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Reasons Why Investors Can Consider Buying Clean Harbors Stock Now
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Key Takeaways
Clean Harbors shares gained 5.6% in three months while its industry declined 8%.
Revenues are projected to rise 7.8%, while earnings are expected to grow 34.3% in 2026.
Acquisitions are expected to add about $340 million in annual revenues and $87 million in adjusted EBITDA.
Clean Harbors, Inc. (CLH - Free Report) , a leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services in North America, has delivered an impressive performance over the past three months and shows potential to sustain its momentum in the near term. Therefore, if you have not yet taken advantage of the share price appreciation, you should add the stock to your portfolio.
What Makes CLH an Attractive Pick?
An Outperformer: A glimpse at the company’s price trend reveals that the stock has had a decent run over the past three months. Shares of Clean Harbors have risen 5.6% against the 8% decline of the industry it belongs to.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Solid Rank & VGM Score: CLH currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and has a VGM Score of A. Our research shows that stocks with a VGM Score of A or B, when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or #2, offer the best investment opportunities for investors. Thus, the company appears to be a compelling investment proposition now. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Northward Estimate Revisions: Over the past 60 days, two earnings estimates for 2026 have moved northward, reflecting analysts’ confidence in the company. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings has increased 2.8% during this period.
Positive Earnings Surprise: CLH has an impressive earnings surprise history. The company outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, delivering an earnings surprise of 4% on average.
Strong Growth Prospects: The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Clean Harbors’third-quarter 2026 revenues is pegged at $1.71 billion, indicating a 10.3% increase from the year-ago quarter. For fiscal 2026, the consensus estimate is $6.50 billion, indicating 7.8% year-over-year growth.
The consensus estimate for third-quarter earnings is pegged at $3.25 per share, indicating 47.1% year-over-year growth. For the full year, the consensus mark is pegged at $9.78 per share, implying 34.3% growth from the prior year.
Growth Factors:
Demand Trends Remain Favorable: Industrial activity, environmental regulations, reshoring and Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances-related work continue to support demand for Clean Harbors’ hazardous waste and environmental services. In the second quarter of 2026, Environmental Services generated revenues of $1.46 billion, up 7.7% from the year-ago quarter. Safety-Kleen Environmental Services revenues advanced 11%, aided by pricing and higher volumes in containerized waste collection and vacuum services. Technical Services revenues rose 18%, incinerator utilization reached 91% and landfill volumes increased 7%. A 10-year, $600-million disposal contract beginning in the fourth quarter of 2026 adds further visibility.
Acquisitions Broaden Growth: CLH continues to expand its service capabilities and geographic reach through acquisitions. The May 2026 acquisition of Terra Nova Solutions strengthened technical and field services, while the announcement of the acquisitions of EnviroServe and ES&H on Oct. 5, 2026, is expected to add about $340 million in annual revenues and $87 million in post-synergy adjusted EBITDA. This should provide a visible lift to CLH’s revenue base and earnings capacity, with further upside as integration benefits and synergies are realized.
Profitability Continues to Improve: Clean Harbors posted a 34.3% increase in net income, while adjusted EBITDA rose 21.6% to $409 million in the second quarter of 2026. Gross margin expanded 180 basis points to 35.1%, and adjusted EBITDA margin increased 190 basis points to 23.6%, reflecting better performance across both segments. Sustained margin expansion should support earnings growth if operating momentum continues.
Cash Flow Supports Capital Returns: Clean Harbors generated $245.5 million of operating cash flow in the first half of 2026 and raised 2026 adjusted free cash flow guidance to $520-$580 million. With more than $500 million in cash and short-term securities, the company retains ample flexibility for buybacks and growth investments. Higher cash generation should support continued shareholder returns while preserving balance-sheet capacity.
Corpay carries a Zacks Rank #2 at present. It has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 14.1%. CPAY delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 3.6%, on average.
Gen Digital also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. It has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 12%. GEN’s earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the surprise being 2.3%, on average.
