Why Waste Connections Stock Soared 32% in 2021

Growing demand for waste management services amid growing environmental concerns could help Waste Connections stock yield handsome returns in the long term.

| More on:

Waste Connections (TSX:WCN)(NYSE:WCN) stock continued to soar for the sixth straight year in 2021. The stock inched up by 32.1% last year to $172.40 per share to outperform the broader market. By comparison, the TSX Composite Index ended the year with 21.7% advances.

In this article, I’ll highlight some key reasons why the shares of Waste Connections traded on a bullish note last year and what makes its stock worth adding to your portfolio.

Waste Connections stock

Waste Connections is one of the biggest solid waste services firms in North America, with its headquarters in Woodbridge, Ontario. The company primarily focuses on providing waste collection, disposal, and recycling services and currently has a market cap of $43.5 billion.

The waste services company’s financials have seen steady growth in the last few years with growing awareness about the positive environmental impacts of proper waste disposal and recycling. However, shelter-in-place orders during the COVID-19 phase affected its solid waste commercial collection, transfer, and disposal activities, hurting its financial growth rate.

Waste Connections still managed to report a minor 1% YoY (year-over-year) increase in its total revenue to US$5.4 billion in 2020. However, the company’s adjusted net profit fell by 3.3% YoY to about US$696 million, as its margin also shrunk. WCN reported an adjusted net profit margin of 12.8% in 2020, lower than 13.4% in the previous year.

Moving into 2021, easing pandemic-related restrictions helped the company post strong YoY growth in its top as well as the bottom line. In its latest reported quarter ended in September 2021, its total revenue rose by about 15% YoY to US$1.6 billion. Its strengthening resource recovery values and acquisition activity also drove its adjusted earnings up by 23.6% YoY to US$0.89 per share. Similarly, these factors helped the company post a strong 14.6% adjusted net profit margin for the quarter — higher than 13.6% in the third quarter of 2020.

Overall, its sooner than expected financial recovery could be responsible for boosting investors’ confidence and driving WCN stock higher in 2021.

Is WCN stock worth buying in 2022?

One key factor that makes WCN stock very reliable is its well-diversified revenue streams within the waste services industry. In 2020, the company’s 30% total revenue came from its commercial segment, while its residential and landfill segments accounted for nearly 28% and 21% of the revenue, respectively.

If you’re looking to invest in a high-growth stock that could multiply your money in a very short period of time (even if it involves some downside risks), then probably WCN stock isn’t for you. But if you prefer to invest your hard-earned money in a reliable company instead that could consistently deliver impressive returns on your investments, you should definitely consider buying Waste Connections stock.

Interestingly, this Canadian stock has delivered positive returns in nine out of the last 10 years with the help of consistent growth in its earnings. I expect its earnings-growth rate to improve further in the coming years, as the demand for waste management services rises amid growing environmental concerns.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Stocks for Beginners

construction workers talk on the job site
Energy Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Baytex vs Suncor?

Suncor and Baytex stocks both look like solid companies offering growth and dividends. But which is the better buy?

Read more »

profit rises over time
Top TSX Stocks

3 Reasons to Buy Enbridge Like There’s No Tomorrow

Have you considered buying Enbridge (TSX:ENB)? Here are 3 reasons to buy Enbridge today for lasting growth and income.

Read more »

An investor uses a tablet
Stocks for Beginners

If I Could Only Buy 2 Stocks in the Last Half of 2024, I’d Pick These

I’m looking to buy two stocks over the next month. Here’s a look at my picks and why you should…

Read more »

dividends grow over time
Stocks for Beginners

The Smartest Growth Stock to Buy With $2,000 Right Now

Do you have $2,000 to invest for the long term? These three TSX stocks have and will continue to deliver…

Read more »

The virtual button with the letters AI in a circle hovering above a keyboard, about to be clicked by a cursor.
Tech Stocks

Is OpenText Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

OpenText stock has fallen in the last few years, but that could mean this top tech stock remains an undervalued…

Read more »

man touches brain to show a good idea
Dividend Stocks

3 No-Brainer REIT Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $200

REITs have long been touted as some of the best dividend stocks out there if you want recurring, strong income.…

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Dividend Stocks

3 Top High-Yield Stocks to Buy in November

If you want passive income, high yield dividend stocks are the clear choice. These are the best, and safest, out…

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

Where will Loblaw Stock be in 5 Years?

Want a great food stock that can provide growth and income? Here's why Loblaw stock can offer that and more.

Read more »