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CLH vs WCN
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Clean Harbors (CLH) vs. Waste Connections (WCN) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CLH is delivering stronger top-line momentum, with recent quarterly revenue growth reaching double digits and record profitability, versus mid-single-digit growth at WCN.
- CLH has a more concentrated growth story, driven by PFAS remediation, reshoring, and a new data-center services initiative, while WCN leans on steady pricing and acquisitions.
- WCN carries structurally higher margins and a shareholder-friendly dividend, but CLH is expanding margins faster from a lower base.
- Both companies are raising full-year guidance, but CLH has increased its outlook more substantially in recent weeks.
- Valuation differs sharply: WCN trades at a premium enterprise-value multiple relative to peers, while CLH trades at a higher price-to-earnings ratio on lower margins.
- Relative performance favors CLH on a one-year basis, though both names have been volatile amid shifting growth expectations.
Introduction
Clean Harbors, Inc. and Waste Connections, Inc. both operate in the environmental and waste-services arena, yet they pursue different corners of it. Clean Harbors specializes in hazardous waste, industrial services, and oil re-refining, while Waste Connections focuses on non-hazardous solid waste collection and disposal. That distinction matters for investors weighing risk, growth, and market positioning. This stock comparison is relevant for traders and long-term investors seeking to understand how two "defensive" service businesses perform under different catalysts. Clean Harbors has ridden a wave of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) remediation demand and reshoring activity, while Waste Connections has leaned on pricing discipline and acquisitions to offset softer volumes.
CLH Overview and Recent Performance
CLH, or Clean Harbors, is North America's leading provider of environmental and industrial services, spanning hazardous waste incineration, landfill disposal, field services, and the Safety-Kleen oil re-refining business. Recent market activity has been marked by strong execution: the company reported a second-quarter beat with revenue up roughly 12% and adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) up about 22%, reaching the highest quarterly margin in company history. Management also raised full-year guidance, citing PFAS demand tracking toward 25–35% growth, a 10-year disposal contract valued near $600 million tied to U.S. manufacturing reshoring, and a $305 million acquisition of emergency-response provider ES&H. Sentiment has improved on these catalysts, though industrial services remain a soft spot and the stock's premium valuation keeps some investors cautious.
WCN Overview and Recent Performance
WCN, or Waste Connections, is an integrated solid waste services company providing non-hazardous collection, transfer, disposal, and recycling across the U.S. and Canada. Its recent performance reflects steady execution rather than a single explosive catalyst. Second-quarter adjusted earnings rose about 16%, with revenue up mid-single digits, supported by core price increases above 5% and strong E&P (exploration and production) waste demand. The company raised its 2026 revenue and adjusted EBITDA outlook and continues to generate robust free cash flow, funding a growing dividend and an active acquisition pipeline. Offsetting these strengths, solid waste unit volumes declined as construction and demolition activity remained soft, and higher diesel costs pressured margins. Sentiment is constructive but tempered by a premium valuation and a relatively high debt load.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast is business model. CLH operates a higher-complexity, capital-intensive network of incinerators and hazardous waste assets, giving it exposure to cyclical industrial activity and regulatory-driven demand. WCN runs a more predictable route-based collection business with structurally higher margins (around 33%) and greater revenue visibility. On growth, CLH currently holds the edge, with double-digit revenue gains and multiple emerging catalysts; WCN's growth is steadier but more modest, hinging on pricing and acquisitions. Risk profiles also differ: CLH is more sensitive to oil pricing, industrial turnarounds, and project timing, while WCN faces volume softness, fuel costs, and leverage. Market sentiment has favored CLH's momentum recently, though WCN's dividend and margin stability appeal to income-oriented investors.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward CLH in the current environment. The stock exhibits stronger trend consistency, accelerating earnings, expanding margins, and a broader set of identifiable catalysts, including PFAS remediation, reshoring contracts, and the new data-center services push. WCN offers stability and cash generation, but its softer volumes and premium multiple present a less compelling relative setup on momentum measures. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive, reflecting the weight of recent trend signals, earnings revisions, and relative positioning rather than any guarantee of future returns.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CLH is a Buy and WCN is a StrongBuy.
