On the stock market since 1988, it operates in the world of heavy industry. It has 60,500 employees. Now — the numbers.
This is an established company with proven profits.
Revenue is spread across several lines; no single product carries the company.
Average growth of 9% a year over the last 4 years. Every year shown ended in profit.
The gap is $22.7B. In times of high interest rates, a gap like that can squeeze a company.
We compared this company with its own sector across five subjects.
A score of 50 means class average.
Clearly above the class average — a step short of the very top.
Clearly below the class average.
Clearly below the class average.
Clearly above the class average — a step short of the very top.
The price is looking for direction — no strong breakout, no collapse.
Financial Strength: The cash-and-debt balance is thin; the buffer for hard times is slim.
Valuation: The stock trades at a price that looks expensive next to its earnings; that can cap future returns.
The stock trades below its recent peak — about 9% off the top. A pullback, not a collapse.
Over the last 3 years, sales grew about 9% a year on average.
It pays out $3.54 per share each year — regular cash for whoever holds the stock.
The company’s market value is 34 times its annual profit. Even a small disappointment could hit the price hard.
The balance sheet offers little cushion against a rough stretch. Report-card grade: 47/100.
Today’s price already includes part of tomorrow’s optimism. Report-card grade: 48/100.
On our five-subject report card, WM sits near the top of the class. A high grade doesn’t mean “guaranteed win” — it means “the evidence looks strong for now.”
The takeaway: WM is an established business that has proven its profits for years. The real debate isn’t the quality of the business — it’s whether the price paid for the stock is too high.