Citi Upgrades Clean Harbors to Buy Amid Stronger Chemical Demand
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy CLH?
Source: seekingalpha
- Rating Upgrade: Citi analysts upgraded Clean Harbors (CLH) from Neutral to Buy, arguing that improving U.S. chemicals production could drive stronger demand for hazardous waste disposal, positively impacting the company's performance.
- Earnings Outlook Raised: Citi now expects 2026 EBITDA to reach approximately $1.3 billion, exceeding company guidance, while free cash flow estimates were lifted to around $566 million, indicating strong performance and pricing gains in the environmental services segment.
- Safety-Kleen Segment Benefits: The Safety-Kleen division is expected to benefit from rising crude prices, which typically enhance margins on recycled base oils and lubricants, leading to significant earnings growth in this segment.
- Valuation Upside Potential: Despite Clean Harbors' stock lagging behind the recent rally in U.S. chemical stocks, Citi believes there is still room for valuation growth, reflecting the company's unique disposal assets and consistent growth history.
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Analyst Views on CLH
Wall Street analysts forecast CLH stock price to fall
8 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 302.160
Low
230.00
Averages
263.14
High
290.00
Current: 302.160
Low
230.00
Averages
263.14
High
290.00
About CLH
Clean Harbors, Inc. is a provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company delivers a range of services, such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Its Environmental Services segment offers an array of services to customers. It collects, transports, treats and disposes of hazardous and non-hazardous waste through its network of waste disposal facilities, including incinerators, landfills, treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs), wastewater treatment facilities and solvent recycling centers. Its Safety-Kleen Sustainability Solutions (SKSS) segment offerings span the lifecycle of sustainable lubricant products. It collects used oil which serves as feedstock for its oil re-refineries. At these facilities, it manufactures, formulates and packages lubricants which are returned to the marketplace. It also provides parts washers and environmental services to various customers.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Citi Upgrades Clean Harbors to Buy Amid Stronger Chemical Demand
- Rating Upgrade: Citi analysts upgraded Clean Harbors (CLH) from Neutral to Buy, arguing that improving U.S. chemicals production could drive stronger demand for hazardous waste disposal, positively impacting the company's performance.
- Earnings Outlook Raised: Citi now expects 2026 EBITDA to reach approximately $1.3 billion, exceeding company guidance, while free cash flow estimates were lifted to around $566 million, indicating strong performance and pricing gains in the environmental services segment.
- Safety-Kleen Segment Benefits: The Safety-Kleen division is expected to benefit from rising crude prices, which typically enhance margins on recycled base oils and lubricants, leading to significant earnings growth in this segment.
- Valuation Upside Potential: Despite Clean Harbors' stock lagging behind the recent rally in U.S. chemical stocks, Citi believes there is still room for valuation growth, reflecting the company's unique disposal assets and consistent growth history.
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Clean Harbors Releases PFAS Treatment Standards
- PFAS Treatment Framework Released: Clean Harbors has formally released its PFAS (per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances) treatment and disposal standards, designed to assist decision-makers in effectively addressing PFAS contamination based on pollutant concentration and waste forms, thereby enhancing environmental remediation efficiency.
- Enhanced Emergency Response Capability: The company's framework incorporates various technologies, including high-temperature incineration and engineered landfill containment, to effectively respond to emergency situations such as industrial fires, ensuring safety and efficacy in PFAS handling while reducing potential environmental risks.
- Scientific Data Support: Clean Harbors' framework is backed by a PFAS incineration study conducted in collaboration with the EPA and the Pentagon, providing strong scientific evidence to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of treatment options, thereby enhancing customer trust.
- Market Leadership Consolidation: By offering a comprehensive PFAS solution, Clean Harbors further solidifies its leadership position in the North American environmental services market, meeting customer demands for safe and cost-effective PFAS treatment.
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Investment Opportunities: Companies like Waste Management, Republic Services, and Clean Harbors are highlighted as attractive investment options due to their stable government contracts and potential for growth. These firms are positioned to benefit from increasing demand for waste management services and regulatory requirements.
Market Performance and Trends: Waste Management is the largest player in the U.S. waste removal market, showing strong cash flow and shareholder-friendly practices, including dividend increases and share buybacks. The stock has performed well, trading above key moving averages, indicating a positive market trend.
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- Capital Expenditure Strategy: The company deployed approximately $11.6 billion in 'planting' capital from FY2022 to FY2025, with $7.5 billion allocated to the acquisition of Stericycle, successfully creating a medical waste management segment that generated $2 billion in revenue and achieved a 16% profit margin in its first year, demonstrating the effectiveness of strategic investments.
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Depot Connect International Sells Industrial Services to Clean Harbors
- Transaction Value: Depot Connect International (DCI) has reached a definitive agreement to sell its industrial and rail services business to Clean Harbors for approximately $130 million, which will help DCI optimize its portfolio and focus on core operations.
- Strategic Shift: The divestiture includes five strategic locations in Ohio, Louisiana, and Texas, expected to close in the first half of 2026, marking a significant shift in DCI's long-term strategy towards its core business.
- Ongoing Collaboration: Despite the sale, DCI will maintain a close relationship with Clean Harbors, continuing to provide cleaning and maintenance services at key facilities in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Pasadena, Texas, ensuring service continuity for clients.
- Commitment to Innovation: DCI remains committed to driving innovation and operational excellence across its North American and European presence, aiming to enhance agility in the transportation and logistics sector to better meet evolving market demands.