CLH in upward trend: price may jump up because it broke its lower Bollinger Band on October 29, 2026
CLH may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 25 of 30 cases where CLH's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 83%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 2 days, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 2 days, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
Following a +1.48% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CLH advanced for three days, in 233 of 351 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 26, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CLH as a result. In 45 of 88 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 51%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CLH turned negative on October 26, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 53 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 25 of the 53 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 47%.
CLH moved below its 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for CLH crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 6 of 12 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 50%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CLH declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 46%.
The Aroon Indicator for CLH entered a downward trend on November 03, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 15 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 76, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 21 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 51 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. CLH’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 54 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 68 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (5.314) is normal, around the industry mean (47.547). P/E Ratio (35.648) is within average values for comparable stocks, (56.457). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.340) is also within normal values, averaging (1.132). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.016) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.721) is also within normal values, averaging (72.867).
WCN's MACD Histogram just turned positive
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for WCN turned positive on October 06, 2026. Looking at past instances where WCN's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 20 of 40 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on WCN as a result. In 40 of 85 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 47%.
WCN moved above its 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for WCN crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 5 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 33%.
The 50-day moving average for WCN moved above the 200-day moving average on October 29, 2026. This could be a long-term bullish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an upward trend.
Following a +3.41% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WCN advanced for three days, in 145 of 322 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 45%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 70 of 210 cases where WCN Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 33%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 13 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where WCN declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 48%.
WCN broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 34 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 76, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 38 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. WCN’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 61 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 82 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (5.928) is normal, around the industry mean (47.547). P/E Ratio (44.978) is within average values for comparable stocks, (56.457). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.507) is also within normal values, averaging (1.132). Dividend Yield (0.008) settles around the average of (0.016) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.102) is also within normal values, averaging (72.867).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 83 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
CLH | WCN | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 76 | 40 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 68 Overvalued | 82 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 15 | 34 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 54 | 61 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 51 | 38 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 21 | 83 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CLH's Valuation (68) in the Environmental Services industry is in the same range as WCN (82). This means that CLH’s stock grew similarly to WCN’s over the last 12 months.
CLH's Profit vs Risk Rating (15) in the Environmental Services industry is in the same range as WCN (34). This means that CLH’s stock grew similarly to WCN’s over the last 12 months.
CLH's SMR Rating (54) in the Environmental Services industry is in the same range as WCN (61). This means that CLH’s stock grew similarly to WCN’s over the last 12 months.
WCN's Price Growth Rating (38) in the Environmental Services industry is in the same range as CLH (51). This means that WCN’s stock grew similarly to CLH’s over the last 12 months.
CLH's P/E Growth Rating (21) in the Environmental Services industry is somewhat better than the same rating for WCN (83). This means that CLH’s stock grew somewhat faster than WCN’s over the last 12 months.
| CLH | WCN | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 80% | 2 days ago 46% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 77% | 2 days ago 45% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 51% | 2 days ago 47% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 50% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 50% | 2 days ago 45% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 41% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 14 days ago 66% | 3 days ago 45% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 46% | 8 days ago 48% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 83% | 2 days ago 47% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 33% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CLH’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while WCN’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- CLH’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- WCN’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CLH’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while WCN’s TA Score has 7 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CLH’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- WCN’s TA Score: 7 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
CLH (@Environmental Services) experienced а -5.79% price change this week, while WCN (@Environmental Services) price change was +2.58% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Environmental Services industry was -2.44%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -6.20%, and the average quarterly price growth was +6.12%.
Reported Earning Dates
CLH is expected to report earnings on Feb 24, 2027.
WCN is expected to report earnings on Feb 17, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Environmental Services (-2.44% weekly)Environmental Services includes companies that collect and dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Their services include removal of toxic waste from soil, removing medical waste etc. Some companies also operate incinerators, sewerage systems, waste treatment plants, and landfills. Demand for waste management is likely to rise with increasing urbanization/industrialization. Waste Management, Inc., Republic Services, Inc., Waste Connections, Inc. and Tetra Tech, Inc. are some of the major companies in this business.
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CLH and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CLH has been loosely correlated with WCN. These tickers have moved in lockstep 38% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CLH jumps, then WCN could also see price increases.