WM · Earnings call · 2026Q3T · Full report
Capital Return Program
WASTE MANAGEMENT INC · 2026-10-27 · Importance 38 · Surprise 24 · In source text
WM allocated more than 90% of its free cash flow to shareholder returns in the first nine months of 2026. It repurchased $1.58 billion of shares and paid $1.14 billion in dividends during that period. Management characterized the allocation as a balance between returning capital, maintaining financial flexibility, and funding strategic priorities.
Key facts
- WM repurchased $1.58 billion of its shares in the first nine months of 2026.
- WM paid $1.14 billion in dividends in the first nine months of 2026.
- WM allocated more than 90% of its free cash flow to shareholder returns in the first nine months of 2026.
Impact estimates
| metric | direction | stage | expected | basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cash | negative | realized | -3.4% | WM repurchased $1.58 billion of its shares in the first nine months of 2026. |
| cash | negative | realized | -2.5% | WM paid $1.14 billion in dividends in the first nine months of 2026. |