Waste Connections earnings exceeded analyst expectations in the third quarter of 2026 as higher pricing, improved landfill activity and commodity-related revenue helped offset declining waste volumes. The company reported revenue of $2.64 billion on October 21, up 7.3% from a year earlier, but shares fell roughly 2% in after-hours trading.
Key Takeaways
- Revenue and adjusted earnings per share both exceeded analyst estimates.
- Core pricing increased 5.5% while overall waste volumes declined 1.2% year over year.
- Management scheduled its earnings conference call for October 22 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
Table of Contents
- Waste Connections earnings exceed quarterly forecasts
- Higher pricing offsets weaker waste volumes
- Management discussion scheduled for October 22
- Conclusion
Waste Connections earnings exceed quarterly forecasts
Third-quarter revenue exceeded the $2.61 billion analyst estimate by $30 million. Adjusted earnings reached $1.58 per share, beating the $1.52 consensus forecast by six cents.
The earnings comparison uses adjusted earnings per share rather than reported earnings. Despite the better-than-expected figures, the stock declined in extended trading; the available information does not establish a specific reason for that reaction.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Q3 2026 revenue | $2.64 billion, versus a $2.61 billion analyst estimate. |
| Adjusted earnings per share | $1.58, versus a $1.52 consensus forecast. |
| Core pricing | Increased 5.5%. |
| Overall waste volumes | Declined 1.2% year over year. |
| Internal solid waste revenue | Increased 4.5%. |
Higher pricing offsets weaker waste volumes
Core pricing rose 5.5%, helping counter a 1.2% year-over-year decline in overall waste volumes. Internal solid waste revenue increased 4.5%, while improved landfill activity and higher commodity-related revenue also supported total sales.
The distinction between revenue and volume matters: sales growth did not reflect a broad increase in the quantity of waste handled. Higher pricing supported revenue even as overall volumes contracted.
Waste Connections provides collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services across the United States and Canada, with a focus on secondary and rural markets.
Management discussion scheduled for October 22
The company’s third-quarter earnings conference call schedule sets the management discussion for October 22, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. That scheduling announcement establishes the timing of the call, rather than the quarterly financial results.
A live audio webcast is planned, with a replay available shortly after the call concludes.
Conclusion
Waste Connections delivered revenue growth and an adjusted earnings beat despite lower waste volumes. The next confirmed event is the October 22 conference call, when management is scheduled to discuss the quarter.
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