Waste Management Inc. (NYSE:WM) (1.0%) (WM – $66.27 – NYSE) is the largest non-hazardous waste collection and disposal company in the United States. The company collects waste for commercial, industrial, municipal, and residential customers throughout the United States, and operates 249 landfills, 297 transfer stations, 104 recycling facilities, and 122 landfill gas-to-energy facilities. WM has focused on improving profitability by increasing return on capital and cash flow at each of its operations, through cost cutting and price increases. In addition, the company is looking for new environmentally friendly ways to increase returns from garbage, such as landfill gas. The company has a history of returning its strong cash flow to shareholders, both through dividends and its large share repurchase program.
From Mario Gabelli (Trades, Portfolio)'s Gabelli Asset Fund second quarter 2016 commentary.
