Waste Management(WM) The Motley Fool·2025-01-30 20:55Core Viewpoint - Waste Management's stock surged due to strong Q4 and full-year earnings, indicating a solid investment opportunity for investors [1] Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 13% in Q4 and 8% for the full year 2024 [6] - Net income rose by 21% in Q4 and 19% for the full year 2024 [6] - Free cash flow (FCF) grew by 22% in 2024 [6] Strategic Acquisitions - Waste Management completed $800 million in acquisitions in the first nine months of 2024 and acquired Stericycle for $7.2 billion in November [2][3] - The acquisition of Stericycle, the largest medical waste management company in North America, expanded Waste Management's market presence into a new high-potential segment [3] Future Outlook - The company projects nearly 16% revenue growth at the midpoint in 2025, primarily driven by acquisitions [4] - Waste Management anticipates $250 million in synergies from the Stericycle acquisition by 2027, which is double the original estimate [4] - The company expects strong growth in margins from both its legacy and healthcare solutions segments, with FCF projected to grow nearly 18% [4] Dividend Policy - Waste Management increased its dividend by 10% in December, marking the 22nd consecutive annual dividend raise [3]