPA regulations.
See More
Investment Choice Between Clean Harbors and Waste Management
- Clean Harbors Performance: In FY 2025, Clean Harbors reported nearly $6 billion in revenue, reflecting a 2.4% increase, with a net income of approximately $391 million, demonstrating its profitability in the complex hazardous waste management sector.
- Waste Management Expansion: Waste Management achieved $25.2 billion in revenue for FY 2025, a 14.2% increase, with a net income of about $2.7 billion, driven by its strategic acquisition of Stericycle, enhancing its capabilities in medical waste disposal.
- Regulatory and Risk Challenges: Clean Harbors faces significant regulatory scrutiny from the EPA and manages approximately $230.7 million in environmental remediation liabilities, while Waste Management navigates the complexities of integrating Stericycle's operations.
- Valuation Comparison: Clean Harbors has a forward P/E ratio of 33.8x compared to Waste Management's 28.2x, indicating differing market valuations that investors should consider based on their risk tolerance and investment goals.
See More
Invest in Three Sales Growth Stocks to Combat Market Volatility
- Sales Growth Potential: MKS Inc. is projected to have a sales growth rate of 20.5% in 2026, indicating strong demand for its critical parameter control and monitoring solutions in advanced manufacturing processes, which could enhance its competitive position in the industry.
- Banking Service Expansion: UMB Financial Corp. expects a sales growth rate of 10.8% for 2026, and its strategic alignment across commercial, institutional, and personal banking segments is likely to strengthen its customer base and market share, thereby improving overall profitability.
- Environmental Services Demand: Clean Harbors, Inc. anticipates a 4% sales growth rate in 2026; while modest, its leadership in environmental, energy, and industrial services in North America will continue to provide stable revenue streams for the company.
- Market Adaptability: Amid increasing market volatility and macroeconomic uncertainties, these three companies demonstrate strong adaptability through consistent sales growth, potentially offering investors more reliable long-term returns.
See More
Clean Harbors Acquires Terra Nova Solutions for $225M
- Acquisition Announcement: Clean Harbors has announced the acquisition of Terra Nova Solutions for $225 million in cash, a strategic move aimed at enhancing its technical and field services business, thereby solidifying its market position in waste management.
- Revenue Expectations: Clean Harbors anticipates that Terra Nova will generate between $45 million and $50 million in annual revenue, contributing approximately $15 million in adjusted EBITDA, indicating strong financial potential from this acquisition.
- Synergy Realization: The company expects to achieve around $4 million in synergies after the first full year of operation, which will further enhance profitability and operational efficiency.
- Processing Capacity: Terra Nova operates five sites in the Carolinas with the capacity to treat 35 million gallons of wastewater and over 85 million gallons of solidification annually, supporting high-margin, recurring revenue streams.
See More
Clean Harbors Acquires Terra Nova Solutions
- Acquisition Announcement: Clean Harbors has announced the acquisition of Terra Nova Solutions, which will enhance its market position in hazardous waste management and is expected to create new growth opportunities for the company.
- Market Expansion: This acquisition allows Clean Harbors to broaden its service offerings, particularly in hazardous waste treatment and environmental services, further solidifying its leadership in the industry.
- Financial Impact: While specific financial terms have not been disclosed, the acquisition is anticipated to positively affect Clean Harbors' revenue and profitability, driving future financial growth for the company.
- Strategic Significance: This acquisition is not only a key move for Clean Harbors to expand its market share but also demonstrates the company's commitment to ongoing investments in the environmental services sector to meet the growing market demand.
See More
Investment Choices: Clean Harbors vs Waste Management
- Clean Harbors Financial Performance: In FY 2025, Clean Harbors reported nearly $6 billion in revenue, reflecting a 2.4% year-over-year growth, with a net income of approximately $391 million, demonstrating its profitability and stability in the complex hazardous waste management sector.
- Waste Management Expansion Strategy: Waste Management achieved $25.2 billion in revenue for FY 2025, a 14.2% increase, with a net income of about $2.7 billion, driven by organic growth and strategic integration of healthcare waste services, showcasing strong market demand and operational capabilities.
- Regulatory Risks and Challenges: Clean Harbors faces significant regulatory oversight, evidenced by a 2026 settlement with the U.S. EPA regarding its Safety-Kleen division, and manages approximately $230.7 million in environmental remediation liabilities, increasing operational risks.
- Market Competition and Investment Choices: Waste Management's acquisition of Stericycle in the medical waste sector presents growth potential but also integration challenges, while Clean Harbors relies on stricter EPA regulations for growth, requiring investors to choose based on their risk tolerance.