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Citi Upgrades Clean Harbors to Buy Amid Stronger Chemical Demand
- Rating Upgrade: Citi analysts upgraded Clean Harbors (CLH) from Neutral to Buy, arguing that improving U.S. chemicals production could drive stronger demand for hazardous waste disposal, positively impacting the company's performance.
- Earnings Outlook Raised: Citi now expects 2026 EBITDA to reach approximately $1.3 billion, exceeding company guidance, while free cash flow estimates were lifted to around $566 million, indicating strong performance and pricing gains in the environmental services segment.
- Safety-Kleen Segment Benefits: The Safety-Kleen division is expected to benefit from rising crude prices, which typically enhance margins on recycled base oils and lubricants, leading to significant earnings growth in this segment.
- Valuation Upside Potential: Despite Clean Harbors' stock lagging behind the recent rally in U.S. chemical stocks, Citi believes there is still room for valuation growth, reflecting the company's unique disposal assets and consistent growth history.
See More
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Market Performance: Wall Street has had a challenging start to the year, with mixed results across different stock categories.
Value vs. Growth Stocks: Investors in value stocks are performing better, as evidenced by the Vanguard Value ETF's 3.3% increase in 2026, contrasting with a 9.5% decline in the Vanguard Growth ETF.
See More
Clean Harbors Releases PFAS Treatment Standards
- PFAS Treatment Framework Released: Clean Harbors has formally released its PFAS (per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances) treatment and disposal standards, designed to assist decision-makers in effectively addressing PFAS contamination based on pollutant concentration and waste forms, thereby enhancing environmental remediation efficiency.
- Enhanced Emergency Response Capability: The company's framework incorporates various technologies, including high-temperature incineration and engineered landfill containment, to effectively respond to emergency situations such as industrial fires, ensuring safety and efficacy in PFAS handling while reducing potential environmental risks.
- Scientific Data Support: Clean Harbors' framework is backed by a PFAS incineration study conducted in collaboration with the EPA and the Pentagon, providing strong scientific evidence to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of treatment options, thereby enhancing customer trust.
- Market Leadership Consolidation: By offering a comprehensive PFAS solution, Clean Harbors further solidifies its leadership position in the North American environmental services market, meeting customer demands for safe and cost-effective PFAS treatment.
See More
From Waste to Wealth: 3 Waste Management Stocks to Reduce Volatility
Overview of the Waste Removal Industry: The waste removal industry is characterized by inelastic demand, steady revenue, and regulatory challenges, making it a unique sector compared to typical consumer staples. Companies in this field often operate under long-term contracts, providing consistent revenue streams even during economic downturns.
Investment Opportunities: Companies like Waste Management, Republic Services, and Clean Harbors are highlighted as attractive investment options due to their stable government contracts and potential for growth. These firms are positioned to benefit from increasing demand for waste management services and regulatory requirements.
Market Performance and Trends: Waste Management is the largest player in the U.S. waste removal market, showing strong cash flow and shareholder-friendly practices, including dividend increases and share buybacks. The stock has performed well, trading above key moving averages, indicating a positive market trend.
Future Outlook: The waste removal sector is expected to continue thriving due to ongoing demand and regulatory pressures. Companies that can navigate these challenges while maintaining strong financial health are likely to attract investor interest, especially in a volatile economic environment.
See More
Waste Management's Investment Returns Set to Materialize
- Shareholder Return Expectations: Waste Management anticipates a 29% year-over-year free cash flow growth in 2026, marking the largest jump since COVID, indicating that after years of investment, cash flow is rebounding, allowing for substantial shareholder returns.
- Capital Expenditure Strategy: The company deployed approximately $11.6 billion in 'planting' capital from FY2022 to FY2025, with $7.5 billion allocated to the acquisition of Stericycle, successfully creating a medical waste management segment that generated $2 billion in revenue and achieved a 16% profit margin in its first year, demonstrating the effectiveness of strategic investments.
- Infrastructure Modernization: WM invested about $1.8 billion in infrastructure, establishing seven landfill gas-to-energy plants now producing pipeline-quality natural gas, while also integrating robotics and AI across nine recycling facilities, enhancing operational efficiency and market competitiveness.
- Market Performance Analysis: Waste Management's stock surged from November lows, reclaiming both the 50-day and 200-day moving averages, currently consolidating between $238 and $240, with a decisive breakout above $240 indicating entry into blue-sky territory, reflecting strong market confidence and effective risk management.
See More
Depot Connect International Sells Industrial Services to Clean Harbors
- Transaction Value: Depot Connect International (DCI) has reached a definitive agreement to sell its industrial and rail services business to Clean Harbors for approximately $130 million, which will help DCI optimize its portfolio and focus on core operations.
- Strategic Shift: The divestiture includes five strategic locations in Ohio, Louisiana, and Texas, expected to close in the first half of 2026, marking a significant shift in DCI's long-term strategy towards its core business.
- Ongoing Collaboration: Despite the sale, DCI will maintain a close relationship with Clean Harbors, continuing to provide cleaning and maintenance services at key facilities in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Pasadena, Texas, ensuring service continuity for clients.
- Commitment to Innovation: DCI remains committed to driving innovation and operational excellence across its North American and European presence, aiming to enhance agility in the transportation and logistics sector to better meet evolving market demands.
See More
