Waste Management, Inc. (WM) tells a tale of turning trash into treasure, weaving through the annals of the stock market with the flair of a green juggernaut. From its humble beginnings as a straightforward refuse collection outfit, it has recycled its identity into North America’s premier eco-friendly waste management and environmental solutions provider.
With a strategy that’s as much about smart acquisitions as it is about reducing waste to a mere speck, Waste Management has dumped the old playbook for a sustainability-driven success story, proving it’s adept at composting challenges into opportunities and turning lemons into lemon-scented cleaner—all while keeping the planet, and its portfolio, green.
Annual Returns of Waste Management Stock (WM)
| Year | Beginning | Ending | Gain/Loss | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $157.03 | $179.10 | 14.05% | 24.73% |
| 2022 | $162.74 | $156.88 | -3.60% | -19.95% |
| 2021 | $114.83 | $166.90 | 45.35% | 28.79% |
| 2020 | $114.22 | $117.93 | 3.25% | 15.29% |
| 2019 | $88.72 | $113.96 | 28.45% | 28.71% |
| 2018 | $86.10 | $88.99 | 3.36% | -7.01% |
| 2017 | $70.52 | $86.30 | 22.38% | 18.42% |
| 2016 | $52.45 | $70.91 | 35.20% | 11.24% |
| 2015 | $51.75 | $53.37 | 3.13% | -0.69% |
| 2014 | $44.20 | $51.32 | 16.11% | 12.39% |
| 2013 | $33.97 | $44.87 | 32.09% | 26.39% |
| 2012 | $32.84 | $33.74 | 2.74% | 11.68% |
| 2011 | $36.82 | $32.71 | -11.16% | -1.12% |
| 2010 | $34.16 | $36.87 | 7.93% | 11.00% |
| 2009 | $33.78 | $33.81 | 0.09% | 19.67% |
| 2008 | $32.26 | $33.14 | 2.73% | -37.58% |
| 2007 | $37.03 | $32.67 | -11.77% | 3.65% |
| 2006 | $30.67 | $36.77 | 19.89% | 11.78% |
| 2005 | $29.53 | $30.35 | 2.78% | 3.84% |
| 2004 | $29.83 | $29.94 | 0.37% | 9.33% |
| 2003 | $23.63 | $29.60 | 25.26% | 22.32% |
| 2002 | $31.17 | $22.92 | -26.47% | -23.80% |
| 2001 | $27.00 | $31.91 | 18.19% | -10.53% |
| 2000 | $17.38 | $27.75 | 59.71% | -9.27% |
| 1999 | $47.19 | $17.19 | -63.58% | 19.64% |
| 1998 | $38.75 | $46.62 | 20.32% | 26.07% |
| 1997 | $30.88 | $39.25 | 27.13% | 31.67% |
| 1996 | $18.75 | $31.88 | 70.00% | 19.33% |
| 1995 | $11.12 | $18.88 | 69.66% | 34.16% |
| 1994 | $11.38 | $11.38 | 0.00% | -1.33% |
| 1993 | $14.00 | $11.38 | -18.75% | 7.14% |
| 1992 | $18.00 | $14.50 | -19.44% | 4.42% |
| 1991 | $5.62 | $17.50 | 211.11% | 27.77% |
| 1990 | $1.50 | $5.75 | 283.33% | -8.19% |
| 1989 | $2.38 | $1.50 | -36.84% | 28.36% |
| 1988 | $4.62 | $2.38 | -48.65% | 8.51% |
The table above displays the WM Yearly Return Rate, highlighting Waste Management’s annual stock performance on a split-adjusted basis. This data does not include dividends, stock spin-offs, taxes, or transaction commissions.
Waste Management (WM) Stock History
Waste Management, Inc. (WM) has navigated through decades of economic fluctuations and industry transformations, illustrating a journey of resilience and growth. Here’s a look at its stock performance over the years, marked by notable periods:
The Early Years: Foundation and Rapid Growth (1988-1991)
Initial Struggles (1988-1989): The journey began with turbulence as the stock plummeted from $4.62 to $1.50, reflecting a challenging start. Despite the market’s cold reception, this period laid the groundwork for future growth.
Explosive Growth (1990-1991): WM turned the tables with a remarkable rebound, soaring from $1.50 to $17.50. This 283.33% increase in 1990 followed by an impressive 211.11% in 1991 showcased the company’s potential for explosive growth and resilience.
Establishing Market Presence (1992-1999)
Market Adjustments (1992-1993): The early ’90s saw adjustments, with the stock experiencing declines, including a significant 18.75% drop in 1993. These years were marked by the company’s efforts to stabilize and find its footing in the market.
Recovery and Volatility (1994-1999): WM entered a phase of recovery and volatility. While 1994 saw no gain, the subsequent years until 1999 displayed a mix of dramatic highs and lows, including a monumental 70.00% gain in 1996 and a steep 63.58% decline in 1999, underlining the volatile nature of the stock market.
Solid Growth and Stability (2000-2009)
Turnaround and Growth (2000-2001): The turn of the millennium marked a significant turnaround, with the stock jumping from $17.38 to $31.91, highlighted by a 59.71% gain in 2000. This period underscored WM’s growing stability and resilience.
Navigating Market Challenges (2002-2009): Despite a significant setback in 2002 with a 26.47% loss, WM demonstrated resilience by navigating through market challenges with consistent gains, particularly bouncing back with a 25.26% increase in 2003, and maintaining steady growth through to 2009.
A Decade of Sustainable Success (2010-2019)
Steady Growth and Sustainability (2010-2019): This decade was marked by steady growth and sustainability efforts, with the stock showcasing resilience and profitability. Notable years include a 45.35% surge in 2021, emphasizing WM’s successful business model and commitment to environmental sustainability.
The Pandemic and Beyond (2020-2023)
Overcoming Adversity (2020-2023): Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, WM showed commendable adaptability. The stock recovered from a modest 3.25% gain in 2020 to a 14.05% increase in 2023, reflecting the company’s strong fundamentals and its essential role in waste management and environmental services.