See More
Investment Choice Between Clean Harbors and Waste Management
- Clean Harbors Financial Performance: In FY 2025, Clean Harbors reported nearly $6 billion in revenue, reflecting a 2.4% year-over-year growth, with a net income of approximately $391 million, demonstrating its profitability and stability in the complex hazardous waste management sector.
- Waste Management Expansion Strategy: Waste Management achieved $25.2 billion in revenue for FY 2025, a 14.2% increase, with a net income of about $2.7 billion, driven by its acquisition of Stericycle, which enhanced its competitive position in the market.
- Risk and Regulatory Challenges: Clean Harbors faces stringent oversight from the EPA and manages approximately $230.7 million in environmental remediation liabilities, while Waste Management navigates operational risks in integrating its Stericycle acquisition, requiring synchronization of billing and operational systems.
- Investor Choice Considerations: For investors seeking stable dividends, Waste Management may be the better option, while growth-focused investors might prefer Clean Harbors, particularly given the growth potential driven by new EPA regulations.
See More
Investment Choice Between Clean Harbors and Waste Management
- Clean Harbors Performance: In FY 2025, Clean Harbors reported nearly $6 billion in revenue, reflecting a 2.4% increase, with a net income of approximately $391 million, demonstrating its profitability in the complex hazardous waste management sector.
- Waste Management Expansion: Waste Management achieved $25.2 billion in revenue for FY 2025, a 14.2% increase, with a net income of about $2.7 billion, driven by its strategic acquisition of Stericycle, enhancing its capabilities in medical waste disposal.
- Regulatory and Risk Challenges: Clean Harbors faces significant regulatory scrutiny from the EPA and manages approximately $230.7 million in environmental remediation liabilities, while Waste Management navigates the complexities of integrating Stericycle's operations.
- Valuation Comparison: Clean Harbors has a forward P/E ratio of 33.8x compared to Waste Management's 28.2x, indicating differing market valuations that investors should consider based on their risk tolerance and investment goals.
See More
Invest in Three Sales Growth Stocks to Combat Market Volatility
- Sales Growth Potential: MKS Inc. is projected to have a sales growth rate of 20.5% in 2026, indicating strong demand for its critical parameter control and monitoring solutions in advanced manufacturing processes, which could enhance its competitive position in the industry.
- Banking Service Expansion: UMB Financial Corp. expects a sales growth rate of 10.8% for 2026, and its strategic alignment across commercial, institutional, and personal banking segments is likely to strengthen its customer base and market share, thereby improving overall profitability.
- Environmental Services Demand: Clean Harbors, Inc. anticipates a 4% sales growth rate in 2026; while modest, its leadership in environmental, energy, and industrial services in North America will continue to provide stable revenue streams for the company.
- Market Adaptability: Amid increasing market volatility and macroeconomic uncertainties, these three companies demonstrate strong adaptability through consistent sales growth, potentially offering investors more reliable long-term returns.
See More
Clean Harbors Acquires Terra Nova Solutions for $225M
- Acquisition Announcement: Clean Harbors has announced the acquisition of Terra Nova Solutions for $225 million in cash, a strategic move aimed at enhancing its technical and field services business, thereby solidifying its market position in waste management.
- Revenue Expectations: Clean Harbors anticipates that Terra Nova will generate between $45 million and $50 million in annual revenue, contributing approximately $15 million in adjusted EBITDA, indicating strong financial potential from this acquisition.
- Synergy Realization: The company expects to achieve around $4 million in synergies after the first full year of operation, which will further enhance profitability and operational efficiency.
- Processing Capacity: Terra Nova operates five sites in the Carolinas with the capacity to treat 35 million gallons of wastewater and over 85 million gallons of solidification annually, supporting high-margin, recurring revenue streams.
See More
Clean Harbors Acquires Terra Nova Solutions
- Acquisition Announcement: Clean Harbors has announced the acquisition of Terra Nova Solutions, which will enhance its market position in hazardous waste management and is expected to create new growth opportunities for the company.
- Market Expansion: This acquisition allows Clean Harbors to broaden its service offerings, particularly in hazardous waste treatment and environmental services, further solidifying its leadership in the industry.
- Financial Impact: While specific financial terms have not been disclosed, the acquisition is anticipated to positively affect Clean Harbors' revenue and profitability, driving future financial growth for the company.
- Strategic Significance: This acquisition is not only a key move for Clean Harbors to expand its market share but also demonstrates the company's commitment to ongoing investments in the environmental services sector to meet the growing market demand.
See More
