CLH (Clean Harbors) Beneish M-Score: -2.76 (As of Jun. 25, 2026)


CLH Clean Harbors Inc CLH
87 GF Score
Price $301.22
GF Value $243.43
Valuation Modestly Overvalued
! 7 Warning Signs
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What is Clean Harbors Beneish M-Score?

Clean Harbors CLH +0.82% 87 Beneish M-Score is -2.76 as of Jun. 25, 2026. GuruFocus rates CLH with a GF Score™ of 87/100 and a GF Value™ of $243.43 (Modestly Overvalued). The stock has 7 warning signs investors should review. Among 228 Waste Management companies, Clean Harbors ranks better than 63.6% on this metric.

The zones of discrimination for M-Score is as such:

An M-Score of equal or less than -1.78 suggests that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator.
An M-Score of greater than -1.78 signals that the company is likely to be a manipulator.

Good Sign:

Beneish M-Score -2.76 no higher than -1.78, which implies that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator.

The historical rank and industry rank for Clean Harbors's Beneish M-Score or its related term are showing as below:

CLH' s Beneish M-Score Range Over the Past 10 Years
Min: -3.15   Med: -2.72   Max: -1.88
Current: -2.76

During the past 13 years, the highest Beneish M-Score of Clean Harbors was -1.88. The lowest was -3.15. And the median was -2.72.


Clean Harbors Beneish M-Score Historical Data

* Premium members only.

The historical data trend for Clean Harbors's Beneish M-Score can be seen below:

* For Operating Data section: All numbers are indicated by the unit behind each term and all currency related amount are in USD.
* For other sections: All numbers are in millions except for per share data, ratio, and percentage. All currency related amount are indicated in the company's associated stock exchange currency.

Clean Harbors Beneish M-Score Chart

Clean Harbors Annual Data
Trend Dec16 Dec17 Dec18 Dec19 Dec20 Dec21 Dec22 Dec23 Dec24 Dec25
Beneish M-Score
Get a 7-Day Free Trial Premium Member Only Premium Member Only -2.30 -2.41 -2.71 -2.65 -2.78

Clean Harbors Quarterly Data
Jun21 Sep21 Dec21 Mar22 Jun22 Sep22 Dec22 Mar23 Jun23 Sep23 Dec23 Mar24 Jun24 Sep24 Dec24 Mar25 Jun25 Sep25 Dec25 Mar26
Beneish M-Score Get a 7-Day Free Trial Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only -2.70 -2.70 -2.77 -2.78 -2.76

CLH vs GFL, CWST, NVRI: Beneish M-Score Comparison

For the Waste Management subindustry, Clean Harbors's Beneish M-Score, along with its competitors' market caps and Beneish M-Score data, can be viewed below:

* Competitive companies are chosen from companies within the same industry, with headquarter located in same country, with closest market capitalization; x-axis shows the market cap, and y-axis shows the term value; the bigger the dot, the larger the market cap. Note that "N/A" values will not show up in the chart.


Clean Harbors Beneish M-Score vs Waste Management Industry

For the Waste Management industry and Industrials sector, Clean Harbors's Beneish M-Score distribution charts can be found below:

* The bar in red indicates where Clean Harbors's Beneish M-Score falls into.


CLH
87GF Score
Clean Harbors Inc CLH
Beneish M-Score is just one metric. See GF Score™, valuation, warning signs, and more.
View Full Analysis

Clean Harbors Beneish M-Score Calculation

The M-score was created by Professor Messod Beneish. Instead of measuring the bankruptcy risk (Altman Z-Score) or business trend (Piotroski F-Score), M-score can be used to detect the risk of earnings manipulation. This is the original research paper on M-score.

The M-Score Variables:

The M-score of Clean Harbors for today is based on a combination of the following eight different indices:

M=-4.84+0.92 * DSRI+0.528 * GMI+0.404 * AQI+0.892 * SGI+0.115 * DEPI
=-4.84+0.92 * 1.026+0.528 * 0.9698+0.404 * 0.9851+0.892 * 1.019+0.115 * 0.9723
-0.172 * SGAI+4.679 * TATA-0.327 * LVGI
-0.172 * 1.0293+4.679 * -0.062737-0.327 * 0.9765
=-2.76

* For Operating Data section: All numbers are indicated by the unit behind each term and all currency related amount are in USD.
* For other sections: All numbers are in millions except for per share data, ratio, and percentage. All currency related amount are indicated in the company's associated stock exchange currency.