View the Zacks #1 Rank List
Image: Shutterstock
Reasons Why Investors Can Consider Buying Clean Harbors Stock Now
Key Takeaways
Clean Harbors, Inc. (CLH - Free Report) , a leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services in North America, has delivered an impressive performance over the past three months and shows potential to sustain its momentum in the near term. Therefore, if you have not yet taken advantage of the share price appreciation, you should add the stock to your portfolio.
What Makes CLH an Attractive Pick?
An Outperformer: A glimpse at the company’s price trend reveals that the stock has had a decent run over the past three months. Shares of Clean Harbors have risen 5.6% against the 8% decline of the industry it belongs to.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Solid Rank & VGM Score: CLH currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and has a VGM Score of A. Our research shows that stocks with a VGM Score of A or B, when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or #2, offer the best investment opportunities for investors. Thus, the company appears to be a compelling investment proposition now. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Northward Estimate Revisions: Over the past 60 days, two earnings estimates for 2026 have moved northward, reflecting analysts’ confidence in the company. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings has increased 2.8% during this period.
Positive Earnings Surprise: CLH has an impressive earnings surprise history. The company outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, delivering an earnings surprise of 4% on average.
Strong Growth Prospects: The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Clean Harbors’third-quarter 2026 revenues is pegged at $1.71 billion, indicating a 10.3% increase from the year-ago quarter. For fiscal 2026, the consensus estimate is $6.50 billion, indicating 7.8% year-over-year growth.
The consensus estimate for third-quarter earnings is pegged at $3.25 per share, indicating 47.1% year-over-year growth. For the full year, the consensus mark is pegged at $9.78 per share, implying 34.3% growth from the prior year.
Growth Factors:
Demand Trends Remain Favorable: Industrial activity, environmental regulations, reshoring and Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances-related work continue to support demand for Clean Harbors’ hazardous waste and environmental services. In the second quarter of 2026, Environmental Services generated revenues of $1.46 billion, up 7.7% from the year-ago quarter. Safety-Kleen Environmental Services revenues advanced 11%, aided by pricing and higher volumes in containerized waste collection and vacuum services. Technical Services revenues rose 18%, incinerator utilization reached 91% and landfill volumes increased 7%. A 10-year, $600-million disposal contract beginning in the fourth quarter of 2026 adds further visibility.
Clean Harbors, Inc. Revenue (TTM)
Clean Harbors, Inc. revenue-ttm | Clean Harbors, Inc. Quote
Acquisitions Broaden Growth: CLH continues to expand its service capabilities and geographic reach through acquisitions. The May 2026 acquisition of Terra Nova Solutions strengthened technical and field services, while the announcement of the acquisitions of EnviroServe and ES&H on Oct. 5, 2026, is expected to add about $340 million in annual revenues and $87 million in post-synergy adjusted EBITDA. This should provide a visible lift to CLH’s revenue base and earnings capacity, with further upside as integration benefits and synergies are realized.
Profitability Continues to Improve: Clean Harbors posted a 34.3% increase in net income, while adjusted EBITDA rose 21.6% to $409 million in the second quarter of 2026. Gross margin expanded 180 basis points to 35.1%, and adjusted EBITDA margin increased 190 basis points to 23.6%, reflecting better performance across both segments. Sustained margin expansion should support earnings growth if operating momentum continues.
Cash Flow Supports Capital Returns: Clean Harbors generated $245.5 million of operating cash flow in the first half of 2026 and raised 2026 adjusted free cash flow guidance to $520-$580 million. With more than $500 million in cash and short-term securities, the company retains ample flexibility for buybacks and growth investments. Higher cash generation should support continued shareholder returns while preserving balance-sheet capacity.
Other Stocks to Consider
A couple of other top-ranked stocks in the broader Business Services sector are Corpay, Inc. (CPAY - Free Report) and Gen Digital Inc. (GEN - Free Report) .
Corpay carries a Zacks Rank #2 at present. It has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 14.1%. CPAY delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 3.6%, on average.
Gen Digital also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. It has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 12%. GEN’s earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the surprise being 2.3%, on average.