Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (CWST) recently received a bullish endorsement from analyst Stephanie Moore of Jefferies, who upgraded the stock to a “Buy” rating on January 6, 2026. This upgrade comes with a price target of $120, suggesting a significant upside from its current trading price of $100.12. For investors, this development indicates a promising outlook for the company amidst evolving market conditions.
Recent Price Action
In the weeks leading up to the analyst’s upgrade, CWST has shown a notable price increase, closing at $100.12, which represents a gain of 2.8% from the previous trading session. The stock has experienced a 52-week high of $117.54, reflecting a robust engagement from investors, although it has also touched a low of $21.77—highlighting its volatility. The trading volume has been substantial, with 204,104 shares changing hands on recent days, although this falls below its average volume of 870,753. The beta of 0.802 suggests that CWST exhibits less volatility compared to the broader market, which could appeal to risk-averse investors seeking stability.
Short- and Long-Term Performance
Over the past month, CWST has posted a performance increase of 4.73%. A quarterly gain of 10.51% underscores a positive trajectory, even as the stock has demonstrated a weekly volatility of 1.79% and a monthly volatility of 2.27%. The long-term perspective reveals healthy trends, with average volumes standing at 711,009 over the past 10 days, compared to 827,860 over the past three months. This ongoing demand could be indicative of sustained investor interest, aligning with expanding market opportunities in waste management and environmental services.
Earnings and Financials
In its most recent earnings report, released on October 30, 2025, Casella Waste Systems reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.1571, which fell short of the consensus estimate of $0.3335—a disappointing surprise of approximately 52.89%. This contrasted with the prior quarter’s performance, where the company exceeded expectations with an EPS of $0.36 against an estimate of $0.31, leading to a positive surprise of 16.13%. The inconsistency in earnings performance raises questions about the company’s revenue generation strategies and may prompt investors to closely monitor upcoming financial results as a bellwether of future performance.
Analyst and Consensus View
The consensus sentiment surrounding CWST is largely favorable. The company currently holds six total ratings from analysts, of which four are “Buy” and two are classified as “Hold.” Notably, there are no “Sell” ratings on record, reinforcing the optimism stemming from recent analyst upgrades. The average price target among analysts stands at approximately $118.83, with a high target of $140 and a low target of $95. This positive sentiment aligns with Jefferies’ recent evaluation and hints at a potential trajectory for growth within the company, bolstered by increasing demand for waste management solutions.
Stock Grading or Fundamental View
The Stocks Telegraph grading system assigns Casella Waste Systems an ST Score of 41, which indicates moderate strength in fundamentals and market positioning. This score reflects the company’s overall financial health and operational efficiency. While considerations around recent earnings shortcomings are notable, the underlying metrics suggest that the business remains competitive within its sector, particularly as environmental sustainability continues to gain traction in public discourse.
Conclusion
Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (CWST) may present an enticing opportunity for long-term investors looking for growth in the environmental and waste management sector. Although recent earnings disappointments warrant caution, the upgraded rating and ambitious price targets suggest a forward-looking potential for investors prepared to weather short-term volatility. The stock could suit those aiming for capital appreciation through growth-oriented sectors, albeit with acknowledgment of risks tied to earnings predictability. Investors should monitor not only earnings releases but also industry developments that may impact CWST’s business dynamics going forward.