This Year (Mar26) TTM:Last Year (Mar25) TTM:
Total Receivables was $1,305 Mil.
Revenue was 1459.537 + 1499.696 + 1549.337 + 1549.854 = $6,058 Mil.
Gross Profit was 445.417 + 458.968 + 500.847 + 516.357 = $1,922 Mil.
Total Current Assets was $2,443 Mil.
Total Assets was $7,553 Mil.
Property, Plant and Equipment(Net PPE) was $2,825 Mil.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization(DDA) was $450 Mil.
Selling, General, & Admin. Expense(SGA) was $777 Mil.
Total Current Liabilities was $1,043 Mil.
Long-Term Debt & Capital Lease Obligation was $2,951 Mil.
Net Income was 63.201 + 86.59 + 118.799 + 126.905 = $395 Mil.
Non Operating Income was -0.731 + -4.283 + 3.517 + -0.603 = $-2 Mil.
Cash Flow from Operations was 6.297 + 355.093 + 301.987 + 208.04 = $871 Mil.
Total Receivables was $1,249 Mil.
Revenue was 1431.95 + 1431.116 + 1529.422 + 1552.719 = $5,945 Mil.
Gross Profit was 410.066 + 427.614 + 473.823 + 517.177 = $1,829 Mil.
Total Current Assets was $2,311 Mil.
Total Assets was $7,246 Mil.
Property, Plant and Equipment(Net PPE) was $2,711 Mil.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization(DDA) was $418 Mil.
Selling, General, & Admin. Expense(SGA) was $741 Mil.
Total Current Liabilities was $976 Mil.
Long-Term Debt & Capital Lease Obligation was $2,948 Mil.




1. DSRI = Days Sales in Receivables Index

Measured as the ratio of Revenue in Total Receivables in year t to year t-1.

A large increase in DSR could be indicative of revenue inflation.

DSRI=(Receivables_t / Revenue_t) / (Receivables_t-1 / Revenue_t-1)
=(1305.404 / 6058.424) / (1248.599 / 5945.207)
=0.215469 / 0.210018
=1.026

2. GMI = Gross Margin Index

Measured as the ratio of gross margin in year t-1 to gross margin in year t.

Gross margin has deteriorated when this index is above 1. A firm with poorer prospects is more likely to manipulate earnings.

GMI=GrossMargin_t-1 / GrossMargin_t
=(GrossProfit_t-1 / Revenue_t-1) / (GrossProfit_t / Revenue_t)
=(1828.68 / 5945.207) / (1921.589 / 6058.424)
=0.307589 / 0.317176
=0.9698

3. AQI = Asset Quality Index

AQI is the ratio of asset quality in year t to year t-1.

Asset quality is measured as the ratio of non-current assets other than Property, Plant and Equipment to Total Assets.

AQI=(1 - (CurrentAssets_t + PPE_t) / TotalAssets_t) / (1 - (CurrentAssets_t-1 + PPE_t-1) / TotalAssets_t-1)
=(1 - (2443.132 + 2825.407) / 7552.566) / (1 - (2310.682 + 2711.034) / 7246.387)
=0.302417 / 0.307004
=0.9851

4. SGI = Sales Growth Index

Ratio of Revenue in year t to sales in year t-1.

Sales growth is not itself a measure of manipulation. However, growth companies are likely to find themselves under pressure to manipulate in order to keep up appearances.

SGI=Sales_t / Sales_t-1
=Revenue_t / Revenue_t-1
=6058.424 / 5945.207
=1.019

5. DEPI = Depreciation Index

Measured as the ratio of the rate of Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization in year t-1 to the corresponding rate in year t.

DEPI greater than 1 indicates that assets are being depreciated at a slower rate. This suggests that the firm might be revising useful asset life assumptions upwards, or adopting a new method that is income friendly.

DEPI=(Depreciation_t-1 / (Depreciaton_t-1 + PPE_t-1)) / (Depreciation_t / (Depreciaton_t + PPE_t))
=(417.837 / (417.837 + 2711.034)) / (449.825 / (449.825 + 2825.407))
=0.133542 / 0.137341
=0.9723

Note: If the Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization data is not available, we assume that the depreciation rate is constant and set the Depreciation Index to 1.

6. SGAI = Sales, General and Administrative expenses Index

The ratio of Selling, General, & Admin. Expense(SGA) to Sales in year t relative to year t-1.

SGA expenses index > 1 means that the company is becoming less efficient in generate sales.

SGAI=(SGA_t / Sales_t) / (SGA_t-1 /Sales_t-1)
=(776.828 / 6058.424) / (740.608 / 5945.207)
=0.128223 / 0.124572
=1.0293

7. LVGI = Leverage Index

The ratio of total debt to Total Assets in year t relative to yeat t-1.

An LVGI > 1 indicates an increase in leverage

LVGI=((LTD_t + CurrentLiabilities_t) / TotalAssets_t) / ((LTD_t-1 + CurrentLiabilities_t-1) / TotalAssets_t-1)
=((2951.214 + 1042.959) / 7552.566) / ((2948.269 + 976.343) / 7246.387)
=0.52885 / 0.541596
=0.9765

8. TATA = Total Accruals to Total Assets

Total accruals calculated as the change in working capital accounts other than cash less depreciation.

TATA=(IncomefromContinuingOperations_t - CashFlowsfromOperations_t) / TotalAssets_t
=(NetIncome_t - NonOperatingIncome_t - CashFlowsfromOperations_t) / TotalAssets_t
=(395.495 - -2.1 - 871.417) / 7552.566
=-0.062737

An M-Score of equal or less than -1.78 suggests that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator. An M-Score of greater than -1.78 signals that the company is likely to be a manipulator.

Clean Harbors has a M-score of -2.76 suggests that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator.

Frequently Asked Questions Learn more about Beneish M-Score →
What does a Beneish M-Score of -2.76 mean?
Clean Harbors (CLH) has a Beneish M-Score of -2.76 as of Jun. 25, 2026. The Beneish M-score measures the likelihood of earnings manipulation. View historical data on Clean Harbors and its competitors. According to the industry distribution chart, Clean Harbors ranks #83 out of 228 companies in the Waste Management industry, placing it in the top 36.4%.
Is Clean Harbors' Beneish M-Score too high?
Clean Harbors' current Beneish M-Score is -2.76. Based on the distribution chart, Clean Harbors ranks #83 out of 228 companies in the Waste Management industry, which is above the industry midpoint. Overall, Clean Harbors has a GF Score™ of 87/100 and is considered Modestly Overvalued, reflecting its overall financial health beyond just this single metric.
How does Clean Harbors' Beneish M-Score compare to GFL and CWST?
According to the Waste Management industry distribution chart, Clean Harbors ranks #83 out of 228 companies for Beneish M-Score. This puts Clean Harbors in the upper half of its industry. See the competitive comparison table and distribution chart on this page for a detailed peer-by-peer breakdown.
What is a good Beneish M-Score for a Waste Management company?
A good Beneish M-Score depends on the Waste Management industry context. However, Beneish M-Score should not be evaluated in isolation — investors should consider it alongside profitability, growth, and financial strength metrics. Use the industry distribution chart on this page to see where any company falls relative to its peers.
What does a high Beneish M-Score mean?
A high Beneish M-Score can signal that a stock is expensive relative to its fundamentals. The Beneish M-score measures the likelihood of earnings manipulation. View historical data on Clean Harbors and its competitors. Clean Harbors's current Beneish M-Score is -2.76. However, context matters — high-growth companies often justify higher valuations. Always evaluate alongside other metrics like GF Score™ and GF Value™.
Is Clean Harbors stock overvalued right now?
Based on GuruFocus' analysis, Clean Harbors (CLH) is currently considered Modestly Overvalued. The stock's GF Value™ is $243.43, compared to a current price of $301.22 — trading 23.7% above its estimated fair value. The current Beneish M-Score is -2.76. Clean Harbors' overall GF Score™ is 87/100 with 7 warning signs to review. Investors should evaluate multiple metrics — including profitability, growth, and financial strength — before making a decision.
How is Beneish M-Score calculated?
Beneish M-Score is calculated from a company's financial statements. For Clean Harbors (CLH), the current Beneish M-Score is -2.76 as of Jun. 25, 2026. GuruFocus calculates this using data sourced from SEC filings and annual reports. See the calculation section and 30-year financial data on this page for the full breakdown.

Is Clean Harbors (CLH) Overvalued in 2026?

Based on GuruFocus' analysis, Clean Harbors stock appears to be overvalued. The current stock price of $301.22 is trading 23.7% above its estimated GF Value™ of $243.43. GuruFocus considers Clean Harbors to be Modestly Overvalued.

Key valuation signals for CLH:

  • Beneish M-Score: -2.76
  • GF Value™: $243.43 vs. price of $301.22 (23.7% above fair value)
  • GF Score™: 87/100 with 7 warning signs

No single metric tells the full story. See the CLH stock analysis page for a complete view including 30-year financials, guru trades, and insider activity.


Clean Harbors Business Description

Other Exchanges CLH1:MexicoCH6:Germany
Address 42 Longwater Drive, Norwell, MA, USA, 02061-9149
Clean Harbors Inc is an environmental and industrial services provider that provides parts cleaning and related environmental services to commercial, industrial, and automotive customers. Its business segments are Environmental Services and Safety-Kleen Sustainability Solutions. Environmental Services includes waste collection, transportation, treatment, recycling, and disposal, along with industrial maintenance services. Safety-Kleen Sustainability Solutions provides used oil collection and manufactures base oil, vacuum gas oil, and lubricants. The company generates the majority of its revenues from the Environmental Services segment and operates in the United States, with maximum revenue, and Canada.
87GF Score

Get the complete analysis for CLH

Beneish M-Score is just one metric. See GF Value™, 30-year financials, guru trades, warning signs, and more.

$301.22
Price
$243.43
GF Value